If you have spent any time betting on sports, you have come to realize that it isn’t easy. You’re constantly trying to find the edge, that bit of information, that allows you to make a move that other bettors don’t. There’s a reason that it is called “grinding,” because you are literally trying to move two steps forward while being pulled back one.
To be a profitable sports bettor, you have to win at least 52.4% of the wagers that are placed. If you’re winning at a 55% clip, then that is what is considered a “good” year, while 60% is a great year and 65% is a phenomenal “career year.” Another interesting statistic from the SBR survey was that 75% of bettors think that they are “winning” players.
The bottom line is that you must constantly be working to maximize your knowledge. This allows you to make more accurate decisions and, by extension, presumably win more of your contests. If you’re winning more of your contests, then you are well on your way to moving up the ladderand beating the “grind.”
For the 2023 NFL Week Eight schedule, we got back on the right track with a couple of wins against one loss. Hopefully, we’ll keep “grinding” in the right direction!
PICK #1 – Las Vegas Raiders v. DETROIT LIONS
Pick – Lions -7.5
Result – Lions 26, Raiders 14 (WIN)
The dumpster fire that is the Las Vegas Raiders continues, even as we move into the Week Nine schedule. The anemic Silver and Black couldn’t muster much of an offensive attack against the Lions, QB Jimmy Garoppolo constantly overthrew WR Davante Adams, and it became too much for owner Mark Davis. Following the Monday Night embarrassment, Davis cleaned house with the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler (who had the first firing on the 2023 NFL Week Eight schedule?).
It wasn’t like the Lions played that great, either. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown was playing under the weather and RB David Montgomery was out. That didn’t stop the Lions from winning their sixth game of the year and putting a hammerlock on the NFC North.
PICK #2 – Atlanta Falcons v. TENNESSEE TITANS
Pick – OVER 35.5
Result – Titans 28, Falcons 23 (WIN)
This one turned out to be a barn burner. Rookie Titan QB Will Levis threw for four touchdowns, joining Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton and former Titans QB Marcus Mariota, as the only players to have thrown for four touchdowns in their first NFL game. RB Derrick Henry showed signs of life, and the Titan defense was serviceable. Keep an eye on the Titans through the remainder of the year – they might be getting ready to make a run.
PICK #3 – Minnesota Vikings v. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Pick – Packers +1.5
Result – Vikings 24, Packers 10 (LOSS)
I thought I had the Pack figured out. A strong home squad, not so good on the road…well, that theory went out the window with this game. The Packers management is now questioning whether QB Jordan Love is the “right man” to serve as the future of the Green and Gold, but he could be helped by having some of his weapons, including RB Aaron Jones, back and healthy. The news wasn’t good for the Vikes, either, as QB Kirk Cousins went down with an Achilles’ tear that will end his 2023 season.
NFL Week Eight Results – 2-1
NFL 2023 Season Results – 10-13-1
