Sunday, September 30, 2018

The Informer's 2018 NFL Picks: Week 4



FYI - -  This week I decided we would start the blog by answering some mailbag questions about the first three weeks of the 2018 NFL Season and then get to The Informer's Week 4 NFL Picks.

So with that in mind here is the mailbag. As always, please remember that all of the questions being answered came from actual made up readers. 

Q: Mr. Informer who is the best team in the NFL through three weeks? What about the worst?

Well, by my calculations the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins are the three best teams. As for the worst; I have the Houston Texans, the 49ers and the Denver Donkey's. 

Q: The Cleveland Browns are your best team? Are you drunk or really drunk Informer? Seriously get the flying heck outta here with that steaming pile of a dumpster fire fake-take. 

Am I drunk? Of course. But I am also being serious. You see the Browns, Chiefs and Dolphins are the only teams in the NFL who are 3-0 against the spread. While the Texans, 49ers and Broncos are the only three teams in the NFL who have yet to cover a spread. So yea . . . You may think I am a drunken fake-taking idiot, but the reality is that when it comes to gambling the Browns are one of the three best 2018 NFL teams. 

Q: Oh that is right, I forgot you are a degenerate gambler. My apologies. I should have known better then to expect you to give a straight answer about who the best team is. But I guess, by your gambling logic, the Browns are "technically" the best team in the NFL this season. 

First of all, there is no technically about it. There is just factually. The Browns are the best team in the NFL. Period. Point blank. Jumangi. End of story. 

Second of all; this is a blog entitled "The Informer's NFL Picks" so of course my answers are going to be gambling related. That is why the one person reading right now clicked on this NSFW link. For gambling advice, gambling information and gambling picks. They definitely didn't click on the link expecting to get a coherent well written piece of journalism. 

That would be asinine. 

Q: Hey Informer what is your favorite TV show on today and could you explain why? Is it story arch? The characters? The writing slash-story telling?

For "f-word" sakes, did you not just read my last answer? People are not coming to this blog to find out how excited I am for the upcoming seasons of South Park, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Blue Bloods, Chicago PD, MacGyver or The Goldbergs. And they sure as "f-word" are not reading to find out my takes on cinematography, camera angles, story arch or anything else that has to do with the making of T.V. shows. 

No the person (thanks again) who clicked on this link is reading to find out things like Tom Brady is 1-2 against the spread this season; home underdogs are 9-3 ATS; the 1st half under in Primetime is 7-4 heading into Sunday Night's Ravens-Steelers game (0-1 on the week); and that it has finished with a winning record each of the first three weeks (3-1, 2-1 & 2-1). 

Q: Informer does fantasy football count as gambling? I say, since you can win money doing it, that it counts as gambling. So with that in mind, and sticking to your "its a gambling blog" mantra: What is the best fantasy football advice you handed out this season?

Fantasy football is 100% gambling. So thank you for following the rules and asking a "gambling question". As for the answer, I did stand on my high horse in mid August and say that LeVeon Bell was a complete stay away this season.

#ThatsWhyTheCallMeTheInformer!!!

Q: What about the worst advice?

It pains me to say this (give me a second I am going to chug a Natty for my sorrows) . . . But Derrick Henry is not going to be a Top 5 fantasy football back in 2018 and I am going to lose 12 of my leagues because of that. I don't have no other way to say it other then "I -- The Informer -- was wrong."

#ThatsWhyTheyCallMeTheMisInformer!!!

Q: Hey Informer your twitter feed sucks. Like really bad. Seriously, when the hell are you going to stop doing "Twitter Poll Tournaments" and just delete your account?

What you just said literally has nothing to do with gambling, and is not really even a question, but I'll answer it anyways: In the immortal words of Nick Saban, "I'm not going to, so quit asking."

Q: Who are the best bets to be in the NFL Final Four?

NFC: Rams & Eagles

AFC: Patriots & Chiefs

Q: Who is going to win the Rookie of the Year?

If I had to bet after three weeks my top five favorites would be (in order and offense only): Barkley, Baker, Ridley, Josh "Torpedo Canon" Allen & that Lindsay dude from the Donkeys.  

Q: What about the MVP? 

My top five MVP bets would be (in order): Mahomes, Goff, Rodgers, Brees & Brady. 

