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Welcome to Sharp or Square presented by Hard Rock Bet. We are part of the Volume Podcast Network. This is the betting show that makes the squares sharper and the wise guys pay attention. I am Chad Millman. I'm joined by my co host, my bff, my companion, my compadre professional better Simon Hunter.
B
Hello Simon, Chad, how we doing dude?
A
I'll tell you how we're doing. I think we are pretty overwhelmed by our launch with the Volume. The team here on the audio and YouTube side did amazing work. People don't understand and they shouldn't care at all, but taking this from a conversation to an actual show that has launched in the span of a few working days including a holiday weekend is herculean and they should be commended. It's a truly professional job by the Volume team. And by the way, we are so grateful to the folks who came along with us for the ride because with very little promo or warning our audience turned out so we have a ton, a ton of gratitude. Even Simon in his cold calculating heart has a ton of gratitude. We're truly appreciated. A couple minor housekeeping things I've gotten a lot of questions about audio feeds. The Sharper Square feed should be showing up in Apple and Spotify. You may have to scroll for a sec to see it. The sooner you start rating and reviewing, the sooner it flies up in the search rankings. We did this for the old show so we're going to bring it back. We will read some of the best 5 star rated comments on the show and we're going to give away some swag. So give us some feedback, make it easier to find for everyone. Rate, review, subscribe in the app in the podcast app for Apple that means hit the follow button. I've also gotten a lot of questions about a contest. Because this show came together so quickly we cannot organize a contest for this season. Simon and I have always built this show around landing on five picks that we will put into contests that we play. Simon likes to call them you know, all cash contests. I know a lot of you play pick' em contests. So we will still be finalizing five best bets each week. We will report our record every Sunday night and update it on Tuesday. And that is also the point of the Sunday show in the mornings, 11am Eastern where Simon and I you will be in on the conversation when Simon and I are debating those final five and locking them in after the latest line moves, injury updates, et cetera. Quick reminder, Tuesday and Thursday shows at 1:30pm Eastern on YouTube and they'll get loaded into the audio feeds. At the same time we will do a short show on Sunday mornings at 11am I just discussed it. And then we'll still do the wrap up show, the look ahead show on Sunday nights as soon as the late afternoon game ends around 7:30. Again all of these Sharper Square YouTube channel on Apple, podcasts on Spotify, go subscribe rate, review, et cetera, et cetera. Also last thing and then we're getting to it. I was so excited Simon for my Chad loves love bet on the Lions. I skipped right over the Niner Seahawks first show jitters. My bad. Luckily it's a really important game for one of our categorized picks so we will get to it today. I apologize. But first Simon, we need to check in with something brand new. It's the wise guy hotline. Wise guy hotline.
B
Yeah. Chad, lot of phone calls. Obviously, you know, people excited for their first week of the season and you know, running around all these sportsbooks talking all these guys, especially the last 24 hours. Just so many opinions on our picks and where we're at and what we like and we don't like. Let's, let's start with what they hate, right? Let's just get the bad out of the way first. But I kind of knew this first one was coming. We were on the Commanders. I know a ton of pros who are the ones betting this Giants number down. They like this matchup for the Giants. I know all the stuff about Dan Quinn Week 1. I believe he's 1 and 4 against the spread as a head coach. Okay, I get it right. He maybe it is a Dan Quinn thing. He under prepares his team. They struggle on week one. You know, the Giants though to me too much is being made of the Russell Wilson being their quarterback as if he's going to fix that team where I feel like when you've dived into it, that offensive line with the injuries and the bad drafts and everything like that over the years, it's caught up to them. They just don't have the offensive line to protect quarterbacks and have an effective offense and you know, neighbors. He's been banged up coming this matchup as well. So yeah, that's a game we'll dive into more, I'm sure. But that one jumped out right away. The big one I was really surprised about. But you know, makes sense I guess when you really dive into it is that Green Bay Detroit game. Right?
A
I knew you were gonna say that. I knew you were gonna say that.
B
I know. And I knew when you were Doing it. I was like, this is the most public dog.
A
You were hesitant and we're gonna dive deeper into it. You were. But I don't care.
B
I told them I don't care. Like, I get where they're coming from and this. In certain circumstance, I agree with them. But I think we're both on the same page. This Green Bay team is overrated right now. Too much smoke's being pumped up their asses. On the. On the flip side, too much hate is being thrown at those Lions team and disrespect about the loss of the coordinators, which we agreed with. We do think they'll be taking a step back because the coordinator losses. But the talent. The talent is so unbelievable. It's no. Yeah, but these are wide receivers. The. The Detroit guys are established unlike the Green Bay guys. So again, I'm looking forward to us diving that one more because that was again, not just one or two phone calls. A lot of guys being like, don't let Chad take you down this dark path. I'm going with him. I want it. So, yeah, I can't wait to break down that one. For the loves. Love the Ravens. The guys love the Ravens and we've seen that reflected. This number is flipped at most books. So I still like it. I'm sure you still like. I still think it's a good number, but obviously plus one and a half you can still get that contest wise. How do you not auto play that number? We just. We'll dive into the Ravens more, but that one did not shock me. The pros love that, you know, the Browns. Another one we'll talk about more. They just. It's the same thing. We're viewing that. It's just an overinflated line. We. They're the same thing as us. I feel like we all feel the same as we could get a bad Joe Flacco. That is our fear probably with that Browns number. I think most pros I've talked to, that's the only thing we're hesitant about. But I was shocked. The overwhelming support about our Browns pick just because I thought it was going to be again. There's. It's a big board. I thought people would avoid this one, but people tend to really love that Brown spicking the last one. The New York jets. The love of the jets. It's. It's real. I know you're a little hesitant on it on Tuesday. We'll talk more about it, maybe come around on it. But the boys love it. Like again, I was hoping it was getting. I didn't want to act too excited about because I was hoping we would get a three and a half. It's gone the other way. The three is gone. So that was a game that I loved. I was trying to play it cool. I think people could read through it and could see that that's, that's just a nice number, a nice spot for a team that's gonna be really gritty. And we talked about it, right? It's. It's Pittsburgh on the road is favorite. So that, that's a game I'm sure we're gonna break down more. But yeah, the. Again, I forgot to mention this one. The only other game I really got heat from was that Falcons Bucks game. So we can talk about that one as well. But I, again, I knew that was chalk coming in. Like, that's a public play for sure. The numbers now come down, I believe to two, one and a half in most books. So, yeah, money's coming on Atlanta team. But I'm excited to see where you stand still on this Thursday show with that game.
