Dave Tuley, senior reporter at VSiN.com, is in his fourth season with The Post’s Bettor’s Guide. His handicapping pieces appear in VSiN’s online magazine, Point Spread Weekly.
Las Vegas Raiders (+3.5) over DENVER BRONCOS
The advance line last week for this game was Broncos -2.5. After both teams lost last Sunday, it reopened at Broncos -3 and was bet to 3.5 by Monday night when it was announced Las Vegas coach Jon Gruden had resigned. The Raiders certainly looked distracted in their 20-9 loss to the Bears, and it looks as if bettors are willing to fade them again, but I actually expect them to rebound and perform better now that they can focus on what’s happening between the lines. Besides, let’s not forget that this Broncos team started 3-0 thanks to a very soft schedule, so I don’t see them as more than a field goal better than the Raiders anyway.
Derek CarrGetty ImagesSeattle Seahawks (+5) over PITTSBURGH STEELERS
This was Seahawks -2.5 on the advance line last week, but then flipped all the way to Steelers -3 after Russell Wilson was injured in the Seahawks’ loss to the Rams on Thursday night. I know the Steelers looked better in their 27-19 win over the Broncos, but I don’t understand why this line then went to -4 and has continued to rise. But, hey, I’ll take however many points they’re willing to give us. I know it sounds crazy, but Geno Smith looked like Wilson in rallying the Seahawks twice against the Rams. Tyler Lockett fell down (or was he pushed?) on his route and Smith was intercepted to keep from another potential scoring drive, so I’m comfortable with Smith filling in for Wilson.
Last week: 2-0, Lions (W), Bills (W)
Season: 7-3.
