Diversity & Inclusion: BBETS Covering NFL, EPL, NHL, and NBA on Super Sunday

As we bask in the afterglow of a thrilling Saturday that included college football upsets and predictions come true, we at BrownBagBets are gearing up for a Sunday that promises to be just as exhilarating. Yesterday, we not only witnessed a seismic shift in the FBS top 4 but also celebrated our spot-on predictions, including Alabama's stunning upset over Georgia and Texas' commanding victory. Our foresight into the EPL's Wolves game further cemented our reputation for unexpected yet accurate picks.

Entering today with a robust bankroll of 106%, we're reminded of the power of strategic bankroll management. Consider this: yesterday's overall record was a modest 6-5. At face value, with average odds of -110 and a standard $100 wager per game, the day's profit would have been a mere $40. However, by meticulously following our tailored recommendations, our community reaped a significantly higher reward of $165. This example underscores the importance of adhering to our guidance – it's a tried and true method designed for optimal financial gains.

As we dive into Sunday, we're not just focusing on the NFL's titanic clashes; we're spreading our wings across NCAA Basketball, NBA, NHL, and keeping an eye out for more EPL gems. Remember, our success hinges on more than just picking winners; it's about smart betting, where each wager is a calculated step towards greater profits. So, as we embrace today's diverse sports lineup, let's stay committed to our proven approach, ensuring that every bet placed is a step towards another victorious day. Let's make this Sunday one for the books!

NFL PLAYS

Chargers @ Patriots

Pick: Under 40.5 / Wager:

Pick: Ezekiel Elliott over 28.5 Yards / Wager: 2% Bankroll

In this intriguing matchup between the Chargers and Patriots, we're eyeing a game that's likely to be dominated by ground tactics, especially from New England's side. The Chargers have shown a consistent vulnerability against the run, particularly when facing 11 Personnel formations with a lighter box and three wide receivers on the field. This is where Ezekiel Elliott shines, averaging an impressive 4.6 yards per carry in these scenarios, outperforming Stevenson's 3.3.

The Patriots, under the enigmatic coaching of Bill Belichick, who's keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the starting quarterback, are expected to heavily lean on their running game. They've racked up a whopping 67 carries in their last two outings and might approach 40 carries in this game. Elliott, with his superior fit for this game plan and a lower yardage total than Stevenson, seems primed to exceed his yardage total, especially considering his recent form.

On the other side, imagine the possibilities if Belichick, a mastermind in coaching, had the talent pool of the Chargers at his disposal. But for now, we're looking at a game where the weather and quarterback uncertainties for the Patriots (could it be Art Schlichter or Scott Zolak, or some Frankenstein's monster combination of Mac Jones, Will Grier, and Bailey Zappe?) will likely lead to a low-scoring affair.

Both teams have a strong tendency to stay under the total, with the Chargers hitting the under in 8 of their last 9 games and the Patriots struggling to score more than 17 points against any team, including the Chargers' less-than-stellar defense. Historical trends also favor the under, with the last six meetings between these teams not surpassing the set total. Expect a slow-paced game dominated by the Patriots' run game, with their solid red zone defense and the Chargers' potential scoring struggles in chilly New England weather further cementing our confidence in these picks.

Cardinals @ Steelers

Pick: Under 41.5

Pick: Steelers -5.5

Pick: Jaylan Warren anytime TD @ +120 / Wager: 2% Bankroll

Pick: Jaylan Warren over 9.5 yards longest reception / Wager: 2% Bankroll

In this clash between the Cardinals and Steelers, we're seeing a scenario where Pittsburgh, despite a strong offensive showing last week, still faces challenges in converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns. Their struggle to capitalize fully against a weak Bengals defense suggests that even with improvements, they might not rack up a high score. The Cardinals, grappling with injuries in their receiving unit, are unlikely to contribute significantly to the total score, especially in the challenging environment of a road game.