A
Yeah, I haven't chased it yet, but I do want to dig into it and I'm surprised. Let's. Let's get into all the games that we were sort of trying to narrow down to and do a little bit more research on. I'm surprised no one mentioned the Raiders and the Patriots. And to me, I said it on Tuesday. Discipline is the name of the game here. Simon. If we are doing our Sunday morning show and we are talking ourselves into betting the Raiders at plus two and a half, shame on us. Now, between the time we did our show on Tuesday and today, the line did move up to three for a hot second. I grabbed it at plus three. The only two bets I've really made so far, Browns and Raiders, because I'm still nervous about the rest of them.
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Oh, man.
A
I know, but I mean, look, the Patriots are getting so much hype right now. I'm getting alerts from ESPN NFL insiders talking about the Patriots as a playoff team. Are you guys kidding me? Like, if this gets to three, it's a no brainer. Zero, Zero concerns.
B
I'm with you. I. I like the number. I told you, I'm not trying to get too attached to it. Like, I have my mentality of I'm going to have times where I'm be able to ride with this Raiders team in better spots. And the flip side, the Patriots, I hope honestly, they win this game even though I am on the Raiders plus three because Our week two line, that's going to get, like you just said, the media hype. We're going to get a two, two or three free point bump, which again we're both, I feel like in lockstep here of this Patriots team that I think they'll be better but I think it is over inflated, the hype and you know, it's gotten too far this other way and you know, big thing people aren't talking about is Christian Gonzales, you know their number, number one shut down corner, little banged up. That's huge in this matchup that, I mean let's, let's face it, the Raiders, they're not beating people with defense this year. They're beating people because they're gonna have a high powered offense though. That's the hope with Gino here. So yeah, I, I'm just, I told you, I'm trying to get sucked to it, suck too much into this game because I am so high on this Raiders team and like you said, the plus three, we gotta take it. So I'm, I, I don't know if we'll take a contest because I believe it will be two and a half almost at all contest know we could get lucky, right? If, if Gonzalez gets cleared, you know, late line movement, this could get to three, three and a half. So we'll see. Because I do think he is worth half a point to this Patriots lumber. Like that's how important he is as a lockdown corner. He takes away half the field. So yeah, to me that's, that's a big thing. If you're waiting on, if you're like Chad here and you already got the three, you can just be patient now and wait and wait on it. You got the best number. If you're out there and you're still stuck at two and a half of your main book and you can't shop around your state, doesn't work that way. That's the only book you can really use. Just wait, be patient. If Gonzalez gets cleared, I guarantee you this will get back to three.
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We need a late run. We need a late run from the market on the Patriots. All right, Cincinnati at Cleveland, this number at the Hard Rock is five and it's been moving in that direction pretty much all week. And this was your Simon says. I love it too. I think it's going to make our contest play likely at five and a half or five no matter what the contest line is. I asked you the other day, what do we have to do? And this is before I knew it. Was going to be your Simon says. I just knew that I was targeting this game as a Chad loves love before you stole my heart. What do we have to believe to bet the Browns? Which is essentially asking, what do we think the narrative for this game is going to be? And we know what Kevin Stefanski wants the narrative for this game to be. We know he wants his pass rush to dominate against a terrible offensive line. We know he wants his veteran quarterback to play within the system, which when he has quarterbacks who can play within his system. Kevin Stevanski has proven to be very successful, and we know he's going to run the ball. And Jerome Ford is a running back who's going to get most of the carries. He was one of the most explosive backs in the NFL last year. So while he's not a household name, there is quality in the backfield. I can't find a reason not to like the Browns. I, I, I just feel like I like him more and more, actually.
B
Yeah, I'll just start it right from the top. If people don't remember, I'm going to beat you to death of this trend. 247 against the spread 77% since 2009 home divisional dogs. So it's, it's, it's the history, the historical data backs it up. But we're also talking about how we like this matchup. That's what, like, people are not or I think are overlooking here, which Chad just nailed, is it's a huge discrepancy between the D line and the O line of this Cleveland Browns defense compared to this Cincinnati Bengals offensive line. And I agree there's ways they can counter, right? They can start running quick passes, screens and other things like that. But when I turn it the other way, like Chad just talked about with Flacco and the Stefanski offense, we saw them be successful. They made it to the playoffs together. And when you look at it, it's an offense that when it's balanced, it's at its best. Right? They wanted to be a team that can run the ball. And do I know Ford's the answer? I don't. But they also have, you know, they have two different rookies they drafted. We don't know who's gonna be the guy there, but I think there's going to be a semblance of a rum game then where they really didn't have that last year. They had no run game because they really did not have a pass game to push the ball downfield. They do that. They have that now with Flacco and the fact that Jerry, Judy and Tillman are two guys on the outside I think are really talented and they have a good tight end. It all works for me with this Clinton. That's why again, I like they're over four and a half win total. It's like they're not as bad as people perceive. Especially when you have a veteran in there like Flacco where me and Chad are gonna be sweating right when he throws that first pick in the first quarter. It's gonna be brutal. But unlike a rookie who just craters in on themselves, Flacco doesn't care. It's just another day at the office for Joe Flacco. He does not care. So to me, that's another thing I like about it where it's like he can roll with the punches. He's the type of guy who's been here before and he won't get flustered by the Bengals in this moment. So yeah, you know, home dog in this spot. It's it was six. Shout out to the fans who listen to the show and we're able to get the six went to five and a half. Now here we are 2440 hours later. Now it's down to five at most books so people can tell what the professionals like. And yeah, the public again talking to bookmakers. This is another moneyline teaser. Heavily bet team in the Bengals that, you know, people just think it's a guaranteed win and we know the deal. Joe Burrow, I believe he's one in four straight up in week one game. So it's just something struggled with and they're trying to combat it, having them play in the preseason. But I think the number's still too overinflated. He might win this game, but I think he'll be by, you know, less than 3.
A
Good old battered Flacco. He's so old now, he actually is battered Flacco. Shout out scooch and all the old heads who have been listening to the show since the ESPN days. New York Giants at Washington, you mentioned this is a game that on the wise guy hotline. They were not fans of our conversation about this game in which we liked Washington. At the time Washington was 6. The lines move in the other direction. Simon, you can check in your app. Hard Rock I think is now down to five in this game. Like we know every year we want to be thoughtful about not over indexing indexing on the dogs and the commanders were trending to be one of the teams that, you know, come Sunday, like if circumstances Played out. We needed another game. They might be a favorite that we like. I, I, I get what the wise guys are saying, but I look at this Giants team and you said something really important the other day. As good as their defensive line is Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence and.
B
Abdul Carter.
A
Abdul Carter, right.
