I'm buying New England to -2.5 and saying show me. I realize the form of the teams over the last 3 weeks, but just show me that the Jets are more serious about winning than Belichick, especially when it DOESN'T matter. It's a read of Belichick's motivation in this unusual spot, admittedly. I wouldn't be surprised at a reversion to previous form and a decisive win by the Pats.

I think Belichick tanks for a better draft pick.

He could also treat it as a pre-season game for next year, which goes against my play. But I'm going with my first impression: What would Nick Saban do in this spot? Would he be just as committed to winning as ever, or let it slide? The two coaches are pretty similar in many respects, though admittedly Belichick hasn't been in this situation. I just don't think he likes the sounds of 6-10, or mailing it in in this "meaningless" spot. It wouldn't be meaningless to Saban, in fact it would be a test of your attitude toward winning. Not quite as sure with Bland Bill, and college isn't pro, but it's an angle. I already opened my mouth. It's on.

I've got these two coaches linked in my thinking. I was looking at that box score last night where they faced off, the year Pats lost in the big Manning comeback in AFC Title game. Miami sucked but dominated every snap against dynasty New England and shut them out, making Brady look like Ryan Leaf. After the game, there were strange comments and looks exchanged between the two, like what the hell was that?? So I've got the two linked. Saban would slave drive toward victory in this spot. A kind of "Do you want to be on this team or not?" type thing. So would Jimmy Johnson circa the Cowboys rebuilding. With a lot of overhaul expected on the Pats, it could be like that. Belichick ... we'll see.

imagine betting on dead rubber week 17 games

The NFL changed the start time back to 4:25 for Bears-Packers to match Cardinals-Rams. That wasn’t very nice.

Imagine sitting at home in NV wanting to watch Cards at Rams and instead getting not only the dead Raiders at Broncos but Beth Mowins to call it.

Myself I kind of thought games ripe for betting are those where you can establish an edge over the conventional thinking and line. Do yourself a favor and bet whatever I even hint at, take the cash to the bank, give me 20% ... then worry about getting cut off all over the world.