Sharp or Square – NFL Week 7 Bets: Cowboys-Commanders, Colts-Chargers, Bucs-Lions, Patriots-Titans, Saints-Bears & More
Hosts: Chad Millman & Simon Hunter
Date: October 16, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode Overview
This episode features betting expert Chad Millman and professional gambler Simon Hunter as they dissect the NFL Week 7 slate, separating "sharp" bets from "square" plays. They discuss line movements, sharp calls from professional bettors, and key picks for contests and survivor pools. The duo breaks down high-profile matchups (Cowboys-Commanders, Colts-Chargers, Bucs-Lions, Patriots-Titans, Saints-Bears, etc.), highlighting both consensus and split decisions among professional bettors and sharing insights, statistics, and personal anecdotes to help listeners sharpen their NFL betting mindset.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Sharp Calls & Market Feedback
[03:34 - 06:52]
- Simon provides a “sharp call” update: pros are split this week; some agree with picks, others provide pushback.
- Teams Sharps Love: Tennessee, Minnesota, Saints, Raiders, Detroit, Houston.
- Controversial Sides: Miami (some pros love, some fade), Rams (pros point to McVay’s international record).
- Fade the Public Year: Data suggests fading public NFL sides has been incredibly profitable in 2025.
- Professional Quote:
“If you’re paying for anyone’s picks on social media and they have a losing record this NFL season, they are the square of squares.” (Simon, 06:24)
2. Game-by-Game Breakdown
Raiders at Chiefs
[07:33 - 09:50]
- Simon likes the Raiders as big divisional dogs, citing historical ATS trends for Mahomes as a big favorite (e.g., 6-12 ATS career as 11+ point favorite).
- Not a contest pick, but a “long-term winner” spot.
Dolphins at Browns
[09:50 - 13:06]
- Chad chose Browns -2.5; line fluctuation causes concern.
- Tua’s off-field comments worry Chad, but Simon views Miami’s locker room drama as positive for Cleveland’s chances.
- Quote:
“When those teams are at their lowest, that’s when you get burned a little bit… I’m still on the Browns, but I’m getting a little anxious.” (Chad, 11:00)
“This is what bad teams do...they're worrying about what guys aren't coming to meetings… I still like Cleveland.” (Simon, 11:29)
Saints at Bears
[13:06 - 19:23]
- Line moved towards the Saints; Chad suspects a “head fake” by pros to get a better number.
- Simon sees it as a tough spot for the Bears (short rest, post-primetime emotional letdown, home disadvantage).
- Both agree coaching and experience issues point toward Saints, but not a strong contest play.
Eagles at Vikings
[21:26 - 28:12]
- Chad tells an anecdote highlighting the importance of acting fast on sharp advice—Vikings at +2.5 recommended earlier, now at +1.5.
- Injury risk (notably J.J. McCarthy and Quinion Mitchell status) could swing line back.
- Simon notes historical Eagles’ weakness ATS after losses—trends favor not backing Philly in these situations.
Panthers at Jets
[28:42 - 30:25]
- Jets are the “gross” sharp side after Panthers’ two fluky wins.
- Both agree the Jets are the right, ugly side, though not likely a contest pick.
Patriots at Titans (Brass Balls Bet of the Week)
[30:25 - 33:19]
- Titans +7 is deemed the “brass balls” sharp side.
- “Dead cat bounce” spot after a coaching change; fade the public’s Patriots love.
- Quote:
“Don’t even watch if you can’t stand this Tennessee, don’t watch it… But it is just so much about the number in the spot here.” (Simon, 33:00)
Colts at Chargers
[33:19 - 37:20]
- Chargers -2 is a favorite pick. Chad and Simon believe public is overrating the Colts.
- Harbaugh teams historically strong ATS, unlikely to go four straight ATS losses.
- “This is a buy-low spot for a Chargers team that’s undervalued.”
Giants at Broncos
[37:27 - 39:11]
- Chad likes Broncos for their home, defense, and coaching edge.
- Simon took a Giants +7.5 early but isn’t strongly pushing for this game in the contest.
Commanders at Cowboys
[39:11 - 44:11]
- Line moving towards Cowboys, but Simon is wary; historical trends heavily favor Dak against Washington.
- Quote:
“Their last eight games against the Commanders, they're seven and one against the spread... Dak 10-3 ATS in his career against Washington.” (Simon, 41:00)
- Ultimately, both see the matchup as too historically lopsided to back the trend-favorite Commanders.
Falcons at 49ers
[44:29 - 48:40]
- Pros split, but Simon likes value at Falcons +2.5, especially with Fred Warner’s injury for SF. Warner’s absence is “massive” for 49ers D.
- Historical negative spot for Atlanta, but Simon values the number.
