Primetime NFL games bring in the numbers -- and the bets. In an attempt to boost gamer bankrolls, this only occasionally profitable bettor will attempt to stack greenbacks under the lights. As always, fade or follow -- that’s up to you.
The Pick: James Cook anytime touchdown vs. Ravens (+105, DraftKings)
So, you’re already scoreboard chasing because your supposed roster crutch laid an apatosaurus-sized egg in a dream matchup against an alleged meek opponent.
Ahem, the finger is pointed directly at you, A.J. Brown and Xavier Worthy.
However, despite the unexpected disappointment, the McBridezillas are improbably still within striking distance. It all comes down to a certain Buffalo Bill.
When needed most, The Bear of running backs should indeed Cook. Are his chances of serving backers a touchdown significant?
Hell yes, CHEF!
After a largely joyless start to August, Buffalo’s once frustrated hold-in finally got his bag. A little under a month ago, he inked a four-year $48 million contract extension -- $30 million guaranteed. Cha-ching!
Every penny was earned. Last season, Cook was the definition of red-zone efficient. Though he ranked a modest RB14 in total touches inside the 20 (52), he scored a mind-blowing 18 times. In that regard, the dependable RB was essentially Christian McCaffrey 2023 -- a true consistency king. Including the playoffs, he crossed the chalk in all but five games.
Regression is bound to occur, but again likely to generate roughly 60% of the opportunity share end-zone splashes could happen somewhat regularly. The Bills' elite run-blocking line butt slaps the belief. The bloodhound will find his reward.
The matchup is a tough one. The presence of Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones labels Baltimore a top-10 run defense. Last year, the Fighting Poes finished No. 3 in rush EPA D, conceding only a dozen RB touchdowns in 17 regular season games.
Yes, Josh Allen is a dastardly goal-line gremlin, but this gullible gambler is all about Cook boiling over the goal-line at plus money. Our prognostication pals at BetAlytics gives him a five-star TD rating and 53.5% chance of splashing six.
Do this bettor and your needy fantasy managers a solid, Multi-Million Dollar Man.
Season record: 1-1, 0.00 units
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY - SGP: Bills +7.5, Keon Coleman 2+ receptions, Justice Hill 2+ receptions (+119, ESPN Bet)
Season record: 0-2, -2.00 units