Remember, I am not saying "who was the MVP through three weeks." I am saying "if I was going to make a wager on who will eventually win the 2018 NFL MVP" this would be my order. 

So in this case I took Mahomes and Goff because they have been awesome through three weeks, but I am also sticking with Rodgers and Brady because once they right the ship they will be in the conversation. And of course, if Brees throws for 5,000 yards and leads the Saints to a top seed in the NFC,  the voters may finally have to throw him an MVP bone.  

Q: Hey Informer if you had to bet would you take flat or round?

Is this a flat Earth gambling question? 

I am not going to lie . . . I don't know if this means the blog has reached a new high, or a new low? Either way, it is obviously time to move onto The Informer's Week 4 NFL Picks. 

(Informer pre-picks disclaimer: These picks are only to be used for illegal debauchery things such as online gambling, parlays, teasers and Super Pick contests. Any other use of this blog, its accounts or any information provided without the express written consent of The N.F. Informer is strictly prohibited.)

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (-6.5)

The New England Patriots are my Lion King Lock of the Week. In the words of Forrest Gump: "That is all I gotta say about that."

Pick: Pats (-6.5)


Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts (PK)

Whenever you have two crappy teams playing against each other you always take the points, the better quarterback or the home team. In this case taking the points (aka picking a team to win) means you take the home team with the better quarterback. 

Pick: Colts (PK)



Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)

Buffalo Bills @ Green Bay Packers (-9.5)

I want the Bills and Bengals to win on Sunday. Therefore I am betting the Packers and Falcons. There is no reasoning other than I am trying a reverse jinx (for the teams I want to win) while also hoping to win money betting on the two teams that I think are going to cover. 

Pick: Packers (-9.5)  Falcons (-3.5)


Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys (-2.5)

Literally the dumbest thing a NFL gambler can do is take any road team coming off of a monumentous Sunday Night Football upset win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. That team is 100% due for the biggest letdown in the history of the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE!!!

In other news, I am grabbing the points and taking the Detroit Lions on the road one week after they just completed a Monumentous upset of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on Sunday Night football. 

What could go wrong?

Pick: Lions (+2.5)


Cleveland Browns @ Oakland Raiders (-2.5)

The Browns are undefeated against the spread, they have Baker freaking Mayfield playing quarterback and dating back to 2008 John Gruden has now lost seven straight NFL games that he coached. 

Give me the points and give me the Browns. 

Pick: Browns (+2.5)


Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears (-3)

Not to beat a dead coach into the ground, but that literally means since the last time Jon Gruden won a game as an NFL head coach The Informer has drank roughly 41,600 Natty Lights (about 80 a week). 

#That has to be some kind of record . . . The losses over a 10 year span, not the Natties. #We all know Boggs put that record out of reach for any normal human. 

Pick: Da Bears (-3)

New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jags (-7.5)

I have zero intent on discussing this open stab wound of a football game, so instead here are this week's Blimpie Best memes of the Week:



Not gonna lie I chuckled a little #ClassicFlagsOnClay . . .



Gump makes me laugh, but this next one was my favorite . . .



Pick: Jags (-7.5)


Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans (+3)

Smart money says I am supposed to take the home underdog, but The Informer's money is going to be taking the "I now have one game under my belt and its time to return to MVP form" Carson Wentz only giving three points to a Titans team that literally does not have a healthy quarterback on their roster. 

Pick: Eagles (-3)


Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals (+3)

Somehow despite not being a good NFL team, the Seattle HGHawks are about to be 2-2 after four weeks and officially "lingering" as a team to be messed with later in the season. 

And, well, I think the Cardinals suck.

Pick: HGHawks (-3)


San Francisco 49ers @ San Diego Chargers (-10)

Sooooo . . . The 49ers season is completely over and I -- like everyone else in Murica -- am taking the Chargers in both of my "pick a winner" NFL polls on Sunday. Which of course means the 49ers are probably going to win the game outright, or at the very least, magically cover the double digit spread while making me sweat out Natty Lights like a drunken Informer in Church. 

Pick: 49ers (+10)


New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants (+3)

The last two times these teams played the Giants won by three at home and lost by three on the road. Which leads me to believe that this game will finish with a three point differential. That means the best bet on Sunday is to grab the points and hope the Giants offense shows up for the second straight week. 

