The line of the 2016 season came into my phone as a text Monday night, about an hour before the Bengals and Giants kicked off.
“I am forced to choose tonight between Marvin Lewis and Eli Manning,’’ wrote my friend, a veteran gambler. “I hate football.’’
This guy doesn’t miss many opportunities when it comes to weekend football action, so his conflict was obvious.
“Sitting this one out’’ wasn’t an option, so he was forced to choose between placing his hard-earned cash on Lewis, the Cincinnati coach who isn’t known for his acumen when the bright lights are on, and Manning, who is a gambler’s nightmare because he is so erratic.
Fortunately, this tale of illicit gambling does have a happy ending. My friend took the Giants at pick ’em, and New York (now 5-3-1 against the spread) squeaked out a 21-20 win.
Let’s channel his momentum and carry it into Week 11.
This week’s picks (home team in caps):
SEATTLE (-6½) over Philadelphia: The Seahawks are starting to roll, and unlike the Eagles, Seattle is built to keep a tight grip on that type of energy. Philadelphia will bring a rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz, into what is arguably the most difficult venue in the NFL for any road team, and it will also lug into CenturyLink Field its 1-4 road record against the spread. Risking $110 to win $100.
NEW YORK GIANTS (-7½) over Chicago: I’m either ignoring the aforementioned warning signs with Manning (10 interceptions in nine games) or I’m riding my friend’s momentum. Either way, there’s one fact I cannot ignore: The Bears are 0-5 against the number on the road. Risking $110 to win $100.
Miami (-1) over LOS ANGELES: The Dolphins may be playing their second straight on the West Coast, but they are riding a four-game winning streak and forced San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers to throw four interceptions in Week 10. Miami’s defense will be the first to get a crack at Rams quarterback Jared Goff, a rookie who is making his debut. Lay the modest points. Risking $110 to win $100.
OAKLAND (-6) over Houston: On a big stage — in this case, “Monday Night Football’’ — I’m comfortable going against Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler. Risking $110 to win $100.
Last week: 1-4, minus $340. Season: 21-25-1, minus $710.
Ed Ryan can be reached at edward.ryaniii@globe.com. Follw him on Twitter @EdzoRyan.
