Friday, November 5, 2021

Bet √: NFL Pick$

 It's November and the leaves are starting to turn in places not named Miami, some of us are getting older, and others, like many NFL bettors for example, are going to be trying to pick every game on the betting board because they're chasing money or want to surprise someone with a new Porsche before Thanksgiving.

 Here's a friendly tip: Don't bet every NFL game.

 Finding an edge on NFL games - on a weekly basis - requires a lot of time and work. Keep that in the back of your mind when picking NFL games to bet on. My NFL picks, fortunately, are heating up with the dip in the weather (unless you're in Miami right now) as I went 3-1 in the NFL last week, and would have had a clean sweep if not for the late weirdness in Tennessee-Indy.

 Here's a Bet √ of the rest of Week 9 NFL slate - after the Colts landed the Jets back to normal grounds on TNF. Note: 21-13-1 with NFL picks, including 5-2 the last two weeks, I was 11-6 I'm November. Take advantage of them now because my FREE NFL picks will not be available for too much longer. In the meantime .. 

 Remember: Don't bet them all!

Houston @ Miami (46.5 U): A change at QB (Tyrod Taylor) was good enough to believe the Texans, for all their problems on offense, can control some pace to the game, while looking respectable on defense vs. a shaky Miami OL. Throw in possible thunderstorms and we could be in for a sloppy affair at Hard Rock Stadium.

Cover up: The Patriots, coming off a road win vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, head into Week 9 as short favorites at Carolina. 


New England @ Carolina (+4): The over/under total - Do your homework, kids - equates to a low-scoring game in this spot with the Patriots facing a rugged Panthers defense a week after a road win vs. the Chargers. Carolina, despite their struggles on offense, are constructed to slow the pace of the game and now have a game-changer in Stephon Gilmore. Bad spot for New England.

Atlanta (+6) @ New Orleans : The Saints are all of a sudden worst at starting QB - no matter who starts vs. the Falcons. And getting almost a touchdown in a divisional game with possible wild card race implications is enough to side with Atlanta a week after losing to Carolina. The Falcons, out Calvin Ridley for a second straight game, have had plenty of practice time without their star WR to scheme enough plays on offense for another of their talented players to take advantage of. Besides, the Braves won the World Series?! 

 Chicago @ Pittsburgh  ML: The Steelers, left for dead just a couple of weeks ago, are humming on defense and improving along the offensive line as they welcome a Bears team light on points production. The consensus among many of the pundits is that Pittsburgh is still a flaud living on borrowed time. The reality: The Steelers were my pick to win the AFC title. 

Buffalo @ Jacksonville (48.5U):  What do you get when you put the worst team vs. the best defense in the league on the same football field? A slow, low-scoring game thanks to the Jags coming off a bye week and Buffalo, for all their success, still struggling to find the gas pedal on offense - especially when they play outside the AFC East.

Green Bay @ Kansas City (48U): Upset alert .. which translates into a serious look at the under total in this spot. Kansas City, a short home favorite before Aaron Rodgers was scratched, is now -7.5 despite not being very good against the spread over the last season or so. Which leads to the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes being a bit overrated in my book. Meanwhile, the Packers, still have Davante Adams, and Jordan Love, who has sat for a while, now has a chance to prove all the hype was for real. 

#nfl #betting #picks #week9 #bets #blog #november #thanksgiving #total #underdog #homefavorite #miami #hardrockstadium 

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Miami heat: Goya Black Beans

A quick lunch for me around the kitchen in Miami must include Goya Black Beans. 

Goya Black Beans - or unos buenos frijoles negros as we say en casa in the 305 - over a pile of smooth white rice is a perfect and affordable lunch to fuel on before preparing for your next meeting.

 And best of all (A 15 oz. can of) Goya Black Beans, already prepared with olive oil, onion and bell pepper, take about five minutes - 5 MINUTES - after I add chopped onions, cilantro, a teaspoon of sugar and another drop of olive oil before heating over the stove, and serving. 

Miami heat: Goya Black Beans over white rice is a perfect and affordable lunch for anyone making it happen in the 305. 


 Goya Black Beans, while full of flavor and convenient for someone like me, are also a great source of fiber and protein. And if you have Goya Black Beans leftovers .. NO PROBLEM. Just freeze your Goya Black Beans for a better taste later. 

You can purchase Goya Beans, available in Red Kidney (Beans), Chick Peas, Pink Beans and Pinto Beans, among other type of Goya Beans, c for approximately .95 cents at your local market in Miami. Because when its lunchtime around here ..  Si es Goya .. it has to be really good! 

#goya #blackbeans #arrozblanco #miami #lunch #beans #quick #recipe #305 #whiterice #frijolesnegros 

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Bet ✓: NCAAF Rank$

 

Welcome back, college football bettors -- even those of you calling for Miami head coach Manny Diaz to be fired. 