(The Informer note - The Saints are also on their second straight road game and coming off of a huge division win, which in the NFL is code for "due for a letdown".)

Pick: Giants (+3)


Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) 

I have no actual evidence to back this statement up, but I am pretty sure that every single Ravens-Steelers game in the history of this flat Earth has been decided by three points or fewer. So, since The Informer's made up scientific history says this will be a three point game, I will be betting the Steelers (because I think they will win) and grabbing myself a kissing you're cousin push on Sunday Night Football.

Pick: Steelers (-3)


Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Donkeys (+4)

I will not bet against the phenomenal A.J. Styles Patrick Mahomes in his first Monday Night Football game start . . . I will not bet against the phenomenal A.J. Styles Patrick Mahomes in his first Monday Night Football game start . . . I will not bet against the phenomenal A.J. Styles Patrick Mahomes in his first Monday Night Football game start . . . I will not bet against the phenomenal A.J. Styles Patrick Mahomes in his first Monday Night Football game start . . . I will not bet against the phenomenal A.J. Styles Patrick Mahomes in his first Monday Night Football game start . . . I will not bet against the phenomenal A.J. Styles Patrick Mahomes in his first Monday Night Football game start!!!

Do we all understand what The Informer is trying to say?

Pick: Chiefs (-4)




THE INFORMER AFTER THE BLOG NOTE: Here is my proof of Thursday Night Football pick:


Saturday, September 22, 2018

The Informer's 2018 NFL Picks: Week 3



Here are The Informer's Week 3 2018 NFL Picks. As always please remember these picks are only to be used for illegal debauchery things such as online gambling, parlays, teasers and Super Pick contests. Any other use of this blog, its accounts or any information provided without the express written consent of The N.F. Informer is strictly prohibited.

New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns (Browns -3)

Five things I learned from the Browns first ever NFL victory:

  1. The 1st half under in Primetime is back (it is now 6-2 on the year)
  2. Hue Jackson has to watch more film before announcing a starting QB.
  3. Hue Jackson needs to be fired/drug tested if he watches said film and benches Baker Mayfield.
  4. The Browns are a legit playoff contender with Baker Mayfield.
  5. And finally, I learned that #ClassicJohnMaddenMemes never get old:


Anyways, putting classic John Madden aside, here is The Informer's proof of Thursday night pick tweet:
Pick: Browns (-3) 1st Half Under 20 (Winner Winner)


Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles (-7)

I am taking the Colts and grabbing the points in this game for a few reasons: 1) The Eagles have zero healthy wide receivers. 2) They are starting someone named Clement at running back. 3) Their QB is playing his first game since tearing an ACL (there will be rust). 4) Frank Reich used to coach for the Eagles now coaches for the Colts (insider information). 5) And finally because I never bet against Andrew Luck when his side arm is locked, healthy and loaded. 

Pick: Colts (+7)


Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers (-3)

As a person who would like the Bengals to move to 3-0 on Sunday I am going to do the only logical thing when it comes to this game: I am going to max bet the Panthers (-3). I am going to place the Panthers in every single parlay, teaser and NFL Super Picks contest I am in. And of course I am going to make them my Lion King Lock of the Week (which is 0-2 on the season). 

#How is that for an Informer Jinx? #GoAJGreen #TheSickness #BengalsDey

Pick: LKLOTW Panthers (-3)


New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (-2)

Dear Atlanta Falcons coaching staff, 

Julio Jones has went seven straight regular season games without catching a touchdown. Will you please do something to change this?

Sincerely,

Everyone who watches football and is completely flabbergasted by the fact that you can't find a way to get one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game of football a touchdown. 

Pick: Falcons (-2)


Denver Donkeys @ Baltimore Ravens (-5.5)

New York Giants @ Houston Texans (-6)

Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins (-3)

The NFL gambling rules clearly say that when you have mediocre/complete garbage teams playing against each other you always take the points. 

Pick: Donkeys (+5.5), Giants (+6) & Raiders (+3)


Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-9.5)

My totally fake and made up bookie does not have a line on this game so we are going to have to use the lines from the Las Vegas Super picks contest which was set at (-9.5) in favor of the Jags.