The expectation here is a game dominated by the run, which should keep the clock ticking and favor the under. Arizona's potential receiver issues, with Michael Wilson and Marquise Brown's statuses uncertain, could severely limit their offensive output. On the other side, Pittsburgh's defense, bolstered by the return of key players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Montravious Adams, looks poised to capitalize on Arizona's vulnerabilities.

The Steelers' offense, despite reaching 400 yards against Cincinnati, will face a Cardinals defense similar in its weaknesses. Arizona's recent performance, where they allowed substantial points and yardage to the Rams, further underscores their defensive shortcomings. Kyler Murray's ongoing adjustments to new offensive strategies add another layer of uncertainty to Arizona's offensive capabilities.

Jaylen Warren's potential for a touchdown is particularly intriguing in this matchup. His speed and agility pose a significant challenge to Arizona's poor-tackling defense. The Cardinals have shown susceptibility to allowing running backs to make substantial gains, particularly in the passing game. Warren's recent form and the expected game flow suggest he could be a pivotal player, making him a strong candidate for scoring a touchdown.o

Falcons @ Jets

Pick: Falcons ML

Pick: Bijan Robinson anytime TD @ +105 / Wager: 2% Bankroll

Pick: Bijan Robinson over 58.5 yards rushing / Wager: 2% Bankroll

Pick: Bijan Robinson over 81.5 yards rushing / Wager: 2% Bankroll

In this matchup, the Falcons take on the Jets in a game that has sparked quite the debate among our BrownBagBets leadership. While opinions are divided, our decision ultimately rests on the data and algorithm, which points us towards Atlanta, especially considering the Jets' quarterback situation.

The key to this game lies in the expected weather conditions and the Jets' struggles at the quarterback position. With rain in the forecast and Tim Boyle under center for the Jets, we anticipate a game dominated by the ground attack. Atlanta's strategy is likely to revolve around their running game, and Bijan Robinson is poised to be at the forefront of this approach.

Robinson's recent uptick in usage suggests that Falcons' coach Arthur Smith might have been conserving his dynamic running back for the crucial stages of the season. The Jets' defense, which has been allowing an average of 183 rushing yards per game, seems particularly vulnerable to a back of Robinson's caliber. We expect Robinson to exceed his rushing yards total, especially given the Jets' defensive woes and the Falcons' reliance on their running game.

Moreover, Robinson's versatility as a pass-catcher adds another dimension to his threat. He's been consistently surpassing 100 scrimmage yards in recent games, and against a Jets defense that's been faltering against the run, he's well-positioned to have another standout performance. His ability to contribute significantly in both the rushing and receiving aspects of the game makes him a pivotal player in this matchup.

The Falcons, coming off a solid win against New Orleans, are facing a Jets team that's struggling offensively, managing just 2.9 yards per play in their last outing. Atlanta's defense, ranking well in key areas, should be able to contain the Jets' limited offense. While there are concerns about Desmond Ridder's effectiveness on the road, the Falcons' game plan is likely to minimize his exposure and focus on their strengths in the running game. This approach not only plays to Atlanta's advantage but also aligns perfectly with our prediction for a Falcons victory and a big day for Bijan Robinson.

Colts @ Titans

Pick: Titans +1

Pick: Zach Moss over 77.5 Yards Rushing / Wager: 2% Bankroll

Pick: Michael Pittman over 73.5 Yards Receiving / Wager: 2% Bankroll

In this AFC South showdown, the Titans, with a strong 4-0 record in true home games, are poised to leverage their home-field advantage against the Colts. Derrick Henry, facing a Colts defense that ranks 31st in rushing success rate allowed, is expected to be a key factor. The Titans' defensive line, strengthened by the return of Teair Tart, should also play a crucial role. Tart's presence in the lineup has been a game-changer for Tennessee's rush defense, and his return could significantly hinder the Colts' ground game.

Zack Moss's role in the Colts' offense becomes even more critical with Jonathan Taylor sidelined. In the previous meeting against the Titans, Moss demonstrated his potential, and with an increased workload expected, he's projected to surpass the 77.5 rushing yards mark. His performance in the RPO game, particularly against a Titans defense that has shown vulnerability, suggests a prominent role for him in this matchup.

