The NFL’s television ratings have plummeted, according to everyone. I would like you to know this development is not my fault.

I’m constantly on the front lines (my couch) watching games. I’m watching the dreadful Thursday night matchups, I’m locked in on Sundays, and I’m powering through the underwhelming prime-time contests on Sunday and Monday.

It might be a tilt between the Jaguars and Rams, or it might be a Browns-Dolphins showstopper. Either way, I’m posted up in front of the television, armed with my clicker and the website of my local business agent. These tools allow me to indulge in sports, criticize coaches, and gamble.

A ratings slide may have something to do with the likes of Case Keenum being under center for the Rams and John Fox roaming the sideline for the Bears, but these factors, no matter how occasionally horrific, only broaden my intrigue.

I’ve taken 11 games in the last two weeks and gone 8-3. Let’s keep digging out of the unfortunate hole I created.

This week’s picks (home team in caps):

HOUSTON (-2½) over Detroit: Against the three teams they’ve faced with fierce defenses (New England, Minnesota, and Denver), the Texans are 0-3 against the spread. Against everyone else, Houston is 3-0-1. Detroit does not have a fierce defense. Risking $110 to win $100.

New England (-6) over BUFFALO: This may feel like a trap for Patriots supporters, but at this point, all New England games feel that way. The Patriots are 6-1 against the spread, with the one loss coming at home against Buffalo when backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett played through an injury. Let’s continue to ride the team on a mission. Risking $110 to win $100.

NEW ORLEANS (+2½) over Seattle: The Saints may not be a good team, but they are 3-0 against the spread as a home underdog since the beginning of the 2015 season. Risking $110 to win $100.

TAMPA BAY (pick ’em) over Oakland: On the road, the Raiders are an astounding 4-0 against the spread and 10-2 versus the number since the beginning of 2015. But this isn’t a normal road game for Oakland; by kickoff, the Raiders will have been in Florida for 10 days, because they stayed in the Sunshine State after playing Jacksonville in Week 7. Buck the trend with the Bucs. Risking $110 to win $100.

Last week: 4-2, plus $180. Season: 16-18, minus $440.

Ed Ryan can be reached at edward.ryaniii@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @EdzoRyan.