Both of the primetime games this week have featured spread drama revolving around field goals, or rather lack-thereof. On Thursday, we saw Josh Scobee’s career with the Pittsburgh Steelers end after he missed two late field-goals which eventually lead to the team’s overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens (after Justin Tucker nailed one from 54 yards out). After that game, I discussed the importance of shopping for the best line, as there was no excuse for anyone to have bet anything other than Ravens -2 / -2.5 or Steelers +3. Regardless of how much work you put into getting your Sunday Night Cowboys line, you got a swift kick in the nuts. At least you have a five-day work-week to look forward to.
The line on Sunday’s nightcap was 2.5 at the standard betting sites, and 3 / 3.5 at the square ones. Despite the outcome, what I said earlier still stands – there is no reason for anyone to have bet anything other than Saints -2.5 or Cowboys +3 / +3.5… but, damn.
Losses suck, but they are not the worst. The average bettor will suffer hundreds of them per year. The only ones that he or she will remember are demonstrated tonight. At least they make good conversations. With under 5 minutes left in the game, Dallas’ quarterback Brandon Weeden lead a remarkable 89 yard drive, which ended in an unbelievable 4th down touchdown on what would have very well been the last play of the game in most scenarios.
Tied 20-20, Dallas bettors holding onto +3 or +3.5 sat back up in their seats. With just over 2 minutes remaining in regulation, the chance of the game ending in either a regulation/overtime Saints field-goal or an outright Cowboys win were very high. And just for that moment, the biggest mistake was made. Some call it “hope”.
Don’t get use to it. After Brees marched the New Orleans offense down the field with no time-outs, kicker Zach Hocker set up for a short 30-yard game-winner. Only to be distracted by this guy:
*Boink*…
Off the uprights and back out onto the field. That was the sound of Mr. Chubby pictured above taking your money, Cowboys bettors. He knows it now, every dollar. Think of that while you try to fall asleep tonight.
There goes the 23-20 final, where most people go home happy (including those who needed to rely on a full-field Weeden drive for the push). As soon as it happened you knew what was up. A flip of the coin and a completion later, and it was all over. C.J. Spiller houses it for a 26-20 final, keeping the game under the total but ruining the lives of those brave enough to back a primetime underdog.
My teachers always told me not to do drugs when I was in high-school. What about hope? That shit ruins lives.