This Week's Best Spot Bet Opportunities
By Ben Burns
Covers.com
Letdown spot
The TCU Horned Frogs erased their lone loss of 2014 - a loss that cost them a shot at the college football playoffs – with a 40-10 thumping of the West Virginia Mountaineers, covering as 12-point home favorites last Saturday. It was a game circled in red ink on the TCU schedule for coaches, players, waterboys, trainers – and especially football bettors - since the Horned Frogs' docket was released. But after such an emotional win, TCU is now in danger of a letdown in Week 10.
The Horned Frogs are in a tricky spot Saturday, travelling to Stillwater to face the No. 10 Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Pokes, who are getting 5.5-points from the oddsmakers, are a perfect 8-0 SU on the season and 5-3 ATS. Oklahoma State has the fire power to stand and trade with TCU, ranked seventh in points, and unlike past seasons the Cowboys have some semblance of a defense. With the Horned Frogs hitting the road after an important win, there could be value in the home dog Saturday.
Lookahead spot
The New York Jets have stumbled after a hot start to the season, losing back-to-back road games to the Patriots and Raiders after going 4-1 SU and ATS through the first five games of the schedule. But at least they’re doing better than former head coach Rex Ryan, right? Ryan’s Bills have dropped three of their last four before enjoying a bye in Week 8. Gang Green can prove they’re better without Rex when these teams clash in Week 10.
But before that bad blood is spilled, New York welcomes the Jacksonville Jaguars to MetLife Stadium this Sunday. Odds for this game are off the board at most books while the Jets figure out what the heck to do at quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith are both dinged up, which may leave them to start rookie QB Bryce Petty. Add to that a pending date with their former coach and the J-E-T-S – Jets, Jets, Jets - are in lookahead hell Sunday.
Schedule spot
The Detroit Pistons are the big bread winners to start the NBA season, winning outright in their first three games – all of which as betting underdogs. Detroit didn’t roll over cupcakes either, beating Chicago and Atlanta in that opening stretch. They host an old rival in Indiana Tuesday before hitting the road for a challenging slate of games.
The Pistons open this trip in Phoenix Friday, then play at Portland Sunday and Golden State Monday for a three-in-four gauntlet. Following a day off Tuesday, Detroit takes on Sacramento Wednesday and a pair of L.A. teams the following weekend. All in all, the Pistons are away from Motown for almost two weeks.