Steve Maltepes, known as “The Philly Godfather,” is one of the nation’s hottest sports betting experts who appears weekly on national radio, including Jakib Media. Each week, he will impart his gambling wisdom on the Eagles and where the smart money is going.
NFL Week 4
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-0), 1:00 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Eagles minus-6.5/Total: 45.5
What is the line telling you: The early injury reports did not have A.J. Brown practicing on Thursday, which was listed as personal, but news like that can scare you. In this case Brown is about to have his second child so there is no major issue. Boston Scott (rib) missed Wednesday and Thursday and Darius Slay (back) also didn’t practice Wednesday but was back Thursday, so there are some guys banged up on this Eagles team it’s not untenable. This game originally opened up as the Eagles 7-point favorites and it moved down to 6.5. The Jaguars beat up on a banged Chargers team last week, but they beat a team that wasn’t supposed to beat. This Jacksonville team could easily be 3-0. The Jags gave that game away in their season-opener to Washington. Jacksonville is a lot better than anyone expected. The Jags also played the better competition. They have the higher point differential and the second-best in the league, right behind Buffalo. That’s impressive. This game is difficult to handicap.
Bottom line: The smart money likes the Jaguars at plus-6.5. We also like the under 47.5. The defenses keep this a low-scoring game. The public money is on the Eagles. The Jags’ defense against the run is one of the best in the league.
Tennessee Titans (1-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-1-1), 1:00 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Colts minus-3.5/Total: 43
What is the line telling you: The Colts had some key players out, including their great running back, Jonathan Taylor. Tennessee is also banged up. This seems like if you can stop the Titans’ running game, they can’t do anything. They haven’t scored a point in the second half this year.
Bottom line: The smart money likes the Colts minus-3.5.
Minnesota Vikings (2-1) vs. New Orleans Saints (1-2), 9:30 a.m. Sunday in London, England
The Line: Vikings minus-3/Total: 43
What is the line telling you: The game opened at 1. The sharp money is all over the Vikings. The Vikings win by at least a touchdown.
Bottom line: The smart money is on the Vikings minus-3.5.
The Philly Godfather can be followed on Twitter @Phillygodfather & his website is www.thephillygodfather.com.