Sports betting fans are reeling after a strange weekend in which we saw several upsets. We need to get back on track and we should start early. Here are a few football picks to consider. Miami Dolphins @ Carolina Panthers (-3)
Thursday, November 19, 8:20 p.m. ET
The Dolphins could be in trouble entering the Thursday nighter at less than 100 per cent. Ronnie Brown’s ankle and foot injuries should hold him out, leaving Ricky Williams to handle starting duties. The Panthers are weak against the run, yes, but the Dolphins can’t keep running the ball if they’re trailing. Jake Delhomme hasn’t been too bad lately, going two games without throwing an interception. Against a Dolphins pass defense that regularly allows big plays, he could hook up with Steve Smith. Even versus a tough Miami run defense, the Panthers should do fine running the ball themselves, as DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are men possessed right now.
Expect Carolina to grab an early lead and force Miami to pass. That doesn’t bode well for the Dolphins, as their No. 30 passing offense is no match for the Panthers’ No. 4 pass “D.”
NFL betting pick: Panthers -3
Pittsburgh Steelers (-10) @ Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, November 22, 1:00 p.m. ET
Can we trust the Steelers to cover a 10-point spread? Everyone liked the Packers over Tampa in Week 9 and the Saints over the Rams in Week 10 but neither team covered. Will our hearts get broken again if we try the Steelers at the sportsbook? Maybe, but I still like them for this week. Their devastating run defense should have its way with Kansas City’s suspect line; they can blitz Matt Cassel all day; Ben Roethlisberger should stretch the field; Rashard Mendenhall should run through K.C.’s front seven. There’s always the slight risk that the Chiefs get fired up at home and overachieve but nothing else about the matchup is scary for Pittsburgh.
NFL betting pick: Steelers -10