B
Yeah.
A
That's amazing. But Jaden Daniels isn't the kind of quarterback who gets flustered in the pocket. He's normally the kind of quarterback who finds a way to escape via a lane on an over aggressive pass rush which I think kind of plays into the strengths. Either these guys are going to have to be really disciplined or if they aren't, he's going to take advantage of that. So I like that. As you said the other day. But also Andrew Thomas is still not fully back from his Liz Frank injury. He was limited in practice on Wednesday. There has not been confirmation of what his status is going to be for the game. He might play but he might not be full strength. This team cratered without Andrew Thomas last year. So I get what the wise gots are thinking. It's a big number for division dog but this team is on the road and sometimes you gotta bet the talent and the scheme a little bit. So I'm not hating this game as the number gets smaller and smaller.
B
Yeah, I think it's just a classic case of the numbers move too much for me where I agreed with them. If this was six and a half six I could be talked into the Giants at that number. But like you said, now it's down to five. We're getting close to four and a half territory. That's, that's where the value is going to be. So to me I had this game at six and a half. I talked to pros who have this at four and a half. So I'm, you know, two point difference is a big deal when you're, when you're booking these games. So I get where they're coming from in these spots but I view it as this commander's team. They are going to struggle this season in my opinion against really good and well talented teams. This is not it. This is not the type of game they struggle where. Yeah Chad, we might have a couple 4th down stinkers that we talked about coming with this Washington team and the regression is going to come. So sure they, they could go for it on their own 40 on their first opening drive and it goes the other way. But it's something where I like betting Daniels like we did last year.
A
Yeah.
B
Is that they won't change who they are, they're going to keep doing what they do. So it's like, okay, they didn't work that one time. If they can go what which they were doing last year, three for four and fourth downs, they're going to win the the games. And usually that's what happened, especially last season. So what we're looking at this year is just, you know, I told you my pause on this is that whole Dan Quinn thing that he does. His teams historically have struggled in the past. In his week one, I went back, watched, you know, a really condensed version of that Jane Daniels Bucks game last year just to see what the deal was. And to me, it was just a guy's first start on the road in week one as a rookie quarterback. And it's like, I don't know how much I could take away from this. And blame Dan Quinn for this being a not having his team prepared in this exact match. Even though defense did struggle, we learned later on that Bucks offense was really high powered. So, you know, I'm not trying to take too much away from it. I'm trying to steadfast with Chad here on this commander's team, but people can see I'm wavering a little bit. There's other favorites I do like. But then this number keeps moving. My confidence keeps growing where it's like, okay, if you give me four and a half on the commanders here, I'm gonna, I'm gonna hit it pretty heavy. So it is a tough spot.
A
Simon, come Sunday, I just wrote this down. I don't know how we're not gonna have a conversation about the commanders because this number is trending in a direction where it's going to be pretty hard to ignore playing the 4 1/2 point favorite on a number that has moved the full two points for what is just a much better team. All right, Carolina, Jacksonville. I was kind of glad that the wise guys didn't mention Carolina Jacksonville in sort of the hotline. This game was at three and a half. I, I left this game in. I don't think we're going to bet it. Like, we owe it to people to close out the Panthers conversation, tell people that we are not putting in in the contest. We may not even bet them. I think they've got huge issues with wide receiver depth and health and experience and targets that can make Bryce Young comfortable. I think they've got issues with the defense. Derrick Brown is back. He missed all of last season. He can be a game changer in the run game, but we have no Idea if he's going to be healthy. He missed the entire season, you know, with an injured knee. So that hook is just. It's like, you know, when you're watching vaudeville and they got that big wooden stick with the hook at the end and they grab the performer by the neck and pull him back to the stage. That hook is like grabbing me and trying to get me back. And I just want someone to talk me out of it. I want you to talk me out of this.
B
Yeah, I would say it's actually with Shockey. Chad, there has been convo about this game. I would say a lot of the pros I've talked to, they like Jacksonville. I think they like them because of what they believe they're going to be like, you know, this season. All of them, I think, are the same boat as you. Right. I think in the preseason, you talked about how you like them to win this division. You know, AFC south, they're a sleeper team that a lot of pros like because they believe you're bringing an offensive genius with all the weapons. You know, should take Trevor Lawrence, a guy we both respected coming out of college and just has not lived up to that hype. This could all be it. Right? It's all lined up for them. So you already talked about. There's a. There's areas of talent discrepancy here. Like, Jacksonville is better team overall. They're better defensively at certain positions. Offensively, they're a more complete team. You know, better weapons. So I agree with you. Like, I'm. I'm happy that we can actually stay away from this one because I am like you. It's like, I really want to take the three and a half because it's still Jacksonville at the end of the day. It is the Jaguars. And, you know, they could easily just melt under this new offensive system and have, you know, total dysfunction where this is year two for Bryce Young in this offense. He should be way more comfortable and prepared in this exact spot. So to me, all the factors of it, it's like, I'm. I'm happy we're not forcing us one in because again, there's other games. It's my first Sunday of the year. I want to be watching other games than Panthers, Jaguars. So I'm happy we can skip this one so I can enjoy my Browns and Bengals.
A
I don't know. Like, I know you said you've got thousands and thousands of bets already. I feel like I want to go a little bit lighter in week one. Like, it's so Unknown. I've got a lot of opinions but nothing is backed up by real data and what my eyes have seen yet. So I feel like even though I've got games I love, I'm playing a little bit more conservative. By the way, Travis Hunter will be starting a wide receiver. His current totals are four and a half receptions, 47 and a half receiving yards. You are a sneaky good player prop better. We don't talk about it a ton just because we focus so much on sides. Do you have any opinions on Travis Hunter and his receiving total and his reception total and his receiving yard total?
B
I don't know what to say, Chad. I feel like I'm just such a hater of him and I hate that I'm a hater because I want him to, I want it to work out. But no, you can't. I would not, I would not be betting any over of his props, any of that stuff. I still think it's, I don't even know if they totally know what they're doing with them yet where they're like, we got this insane weapon but we don't know how to use it because it's, it's never been done before. And again, my opinion's been shared. I, I, there's, I just don't think it works. There's no way it works. He doesn't have the body frame for. It doesn't. I just, I can't see it working. Him laying hits and taking hits for a full season. The way his body is built currently, just, it doesn't, it doesn't make sense. That's why all these people are comparing to Otani. Have you guys ever seen Otani? This dude is 66. It looks like in just 300 pounds of muscle. Like it's just a different world. So I'm excited for him. But yeah, for me being the guy I am, I'll take his under prop but I will bet his touchdown prop because certain books you can finagle it. Some books do have fine writing. If he gets a pick six, it counts towards the defense. Some books don't though. Some, some books will kind of pick six as a touchdown. So it's just an extra edge to play. If he is going to play a couple of reps at cornerback, I'll take that upside for week one. It's just a fun bet to make. But yes, the hater in me, yes, under four and a half, I just do not think he'll be the number one focal point of this offense. I still think It's Brian Thompson Jr. Brian Thomas.