Now, as you are going to see in a few paragraphs with my Green Bay Packers pick, this game is totally contingent on whether or not the starting quarterback plays. So my pick is this: If Marcus Mariota starts I am taking the Titans (+9.5), but if Mariota is ruled out I will be betting the Jags (-9.5). 

In other words, this will be a last minute game time betting decision. Just remember Mariota yes, bet Titans. Mariota no, bet Jags. 

Pick: Mariota Yes Titans (+9.5) Mariota No Jags (-9.5)


Green Bay Packers @ Washington (+3)

Aaron Rodgers yes, bet Packers. Aaron Rodgers no, bet Washington.

Pick: Rodgers Yes Packers (-3) Rodgers No Washington (+3)


Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings (-17)

I have literally zero logic behind what I am about to say, and I know I am probably going to go straight to hell for doing it, but I am grabbing the points and betting Josh "The Torpedo Missile" Allen and Buffalo Bills on Sunday. 

Pick: Bills (+17)


San Francisco 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5)

Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams (-7)

Chicago Bears @ Arizona Cardinals (+6)

I am going to ride the Chiefs, Rams, Bears heater until she bucks me (fyi - all three teams are 2-0 against the spread this season). And since that is all I got to say about that, how about we hand out this week's Blimpies Best memes of the Week?


Poor Sam Bradford, dude just can't catch an injury break. 


That cigarette 😆😆😆😆😅😅


#ClassicKD #😂😂😂😂 #YesIJustUsedACryingLaughEmojiTwice #YesTheBlogHasReachedANewLow

Pick: Chiefs (-6.5) Rams (-7) Bears (-6)


Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle HGHless Hawks (-1.5)

Since I have nothing to say about this game, here are 14 random facts/tidbits/Randy Moss stats about Week 3 of the 2018 NFL Season that I wanted to share:

  1. Eli Manning (52,185) leads Big Ben (51,852) by 333 career passing yards.
  2. This week Ryan Fitzpatrick needs 98 yards passing to pass Chad Morton, 118 yards to pass Ken Stabler, 178 yards passing to pass Terry Bradshaw and 380 yards to pass Ron Jaworski on the all-time list. 
  3. Tom Brady and Drew Brees both have 493 career touchdown passes. 
  4. Brett Favre is second all-time with 508 TD passes.
  5. Peyton Manning is first with 539 TD passes.
  6. In 49 career games Odell Beckham has 38 touchdown receptions. 
  7. In his last 49 games Julio Jones has 13 touchdown receptions.
  8. In his last 49 games Matt Ryan has 76 touchdown passes and only 13 of them went to Julio "seriously how can this guy not get a touchdown ever" Jones. 
  9. Patrick Mahomes is on pace to throw 80 Touchdowns.
  10. For those scoring at home, that would be an NFL record.
  11. Raise your had if you thought Matt "Breida Mode", Joe Mixon, Phillip Lindsay, Lamar Miller & James Conner would be the five best "yards per game" running backs through 2 weeks of the NFL season?
  12. If your hand is raised you are a liar. 
  13. Did you know that on September 23, 2007 Randy Moss caught 5 passes for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns in a Patriots 38-7 win over Trent "The Cannon" Edwards and the Buffalo Bills?
  14. And finally, I am going to bet the HGHless Hawks on Sunday.

Pick: Seattle (-1.5)


New England Patriots @ Detroit Lions (+7)

Everyone say it with me,

Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . Tom Brady in Primetime coming off of a loss . . . TOM BRADY IN PRIMETIME COMING OFF OF A LOSS!!!

Are we all on the same page?

Pick: Patriots (-7) & 1st half under (27)


Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay (PK)

As the old saying goes: "Fool me once, shame on you . . . Fool me twice, shame on me . . . Fool me three times, then I am just a drunken idiot who lost all his money betting against Ryan Fitz-magic."

