NFL Week 4 / Mordecai 55

Is anyone paying attention out there? Have you been reading us, lately? If so, YOUR WELCOME! Two wins-no losses last week. Two wins-no losses, the week before. Week 1, I consider a "push", since you win on the money line, but lose on the point spread line. Beginning now, all wagers will be based upon the point spread line, only. As stated previously, our main wager is 20 units ($100 in my case), And our secondary bet is always 4 units ($20). If we profit this weekend, we will then start to increase (press) our wagers. Right now, from the past two weeks, the profit is $240.

Good day to all you brave gamblers who have endured triple digit heat here in the southwest. And a good day to all you hardy souls who are now getting your first taste of Fall, in the other time zones. May you all enjoy the sweet smell of printing ink on new winning "Benjamins"!

Point spreads are truly the great equalizer (as they are meant to be). The handicappers, who make the betting lines in the Race and Sports books, are amazing guys. Do any of you gamblers not notice that ninety per cent of the "action" is not decided (in any sport), until the last minute of play? These odds makers are that good! You could be losing by 2 touchdowns, but still "cover" the spread and win. Ah yes, the great equalizer! And that is why this week 4, in the NFL, is a problem This week, the odds makers seem to have gotten it right in every single game. No "overlays", no "underlays"; The teams seem equal, (according to the point spread), in every single game. To me, no real "stick outs", as in previous weeks. The only thing we can do is look at some of the intangibles.
The thinking here is that the Patriots have the best weapons. Baltimore's QB, although a pretty good one, is still only in his second year, and still has much to learn. Let's not forget, also, that the Pat's defense was fourth best overall in the league last year. They will swarm Joe Flacco. But the major weakness the Ravens have is their Receiving corp. Derrick Mason is 35 years old; He's coming off shoulder surgery, and I'm sure has lost a step or two. New England on the other hand, will probably throw the ball right past Baltimore's vaunted defense. Look for a big day from Randy Moss, and Wes Welker. The Pats will keep the Raven's defense off balance with the running threat of newly revived Fred Taylor, and steady Kevin Faulk.
The "spread" is Pats minus 2 points. Lay it on the Pats for a 20 unit bet. This should be a W because of coach Belichick's brain power.
For those of you ladies who need more action, may I suggest the NY Giants minus 8 1/2 points over the KC Chiefs. No need to diagnose this one. The Giants would have been my first choice except for the fact they are on the road, and 8 1/2 points is somewhat high for a road team. Still, I would lay the 8 1/2 with the Giants, for a modest 4 units. KC would seem to be a team in disarray.

Today, we have a new cocktail waitress. Someone has certainly told her about my bad habits, because she arrived promptly at 2 pm with my Beefeater Martini and pack of Camels (unfiltered). And, as usual, I got the southern exposure as she bent over to set my drink down. I tell you, fellow gamblers, looking at that view, I won't need any Rogaine to make my hair grow back. See you all in a few days.