A
Good luck. Good lesson. Study the house rules. I'm putting Miami and Indy in there. Right now it's at minus one at Indy, minus one at Hard Rock.
B
Bet.
A
I know we aren't doing it. I just want to know if I could tempt you. The line is moving. Remember, it was at 1.5. There's some places where it's at a half right now. It's moving in the Dolphin's direction. Anything about this in which I could tempt you? Do you think everything is just. This is so public. It's so sad that I'm even bringing it up.
B
Yeah. And shockingly, though, no one's. No pros I know. Really are pounding the table for Daniel Jones and his Colts team. I know a couple guys, I like them like me season long. Like we. We talked about how I thought, you know, if they take Daniel Jones over Anthony Richardson just for this season. Yeah, I think that's better as a better. I don't think it's long term better for your franchise, but yeah, for me, looking at this line, it's. It's the classic case of I'm with you, Chad. That it's. It's Miami indoors facing a team that I don't know if they can expose their weakness. Miami's biggest weakness is the offensive line could be an absolute train wreck. And they're secondary. Like just two things that are. I mean, everyone's model is different. My model has them both as bottom 30. So like 31, 32. That's what I'm graded. Their offensive line, their. Their defensive backs. Could that change? Obviously, after week one. Right. If this new offensive line puts it together and they actually work well together, that does happen. D backs, not so much. Usually. These guys are what they are. Right? Especially a team like them who they're on the market shopping defensive backs. But again, we're talking about. Can the Colts expose that? I don't think so. So I'm getting there with you, Chad. It's like this is the type of matchup to it indoors in a controlled environment against a defense that can be passed on. Everyone's healthy, he's healthy. I. You can get me there if you want to make it one of your picks, but it would not be one of mine. So that's where. That's where we'll differ. But yeah, I'm. I got no money invested in this game yet. I'm undecided, but I'm like, I'm. I'm leaning way more towards Miami side than I was Colts a couple weeks ago.
A
All right, well, guess what? Miami is going on the list to talk about on Sunday. Hey, morning, baby. We're doing it. Could be in there. Simon, we are crazy excited to announce our new presenting sponsor, Hard Rock bet. I don't know if you know this. I've got a very long history of staying at Hard Rock hotels and casinos, including one football season practically living there, literally. They've always been to me, the best combination of vibe and fun. Now you can use the top rated Hard Rock BET sportsbook to place your bets all NFL season and beyond. Hard Rock Bet is the only legal sports book in the state of Florida and is also available in Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois and Colorado, with more states launching all the time. You can also play on Hard Rock Bets online casino if you are in New Jersey. Simon, I know you want to check that out. From here on out, you'll start to see us use Hard Rock Bet lines when we're talking about the games. And everyone knows Simon and I, we have loved getting out and doing live shows. Now we can actually do them from Hard Rock property. Simon, Deicia Sharp or Square Live show from ac just down the road from you in our future as we gear up for NFL season. Sign up for Hard Rock bet. Make a $5 bet. You'll get $150 in bonus bets. If you win, head over to Hard Rock Bet, sign up and make your first deposit today. These are payable in bonus bets, not a cash offer. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida. Offered by Seminole hard Rock Digital LLC in all other states. Must be 21 and over and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia. To play, terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling in Florida, call 1-888- admit it in Indiana. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1809 with it. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia. Super excited about Hard Rock. Got a lot of friends over there. They're a fantastic group and they're. They're crushing it. All right. Pittsburgh at New York Jets. This game was at three. We were talking about it on Tuesday. Guess what? As you mentioned, Simon, right now at Hard Rock Bet, it's a Jets plus two and a half. The wise guys have come running for that three. Look, I can't argue with you. I'm leaning that way. It just feels like the move to make. Just a question of what the line is going to Be for us on Sunday when we make the picks. But what do you think of it at two and a half?
B
I still play it. Still. We still play the two and a half, but obviously we love it at three because that's, that's the safest number. But it's just a matchup of two teams that I think the general public and bookmakers coming to the season viewed them differently and their win totals reflected that. Where I've talked about it, like, them, the jets, the Patriots, the Pittsburgh, all these teams, to me, they're all the same team. Like, they all have strengths and glaring weaknesses, and it's all going to come down to coach end of it. Right? That's why Tomlin's the unicorn of getting his bad teams to nine and eight. And like, I get it, their fans are sick of it in Pittsburgh, but you Talk to about 80% of football fan bases. They will take that Tomlin existence every time. Because, yes, we all want to win playoff games and Super Bowls, but in the day, you just want a competitive team that wins games and makes the playoffs. Like, that's, that's the goal for almost all these teams, end of the day. So looking at just this matchup, you know, the three, I love that number. I did not think it was going to come down. I just, I didn't really think pros would put heavy money into this game because the, the unknown. It's just so much unknown right now about this jets team where, you know, I felt confidently professional betters would take Pittsburgh and they would take it at this exact number, two and a half. Like they. I thought some guys, as soon as I saw this move, I reach out to people because people don't understand a lot of line movement is fake. It's not fake, but it is where it's like guys will come in on one side, move a number, and then bet really, really heavy on the other side. And that happens more often than you'd believe. This is not one of those circumstances, which I honestly thought it was going to be. It's. It's now been about 24 hours and it's been stuck at two and a half. So, yeah, I, I think we might be able to get back to three, Chad, but I do think more professional money will come in on this jets team. We get closer just because so many things line up for this team where they do have a good defense matchup wise against what this Pittsburgh offense wants to do. And then, you know, say what you want about Pittsburgh, their defense can be mitigated. You Know, TJ can be mitigated if you can run the ball and you have a running quarterback. Like, there's ways to attack them with that exact style of offense. So, yeah, a game that I think people weren't excited to watch, but someone like me, I. I really love this game. I love this matchup. It's gonna be in the four box. Like Justin Fields revenge game. Aaron Rodgers revenge game. Yeah, that's the media talk of this. Me, it's. It's Aaron Glenn versus Tomlin. Like, I love these two head coaches and I'm excited to see this type of matchup because I just can't get over how good Aaron Glenn was defensively with that Lions team. And now he's got, you know, just as good a weapons here with his Jetsy. I'm excited to see what he can do, especially in this matchup. So, yeah, Chad, another game where I don't know if we'll get there. Like, I don't know how confident I am doing two and a half in our contest, but people, betting wise three, you have to grab that three if it pops and you're just, you're with us. That this is going to be the type of game that's going to be ugly. It's going to be grueling. No one's winning this game by more than three. Jets or Pittsburgh. So I think three is such a key number in this matchup.