Well, fortunately for Diaz, the Hurricanes (4-4 SU), winners of two straight games, including last week as +10 road underdogs vs. Pittsburgh, start November as ACC Coastal contenders, still, after putting extra weight on the shoulders of young players - such QB Tyler Van Dyke and S James Williams  - looking to compete, while save facing for a once proud football program. 

Unlike players already counting their respective NFL 💰 checks. The Hurricanes (-420) are a good bet to beat Georgia Tech on Saturday. So, let's do a Bet ✓ of our Top-10 Ranking$:

1.) Georgia: Who will play QB this week? Who cares .. since the 'Dogs proved once again they are fueled by a dominant defense. But beware: At some point (SEC Championship Game?), Georgia will definitely need to keep up on the scoreboard. Track value on those under totals.

2.) Ohio State: The Buckeyes, perfect in Big 10 play and squarely in the CFP hunt, weren't exactly perfect vs. Penn State, yet walked away with nearly walked away with a double-digit win last week. Keep an eye on those over totals.

3.) Oregon: Don't discount the Ducks trashing Colorado - especially coming off ho-hum wins over Cal and UCLA. The physical nature of the Ducks - on both sides of the ball - makes them a legit CFP contender if they win the rest of their games - before January. Look for value down the road .. when you see the Ducks as 'dogs.

4.) Oklahoma: The Sooners have a different feel with Caleb Williams under center. However, one question always lingers around Oklahoma: Is their defense good enough to win the whole thing? Proceed with plenty of caution.

5.) Alabama: Can you picture Nick Saban blowing out candles off a birthday 🍰? Exactly. Neither can I. But looking for bet value on Alabama to make the CFP can still turn out very sweet for you.

 

This close: #5 Alabama, coming off a bye, host LSU on Saturday with their CFP hopes on the line.

6.) Michigan: Sorry. The Wolverines led practically the entire way, before suffering a bad beat vs. Michigan State. They still have way too much talent, and upcoming tilt vs. Ohio State. So, we're not throwing in the towel just yet.

7.) Michigan State: See above. The Spartans, while very good, were literally gifted a big win by Michigan. Shock me again. And come around, here. Until then .. bet against the Spartans.

8.) Cincinnati: I know. I know. The Bearcats, sporting a terrific defense and opportunistic offense, are undefeated and all. Its the committee I worry about when they pit the 'Cats vs. the rest of the CFP candidates.

9.) Notre Dame: Brand names MATTER! So, don't fade the Irish just yet. Even with their struggles to consistently run the ball with any success.

10.) Wake Forest: Sam Hartman for Heisman ?!?? The Demon Decans, riding the first 8-0 start in school history, should be taken very seriously -- especially if you're looking to bet those over totals .. because Wake Forest just keeps scoring and scoring ..

Bet √: NFL Rank$

 Who cares when the Miami Dolphins might actually win another game, since sports betting in Florida is now live thanks to the launch of a Hard Rock Sportsbook app by the Seminole Tribe - despite pending lawsuits challenging the state's gaming deal with the tribe. 

 That's right! Despite any 'official announcement', other than a low-hanging promo of a free $100 bet with your first deposit on the app, it's finally legal for bettors in Florida to bet on game lines, spreads, futures and player props, among other forms of bets, via the Hard Rock Sportsbook app - controlled by the Seminole Tribe, of course - just days before a hearing in federal court seeking an injunction. 

 So, if you live in Ft. Lauderdale, for example, and want to make a bet on your favorite NFL team, you will be able to do so with just a few clicks on your device of choice, including your new iPhone 13, perhaps, after selecting from one of the tribe's partners such as Hialeah Park & Casino before you can place a bet (from anywhere in the state.) 

 But don't erase Joey Franco from your contact base just yet, because there's a good chance you might have to meet him in the back of your favorite pizza shop in Davie every Thursday for another several months.

In the meantime .. 'HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS?!?!!? Let's take a Florida-style NFL Bet √ before Week 9:  

1.) Cowboys (6-1): Dallas not only reaffirmed on SNF what we've been selling you on around here for a while now, they proved their not just a bunch of stars and scrubs. This is an athletic, versatile and explosive bunch with game-changers on both sides of the ball. And you should bet them to win the NFC.

2.) Packers (7-1): A deep and well-coached team with a Hall of Fame QB who totally knows how to pull your chain. And also still pretty good at adjusting at what he has and doesn't have, while still winning games. Bet on the Packers going on a long run .. if you're in Florida and looking to get into the market.

3.) Steelers (4-3): Remember when Ben was old and .. Never mind. We've been telling you to buy low all along despite the Steelers troubles -- which seem like a distant memory with a very soft part of the schedule coming up. Start looking at bets for the Steelers to win the AFC. 

