NFL picks against the spread, Week 6: Waiting for other shoe to drop in the SuperContest

Welcome back for Week 6 of the 2015 NFL season. The return of the NFL means gambling is back in our lives. The NFL might frown upon it, but gambling and fantasy football are two of the biggest reasons for the NFL’s insane level of popularity. I think they’ll put up with it.

This year I am back for another crack at the LVH SuperContest. The contest includes over 1,400 participants picking games each week to see who can come out on top. Our partners at OddsShark have staked myself and a handful of other participants in the SuperContest. You can track all of us here, and you can follow the standings here.

The contest involves picking five games each week, for 17 weeks. You get to choose which five games you will pick. The lines are locked in Wednesday evening, and picks are submitted by the end of the week. I am currently sitting at 18-6-1. I put together a 3-1-1 week, bouncing back from 3-2 the week before. Hopefully things don’t slip further this week. Here are my five picks for Week 5.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (+4.5) over Denver Broncos

I’m not exactly psyched to be taking the Browns a second straight week, but this is an intriguing matchup. The Broncos did not score an offensive touchdown, and only covered thanks to a late pick-six. I happily took it with my picks last week, but I’m hoping they scuffle this week. Add in that they might very well be caught looking ahead to their Week 7 matchup with the Packers, and I’m going to roll the dice.

NEW YORK JETS (-6) over Washington

The Jets are coming off a bye, and I think we see Todd Bowles put together a strong game plan against Washington. While Washington did manage the road cover last week against Atlanta, I think the absence of Chris Culliver and DeAngelo Hall catches up to them. The Jets are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games, and they bring a much better defense than Atlanta.

Arizona Cardinals (-3) over PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Michael Vick is just not that good anymore. He made some big plays in the Steelers road upset against the Chargers, but I think they come back to earth. Even if they don’t have the normal let-down, I don’t think Vick and company can keep up with the Cardinals dynamic offense. The total has gone OVER in the Cardinals last six games, and I think that bodes well for a cover.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (+2.5) over Baltimore Ravens

I vowed to stay away from the 49ers, but this might be the last matchup for a while where they can spring the upset. The 49ers defense has played better at home, and the offense seemed to get something going against the New York Giants in Week 5. The Ravens are dealing with a banged up Steve Smith and Justin Forsett, so hopefully they don’t play!

New England Patriots (-7.5) over INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

I’ll ride the Patriots revenge tour. Andrew Luck is expected back, but the Patriots have success against the Colts since Luck arrived. They have scored at least 42 points in each of the four matchups. The Colts are 9-0 ATS in their last nine games as a home underdog, but I think the Patriots can get the cover in the latest stop in their 2015 revenge tour.

Here are all my picks for Week 5 (9-4-1 last week, 43-30-3 overall):