PLATINUM PICKS: Five Favorites For Your Bank Account

Pal

They say the best way to make a friend is to make a person some money. If you read my picks column last week you too would know why they call me Pal. Coming off a 4-1week we head back to the book with our hands out and minds open for another pay day.

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Once again we diversify our football picks between the much more exciting college game and the old predictable pros. Some will argue there is more parody in the NFL I would not be one of those. When it comes to picking any sport at any level you are looking for winners pure and simple. Each sport and each league has it's upsets but more frequently they have "common sense" locks. For example Thursday night the world knew Baltimore would beat the Browns making the Ravens on the money line a solid "common sense" pick. However Baltimore -9 against a division rival no matter how pathetic was far from a lock it was a  gamble. Yes Baltimore won by three touchdowns but it was far from an automatic pick.

Saturday College Picks
LSU -7 at Arkansas
This Les Miles free version of the Tigers is far more competitive than with their former coach. Last week the Tigers dragged the champs through a bloody knock down brawl. Defensively they stifled the powerful Bama offense however offensively they were just as stymied. That will not happen this week against the Razorbacks this week. Although Arkansas blew the Gators out of town last week two weeks ago they themselves were blown out against Auburn who are far more similiar of a football team than the Gators.

Washington -8 1/2 over USC
Washington must beat the Trojans convincingly if they want to continue to be recognized as a playoff team. I fear a close victory against a lesser opponent maybe just as damaging as a loss. The Pac12 is not considered to be very strong this year which kept Washington and their weak schedule out of the playoff picture last week. Now that they are being perceived as a a contender they need to show the nation they are.

Michigan -21 1/2 over Iowa
Perhaps the biggest fraud in the playoff picture the Wolveries have not played anyone this season. This week is no different. The Iowa Hawkeyes are beat up and deflated, certainly not the same team who beat Minnesota in early October. They've lost two in a row and are no match for the talent laden Wolverines.

NFL Picks
Denver +3 at New Orleans
It's tough to pick against the Saints at home but when Denver is town getting points you have to take the risk and bet the Broncos. This game will be close and New Orleans may pull out a victory it will be close perhaps less than 3.

Houston +2 1/2 at Jacksonville
I must admit I picked the Jaguars as a a surprise team in 2016 wow was I wrong! But as they say shit happens. It will not happen this week as the Texans will march into Florida and pick up an easy win.

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