A
Yeah, like, we're not going to get emotional about these things on Sunday and we're not gonna get lazy. And we're gonna remember all of our notes. I'm making all the notes. We're gonna remember every conversation. We're not gonna let like a late line move or a late injury or late noise distract us. Like late wise guy conversations that are happening in the sports book at 3:30 in the morning on Sunday. We're not getting distracted, Simon. Okay, I'm putting the jets down, but we're only doing it if it gets to plus three. I want to bring these next two games together. I want to pair them appropriately because they are both in play for a bet that would require some serious cojones. And we're going to have to make a call based on one of these two games. First one up, Tennessee plus eight right now at Hard Rock. Bet at Denver. I hate this game. I feel like this is a game where wise guys are telling me I have to do it even though it's ugly and scary. And for years I would have autoplayed this for the Titans, but I do Feel like I need at least something I like about the team matchup wise. I like things about the Browns against the Bengals. I like things about the Raiders against the Patriots. I don't know that I like a rookie QB against a great defense in altitude. First. First game. It feels like a recipe for disaster. You keep hammering me about it. It has moved in the direction of the Titans because the line has come down after going high, peaking at eight and a half. Biggest number of the week. Can we just talk about this for a second as friends, as compatriots, as partners.
B
Yeah. Hopefully the public gets us back to the eight and a half bet. More teasers, people keep. Keep loading up on Denver. I'm joining you. I told you, I'm putting them in my Survivor. So I think Denver's winning this game. But you know, to me the biggest thing that jumps out right away. Chad, if I can give you some trends to ease your mind because you said you don't know what to do week one. Right. There's too much unknown. You got to trust the numbers. Long term winners, baby. That's what we're giving out here. It might feel gross, it looks gross, but it's how I make a living. Long term winners. This is a long term winner. Okay, last 20 years. Let's go. Last 20 years. Is that enough time for you, Chad? 20 years of data here.
A
You know what, it's actually whatever you're going to say, I don't know that it matters because the NFL changes so much.
B
It doesn't.
A
It does. Everything from 2017 when they moved the, the extra point back and people started going for two point conversions more. Everything since 2020 when people started getting more aggressive. Like the kickoff rule from last year. The game that we played today, that we watch today is just different than even the game from 15 years ago.
B
But go ahead, if you go back.
A
Give me a trend.
B
All these coaches were going for it on fourth down. They're not. They didn't reinvent the wheel lately. Chad, you're overrating how aggressive teams are. Last 20 years, dogs 8 plus 8 to plus 10. 73% the last 20 years. 19 and 7 in week one. 19 and 7, Chad.
A
So in week one.
B
Yeah. In week one. So. Yes.
A
How many of those Dogs had a rookie number one overall quarterback? Because I know those guys have gone. I think one in 15 against.
B
This is why I feel bad for you, Chad. You're. You sound like a sucker. I literally won. I had Ryan Fitz Fitzpatrick on Tampa +14 against the Saints and Drew Brees he won outright with Tampa. Okay? So like, don't give me all this nonsense where you can't see these things happening. It's week one, brother. Shit's about to get weird. That's what you need to lean into here where it's like, yes, if this was week nine. I agree with you. Once Denver's on a roll and everything's clicking, I agree with you. You are fading. A rookie who went 8. 0 as a favorite last season. Perfect. And you're betting on a team that went 2 and 5 against the spread. They are left for dead.
A
2 and 15, by the way. I'm going to give you 2 and 15 against the spread.
B
Yeah. Every bookmaker I talked to 95% of the money, the money is on Denver and the spread. So, like, what are we debating here? It's, you want to be a long term winner, you want to bet with the sports books? You know what hotels.
A
You know what, Simon, you know what? It's, it's already week one. I want to put Tennessee in the contest. Only because you have to own it. You're going to own it and on Sunday night we're going to talk about it.
B
The Cowboys are eight and a half. You're betting the Cowboys for the same exact reason. It's a huge inflated number on a heavily overrated, inflated team. It's, it's, it's literally that simple. We're not, I'm again not trying to reinvent the wheel here. It's data, numbers, trends that back it up. And you said you need matchups for Tennessee. Okay. Denver, this amazing defense, historically, they always regress in the history. So 25 years of data teams like them that finished top three defensively, every single one the last 25 years has regressed. Except Tomlin. One year with that Steelers defense, they're the only defense ever to improve from being a top three defense to a number two defense following year. It just. So Denver's defense, that's going to be the biggest thing right away. They will regress. Cam Ward, he could be dog. He could throw a pick. That's not going to be that shocking. He will not be Will Levis, who all he does is go three and out or throw picks. Cam Ward will eventually get into a rhythm. You'll be able to move the ball against every team. So yes, Chad, they're the worst team in football. Denver is obviously one of the better teams in football. I get your hesitation. They could blow out Tennessee. That's why we're taking them a survivor. I'm just Telling you, this number should be seven. It's eight. Eight and a half. You got to bet that value. That's an inflated line. You have to take that number.
A
All right, Simon, you know what? We're doing it this year. We're changing it up a little bit. It's not enough to have big balls, because even when you have big balls, if you get kicked in the dick like we're going to with this game, you need to have brass balls. So here we go. This week, our brass balls. Bet of the week, Tennessee Titans plus eight against the Denver Broncos. And we're putting this in the freaking contest, brother. And you're. We're going to. And if. If it wins all the flowers for Simon.
B
So there's honestly only one spot left because the next three games we're going to talk about Chad. I'm. I'm. I basically. People don't know I'm running the contest. Finally again this year, I'm making our picks. Chad had the last two years. It's back to Simon making the picks.
A
What he means is, like, Simon gets to actually put the picks into the.
B
Chad say why to me on Sundays anymore? Like, I can't tell you how many times I want to break this guy's nec where I'm not going around. I tell him to put a game and he goes, why? Why? Because the earth spins. I don't know why, Chad.