Bucs at Lions (Prime Time)
[48:40 - 52:52]
- Both hosts in strong agreement: Lions -5.5 is a favorite and will be in contest entries.
- Impressive Campbell/Goff trend:
“After a straight-up loss, Campbell & Goff are 20-8 ATS and have won and covered 11 straight since ‘22.” (Simon, 50:00)
- Quote:
“They are magical in this spot... This is a smash cover spot for the Detroit Lions.” (Chad, 50:51)
Texans at Seahawks (Prime Time)
[52:52 - 56:34]
- Chad loves Houston (took +3.5), especially after line dips from 3.5 to 3.
- Houston’s defensive matchup vs. Darnold and trends on McDonald performing poorly on the road make it a sharp play.
- Rest advantage (Texans off a bye) is a key angle.
- Simon: “Three and a half, such a great number for this Houston team.”
3. Biggest Bets of the Week
[56:55 - 57:36]
- Simon’s largest positions:
- Houston (+3.5 or +3)
- Detroit (-5.5 or still under -6)
- Chargers (-1.5)
- Vikings (+2.5 if available)
- Titans (+7)
Moneyline Round Robin Underdog Parlay
[57:36 - 58:38]
- Initial picks: Vikings, Titans, Jets, Falcons, Texans.
- Chad swaps Titans for Cowboys at Simon’s suggestion; on-deck teams include Colts and Jags.
- Win last week: “Thank you, Chicago.” (Chad, 58:36)
Favorites Parlay
[58:44 - 60:41]
- Main picks: Packers, Bears, Patriots, Chargers, Lions, Broncos.
- Optional: Chiefs alternate spread, Steelers (if available before Thursday).
Survivor Pick
[60:58 - 61:34]
- Chiefs recommended as safest.
Showdown Update
[61:34 - 62:36]
- Simon picks Lions -5.5 as his “sharp/square” play.
- Chad takes Houston +3.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- [06:24] Simon Hunter:
“If you’re paying for anyone’s picks on social media and they have a losing record this NFL season, they are the square of squares.”
- [33:00] Simon Hunter (on Titans):
“Don’t even watch if you can’t stand this Tennessee, don’t watch it… it is just so much about the number.”
- [50:51] Chad Millman (on Lions):
“They are magical in this spot... This is a smash cover spot for the Detroit Lions.”
- [11:29] Simon Hunter (on Miami drama):
“They’re worried about all this other BS, which is like… this is what bad teams do... I still like Cleveland.”
- [41:00] Simon Hunter (on Dallas trends):
“Their last eight games against the Commanders, they're seven and one ATS… Dak 10-3 ATS in his career against Washington.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Start | |----------------------------------------|------------| | Intro (banter, contest updates) | 00:36 | | Sharp Calls overview | 03:34 | | Raiders at Chiefs | 07:33 | | Dolphins at Browns | 09:50 | | Saints at Bears | 13:06 | | Eagles at Vikings | 21:26 | | Panthers at Jets | 28:42 | | Patriots at Titans (Brass Balls) | 30:25 | | Colts at Chargers | 33:19 | | Giants at Broncos | 37:27 | | Commanders at Cowboys | 39:11 | | Falcons at 49ers | 44:29 | | Bucs at Lions | 48:40 | | Texans at Seahawks | 52:52 | | Simon’s biggest bets | 56:55 | | Underdog/Favorite parlays, Survivor | 57:36 | | Showdown plays (Sharp/Square) | 61:34 | | Wrap-up/Outro | 63:37+ |
Overall Tone & Style
- Humorous and conversational: Banter and jokes about hair superstitions, Troy Aikman’s broadcasting quirks, and the agonizing nature of betting bad teams.
- Highly detailed: Deep dive into stats, trends, and market analysis.
- Blunt and sharp: Direct calls about public narratives, square advice, and the emotional pain of betting as a pro.
Takeaways for Listeners
- This week, the lines are tight and there is significant two-way action, with pros split on several teams.
- Key sharp bets: Lions (smash spot), Houston (rest/road spot), Chargers (fade public dog Colts), Titans (brass balls bounce), Browns (despite Miami love), and possibly Falcons (if 49ers’ injuries persist).
- Stay alert for late-breaking injury news, especially QB status and key defenders like Fred Warner.
- Professional trend edges and emotional letdowns are major influences this week.
- Fade public darling underdogs and don't be afraid to bet ugly sides if the number is right.
Listen if you want to:
- Sharpen your understanding of sharp vs. square NFL sides for Week 7
- Hear experienced betting pros break down nuanced positions and market dynamics
- Get actionable advice for major contests, parlays, and survivor pools
- Enjoy witty, candid football conversation from two deeply seasoned betting minds
