Gambling On the Games: NFL Week Four

"Gaming corrupts our disposition and teaches us a habit of hostility against all mankind."

-Thomas Jefferson

Especially when ya keep betting on Texans, T.J., especially when ye fall for Texas sized hype. Jefferson never overreached for Texas. No, he used his money-management skills and eventually his heirs won, or stole, the big prize.

The old, wine swilling, Virginian redhead always was a realist about gambling. I mean the Louisiana Purchase was the best long shot bet in history. Actually, Jefferson was terrible about money management. He died broke, but we will take his conservative betting strategy and hopefully avoid his human failings.

Last Week: Started + 2 units and then went south.

The Panthers were pounded by Gus the Great, Viking War Leader. -1 unit.

The yellow backs of Texas. Texans -1 unit.

The offensive line let Big Ben be cracked. Steelers - 2 units

The Saints hang Boone lives. Saints +1

The can't lose Teaser Panthers, Steelers, and Jags didn't lose. + 1 unit.

Cleveland Browns + 3.5 at the Cincinnati Bengals

Both teams are terrible. Take the FG and the hook for the instate battle between bad teams. The Bungles shouldn't be favored over anyone.

Browns 24 Bengals 17 for 1 unit

Minnesota Vikings + 3 at Tennessee Titans

Valiant Gus led the Vikings to victory. Okay, at least he didn't completely destroy their chances of winning, like Tarvaris Jackson did. Physically, the Vikings match up. Take the FG in a close, violent game.

Vikings 17 Titans 15 for 2 units

Philadelphia Eagles - 3 at Chicago Bears

If Jim Johnson's Eagle defense plays like they did against the Steelers, they'll overwhelm the poor Bears offensive line and below average QB Kyle Orton. A bad Bear loss starts an ugly 1-3 season spiral.

Eagles 31 Bears 14 for 1 unit

Baltimore Raven + 5 at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers expose the Ravens as a below-average team with a rookie QB.

Steelers 38 Ravens 7 for 2 units

And Over 33.5 on the Steelers-Ravens game for two units.

Last Man Standing

Well, I was slimed in the standing pool last week, but if I lived I would be in Carolina Blue or else a Cowboy.

Can't Lose Teaser: Steelers + 2 1/2, Chargers - 1/2, and Carolina + 1/2. Can't lose teasers have not lost. Being a perfect 2-0.

The Big Gambling with our lives lays in DC and Wall Street this week. And even when those guys lose, they never really lose. Aw well, so it goes.

It gives ye a better reason to enjoy the games. What else do we got?

So roll dem bones to feed dat jones.

"If I had the money and the drinking capacity, I'd probably live at a roulette table and let my life go to hell."

-Michael Ventura

Political Postscript

Lift a glass to Old Tommy Jefferson, we sure could use him now....the Founding Fathers never frowned on Gambling.

Gambling link with Thomas Jefferson?

When Old Jefferson was broke and dying, he encouraged Virginia to start a state lottery to assist his disastrous fiances. Jefferson was a spendaholic, and, like most of the Founding Fathers, died broke.

The Virginia lottery Jefferson bailout idea failed, like so many of Jefferson's inventions. Jefferson died sad and broke. Monticello was sold as were his slaves to pay his debts.

Still, we hope that Jefferson's best shared invention survives. That be us, the U.S.

A many sided, brilliant beast...just like Jefferson.