Care to Place a Wager? A Gambler's Guide

If you're a gambling man or woman, and you like to try to earn a little extra cash on the side by beating the books in Vegas with your sports expertise, then this column is for you.  I won't actually be placing any wagers on any of these games, but if I were going to these would be the games I would take.

NFL 

Buffalo Bills +3 vs. Chicago Bears
The Bears are turning the ball over at an alarming rate, and the Bills have come agonizingly close to getting their first win of the season the past couple of weeks.  I think they not only cover this spread, but they win the game.

Houston Texans +3 vs. San Diego Chargers
I'm a little shocked the Texans are underdogs in this game.  I'd happily take the Texans and the points, and I expect Houston to also win the game at home.

New Orleans Saints -6.5 at Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are awful, and the Saints seem to have found a little something in their win against the Steelers.  Anyone that can beat Pittsburgh should have no problem with Carolina.

Green Bay Packers -7 vs. Dallas Cowboys
This one scares me slightly, but I think the Packers are improving while the Cowboys are going the other way.  We've heard a lot about all the talent in Dallas, but as long as they continue to turn the ball over I'm picking against them.


NBA

New York Knicks -5.5 vs. Philadelphia 76ers
-My apologies to Danilo Gallinari.  He started the season off in a terrible slump, but he's broken out of it and is shooting well.  The Knicks are playing some good ball, with Raymond Felton running the show, Toney Douglas producing big points off the bench, and Amare Stoudamire consistently being one of the best players on the floor.  Amare is producing quite what he was in Phoenix, but I look for his stats to increase as the season goes on. 

Atlanta Hawks -6 vs. Phoenix Suns
Atlanta's off to a great start this season, and the Suns still could be a little weary after an incredible win against the Grizzlies on Friday, followed by a cross-country flight.

Oklahoma City -1.5 vs. Boston Celtics
Just have a feeling Kevin Durant and company are going to pull this one out.  The Celtics have been playing a lot of close games, and I think this one will be no different.  KD comes up big in the clutch.