We at BetBasics.com have a simple philosophy – make sports wagering as easy and enjoyable as possible. Because, man, it is a blast!
When Wake Forest scored a late touchdown to go up 27-17 and cover against Missouri Friday night in the iconic Gasparilla Bowl, The Loser was giddy, having taken the Demon Deacons and giving the three and one-half points. One more ornament on the Christmas tree.
But then the news broke that New York Jets wide receiver coach Miles Austin had been suspended for at least one year for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. According to published reports, Austin did NOT bet on NFL or college football.
So Austin had stayed away from football, unlike, say Pete Rose. But, barring an appeal, Austin will be banned from having anything to do with the NFL for least a year. Not exactly a Merry Christmas for Austin and his family.
Why report this? It is the holiday season and BetBasics.com exists because people like you and Austin, enjoy the thrill of placing that bet and seeing the account grow.
Because we at BetBasics.com want to remind you to know your company’s rules when it comes to wagering. Some might forbid you to wager while at the workplace. According to published reports, Austin bet while at the Jets facility in New Jersey.
Some company’s might forbid you using your company phone for sports wagering. Some might have restrictions wagering on teams from certain states.
You can agree or disagree with your company’s policies but make sure you know and follow them. There are plenty of opportunities to wager without jeopardizing your livelihood.
Now, on to this weekend’s slate of NFL games. From my legal workplace office with my imaginary fireplace in NYC, The Loser wishes you a happy, healthy and profitable holiday season. Stay warm! Stay safe!
+RAVENS -6.5 over Falcons – Desmond Ridder played like a rookie making his first start last week (13-of-26 for 97 yards, no TDs, no Picks). This week he plays like a rookie making his second start. Ravens cover.
Lions -2.5 over PANTHERS – Detroit hasn’t put out a product with this much excitement since the Mustang. It will be cold, but not Bismarck cold so Jared Goff should be able to get the ball to his playmakers.
BILLS -8 over Bears – If there’s one team and one QB accustomed to playing in the bitter cold it’s the Bills and former Wyoming QB Josh Allen.
BROWNS -3 over Saints – The Loser picked the Saints to win the NFC South and they are one game behind the crumbling Bucs. They also are 5-9 and their best win is against the 7-7 Seahawks.
VIKINGS -4 over Giants – Hate domed stadiums. Hate. But today….The Vikings are the Paper Vikings of the NFL. The Giants are simply too limited on offense.
Bengals -3 over PATRIOTS – The Patriots are sliding into Same Old Jets territory. Giving up a 30-yard TD late in the game. The Las Vegas Lateral. No offensive coordinator. And a hissy fit of a QB in Mac Jones.
TITANS -3 over Texans – The Titans next two games are against the Cowboys and at the surging Jaguars. This is their best chance to salvage a playoff berth, even without Ryan Tannehill.
49ERS -6.5 over Commanders – Commanders are still complaining about the officiating in the Giants loss. They have a point but it’s smoke. This isn’t a playoff caliber team. Warning QB Brock Purdy: Chase Young returns.
+COWBOYS -4.5 over Eagles – Who cares? Really. The Eagles will still have the inside track for best record in the NFC. They’re wise to rest Jalen Hurts. The Cowboys should be thankful the Vikings are in the NFL. Paper Cowboys.
STEELERS -2 over Raiders – Mike Tomlin over Josh McDaniels. Tomlin has emphasized late-game situations just in case there is a Vegas curse.
DOLPHINS -3.5 over Packers – Dolphins sold The Loser in their gritty loss in Buffalo. Should be a balmy 54 in Miami Gardens, too hot for Packers.
BRONCOS -3 over Rams – Not saying the Rams have quit, but they’re not trying very hard to win. At all. It’s almost as if they’ve quit but we would never accuse a professional team of quitting. Even if it seems as if they’ve quit.
CARDINALS +7.5 over Buccaneers – The Kliff Kingsbury Era is all but over in Zona but Trace McSorley gets the start at QB and this kid plays like Taylor Heinicke. Love Heinicke.
+Chargers +4 over COLTS – The Jeff Saturday coaching clinic has re-demoted QB Matt Ryan. Jonathan Taylor is done for the season. The Chargers are very much in the playoff hunt.
HOME team in CAPS
Last Week: 5-9-1; Best Bets: 1-2
Overall: 100-93-5; +Best bets: 21-18