Michael Pittman Jr.'s chemistry with quarterback Gardner Minshew has been evident, with a significant target share and consistent production. Pittman's ability to exploit the Titans' secondary, which has struggled against prominent wide receivers, positions him for another impressive performance. His recent track record of surpassing 80 receiving yards in multiple games, coupled with the Titans' defensive weaknesses, makes him a strong candidate to exceed the 73.5 yards receiving mark.

Dolphins @ Commanders

Pick: Commanders +9.5

Pick: Sam Howell over 38.5 Passing Attempts / Wager: 2% Bankroll

The Washington Commanders, amidst a transition in defensive coordinators, face a challenging matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Despite recent struggles, the Commanders have shown a notable improvement in their offensive output, averaging over 400 yards in their last five games. This offensive surge, coupled with the Dolphins' potential defensive vulnerabilities following Jaelan Phillips' injury, sets the stage for a potentially closer game than the spread suggests.

The Dolphins, coming off a dominant win over a division rival, might find themselves in a less favorable position against the Commanders. The absence of Phillips' pass-rushing skills could provide Washington with more opportunities to score, particularly in late-game scenarios where a backdoor cover could be in play. The Commanders' ability to generate significant offensive yardage, even against formidable defenses, indicates they might be undervalued in this matchup.

Sam Howell's role as the Commanders' quarterback is crucial, especially considering the team's recent defensive woes. Howell's tendency to attempt a high volume of passes, particularly in games where Washington finds itself trailing, makes the over on his 38.5 passing attempts an attractive bet. His consistent performance in recent home games, where he's exceeded this total in five consecutive matches, reinforces the likelihood of him maintaining a high passing attempt rate. This strategy not only aligns with the Commanders' current offensive approach but also serves as a hedge against the risk associated with the +9.5 spread.

Broncos @ Texans

Pick: Broncos +3.5

Pick: Under 47.5

The Broncos have been a revelation on defense, allowing a mere nine touchdowns over the past six weeks, a testament to DC Vance Joseph's strategic prowess and Russell Wilson's resurgence. Despite their recent offensive surge, the Texans, struggling at home, might find it tough to breach the Broncos' revitalized defense. Denver's methodical style and Houston's recent offensive struggles suggest a game that won't break the scoring bank. Expect the Broncos to continue their impressive streak, capitalizing on the Texans' home woes and a potentially low-scoring affair.

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Pick: Panthers +5.5

Pick: Under 37.5

In the wake of Frank Reich's departure, the Panthers might find a new spark, especially with key defenders returning to bolster an already formidable defense. The Buccaneers, grappling with injuries and a recent slump, face a Carolina team that's surprisingly resilient on defense. This matchup seems primed for a low-scoring, tightly contested battle, with the Panthers likely to benefit from the coaching change and their defensive prowess. Expect a gritty game where points are at a premium, making the Panthers an attractive pick with the points.

49ers @ Eagles

Pick: 49ers over 25.5 points

Pick: Eagles ML @ +130

Pick: Jalen Hurts Anytime TD / Wager: 2% Bankroll

The 49ers, consistently surpassing their team total, face an Eagles team that's been dominant at home. With key offensive players back in the fold, the 49ers' scoring prowess is likely to continue. Jalen Hurts, a reliable scorer in critical situations, is a smart bet for an anytime touchdown. Despite the 49ers' strength, the Eagles, with their formidable home-field advantage and a passionate fanbase, make a compelling case for a moneyline pick. Expect a high-energy clash where the Eagles leverage their home advantage to edge out a victory.

Browns @ Rams

Pick: Rams -3.5

The Rams, eyeing a playoff spot, face a Browns team led by an aging Joe Flacco, whose best days seem behind him. With the Browns' defense faltering on the road and the Rams' offense finding some rhythm, Los Angeles appears well-positioned to cover the spread. The Rams' ability to pressure Flacco, coupled with the Browns' weakened offensive line, tilts the scales in favor of Sean McVay's team. Expect the Rams to capitalize on the Browns' vulnerabilities and secure a win by more than the spread.