Pick: Steelers (PK)


Sunday, September 16, 2018

The Informer's 2018 NFL Picks: Week 2



Here are The Informer's Week 2 NFL Picks. As always please remember these picks are only to be used for illegal debauchery things such as online gambling, parlays, teasers and Super Pick contests.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (Pk)

A.J. Green scored three touchdowns and the Bengals won so I don't even care that my Thursday night pick was once again the biggest loser on the internet. But for the sake of keeping good clean scientific data Al Gore would be proud of, here is my proof of Thursday Night Football loss tweet:

Pick: Ravens (LOSS)

Indianapolis Colts @ Washington (-6)

Before we get to why I am betting the Colts this week, I would like to share a few Adrian Peterson is really awesome stats:

With his 96-yards rushing in Week 1 against the Cardinals, Adrian Peterson passed Jim Brown for 10th place on the NFL's all-time career rushing list. Now, did you know A.P.  needs only 367 more yards rushing to fly past Tony "The Hawk" Dorsett for 9th place all-time?

Sticking with Peterson's all-time rankings; with his next touchdown run he will break a tie with Marshall Faulk and Shaun Alexander and move into 7th place on the all-time rushing touchdown list. For those wondering; Peterson needs four more TDs to pass John Riggins and seven more to pass Jim Brown to move into the Top 5.

Okay, now that we are all caught up on Adrian Peterson's greatness, when it comes to gambling on this game I am taking the Colts +6 because I don't bet against Andrew Luck's sidearm when he is getting points a week after his tight end cost him a comeback win.

Pick: Colts (+6)

Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons (-6)

You want to hear something interesting?

There are only nine current NFL running backs with over 5,000 career rushing yards (Frank Gore, A.P, LeSean McCoy, Beast-mode, Jon Stewart,, Legarratte "Roll me a fat" Blount, Alfred Morris, Mark Ingram and LeVeon Bell).

Of course if things go right this season, there could -- and should -- be at least three more players added to that list. Lamar Miller who only needs 11 more yards, Chris Ivory who needs 145 yards and the great Cam Newton who needs 622 yards (which is only 41 yards per game).

I am not sure what any of that has to do with gambling other then the fact that it was a nice lead into me saying I will be grabbing the six points and backing the future Hall of Famer Cam Newton and the Panthers on Sunday.

Pick: Panthers (+6)

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers (+7)

My "bookie" does not currently have a line for this game, so I am using my Super Picks contest line which is Packers (+7). I am also making this pick with a caveat so listen closely: If Aaron Rodgers plays on Sunday I am betting the Packers no matter the line. If Aaron Rodgers does not play on Sunday I am betting the Minnesota Vikings no matter the line.

We all clear on what is happening here? Aaron Rodgers plays the pick is G.B.. No one legged man, the pick is Minnesota.

Got it? Good.

Pick: With A-Rod Packers (+7) No A-Rod Vikes (-7)

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets (-3)

I am taking the Dolphins because I don't think a rookie quarterback who plays for the Jets should be favored in his second career NFL start. But mark my words, if Sam Darnold acts like Sam Darnold did in Week 1 and covers this spread --I will never bet against him again as long as I live (or until Week 3; which ever comes first).

Pick: Dolphins (+3)

Los Angeles Chargers @ Buffalo Bills (+7.5)

I know the Buffalo Bills are the absolute most disgusting abortion of a dumpster fire the NFL has ever allowed to play football, but the gambling rules are the gambling rules. And in this case betting against the "dumpster fires" means a person would be breaking the 80% rule (currently 81% of the public is betting San Diego) and the "always be scared of home dogs" rule.

Listen all, I don't like this anymore then you do, but on Sunday the rules clearly state there is only one way to bet this game. So that means I am going to Informer up (aka drink 12-14 Natty Lights) and take Josh "The Torpedo Missile" Allen and the Buffalo "our fans are no longer allowed to attempt murder on tables" Bills.

May Tebow have mercy on my liver.

Pick: BILLS (+7.5)

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans (+3)

80% of the public is betting the road favorite; which, as we just discussed, means I am going to be betting the home underdog. Also, just so we are all on the same page, if the gosh damn Titans coach continues to ignore Derrick Henry I swear to everyone reading I am going to start an all out riot.

#Give the 6'4 monster the football and good things will happen.

Pick: Titans (+3)

Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-5.5)

Here is an "almost" exact quote about the Kansas City Chiefs from The Informer's Week 2, 2008 NFL Picks article: "Man I f***ing hate the gosh damn Chiefs. They are the nastiest no good sons of guns the NFL has ever scene,  and I can't wait to watch them die of gonorrhea and go straight to heck for what they did to Tommy Brady in Week 1.

