NFL Picks In Week 6: The Gambler's Guide To Winning

The weekend is upon us.  It is time for you to make back some of the money you lost throughout the week.  You also made some pretty smart maneuvers that gave you some extra cash for NFL gambling... ahem, I mean "investments.

On Monday, you lost the bet you made at your G.A. meeting on how long your buddy Tim would talk about how much he loves his cat.  The over/under was 7 minutes.  You took the under. 

You skipped lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Luckily, this week you were nice enough to your wife that you didn't have to buy her flowers. 

You saved the 10 proofs of purchase from your Corn Flakes and were finally able to sell the plastic cup to some chump on eBay.

Since the temperatures have been lower recently, you have not been using your air conditioner.  

You are still turning your light off before you go to sleep. 

You haven't been going to the bathroom.

You now have $100 to make some cash-money on this weekend's NFL football games.

Follow the plan I laid out in this article and get ahead for the week.

1. A Must Win For The Vikes: $25 on Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) Over Dallas Cowboys

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: (L-R) Brett Favre #4 and Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings talk on the sideline against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 11, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty

Brett Favre is ready for a good game. 

The Vikings have a solid defense, ranked second in yards allowed per game with 289.2.  This Sunday's game against the Cowboys is a defining game of his season.  Randy Moss has had another week to become more familiar with his new playbook and become more comfortable with Favre.  Percy Harvin has had two strong games in a row and Adrian Peterson is on his way to another All-Pro season averaging 120 rushing yards per game and just under 1 touchdown.

Dallas has an inconsistent and at times, non-existent running game.  Their defense has also given up deep plays through the air and ranks 21st in the league in scoring defense, yielding 21.8 points allowed per game. 

Betting on Minnesota at home is a lock.  

Bet: $25

Win: $22.50 (a couple bucks for the man) 

2. Trust The Playmaker: $25 on Indianapolis Colts (-3) Over Washington Redskins

Marc Serota/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws while taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on October 3, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Peyton Manning has all the weapons and will cruise past the Washington Redskins' defense.  The Skins D is dead last in the league in yards allowed per game with 410.2.

The Colt's are only favored by 3 points.  This is a gift from the gambling gods.  I see a blowout in this match-up.  The Colts will win 33 to 10.

Bet: $25

Win: $22.50

3. The Strong Underdog: $20 on St. Louis Rams (+8) Over San Diego Chargers

Elsa/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 03: 3: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams carries the ball in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks on October 3, 2010 at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Rams are at home and getting 8 points.  Another good bet.

Stephen Jackson is a consistent playmaker.  The Rams are at a loss without their leading receiver, Mark Clayton, but Sam Bradford can make-do with his other options.  Danny Amendola grabbed 12 passes for 95 yards and has the talent to quickly adjust to his role as the lead wideout.  I also see the rookie sensation, Mardy Gilyard stepping in and making a big impact in this game.

The Rams were destroyed by the Lions last week.  I still think this is worth risking $20 out of your stash.  Getting 8 points is tough to pass up on a team that can put up points and has the playmakers to pull off an upset.

Bet: $20

Win: $18

4. The Longshot: $15 on Detroit Lions (+400) Over New York Giants

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions runs toward the end zone against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 3, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 28-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty I

We're taking the money-line on this sucker. 

The Lions are coming off of a huge win.  They have all of the pieces to contend with the fickle New York Giants.  Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson will definitely have a challenge to get past a powerful Giants defense, but this crew can beat any team in the league if you catch them on the right week.  The Detroit quarterback, Shaun Hill has thrown for over 1200 yards and has 8 TD passes.

Bet: $15

Win: $60

5. A 3-Team Parlay Payday: $15 on Ravens (+120), Broncos (+150), Falcons (+120)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 06: Quintin Mikell #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles tackles Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on December 6, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It's time to make some real money.

The Broncos have a dynamic passing game; with the return of Knowshon Moreno, their running game should be back on track.  The Ravens' D is top-notch.  And the Falcons are serious Superbowl contenders.

Bet: $15

Win: 166.50

Your End Of Weekend Payout

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 10: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens rouses the crowd before a play against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Players wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Total Risk: $100

Take Home Pay: $289.50