Taking Bets: Championship Week - For the Good Times

The weekly betting column looks to the end of the season, but don't forget that most Mondays, TD and Greg break down all the big sports happenings on the podcast Takin' On Sports. You can find that podcast streaming here on the site or in any podcast app of your preference. Now, on to the bets that maybe you can consider now!

2022 ATS Record
Blaine Duncan: 27-23-1 (Week Thirteen: 1-2-1)
TD Wood: 28-23 (Week Thirteen: 4-0)

Blaine Duncan 
Much like soccer, sometimes a push is just a loss.

Utah (+3) vs USC (Friday night) -- One of the Trojans' big tests came against the Utes, and USC lost. It's hard to beat a team twice in one season, but Utah can score and they allow a bit less than the Trojans on average. Usually there isn't major disruption during Championship Week; this game, though, has potential to stir the pot.

Kansas State vs TCU (-2.5) -- This line feels pretty low, which means that it isn't at all low. I've learned to trust the Wildcats over the years. They make for a great team to bet. But Sonny D. will have the Horned Toads ready and realizing this game is more about a Big XII Championship. TCU wins again.

Clemson vs North Carolina (+7.5) -- Clemson likely gets the win and another ACC Championship, but I wouldn't be surprised if Mack Brown's Tar Heels don't win outright. I believe that they'll keep it within seven for the game.

NFL Game of the Week: Chiefs at Bengals (OVER: 53) -- That over is bit high, but I see these two quarterbacks getting there in an effort to best an AFC opponent. This is a quality game, too, so I'm expecting fireworks.

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TD Wood
A great rivalry week ensures that I'll finish the season with a winning record, which makes me happy. Let's finish on a high note.

North Texas at UTSA (-8.5) (Friday Night) -- The Roadrunners are one of the hottest teams in the nation, winners of their last nine. Their only losses on the season came in three overtimes to Houston, and on the road at Texas. They beat North Texas by four earlier this season, and I like them to do it again by a much bigger margin for the Conference USA Championship.

Fresno State at Boise State (-3) -- Much like UTSA, Boise State gets home field advantage in their conference title game. The Broncos beat the Bulldogs by 20 earlier this season on the blue turf, and I don't see that changing much. Boise will grind down Fresno en route to the Mountain West Championship.

Purdue vs Michigan (-16.5) -- Purdue have a reputation for big upsets in the Big 10, but I don't see Jim Harbaugh letting the Wolverines lose focus in this one. Moreso, I don't see the Boilermakers being able to do much of anything on offense against the Michigan defense.

NFL Game of the Week: Steelers at Falcons (+1) -- Not quite sure why the Steelers are road favorites here. Atlanta isn't exactly top tier, but they still have a shot at the playoffs thanks to a particularly weak NFC South. That gives them something to play for and I like that.

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Note: All games are Against the Spread. Odds are taken from the Caesar's Sportsbook.