Now here is an "almost" exact quote about the Kansas City Chiefs from The Informer's Week 2, 2018 NFL Picks article: "Man I f***ing love the gosh damn Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes & Tyreke Hill are two of the nastiest sons of guns the NFL has ever scene, and I can't wait to watch them send Big Ben and the Pittsburgh Steelers straight to heck for what they did to my "pick a winner" contest selection in Week 1.

It really is amazing how much things can change in just 10 short years.

Pick: Chiefs (+5.5)

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay (+3.5)
Cleveland Browns @ New Orleans Saints (-9.5)
Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams (-13)

I am taking the Eagles, Saints and Rams. The reasoning is simple: I don't like betting on garbage teams against three Super Bowl caliber teams. Also, I think the Browns are a mess (see Josh Gordon), Tampa Bay is coming off of a huge win where they played perfect football and caught every break (time for a letdown), and the last time I checked the Arizona Cardinals are still the Arizona Cardinals.

Pick: Eagles (-3.5), Saints (-9.5) Rams (-13)

Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers (-6)

Ladies and gentlemen it appears that it is time for the Blimpie Best meme of the Week. Now, since it is Week 2, I decided that we are going to hand out two winners this week. Here they are:

And . . .


#I am probably joining the Steelers and going straight to heck for the second one.

Pick: Lions (+6)

New England Patriots @ Jacksonville Jaguars (+1)

Fact #1: Tom Brady is 8-0 against the Jaguars in his career.

Fact #2: Tom Brady is playing the Jaguars in Week 2 and is only giving one point.

In other words: Stick to the basic and take the Tommy's.

Pick: LKLOTW Tom Brady's  (-1)

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Donkeys (-6.5)

If you have the stones to bet the Raiders on the road more power to you. I personally do not have those kind of stones, so I will be betting the Donkey's while watching Von Miller wreck havoc on the hapless Oakland offense.

Pick: Donkeys (-6.5)

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys (-3)

This is going to be a 3-point game one way or the other. So since the Giants are the team getting the points, I am betting the G-Men and will either take the push (if the lose by a field goal) or get the win (if they win).

Pick: Giants (+3)

Seattle HGHawks @ Chicago Bears (-3.5)

Before I make the last pick, here are 10 more useless stats/facts I came up with while researching for this week's blog:

  1. Rob Gronkowski needs three more TD receptions to become the 29th player in NFL history to catch 80 career touchdowns.
  2. A.J. Green has 61 career TD catches. Julio Jones has 43.
  3. Big Ben Roethlisberger needs 75 yards to pass John Elway for 7th place all time.
  4. The Informer went 9-6-1 against the spread in Week 1, which is the best Week 1 record I have had in 11 years writing this blog.
  5. Cam Newton's next rushing touchdown will be is 56th career rushing touchdown. It will also move him past Larry Johnson, Chris Johnson and Tiki Barber all-time.
  6. In 2010 Randy Moss officially burnt down Revis Island.
  7. Matt Ryan needs 93 yards passing to move into 15th place all-time. 
  8. Ryan "I went to Purdue" Fitzpatrick needs 255 yards passing to move past Joe Namath for 60th all time. 
  9. The 1st half under in prime-time is 3-2 on the year. 
  10. And finally, if Brandon Marshall -- who used to play for the Bears but now plays for the HGHawks -- catches one TD pass on Monday night he will pass Calvin Johnson for touchdown receptions in a career (they both currently have 83 TD receptions).

Pick: HGHawks (+3.5)


Sunday, September 9, 2018

The Informer's 2018 NFL Picks: Week 1



For those of you that are new to this blog my name is The Informer. I am an overweight middle aged man with a Natty Light problem who watches too much football and loves to gamble. I am also someone who has picked over 50% correct against the spread on NFL games in nine of the last 11 seasons.

Which brings us to why we are here today: Simply put, me and you (aka the readers) are here to make money illegally (and technically in some countries now legally) betting on NFL games while hopefully getting "Jay Culter Wasted" and having a few laughs.

So what is about to happen is I am going to go through every game from Week 1 of the 2018 NFL Season and pick who I think is going to cover the spread (this is not who I think is going to win, this is who is going to "cover" the point spread). And then you the reader will in turn use the information I provided to place illegal wagers and win tons of money.

