NFL & NCAAF picks from Kern: Cowboys vs Bills, Saints vs Falcons, Texas vs Texas Tech, Central Michigan vs Toledo, and Memphis vs Cincinnati

And now for some pre-weekend picks, since Turkey Day can’t just be about stuffing and leftovers, right?

Two-team teaser:

Cowboys (-.5) over Bills and Saints (-.5) over Falcons

I wouldn’t go nuts here, but I’m taking a chance that both favorites at least win without worrying about the spread. I think the Bills might be able to keep it close, but I just don’t see the Boys losing at home on Thanksgiving. They definitely need the game more. That doesn’t always mean they’ll get it. As for the Saints, they got beat pretty good in New Orleans by the Falcs a few weeks back. The Falcs lost last week at home pretty good to the Bucs. So go figure. Like I said, I’m just looking to get two victories. Sometimes even that’s asking too much, but we’ve been doing pretty good with these lately.

And as for the Bears at Lions, I’d lean toward the visitors if only because of Detroit’s quarterback situation. Of course Chicago’s situation hasn’t been all that with its guy either. But its defense has been pretty solid, and the Lions might be turning the ball over a few times. The under, which is 37, might be worth looking at too. And while we’re on that subject, the under of 46.5 in the Dallas game might be a play too. Or you could just concentrate more on all the food.

And on to Friday and the colleges …

Three-team teaser:

Texas (-1) over Texas Tech with Central Michigan (-1.5) over Toledo and Memphis (-2.5) over Cincinnati

Again, just looking mostly for wins. I don’t think Texas, coming off that loss at Baylor, is going to lose at home to Tech. It’s been a disappointing season. This won’t make that go away, but it won’t hurt either. My Toledo buddy says there’s no way the Rockets are probably going to cover, let alone win. So I’ll take his word for it. They haven’t been playing well lately. And at first glance the Memphis line looks a bit out of whack. But Cincy hasn’t been playing like it was earlier in the season. There’s every chance these guys could meet again next week in the AAC title game. So this isn’t the game that will really count the most. I think Memphis will at least get the W at home, by at least a field goal.

Gobble Gobble. Be back in a few days with some stuff to get you through Saturday and Sunday. Please pass me another slice of pumpkin pie. Or is that maybe the cinnamon babka? Yo, it’s all good.

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