Gary “The Gut” Goombah: Week 2 Specials

Wow! Gary “The Gut” Goombah debuted with a tremendous weekend of picks, going 3-0-1 in his 4 opening selections. That’s 3 wins! 0 Losses! 1 Tie/Draw!

Not bad Gary. Now can you do it again you, you………goombah!? Gary’s been a little sleepy this week, due to the comforts of his lavish parlor, but here are his Week 2 selections. As always, these predictions are for professionals only. No amateurs allowed. All point spreads are from Friday’s edition of the Chicago Tribune. Remember that all of these selections are ATS (against the spread). Gamble wisely by following Gary “The Gut” Goombah’s advice.

College Football

UCLA (-3) over Memphis

• This seems TOO easy. What don’t I understand about this point spread? UCLA is hotter than the Amazon, both the rainforest and Jeff Bezos’ company. Memphis stinks. UCLA is ranked. Memphis is……well, they’re ok. Is it the idea that a West Coast team from the Pacific time zone has to travel east to begin a game at 11am central time, therefore making the Bruins feel like it’s 9am their time? Yeah, could be. “The Gut” don’t care. QB Josh Rosen is HOT! Gary says “Ride UCLA all the way to the bank, but make sure you collect via cash. Stay clear of Equifax!”

Game of the Week – Louisville (+3) over Clemson

• I can’t wait for this game! Remember last year’s epic night game in Death Valley? Could this year possibly top that intrigue? You may recall that the “Fly Guy” Lamar Jackson, Louisville’s Heisman Trophy winning QB almost led the Cardinals to an upset at Clemson. He passed for 295 yards and rushed for 162, accounting for 3 TD in Clemson’s 42-36 narrow escape. Clemson went on the win the National Championship. This year they lost superstars all over the roster such as RB Wayne Gallman, WR Mike Williams, TE Jordan Leggett, not to mention QB DeShaun Watson. “The Gut” loves home ‘dogs and is therefore calling for revenge on Saturday night in Papa John’s Stadium in Louisville, KY. Take Louisville straight up over Clemson.

NFL

New England Patriots (-6) over New Orleans Saints

• Sure the Patriots looked underwhelming in their Week 1 opener vs Kansas City. All the more reason to get behind Coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. The Saints defense is just plain poor, kinda like insurance companies after all the flood claims after this year’s hurricanes! The Patriots are 38-11 straight up after a loss since 2001 when Tom Brady took over. New England is 35-13 against the spread coming off a loss since 2003, best in the NFL. That’s a tremendous statistic. Thanks TeamRankings.com! Gary “The Gut” says, “If you do your homework, you can cash in big and enjoy the comforts of a lavish parlor like mine.”

Chicago Bears (+7) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• I know what you’re thinking……..Gary “The Gut” has lost it. He has let his bias sway his thinking on this matchup. Well, you might be right. However, let me explain Gary’s reasoning. Chicago is 0-1 after last week’s tough opening loss to Atlanta, the defending NFC Champions. The Bears played better than people thought they would. In fact, the nation sees the Bears as laughingstocks after 2016’s 3-13 debacle. All the more reason to not trust the Las Vegas point spreads! Meanwhile, Tampa finished on the rise last year at 9-7. They have a young quarterback in Jameis Winston that everyone expects will improve. However, he threw 18 interceptions last year. Expect one or two int’s this week by this improving Bears defense. Also, this will be the Buccaneers opener after having last week’s game against Miami postponed because of Hurricane Irma. (What was it Gary said about flood insurance again?) Oh yeah, the point is that Tampa will be distracted. PLUS, most teams improve the most between their 1st and 2nd games in a season. Add it all up and Gary says, “Bet on Chicago to at least cover that wide seven point line, much less winning straight up. IF you can parlay that into more winnings, then go ahead and bet on the Bears straight up.”

OK friends. Now go out there and lay down your gold and silver on Gary’s four selections. “The Gut” assures me that you will not be disappointed.