On The Pro Football Handle podcast, Las Vegas-based sports talk voice Matt Perrault and veteran bookmaker Robert Walker of USBookmaking dive into select NFL games, line movements and bookmaker liabilities, plus greater sports betting topics and stories that may have nothing to do with football. Walker has seen it all behind the counter and Perrault the same from behind the microphone, so they’ll have you prepared for anything.
Happy NFL Week 5! More pretty high totals this week with several games at 50-plus and the Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers even approaching 60. Will the Kansas City Chiefs (-3) stay perfect (against the spread and otherwise) with QB phenom Patrick Mahomes — with the Jaguars coming to Arrowhead? And can the Super Bowl-favorite L.A. Rams keep the momentum against the Seattle Seahawks and the “12th Man” as a touchdown favorite on the road?
Spotify fans go here to listen. Time codes for the episode follow below. Your feedback is welcome at @sports_handle.
1:05: Some industry news: DraftKings has hired two veteran, well-respected Nevada sportsbook executives week. These moves are a big win for DraftKings and its growing stable of bookmaking talent. The guys also explore casino protectionism and the future of online betting.
15:10: Indianapolis Colts -10 at New England Patriots (Thursday night)– Sources tell Perrault Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will not play, while the Colts are riddled with injuries. The line is surprisingly high and puts the public and the pros may be on the same side.
21:00: The state of penalties in NFL.
26:21: Oakland Raiders +5 at L.A. Chargers — Chargers players say they are frustrated about home games feeling like road games, and linemakers agree.
29:40: Baltimore Ravens -3 at Cleveland Browns — Lines opened at Baltimore -1, now it’s out to -3. The Ravens are not a public team, but they may be best team in AFC.
32:27: Game of the Week: Jacksonville Jaguars +3 at Kansas City Chiefs: Perrault says, Kansas City fans buy into their teams way too fast. Mahomes MVP talk and best QB in NFL already? The Chiefs are due to get beaten down.
36:42: Atlanta Falcons +3 at Pittsburgh Steelers — Are the Steelers favored because they are home or because they are a public (but totally ordinary) team?
39:58: Minnesota Vikings +3 at Philadelphia Eagles — The public will be on Philly, but will Minnesota really lose three in a row?
42:18: Dallas Cowboys +3 at Houston Texans — The teams are even but the Texans have more upsides than the ‘Boys.
44:01: L.A. Rams -7 at Seattle Seahawks — Everyone is on the Rams bandwagon, but if the Rams are going to get beat, it will be by someone like the Seahawks: well coached, passionate and in a tough environment. The Rams may escape with a victory, but take the points or walk away.
48:30: How much do linemakers adjust to video game-like totals?
53:03: Arizona Cardinals +4 at San Francisco 49ers — The 49ers have no Jimmy G and the Cards are a rollercoaster.
55:20: Washington Redskins -6.5 at New Orleans Saints — Upset alert? Monday Night Football will be a fun game if Washington can keep the ball moving.
55:48: N.Y. Giants +6.5 at Carolina Panthers — The Giants are bad and Walker is Eli Manning’s biggest detractor. Pros are on Big Blue at 7.
58:09: Tennessee Titans -4.5 at Buffalo Bills — The Titans may not score… but the Bills are not going to put up numbers against their D.
Have a profitable Week 5, folks. Follow Perrault on Twitter @sportstalkmatt and Walker @robertusfsports.
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