Mike's Hard Takes

I’m not somebody who generally gambles, but I know a great opportunity when I see one. Here are my 5 favorite bets for this upcoming regular season:

1. Las Vegas Raiders OVER 6.5 wins (+120 via DraftKings)

If you watched the first episode of the Mikes Hard Takes Podcast this should come as no surprise to you. The Raiders won 4 games last season with the worst head coach and quarterback situation in the league – enter Pete Carroll and Geno Smith. A last place schedule, playing the AFC South, and having the 6th overall pick to utilize on a playmaker is a recipe for playoff contention.

2. Miami Dolphins UNDER 8.5 wins (-135 via DraftKings)

Some of the worst vibes in the league currently. Having the 16th at best QB in the league in Tua, along with a suspect offensive line, middling defense, and receiving core up in the air with Tyreek Hill being uncertain with his desire to be a Dolphin. I’m a huge fan of Mike McDaniel, but everybody else in the division is getting better and Miami just seems to be declining each season. I could easily see them finishing 4th in the AFC East.

3. Tennessee Titans OVER 5.5 wins (-150 via DraftKings)

Tennessee is a sneaky playoff contender. They have a last place schedule where they play the Patriots, Browns and Saints, on top of being in a suspect division with the AFC South. If Cam Ward can be a serviceable starter, that is a massive upgrade from Will Levis creating new ways to turn the ball over every week. The defense should be stout, and this is a draft that, while is low in star talent, is loaded in starter talent – so the Titans should be able to add some playmakers around their likely-to-be rookie quarterback.

4. Los Angeles Rams OVER 9.5 wins (+110 via DraftKings)

Pardon my homerism here, but this over/under was laughable to me. The Rams dynamic defense is a year older, they upgraded at receiver in dropping Cooper Kupp for Davante Adams, and their division is filled with uncertainty. On top of everything, they get to play the AFC & NFC South divisions. I see 12+ wins here for the Rams.

5. New York Jets OVER 5.5 (+120 DraftKings)

While I don’t see a great season in the Jets future, I do see a functional team with a decent floor. Aaron Glenn and Justin Fields bring a level of hard nosed, professional football with them that should have the team ready to play every week. On top of that, the division is 75% up in the air, with the Bills being the only team guaranteed to be good. A solid 7-9 win season should be extremely obtainable for New York.

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