A
But yes, listen, I'm inquisitive and I try to set an example for my kids to ask questions, you know, when they don't know the answers. So, listen, I don't want to skip San Francisco and Seattle again. So this was. This was also a game that was on our brass balls list. And I apologize again that I missed this. I slid right over it. It's just basically been sitting at the Niners at two and a half. It's a two now at Hard Rock bet. So some money coming in on Seattle and Simon, I know that you've gotten some intel about the wise guys liking the Seahawks for pretty big money here. I need some. I need someone to talk me off of the Niners because I know I'm biased. I know I'm heavily invested in them for the super bowl futures. I am. I'm against Sam Darnold. I love Robert Sala being back and coaching this defense. So go ahead. I know you loved. I know you love the Seahawks here. Tell the people why.
B
And I'm checking hard wreck right now because I. I just got an alert. Yeah, it's back up to two and a half Seahawks. So obviously there is some 49ers money out there and me and Chad agree like we like this 49ers this upcoming season, season long. And I think they're a team that's well positioned that, you know, one salah coaches up. These young guys on the defensive side, they could be really good. This is a bad spot for them to be trying to get coached up. Right. We've seen Kubiak, the offensive coordinator of this Seahawks team, be successful really early in the season last year with that New Orleans team right when Orleans healthy. I mean they're putting up 40 points a game before their line got banged up and car got banged up like that offense was moving the ball. I came into the year kind of being a Seahawks hater because of their O line. I've really turned the page on them the way I've seen them play in preseason and everything. I've read from their B writers where it's like, you know, they've really done a lot of work between the draft, free agency and trying to build out this O line because they knew it was, you know, one of the worst units in all football last season. You're bringing in Sam Darnold who needs a good old line to survive. They're bringing Kubiak just because they said, okay, if we don't have the best offensive line, let's be a run team that can, you know, push the ball downfield as well, which is literally what he does. He wants to draw the safeties in and then take you up, take it off over top. Like that's lazy way to say. But that's how QB I kind of want wants to run his offense and to me, when I break it down, this is a matchup that favors them. Like I think they'll be able to run the ball really well against this 49ers team. And on the defensive side, I kind of love this matchup for the Seahawks against Purdy where Purdy, surprisingly, he's done really well against Seattle. I think he's undefeated playing against them. I think he's 30 in Seattle as a starter. But in week one, Shanahan's actually struggled as a coach and I do think it's because the offense needs is a rhythm based offense and I think at the end of the day, you know, I know they just signed Jennings and like that and he's. They're coming back, so at least they will have two pretty solid receivers. Kittle's healthy, McCaffrey's there. This usually would Be a smash spot for me with this team. But just the fact that it's on the road against Seattle team that historically I think they're 30 and 6 in the first three games at home. That's, that's a team that just usually wins even when they've had bad teams at home in the first couple weeks because they're just so dynamic with that offense. And obviously, you know, we're, we're really banking here on Sam Darnold. So two and a half. I'm not honestly comfortable here. I was worried we're going to come on the show. It's going to be one and a half and that, that to me would have been a no play. Like people know if you listen to the show before how much I love the number two and how much the NFL has changed now where two and a half is such a key number. So yeah, to me, Chad, I'm still confident about it. A guy I really respect, you know, he doesn't work with any betting groups. He's just alone. Better that works with bookmakers to try to get his money down. He hit this line for 50k. So he hit the Seahawks for 50k and that's where I thought the number was going to come down because this guy does move numbers. It doesn't sound like a big bet, but this guy's does have weight behind his betting numbers. So, you know, to me already kind of like the Seahawks here, knowing a guy I really respect coming on the same side as me. And once again, the home divisional dog trends 24 and 7 in week one that backs up the Seahawks this exact spot where it's like I, I could see the 49ers winning this game somehow at the end, but it just feels like it's a number that's a little inflated, like one and a half. That was the right number to me. Still two and a half. That's the good value across the key number on the Seahawks team.
A
Not a huge margin for error in this game. Not, not a huge one. Like I put it on the list. It's not going to be really banking.
B
Heavily on Kubiak and this run blocking scheme working for the SEAL team.
A
We're forcing ourselves to believe in things unseen at this point.
B
A lot of these teams though, to.
A
Be fair, it is like the Tennessee Titans and the brass balls bet of the week that we just made. I actually feel better with the Titans being our brass balls bet than with Seattle. The Chad Loves Love bet was Detroit plus two and a half and that number is now At Hard Rock bet down to two. So, you know, moving in my direction, the wise guys came in and in the hotline they talked about how much they liked Green Bay more. I get it. Here's my theory is that this line got moved too much by Micah Parsons, who's taken injections in his back and is limited in practice and hasn't done training camp and is barely been with this new team. So why are they getting a full point of value for a guy who we don't even know how many snaps he's going to take if he plays at all? That. That's to me the reason why I'm. I'm playing the Lions here.
B
Yeah, I'm confident with you in the same spec. Like the. My. My only pause here would be, you know, the, the Troy can come out in rhythm with the scripted plays. I'm not worried about the first 15 to 20 plays, but it's after that. That's my, that's my hesitation because that's the unknown here with this Detroit team in this offense. Like, how is golf going to be? He. He went from McVeigh in his ear to Ben Johnson, which we know now. Right. In the future, we know looking back might be to some of the best offensive minds in all football. We don't know if he's gonna have that same thing. So like I, I get the professionals hesitation because lafleur love, they know exactly what they're getting there like that. Like again, love, no excuse. I mean, people say we're too hard on him. We us being hard on him is the fact that he played nine good games and got an insane amount of money. And then last year, you know, I don't put it on him as much as other people do because he got banged up that week one game in Brazil and then the injuries just kept happening randomly to him throughout the season. Maybe that's something I'll plague him all year. But right now his only injury was his non throwing hand. And it seems like he's been back fire practicing on with that. No problem. You know, their wide receiver room, that's the biggest question about Green Bay to me right now. Right. They're golden kid. He might be an absolute stud. He might be their number one receiver. What do they have behind him? Right. They have so many injuries behind him right now. And you know, I think Reed had plantar fasciitis or something crazy dealing with like injuries that he's going to play through it the whole season. But like that's a major red flag right there. And you know, Guy, I love Tucker Kraft is fully healthy. That's a big deal, obviously at the tight end position. But, you know, overall, I just think Detroit, defensively, they have the athletes, they have the talent. Maybe arguably the best safety tandem in all football. Aiden Hutchinson, I know we were joking about it, but, you know, his sack total prop was 13 and a half, 14 felt too high for me. Right. I would take that under. There's no sense that he can't come in here and still be a game record, right. If he comes back and he is at 80%, 85%, I mean, it's one of the best pastors in all football. That is a big deal because, you know, Green Bay, their strength, to me, when I really break it down, it is that O line like that aligned with Josh Jacobs. That's a reason that identity of that team was so strong. So, yeah, I'm really excited for this matchup just because Green Bay 1 and 5 last year in their division, like that was their Achilles heel. Detroit, me and Chad, we're banking honestly on good coaching with Campbell here and just the fact that he can hold this all together and that, you know, the OC that's stepping in here, he was the understudy of Ben Johnson all this time. He. He, I think is going to be a guy that could show up and be next year on everyone's radar as the next hot topic on being the next head coach. So I think we're in lockstep here of. It's about the number, right? Two and a half in our contest, plus two. We love it if this number is at a pick, right? If this moves all the way back to a pick or Detroit flips to be in a favor. Like, we've seen these lines flipping. Now, I don't know if we love it as much, right, because we're kind of playing the value. We're still on Detroit. We still think they're going to win this game. But at the two, two and a half, like when Chad gave it out, it didn't make me feel a little sick to my stomach because I knew how chalky it was, but it really was about the number. It's like we're getting a loaded Detroit team as a plus and two and a half dog against an overhyped Green Bay team, right? They're everyone's darling right now, everyone's super bowl pick. It's just. They're just another team where the love affair has gone too high. And yeah, could they win this one? The pros will be Right, right. That this is a huge deal that Aaron Glenn left and Ben Johnson gift and me and Chad overlooked that we'll own that on Monday if it's true. But as you said here right now, I just have a ton of confidence in the structure of that Detroit team and this is not the type of game I think they'll trip up and there'll be other matchups. They will. But I honestly, I think they have a big, big offensive matchup that they can exploit here in the secondary of Green Bay. And defensively, I think people are underrated how good of a defensive stars they have on this Detroit team. Fully healthy.
