Best Bets of the Weekend for All Sports | Nov. 11-12

Michigan travels to Happy Valley to face their toughest opponent of the season to date. We also see a Big Ten match-up where the under is calling to us. In the NFL, new Raiders coach Antonio Pierce has energized the franchise, but here come the Jets looking to come back after a tough loss on Monday Night Football.

Penn State (+5.5) vs. Michigan at FanDuel

Yes, I am buying the storyline that all the outside noise about Conor Stalions and the sign-stealing controversy is finally going to catch up to Michigan. If nothing else, it’s just bad mojo for the Wolverines.

Last year Michigan broke open a close game at halftime to win going away 41-17. Penn State then went on an amazing ‘against the spread’ run winning their next six games against the spread. The Nittany Lions are 7-2 against the spread. Michigan is 4-4-1.

I can still see Michigan winning this one (Michigan moneyline is a good call) but I like Penn State getting points at home in front of what will be a wild crowd. Besides, college football has been way too stable at the top of the rankings. You know chaos is coming.

Under 42.5 at DraftKings

Remember you have to be cold and calculating when making bets. And I wonder if the Big 10 defenses are really that good, or are all the offenses that bad.

Northwestern ranks 115 in the nation in scoring. Their leading rusher Cam Porter has 382 yards. They have a good kicker in Jack Olsen who is 11-12 (good kickers mean unders because teams settle for FG).

Wisconsin is almost the same identity. They still run the ball – so that means fast game, few possessions. Their kicker is Nathanial Vakos and he’s 12-14 this season. The Badgers are averaging 23 points per game. (Yes, that’s how the oddsmakers come up with numbers, just add the averages).

Who scores more than 21 points in this one? Three of the last four NW games have gone under. Four of the last five Wisconsin games have gone under.

Raiders +1 at BetMGM

New Raiders coach Antonio Pierce benched quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, brought in a new offensive coordinator in Bo Hardegree and the Raiders demolished the Giants Sunday. Maxx Crosby had three sacks, although we have to admit the Giants were down to their third-string quarterback.

Meanwhile, the Jets continue to torture their fans by showing promise one week, and horrible football the next. Jets QB Zach Wilson was sacked eight times in a Monday Night loss to the Chargers. The Jets defense is good – real good – but it can’t win games all by itself all the time.

With such a small spread I almost like to look at it like a straight bet. Who is going to win the game? I like the Raiders to win. They still have an emotional carryover from the Pierce hire. The Jets have a short week to prepare and they have OL issues. Take the Raiders and the point while you can still get it.