Picking football games can be tough, and that’s why you turn to the Degenerate Report. Last week I improved my Degenerate Report record going 4-2. This brings the total record for picks given out here too 7-5 on the year. Some might say I am just starting to warm-up.

I got my eyes on lots of football this past weekend and ready to come back and give you a great 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)

Georgia Tech Vs. Syracuse +7.5 Over/Under 52.5: I have watched way too much Georgia Tech football not to have a play on this game. So far, I have been spot on with this team. I had them covering against FSU and not covering against UCF. This team is much improved from last year, though. They are playing better on offense and, at times, play stout defense. The problem is they still have a ways to go until they are a real threat in the bigger picture of the ACC. The good thing, though is they are playing Syracuse.

I love Syracuse; they have pulled me through big in the past few years. I don’t want to give up on them yet because I think with some more time, they could be a viable bet, but right now, it’s tough to pick them. They have a good enough defense to keep them in games at times, but the offense is terrible. They can’t run the ball, and they really can’t throw it. Their only threat seems to be Taj Harris at wide receiver. They Quarterback play isn’t where it needs to be, but with time could see it getting better. I am probably going to give the spread pick out on Trophy Kids this week, but for a pick here, I think this will be a low scoring affair.

Pick: Under 52.5

Alabama vs Missouri +27.5 Over/Under 55.5: SEC football has finally arrived to make Saturdays feel all that more normal. Alabama is once again coming into a season with a loaded roster. Alabamas offense will star the return of Heisman hopefully Najee Harris and DeVonta Smith who had 1,258 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns last year. You also know you can count on Alabama to bring a solid offensive line and ferocious defense. Then you have Missouri on the other side of the ball.

Missouri comes into this game with some issues. They have 7 players that will be out due to covid issues. We don’t know yet who those players are yet. Missouri also hasn’t named a starter at Quarterback and has had players opt out of the season. Their is to much uncerteainty going on with this team to make we feel even remotely cofident in picking them. You pair that with the fact that Alabamaalways looks to come out of the shoot hot this pick is easy for me.

Pick: Alabama -27.5

Kentucky vs. Auburn -7.5 Over/Under 49.5: Kentucky’s offense brings a lot of continuity to this game. Terry Wilson is back behind center and has recovered from his knee injury. The expectation is he will be at full speed Saturday. Even if he isn’t or the passing game is struggling, they will be able to lean on the number four rush offense last season. The O-line returns four starters and senior running back Asim Rose. This big given it has been an unusual offseason, so having this many returners is huge.

Auburn also has big names returning. Bo Nix is back at Quarterback, and star wide receiver Seth Williams returns as well. Bo Nix had a rough year last year, though. He was wildly inconsistent and not accurate at key times. In the first week back, I don’t like rallying on a team with the passing game going to cover. I think this game is going to be a lot of running and a lot of good defense. This feels like the kind of game that is close and ugly, but Auburn probably wins.

Pick: Kentucky +7.5

NFL Picks

Cardinals vs. Lions +6 Over/Under 54.5: The Lions are a dumpster fire right now. Tim addressed this on the last episode of Trophy Kids, but it’s worth repeating. Bob Quinn should be gone, and Matt Patricia should be gone. This is a team that went 9-7 under Jim Caldwell and fired him. The Lions have undoubtedly gotten worse since the Caldwell era. Matt Patricia is supposed to be a defense of guy, and that defense can’t stop a nose bleed. The run D is like watching the parting of the seas and its open season on the secondary. Now the secondary is banged up, but Patricia doesn’t help them out because he doesn’t seem to like to bring pressure on the QB. This all sets up for a bloody murder on Sunday.

The Cardinals are smoking hot right now. Kyler Murray is out of this world good right now. His ability to stop on a dime and then take off is insane. He is in full command of that juggernaut of an offense. I couldn’t be happier for DeAndrea Hopkins who I have always thought never got the full appreciation he deserved. He is a special talent. Let’s not over think this one.

Pick: Cardinals -6

Cowboys vs Seahawks -5 Over/Under 55.5: The Seahawk and Patriots put on an absolute master class on Sunday Night Football. There are very few things better then a great Sunday Night game to finish off the week and I thank the Seahawks for that. Now they move onto the cowboys who pulled off one of the most insane comebacks.

The Russell Wilson is now the strong favorite for MVP. He is sling it and very little defenses can do about it. The whole Seahawks are playing fast, confident and physical. Thats a problem for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys are not good. Yes, they pulled off an insane comeback against the Falcon but the Seahawks are not the falcons. They are the furthest thing from the Falcons. Mike Mccarthy is still the same old coach and does not have this cowboys team nearly prepared enough or executing on a high enough level to keep up with the Seahawks.

Pick: Seahawks -5

Packers vs Saints -3 Over/Under 51.5: I talked about it this past week and it’s worth repeating again this week. Aaron Rodgers is on his Fuck you tour. This man is on fire. The Packers are on fire. Aaron Jones is one fire. It’s incredible to watch. This present a big challenge this week for the saints.

I also said after week one that Drew Brees did not look good. After watching this weeks game it looks like Father Time is starting show up in New Orelans. Brees is surrounded by a very good team though so even if his old age is showing they are strong enough for him to be a lesser version of himself. The problem is this week they are going to need to score points. The Saints defense is good but as Vegas showed have weakness and the Packers are perfectly set up to take advantage of those.

Pick: Packer +3

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 (26-10 in total picks).

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.