.gif&AffUrlID=80){kind=small}
Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) -8.5, 42.5 O/U at San Francisco 49ers (3-10) +8.5, Monster Park, San Francisco, 8.15pm EST Saturday
by The Crazy Snake of Predictem.com
If your Saturday night is empty and you have nothing better to do, there's a football game on in prime time. I mean, it isn't exactly for high stakes and it isn't between two of the league's heavyweights, but football is football and if you have a yearn and the NCAA doesn't turn you on there's always the Niners and the Bengals.
In the past I have been accused of betting on two flies crawling up a wall, but with professionalism comes responsibility, and I haven't bet on Louie in a number of years now. In contemplating this game and trying to decide if it was a betting proposition I concluded that regardless of the quality of any given game, if there were two opponents that wanted to win then there was always a reasonable possibility that I could pick the right spread at least 5 and a half times out of 10. With low vig sportsbooks it is possible to turn that strike rate into gold.
Speaking of gold, about the most attractive thing about the 49ers this season has been the gold in their uniforms. Sad really, when you consider that many tipped them as genuine play off prospects from the NFC West. But true to recent form, the Niners underachieved again and the Seahawks won by default again. It doesn't seem that long ago that Montana to Rice was a regular occurrence at the old Candlestick Park. I bet there are many long suffering fans that would give anything to see those days repeat before the next decade. But perennial mediocrity is infectious to a large degree. No matter what talent laden new blood you bring into an organisation, sometimes a loser's mentality that pervades will undermine any attempts to right the ship.
Not that Cincinnati has had much to crow about either. Despite a typically prolific season from their offense, their D has been about as airtight as a cheese grater. They might be lucky enough to boost their defensive ranking this week, however. SF doesn't have any weapons with which to hurt them. Frank Gore has struggled this season, courtesy of his offensive line, some questionable play calling and a general inability from the offense to divert opposition defenses' attention away from him. Cincy has been steadily improving their run defense of late, however, so if Frisco thought they might get some respite they could be in for some disappointment.
I guess we can expect Cincy to score their 20-30 points here, and San Francisco has failed to achieve a mark above 20 points on all but one occasion. Thus, on balance it would seem fair to install the Bengals 8.5 point favorites. I think that might be even a little generous in favor of Cincinnati. I can't really see the Niners mustering much offense here, despite Cincy's loose pass coverage. Cincy has scoring potential and Frisco is inept and one dimensional.
The Snake's Bite: I hate these big spreads and it seems we have seen more of them this season than in any other I can remember. The disparity in team quality is never more obvious than when the 49ers show up against anyone. Cincy isn't great, but they don't have much to beat here. If their offense clicks it is highly unlikely the Niners can score enough to keep pace. I am happy to lay the points and back Cincy here. Of all of the possibilities in this game I think Cincy doing what they usually do and San Francisco doing what they usually do makes the most sense. Cincy scores points and Frisco doesn't. That equates to more than an 8.5 point difference and thus, Cincy becomes the better play.
Super Bowl Picks - Everybody here in the Predictem office takes their best shot at predicting Superbowl XLII against the spread. Pride is on the line here! Oh, and LOOT too!
Editor's Picks - Each week our in house pro's tackle the week's card and make predictions on the week's games ATS! Best bets, top plays, premium selections, etc. FREE!
Expert Picks - Free premium plays from the "real" expert handicappers from around the web. Don't fall for second rate picks from ESPN, the NFL Network, Hank Goldberg or the screaming touts on TV.
Underdog of the Week - We pick out the loudest barking dog of the week. Expect a 60% winning percentage with these selections.
Favorite of the Week - We examine "the chalk" and determine the safest bet in which who you should lay the points with.
Over/Under of the Week - Our in house cappers report which NFL game is most likely to go over or under the posted total.
The Armchair Quarterback - ACQ makes an appearance at Predictem to give out his much coveted troika of free weekly NFL picks. Put your helmet on and tackle your bookie with these sick picks. He is simply FLAT NASTY!
Line Movement - We report all the major line moves from the gridiron and distinguish whether it's public money or sharp action causing the move.
NFL Consensus Picks - See what the general public is betting on. We use this info to fade the public to the tune of big profits over the course of the season.
Computer Picks - We enter stats into our in house database and the computer predicts the final scores. (This should be used as a guide only.)
NFL Trends - Don't ever let anybody tell you that the trend is your friend. These picks make great fades which is exactly what we do with them.
Monday Night Football Picks - The ultimate bailout play. Our MNF picks are golden and have hit 62% or better the past 3 years. Did we mention that their FREE?
Superbowl Predictions - Our take before and during the season on who we think will win Superbowl XLII.
Sportsbook - Tired of deposit hassles? This place has a 90% acceptance rate of accepting credit cards. Even from Americans!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Pleasers and huge point buying opportunities as well!
Sportbet - Bet NFL games at -105 odds up to $500 when making your bets on Tuesday's!
PlayersOnly - Offers progressive parlays in which you can have losers on your card and still cash in!
Statless NFL Handicapping - The quick, easy way and yes, it's effective!
Betting NFL Underdogs - It's the first thing you should consider every Sunday. We explain why.
Choosing an Online Sportsbook - We talk about things to consider before you commit to play at one.
Famous Football Quotes - From the inspirational to the greatest touchdown calls of all time. We've got them!
Pro Football Hall of Fame - A full list of NFL players who have been inducted into the NFL HOF.
The Spread NFL Football - Offers free game predictions, matchups, stats including both offensive and defensive and more!
Fantasy Football Sites - Get recommendations on where to find weekly updated player news, depth charts and legit websites that offer the best stat and record tracking for your fantasy football league.
