Picking football games can be tough, and that’s why you turn to the Degenerate Report. Last week wasn’t my best Degenerate Report. I went 3-3 in picks given out here but it was the first real week of gambling. A warm-up some might say. I got my eyes on lots of football and ready to come back and give you a six-pack of picks for this week. We have some great games to watch and even better games to bet. So we are locked in and ready to have some fun because let’s face it, we all have a little degenerate in us, and every once in a while we let it out.

Here are my picks for the weekend.

(If you want the audio version of this check out this week’s Trophy Kids)

Miami vs Louisville -2.5 Over/Under 65: This game feels like a high scorer. Miami’s O-line still looks like it might be a liability again this year but even with that said they ran all over UAB last week. Miami had a total of 337 rushing yards and 158 through the air. The passing game wasn’t crisp and apart of that was defiantly on the pressure UAB was able to bring but we did see flashes of what D’Eriq King can bring this season. I have to believe that with more one week’s worth of work in the offense should be a little crisper and for this game that’s all we need because of what Louisville brings to this.

Louisville is a fast tempo, high flying team. They are looking to score and score fast. QB Micale Cunningham had himself a day last Saturday with 343 passing yards. Yes, it was against Western Kentucky, but it was the ability to strike quick that jumped off the screen. You combine that with Miami’s new spread offense that is also looking to be more up-tempo and a not so great Louisville defense… I feel an over.

Pick: Over 65

South Florida vs. Notre Dame -25.5 Over/Under 48.5: Last week, I called the Duke vs. Notre Dame game perfect, winning all three bets I had on it, and I hope that continues here this week. Notre Dame Defense looked solid and offensively struggled at times. All to be expected going into the year games this season. Notre Dame is dealing with many new faces at wide receiver, but the O-line is reliable, and Ian Book is experienced. I expect that offense to look better this week. They started to put it together against Duke, so look for that carry over this week.

For USF, I don’t think they are going to be able to do much here. They struggled to pass the ball against The Citadel but did find a lot of success running the ball last week. Unfortunately for USF, Notre Dame is not The Citadel. Notre Dame is strong on defense, and I have to imagine they will look to stuff the run and make USF beat them through the air.

Pick: ND -25.5

Wake Forest Vs. NC State -2.5 Over/Under 52.5: It was baptism by fire for Wake Forest week one, and even though they got the shit kicked out of them, they still covered. Having to deal with Clemson’s defense was an impossible task to start the season. Yet, at times in that game, you saw little pieces of what Wake Forest could do against a lesser opponent. This week Wake Forest gets that more inferior opponent in NC State.

I think this game might even be worth taking the money line. NC State has yet to play a game this year and last year struggled offensively especially through the air. In a wild pre-season and having no games under their belt I don’t have much faith that NC state will be clicking on offense. I like the battle tested team to come out on top.

Pick: Wake Forest +2.5

NFL PICKS

Rams vs Eagles +1 Over/Under 45.5: I thought this line was a joke when I saw it. I still can’t believe this. The Eagles stink! The have no O-line and I don’t know if you noticed but the Rams are pretty damn good on the D-line. They looked explosive against the cowboys so I can’t even being to imagenwhat they are about to do here. You saw last week with the Washington Football Teams awesome d-line what the eagles look like and I expect a similar performance here.

Don’t over think this one.

Pick: Rams -1

Bills Vs. Dolphins +6 Over/Under 41: The Bills looked good in their season opener. Granted it was against the dumpster fire that is the jets but still very good. They play good defense and the offense seems primed to hit a new level this year. Josh Allen has weapons and a deep ball threat in Diggs to match his arm strength. I really like this team and really like the direction this club has been heading since hiring Sean McDermott. This is good team that is trending upwards.

The Dolphins are also heading in the right direction, I think, but it’s still very early in their process. I like the head coaching hire of Brian Flores, now in his second season as head coach. He has already made a difference with this team. This team is feisty and plays better then they should. It’s just not a very good team yet. Yes, they will games this year. To be honest, they will probably win some unexpected games this year, but they need more pieces to be a viable competitor in this league.

Pick: Bills -6

Lions vs. Packers -6.5 Over/Under 49.5: This is another line that I couldn’t believe was out there. Vegas is usually so on the money, and maybe they know something I don’t, but this just seems wild.

The problem is the Packers are just better. They are rolling early, and that is dangerous to pick against. I will ride with the Packers this Sunday. 

Pick: Packers -6.5 

It should be a great week of football and may the picks be in your favor.

Also, make sure to check out Trophy Kids Pod for all the sports takes you will ever need and follow @TrophyKidsPod on Twitter and Instagram for bonus picks (14-6 in total picks given last week).

P.s. If you are going to gamble make sure to do so responsibly. If you feel like you have a problem or might be developing, a problem, please check out the responsible gambling council website for help.