It literally is that easy.

I watch the football, then I provide the expert winning picks, then you win a stuff ton of money. It is a no lose situation for everyone involved as long as I continue to be one of the best NFL handicappers on the internet (which obviously is going to happen); you keep using the information provided to place wagers (again if you are reading it will happen); and of course the FBI does not arrest any of us for committing illegal acts of gaming (I am not sure that can legally happen in Murica. Can it?).

(The Informer note - I am of course just kidding about making illegal wagers. This is a satire column that provides information/picks that should only be used for recreational purposes. In no way does The Informer, my family, or anyone who believes in Tim Tebow --condone breaking of the law. Seriously, please do not use the picks below to wrongfully make thousands of millions of dollars this season. That would be immoral and illegal.)

Anyways, which means please stop interrupting me with legalities while I am drinking my Natties, now that we all know the basics about why we are here: How about we get to The Informer's Week 1 2018 NFL Picks?

Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles (PK)

Here is The Informer's proof of Thursday Night pick Tweet:


Pick: Falcons (Loss) 1st Half Under (Win)

San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings (-6)

Is it just me, or does it just feel right starting year 11 off with a fun "Randy Moss is a 1st ballot NFL Hall of Famer fact" that involves both the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers?

Did you know that 20 years ago to the day on September 9th, 1998 the great Randy Moss debuted as an NFL rookie catching four passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns (both  passes from Brad Johnson) while leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 31-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Did you also know that six years ago to the day on September 9th, 2012 the great Randy Moss played in his last opening day game catching four passes for 47 yards and one touchdown (from Alex Smith) while leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 30-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers?

"Hey Informer why in the hell are you still blabbing on about Randy Moss? The dude has literally zero to do with this game on Sunday. Could you please for once in your miserable life just do your job and tell us who is going win the Jimmy G vs the former Washington quarterback match up?"

Does that mean you all don't want to hear about how 11 years ago to the day on September 9th, 2007 the great Randy Moss debuted with the New England Patriots catching nine passes for 181 yards and one touchdown while setting the tone for the Pats to become the only team in NFL history to finish a regular season 16-0?

No?

Are you sure?

Okay, fine. If you insist here is my breakdown of the present day 49ers-Vikings game: I am taking the 49ers because Jimmy G has covered in all five of his starts as a 49ers QB so I am going to ride his covering trend until he bucks me.

Pick: 49ers (+6.5)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns (+3.5)


I am not going to pick the Browns . . . I am not going to pick the Browns . . . I am not going to pick the Browns . . . I am not going to pick the Browns . . . I am not going to pick the Browns.

F***!!!

Am I really gonna pick the Browns?

Would someone please go get me 6-12 more Natties?

#ThisCantBeReal

Pick: Browns (+3.5)

Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts (-2)


Here are five "Bold" Informer predictions involving these two teams:
  1.  AJ Green will have 1500+ yards and at least 12 TDs this season.
  2.  Andrew Luck will finish Top 5 MVP, and Top 3 fantasy quarterbacks. 
  3. Joe Mixon is going to rush for more than 1,300 yards. 
  4. Both of these teams are going to go over their Vegas projected win totals (Over/Under for each team is 7 wins).
  5. Both of these teams are going to make the Playoffs this season. 
As far as Sunday goes, I'm taking the points because I am not allowed to bet against AJ Green unless I know it is a sure fire win and that I am going to make loads of money doing it. On Sunday, as much as I love having Andrew back, there is nothing is surefire about Luck's first start in almost 2 years; therefore give me the points and lets hope for a Sunday afternoon shootout.

Pick: Bengals (+2)

Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens (-7.5)


If I watch a single minute of this "2nd floor of a big city apartment fire" the NFL is trying to pass of as an actual abortion; I swear I will give up drinking Natty Light for at least six to seven hours.

Of course, since I am not going to watch this apartment fire, think about this apartment fire, or make any other remarks about this 2nd floor of a big city apartment fire: I figured now would be the perfect time to hand out the Week 1 Blimpies Best meme of the Week:



#ClassicSmokingJayWinsTheInternetAgain.

