FlexFive: Week 5 picks

The agony of defeat stormed through Indianapolis this past weekend as prideful fanatics witnessed the favored Colts fall to the Oakland Raiders. Dozens were standing in line outside in the unsettling rain to donate their money to the sports book, deciding to bet like a fan. 

Winners Circle Pub is a sports book located downtown within a half mile of IUPUI’s campus. An astounding lounge with a great amount of television screens, comfy sofas, slapped strangers and responsive employees. This past Sunday was the day of the visitors; 10 of the 13 away teams in Week 4 left victorious. 

This weekend in college football, the Oklahoma Sooners visit Lawrence, Kansas to face the Jayhawks. Last year when the two teams met, they combined for nearly 100 points in a 55-40 victory for the Sooners. Oklahoma (-33) has averaged over 55 points per game this season, lighting up the NCAA right before conference play. 

The over/under is a fearsome 68 points for this Big 12 game on Saturday. The spread is appealing in favor of the Sooners, but never doubt the over in a Big 12 contest. Accept the fear and enjoy the fireworks in Kansas sparked by early Heisman Trophy candidate Jalen Hurts.

On Sunday, the Chicago Bears and the Oakland Raiders visit London to sell out Tottenham Stadium. This is the first of four NFL regular season games in London this season; this specific game will be the twenty-fifth time a non-exhibition game has been played in London.  

The Bears (-6) are favored in the matchup despite the recent injury to starting Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (dislocated shoulder) in this past Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. 

The over/under has dropped from an opening line of 41 (total points) to 40. Never been sold on the Raiders offense, the Colts had three key defensive starters out in Week 4. Chicago gives up the second least amount of points (11.3) in the NFL. With an idle Trubisky, this game should still stay under the total of 40 points. Lock. In. The. Bet.

The undefeated New England Patriots come to the nation’s capital as they visit the troubled and winless Redskins. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have not only dominated the AFC for the past two decades; the Patriots have outscored the Redskins 113-44 in their last three meetings. 

Washington is going through a rough phase in rebuilding, losing their last ten out of eleven games dating back to last Thanksgiving. Quarterback Case Keenum just suffered an injury in their loss to the Giants in Week 4. The Patriots defense gives up the least amount of points (6.8) and yards (243) per game in the NFL. It’s an easy cover for the defending champs at -15.5 points. The Redskins face the winless Miami Dolphins in the Tank Bowl next weekend. 

The final FLEXFIVE NFL game this weekend is the Sunday Night matchup between the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, who are coming off a valiant victory last weekend against a tough team in Detroit. The Chiefs (-11) are favored over the wounded Colts. Another easy decision before the line gets up to 13 by Sunday. As this spread rises, don’t sleep on the earlier AFC North matchup in Pittsburgh as the Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) look to make a statement coming off of back-to-back losses. 

FLEXFIVE analyzes thousands of possible spreads, probabilities and outcomes in a weekly column with assistance from a clique of devoted journalists and responsible risk-takers. The legalization of sports betting consents beneficial interaction with all sports. Bi-weekly podcast to be directed and available for upcoming subscription.                                                                                                                         Please. Remember. To. Gamble. Responsibly.

 

FLEXFIVE:

Oklahoma (-33) | Kansas Over 68

London Game (CHI | OAK) Under 40

New England (-15.5) @ Washington

Indianapolis @ (-11) Kansas City

Baltimore (-3.5) @ Pittsburgh