A
I love when you and I are aligned and it gives me confidence, it makes me feel better about myself and also means that we can put it in the contest and I'm not going to feel as guilty if it loses the way you will. About the Tennessee Titans Baltimore is visiting Buffalo at Hard Rock Bet. The Ravens are now a one point favorite. That's a big move, folks, because when we did the show on Tuesday, they were one and a half point underdogs, which means the Baltimore Ravens are our rock and a hard place bet of the week presented by Hard Rock. This one is gratis for our friends at Hard Rock Bet. Listen, we liked the Ravens when it was one and a half and they were dogs. We don't love betting a line flip, but the more I look at this game, the more I feel like I'm betting a complete team against a team that is Josh Allen and everyone else who needs to be lifted by Josh Allen.
B
Yeah, I'm with you, Chad. I hate that it flipped, but people say, oh, we better do. All we do is bet dogs. Chad here, we're proving them wrong. We're on the chalk favorite now in the Ravens and I'm still confident, I'm still believing in this play. And you know, it stinks because there's so many great trends. We talked about it when you know Lamar is a dog. He was 12 and three against the spread in his career as an underdog. You know, we love that type of stuff. But another trends I like to look at is whenever he's playing on turf. And I know it sounds simple, but it's a big deal, right? Turf is fast and that's Lamar's greatest strength. And that's what this offense wants to be. They want to be fast. And that, you know, to me is something I really dove into. It's like, can I find an edge about Lamar? And when he plays on turf fields and There is a long term edge on that, right? I've been betting his whole career. I checked my notes. He's 19 and three against the spread when he plays an artificial turf. 19, three against the spread. So it's like, you know, it sounds stupid, it sounds lazy, sounds easy, but it's factual. When he's a different player, when he's playing on turf because it is a different, a different field and the movement's different. So that was something that jumped out right away. And then, you know, we dove into the matchups. The Bills team, how they'll exploit this matchup. They will just run, run, run the ball. And to me that could work. But at the same time that just means it's going to be a low, low scoring, close game. And like that's exactly where I want to be with Lamar. Because this is again, this is not the playoffs. This is a regular season where Lamar, he is clutch. He is a brutal out, he is a really tough beat. And I think, you know, the line movement, we have both the same feeling. Mean, Chad. Honestly, it sounds stupid people, but we've just been burned so many times when the line flip for some reason just burns us. But I'm gonna touch the stove again. I think you're gonna touch it with me where it's like, I know it's hot. I gotta touch it though. I just love this. Ravens at this number. Anything below two, so at one and a half, I'm still gonna bet it. So yeah, it's people out there. You can shop around. There's still some plus one and a half's out there. Tease it. You have to at least tease it. Lamar as a dog and teasers 14:1 as a teaser. So getting him up to seven and a half, there is no way he loses this game by more than a touchdown. Horrible week one against the spread. 12 and 5 against the spread. So, you know, he's just a guy that gets his guys ready, prepared for week one. And you know, me and Chad both had the Chiefs last year. We won that bet by a heel, right? That was a really lucky bet. And the Ravens lost. I can't see the lightning strike twice here. I mean that they are just so, so, so fired up about facing this Bills team who they lost in the playoffs last year and we talked about it. I just, I know the Bills. It's the last night Orchard park, last opening game ever at that historical ballpark, right? Was it 1973, that fucking stadium open. So I get it's gonna be a historical over emotional night. If you just want to take Ravens first half, we always talk, we love Lamar as a first half bet, go for it. But for us and contest wise, that's what we're talking here. Taking them in the contest, taking them as a straight up bet. I just love the Ravens and I'm almost positive it's locked in a plus one and a half in our contest. So I'm almost positive on Sunday morning that'll be one of our bets.
A
Well, look, let's break it down right now. I think on Sunday morning four games that we feel great about after this conversation. Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore, 50% of us feel great about Tennessee and 50% of us are going to go along just for the drama. And then we're probably going to be deciding between what are the best lines, how things have moved, either between a Las Vegas or a Jets or maybe a Commander's, maybe a Seattle. We'll see how things are going. Or there might be other games that have moved and injuries have caused us to rethink things. But I think that's where we stand right now. Again, we will lock all this down. Sunday morning, 11am Sharper Square YouTube channel. Simon right now as we do this show, biggest bet of the week so far.