Pick: Ravens (-7.5)

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Giants (+3)


Speaking of not caring . . . I don't care if he did almost beat Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game; the gambling rules still clearly state that a person should never, not even if their is a big city 2nd floor apartment fire, bet on Blake Bortles as a road favorite.

Again, I did not make these rules, I just follow them because I like being right.

Pick: New York Giants (+3)

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots (-6)


"Hey Informer what are these so called rules you speak of?"

You know what? That is a very good question. Sometimes I forget that new people may be reading this blog and not have a full grasp on "Informer drunken gambling 101". Let me try to help y'all understand better by listing 10 of the most hard-fast rules that I follow every single time I place a wager (unless of course I have a "feeling"):
  1. Never bet Blake Bortles as a road favorite.
  2. Always bet Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers in Primetime.
  3. Always bet the 1st half under in primetime.
  4. When two shitty teams are playing, take the points.
  5. The Browns suck and only a drunken idiot who wants to lose all his money would bet them against Ben Roethlisberger who is 11-2 as a starter in Browns stadium.
  6. The Rams are going to be great, bet them while you can.
  7. When in doubt, take the best quarterback.
  8. Did I mention Tom Brady?
  9. If 80% of the public is betting one way, you bet the other way. Don't ask questions.
  10. And finally, when all else fails, get "Jay Cutler Wasted" and bet with reckless abandon.
Pick: Patriots (-6)

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans Saints (-10)


I am taking the New Orleans Saints in all five of my NFL survivor polls. Which of course means the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to some how win on Sunday. Which also of course means a smart person -- and if you are reading this blog we know you are the smartest of the smart - - would grab the 10 points and laugh their way to the bookies office.

Pick: Tampa Bay (+10)

Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins (+1)


If someone said "Hey Informer what do you love more: Derrick Henry or Blimpies?" I would obviously say Blimpies. But I am not gonna lie, I would have to think about it for a split second. That is how great I think the beast from Alabama is going to be this year. In fact, I have so much faith in Henry rushing for 1,700 yards this season that I am going to make the Tennessee Titans my Week 1 Lion King Lock of the Week.

Lock it in.

Pick: LKLOTW Titans (-1)

Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers (-3.5)


Q: What did the Chargers defense say when the Chiefs quarterback fell on top of them?

A: Get off of me Mahomes . . . #


With literally zero context behind it, this joke slays me every time.

#LongLiveMahomes

Pick: Chiefs (+3.5)

Seattle Seahawks @ Denver Broncos (-3)


Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers (-3)


Washington Redskins @ Arizona Cardinals (-1.5)


As the rules say, when in doubt always take the team with the better quarterback.

Pick: Seahawks (+3) Panthers (-3) & Washington (-1.5)

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (-7)


Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . .Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . .Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . Aaron Rodgers at home in Primtime . . . AARON RODGERS AT HOME IN PRIMETIME!!!

I hope I am not being to subtle with this one.

Pick: Packers (-7)

New York Jets @ Detroit Lions (-6.5)


A New York Jets rookie quarterback on the road during Monday Night Football in his first ever NFL game and he is giving less than a touchdown? Am I being Punk'd right now? Is Ashton Kutcher running a prank on me? Do people remember Punk'd? Or who Ashton Kutcher is? How many questions about Ashton Kutcher is too many before the readers stop reading this blog? Is there any chance in hell there are still people reading? Should I post a link to a Pam Anderson having marital relations video just to see if anyone is still here? Do people still watch videos like that? Hell, do people still know who Pam Anderson is? Maybe I should go with a Paris Hilton video? Then again, do people still know who Paris Hilton is?

"Dear Gawd Informer . . . Please no more questions. Just give us your pick and wrap this thing up."

Okay, as I said above, I am taking the Lions (-6.5) because I don't think Ashton Kutcher exists anymore. Which means there is no way this is a prank. Instead it is a gift sent straight from the Gambling Tebow's to make us all rich.

Pick: Lions (-6.5)

Los Angeles Rams @ Oakland Raiders (+4)


Follow the rules and bet the Rams now before it is too late.

Pick: Rams (-4)

That is all folks. Merry NFL Sunday Funday Christmas. May your day be filled with winning parlays, Natty Lights and all the Blimpies money can buy.

See you next week.