Made of steel: The Steelers (5-3), coming off a road win vs. the Cleveland Browns, and heading into a soft spot in their schedule, could likely factor in the AFC title chase.


4.) Rams (7-1): Another team likely to make a deep run in January. And apparently, stocking up to do that just that. But Matthew Stafford should still concern you come playoff time. Tread carefully.

5.) Bucs (6-2): Looking more each week like last year's Super Bowl splash was a mirage -- especially after a terrible showing in New Orleans. I would not be putting all your Christmas stocks on Tampa Bay.

6.) Bills (5-2): Buffalo continues to beef up on a soft spot of their schedule, including last Sunday's alright win over the Dolphins.  Buffalo managed to pull away late, but let's not forget it was 3-3 at the half. We're not very impressed with the Bills -- especially when they step out of the AFC East.

7.) Ravens (5-2): The Ravens deserve top billing for the time being, but Lamar Jackson can definitely be schemed for in the playoffs. And it's hard to imagine him carrying the Ravens deep into January.

8.) Cardinals (7-1): See above. They're excited to watch over some wings and beer during the regular season, but how far can a QB with the skill set of Kyler Murray really get you? 

9.) Raiders (5-2): The Raiders, off their bye week, are definitely going to make the playoffs, and should continue to benefit from from a lackluster AFC West, which has faltered in recent weeks.

10.) Bengals (5-3): Questions aplenty on both sides of the ball after getting caught napping by the Jets, here. But I trust this is still a very good roster backed by a solid coaching staff.

#nfl #bets #bet #check #miami #florida #rankings #cowboys #betting 

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Bet ✓: NCAAF Pick$

 Raise your Cuban mojito if you thought Manny Diaz would still be the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, just a few days before Halloween? You liar! 

You're either, already high on Skittles, after stealing your 8-year-old's backpack, or spilling your Cuban mojito all over the bar at your favorite Coral Gables hideout as the barkeeper you've been after for six months gives you dirty looks. 

But keep trying because if the Hurricanes (3-4 SU, 2-4 ATS), who appear to be rising (*competitive) from the dead after a slow start to the season, are still live for a 🎳 game heading into Pittsburgh as +9 road underdogs on Saturday, anything is definitely possible. So, clean up your mess and take a look at the Bet ✓ board. (Note: I stand at 37-27-1 overall, including 19-15-1 in college football.)

Georgia vs. Florida (+14.5)/U51: Somehow, the Gators, coming off an awful SU loss to LSU, rack up a solid number when it comes to yards per play on offense. And better than any team Georgia has played so far. Florida is also healthy. Georgia is not. Take the points - and the under total - in a big rivalry game about to take over Jacksonville, Florida.

Ole Miss @ Auburn, U66: Pretty even matchup here - especially when you equate the home-field advantage. Auburn, coming off a bye week, is catching Ole Miss on their fifth straight conference game. And the Rebels, still aching at several key positions, including starting QB, didn't exactly light up an LSU team on the verge of giving up last week.

Just enough: Can the Gators cover +14.5 as significant underdogs vs. No. 1 Georgia?

Penn State (+18.5) @ Ohio State: Penn State is relatively healthy, including QB Sean Clifford, despite suffering a crippling defeat last week. This number seems a bit high -- no matter how much the Buckeyes have improved in recent weeks. Besides .. this is Penn State's last chance to get back into the Big 10 race.

Michigan @ Michigan State, U50.5: Michigan, back in the national title landscape, had played a better schedule and should cover the (-4) number going away. But look for the Wolverines to get there very slowly .. in a hard-hitting and low-scoring contest.

Miami (+10) @ Pittsburgh: Really? So, the Panthers handle Clemson and get double-digit love ?? Really?! I'll bet the Hurricanes, playing their second road game in three weeks, stay very close to the number as they continue to try to save Manny Diaz from himself - while in front of microphone. 

Eat Skittles and Crunch bars, too. 



Bet ✓: NFL Pick$

 Here's a FREE NFL betting tip before the start of the Week 8 bet board goes off with Packers @ Cardinals on Thursday Night Football: 

 Underdogs are 58-49 ATS so far this season, including 30-12 as a 'dog of at least + 7. Yes. That means teams packing up for a road game this season are winning at an alarming rate - putting a sheet of ice over the so called home-field advantage. Even our Miami Dolphins have a straight up win as a road underdog in 2021.

But whether or not, I just convinced you to bet the Packers (+6) tonight is another story because I honestly think you should read on since I want you to feel my passion and respect for this kind of stuff. I also think you will enjoy my creative writing and betting perspective. And even if you don't, I thank you for your time and support around here. Here's a Bet ✓ of the NFL Week 8 board. (Note: I was right on four of six picks last week to improve to 37-27-1 overall on the season, including 18-12 on NFL picks.)