B
Because I told you I've been betting this for months, months and months and months. I would have to definitely go through my book. I'm assuming once I go through and count all my tickets, unfortunately probably going to be Dallas. Like I just, I know I was hit that number for months, but I'm assuming come Sunday, like I'm gonna go through it now. I know I'm getting close with the Ravens and I'm getting really close to the Browns. Like again, Browns were six and a half at one point. That's the number I've just been hammering for months. Hammered at six, kept hitting at five and a half. I'm still betting at five. So that's, that's gonna be a, a gross day when I wake up and my two biggest bets are gonna be Browns and Dallas. But y, I, I do want to say with this, like Chad said, these early, early weeks, guys don't, don't go crazy with your bankroll. Right? Pick your spots, be smart. Very long season money management is literally 50% of the battle. That's y, you don't become a professional that have really strict money management. So I'm highly aggressive. I've won big. I got the equity to burn. This way, if you got a small bankroll, you have the power. Pick your spots, don't force bets. I say it all the time. The show. Me and Chad have to pick five for contest. Most weeks I do three big bets or less. Right. I'm picking my spots where I might do a. A total of spread props, but I'm picking my spots. I'm not forcing in five against the spread bets. The NFL is the sharpest market. You want to go make a living, go back college football. There's about 300 freaking football teams. This is a lot different. 32 teams, really stiff market. So please, people, money management, be smart with your money. Let's go, dude.
A
I'll tell you two stories. So you know, I'm working on this book and I'm spending time with a lot of professional betters, including a guy I was with last weekend in Costa Rica. He's a big college football better, a big baseball better. And when I say big, I mean like from baseball point of view. I think there might be five groups that are competitive with him. And I think for the year, he's maybe made a hundred bets on baseball. Now the volume he's betting when he actually makes his bet is huge. He is so selective and disciplined. And I sat with him on college football Saturday all day. So selective. It is like half point difference, point difference. He'll just walk away. Does not get sort of lost in the midst the way Simon is talking about. Bankroll management, the best way to make money, don't lose money. Simon, what is our moneyline round robin underdog parlay? Here's what I think. Saints, Panthers, Lions, Raiders, Cleveland. Agree or disagree?
B
I'll. I'll switch out the Raiders for the Jets.
A
All right. Saints, Saints, Panthers, Jets, Lions, Cleveland. All right, survivor. I think you said it a couple times. We're going with Denver.
B
Got it.
A
And then Sharp versus Square. I'm going Miami.
B
You're going Miami.
A
Yeah.
B
Can't use brands against sugar, I guess. Man, I already have so much invest in the Titans. I mean, I'm literally. I can't. Should I triple down on them? Yeah.
A
You know what? Brass balls go with the Titans.
B
No, I'm going Ravens. I love the Ravens. And it's such a. It's still a good number. There's still plus one and a half out there, but I'll take the hard rock. I'll take the minus one on the show.
A
All right, so I'm doing Miami. I think I got one and a half or one. What's Hard Rock say right now about Miami?
B
I'm almost positive they, they, they move to let me pull it up. They move to plus one. Yep.
A
Plus one. Plus one your Ravens minus one. All right, folks, this has been Sharper Square part of the Volume Podcast Network. We will be back on Sharper Square YouTube on Sunday morning, 11am Eastern as you eavesdrop on a very intimate conversation between me and Simon in which we will panic, make utterly human decisions and regret the rest of the day. Then we will be back on Sharper Square YouTube Sunday night, 7:30pm Eastern. To recap all that misery again, all these are available on the audio feeds as well. Sharper Square, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Like this video? Subscribe to the channel. Download us from Spotify Apple Pods, wherever you get your pods. Don't forget the listener contest. Give us five stars. Give us some comments. We're going to read the best comments on the show. You're going to get some swag. Feedback is a gift. It helps make the show easier to find for everyone. Help your fellow listeners out a little bit. Until next time. Love you.
Date: September 5, 2025
Hosts: Chad Millman and Simon Hunter
Network: The Volume Podcast Network
In this action-packed episode, betting experts Chad Millman and Simon Hunter return with "Sharp or Square," a deep dive into the best NFL Week 1 bets. Now part of The Volume Podcast Network and sponsored by Hard Rock Bet, the duo shares contest picks, wise guy chatter, and a blend of sharp trends, insider opinions, and honest debate. They break down their favorite and least favorite lines, highlight notable market moves, and reveal their strategy for the season's first NFL Sunday.
(03:53)
“Too much smoke's being pumped up their asses. On the flip side, too much hate is being thrown at those Lions team." (05:20, Simon)
(07:53)
"If we are doing our Sunday morning show and we are talking ourselves into betting the Raiders at plus two and a half, shame on us." (07:57, Chad)
(10:53)
“It's a huge discrepancy between the D line and the O line of this Cleveland Browns defense compared to this Cincinnati Bengals offensive line.” (12:23, Simon)
(14:48), (16:09)
(19:22)
(24:50)
(27:43), (30:16)
(33:22), (35:18)
“It might feel gross, it looks gross, but it's how I make a living. Long term winners.” (35:18, Simon)
“It's week one, brother. Shit's about to get weird. That's what you need to lean into here.” (37:00, Simon)
(40:42), (41:43)
“Once again, the home divisional dog trends 24 and 7 in week one that backs up the Seahawks this exact spot…” (44:17, Simon)
(45:34), (46:36)
“I just think Detroit, defensively, they have the athletes, they have the talent. Maybe arguably the best safety tandem in all football.” (48:56, Simon)
(50:35), (51:47)
“Turf is fast and that's Lamar's greatest strength. And that's what this offense wants to be.” (52:44, Simon)
“247 against the spread, 77% since 2009 home divisional dogs.” (12:23)
“It might feel gross, it looks gross, but it's how I make a living. Long term winners.” (35:18, Simon)
“It's week one, brother. Shit's about to get weird.” (37:00, Simon)
“Money management is literally 50% of the battle. That’s why you don't become a professional unless you have really strict money management.” (56:18, Simon)
Chad and Simon bounce between playful (“shame on us...”), irreverent (“Brass Balls Bet of the Week”), and dead serious betting advice (“money management…do not force five ATS bets in NFL”). Listeners get a blend of sharp analytics, actionable trends, behind-the-counter bookmaker chatter, and the duo’s trademark banter.
| Game | Pick | Rationale/Notes | |--------------------------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Ravens @ Bills | Ravens (+1.5 / -1)| Market/wiseguys heavy, Lamar trends | | 49ers @ Seahawks | Seahawks (+2.5) | Home dog, sharp action, early season O-line | | Packers @ Lions | Lions (+2 / +2.5) | Overreact to Parsons news, chemistry/balance| | Bengals @ Browns | Browns (+5) | Divisional dog trend, OL/DL mismatch | | Titans @ Broncos | Titans (+8) | Brass Balls Bet; big dog Week 1 trend | | Patriots @ Raiders | Raiders (+3) | Inflated NE hype, injury edge if at 3 | | Steelers @ Jets | Jets (+3 if available)| Value at key number |
For regular listeners and sports bettors alike, this episode is as instructive as it is entertaining—a mix of peerless data, honest debate, and high-stakes handicapping that sets the stage for an exhilarating NFL betting season.