Welcome to The Degenerate - Each week we’ll give you a few picks, insights, trends, and what to watch for on Sunday. Full disclosure - neither of us claim to be experts. We’re just two guys who’ve spent many years betting like chumps, and now we are passionate about helping others to avoid being one.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” – Dr. Seuss.
It’s been a fun inaugural season for The Degenerate. Thanks for being a part of it. We hope if anything you at least used our thoughts to argue with yourself and find the right side. We’d be lying if we told you week 17 is where we shine, so take these picks with a grain of pink Himalayan salt.
Peaking at the right time - Ravens @ Bengals +13
This one is pretty simple – Lamar has figured it out. The Ravens have been rolling as of late and not even a bad case of diarrhea can stop ‘em. Typically when black comes in so many times at the roulette table, you want to go red. Not here. Ride the hot hand. Also, doesn’t 13 seem like a lot for the Bengals after they’ve won 2 in a row? Brandon Allen might be for real! (kidding)
The Pick – Ravens -13
The execution will be televised - Dolphins @ Bills -3.5
It’s tough not to absolutely love the Miami Dolphins this year. They have scratched and clawed their way to get to a spot where they might just make the playoffs. Unfortunately in the AFC, at least one 10 win team will come up short. Great defense, coach of the year candidate, and an exciting rookie QB - typically this team checks every box you would want for a Week 17 must win game… but the Mafia is too damn skrong. Buffalo plays their starters just long enough and the Fins run ends in regular season tears.
The Pick – Bills -3 (buy the half)
Good teams win, great teams cover - Packers @ Bears +4.5
Ugh here we are AGAIN picking against the Packers. It’s just so fucking fun to back Titty Mitch. We will ride this train till it crashes and burns. The Bears can punch a playoff ticket with a win, and are all but eliminated if the come up short. Mitchy Mitch and Monty have them rolling. Don’t expect a win as the Pack are still playing for a 1st round Bye, but with everything at stake and their recent momentum, this is a spot Chicago can cover.
The Pick - Bears +4.5
Who needs a Quarterback? - Cardinals @ Rams +3
Do we have this right - Goff isn’t playing and the Cardinals are only field goal favorites? Seems a bit low for the Cards who’s playoff hopes die with a loss. Not even sure who the backup is, but we don’t care. The spread doesn’t make sense. And McVay is more important than Goff. Defense plays well enough to rattle Kyler, and the offense strings together enough plays to pull out the W.
The Pick – Rams +3, or take em ML if you feel it!
Playing for pride - Football Team @ Eagles +3
This line has seen some movement in Washington’s favor, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise here considering the win and they’re in scenario. Lots of pressure on the Team, and we LOVE betting against pressure. Why? Because the chumps will always take the better team in this situation. Philly is all sorts of fucked after getting their asses kicked in Dallas. Season is over, but Hurts is still showing some glimpses of optimism for future success, and Doug Peterson is coaching for his job. We like them to end their season on a high note and kick the Haskinless Team right in the dick. Wiz Wit!
The Pick – Eagles +3
Player Props:
Teddy B Passing yards over – he ends the season with a solid performance and gives the Saints some trouble.
Derek Carr under and to throw a pick – Put on some mascara and cry yourselves into 2021 Raider Nation. The raiders are dead, and a dome team playing in Denver this time of year sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Quick Hitters:
Raiders @ Broncos -3 - Scroll up, Raiders had their hearts ripped out last week vs. the Dolphins, this team is toast. Jump on the bucking bronco for Lock’s last ride.
Seahawks @ 49ers +7 - Who the fuck would bet on SF in this game? Niners w/ the points!
AHHHHHHHAAHHHAAHHHHH UNDA Bucs Falcons U 50.5
Overall: 65-50