1.) Packers (+6) @ Cardinals: Quite a step up for the all-of-a-sudden popular Cardinals (7-0 SU), getting top bill at home on TNF. But the Packers (6-1 SU) have been nearly perfect since losing to New Orleans in Week 1. And if you're going to start doing the math on what not having Davante Adams available means to the Packers' 💰 chances, add JJ Watts not playing for the Cardinals. Arizona has the feel of a paper champion. In Aaron Rodgers I trust.

2.) Steelers (+4) @ Browns: You can't write a 💰 check big enough to convince me the Steelers, who appear to be turning the corner after winning 11 SU last season, are not better than the injury-plagued Browns right now. The Steelers appear to have their OL issues kind of fixed, and Ben Roethlisberger is 23-2-1 all-time vs. the Browns. Send that blank 💰 check.

Old rivals: The Steelers (+4) are road underdogs vs. the Browns in a AFC North clash on Sunday afternoon.

3.) Titans @ Colts (+1.5): Be careful if you're going to come upon a bet here because the Titans are coming off straight up wins over the Bills and Chiefs -- both very flawed teams. The Colts have won 22 of 26 vs. Tennessee - per ESPN Stats & Information - and lost to their division rivals just a month ago so another setback would all but eliminate their AFC South hopes for 2021. Tennessee hasn't been great away from home in recent memory, while Indianapolis features a run defense plenty good enough to control Derrick Henry. Bet the 🏇.. 

4.) Panthers (+2.5) @ Falcons: Don't discount the importance here as far as the NFC playoff picture is concerned as both sides are currently in the wild-card mix. Something seems off here because the Panthers are coming off being embarrassed by the Giants, and the Falcons escaped with a last-second win in Miami - after wins over the Jets and Giants. There's value on the Panthers in this spot. And if you don't believe me just read the first paragraph of this article.

(Like what you see? I think you should follow and connect with me on Instagram @miami_by_fernie. You may not even want to read any of my awesome content, but know someone who wants to buy a glass of my digital creative juice. Thanks again.)

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Bet ✓: College Football Ranking$

 Lesson No.1 if you come around here, and you're getting ready to bet on some Week 9 college football games this Saturday, including Bulldogs vs. Gators in Jacksonville, Florida: 

 NEVER hinge your bet on whatever your favorite pregame show says before kickoff. Instead, make a habit of dissecting spreads and 💰 lines to arrive at your bet - because nothing Tim Tebow says is going to help put 💰 in your college football bankroll. Let's take a Bet ✓ of my Top-10 ranking$. (Note: I apply a betting value perspective to my rankings.) 

 1.) Georgia: The Bulldogs, at around +105 bet to win the national title, are still the best college football team in the country as they prepare for the Gators as a -14.5 favorite. Rivalry games should be played with a Sharp's eye, but if the Bulldogs win on Saturday they can start planning on the SEC Championship Game.

 2.) Cincinnati: Still relatively untested through two months, but a date with SMU in late November will likely determine the Bearcats path to the CFP.  Or elsewhere. In the meantime, bettors should track the over totals as Cincinnati looks to run up some scores on their opposition in hopes of earning points with the committee.

3.) Ohio State: This isn't the same bunch that lost to a flawed Oregon team at home. If the Buckeyes, a short price to get back to the CFP, get past the Wolverines they will likely play deep into January.

4.) Alabama: There is a good chance the CFP committee will overlook all of 'Bama's issues if they get by Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. It might be a good idea to get a price on the Tide getting to the CFP.

5.) Michigan: Is this finally the year the Wolverines get in done vs. Ohio State? If so, they're going to be doing some serious 🎳.

6.) Oklahoma: Plenty not to like here, but the Sooners still remain one of the nation's undefeated teams so that counts for something. But bettors should proceed with caution when backing Oklahoma.

 
No. 1: Are the Bulldogs, (+700) to win the national title this season, on upset alert as -14.5 favorites vs. Florida?

7.) Ole Miss: Warning: The Rebels continue to show marked improvement on defense, and if they box in Auburn .. another jump in the rankings is likely to come soon.

8.) Oregon: The Ducks, who appear to enjoy playing down to their competition, barely survived UCLA. How many more chances will they get before luck runs out on Phil's Kids? Bet the Ducks with extreme caution.

9.) Michigan State: Is a powerful running attack is enough to keep the Spartans relevant among some of the above? Brand matters around here and Michigan State just might be a little too green when it comes to cache.

10.) Notre Dame: The 'Irish got well on offense vs. USC last week -- after struggling for much of the season with Jack Coan under center. Regardless: Don't fade the 'Irish just yet. See above!  

Points well taken: What is a NFL + NCAAF spread bet and how can you make one

For sharps or the most novice of sports bettors in Florida , recently added to the long list of states where you can make a legal sports b...