Bet the House?
Helllll no, according to “Mattress Mack,” the great Jim McIngvale of Gallery Furniture fame. He’s betting the sofa, the dinette set, the mattresses and the bedroom suite.
We like his style.
McIngvale — who’s an alum of North Texas and Dallas Bishop Lynch, by the way — is on a scorched mattress march to wager $10 million that his beloved Houston Astros will win the 2019 World Series. He bet $3.5 million on the ‘Stros this week in one swoop at the Scarlet Pearl casino sportsbook in Biloxi, Miss. Las Vegas sportsbook operators believe it to be the largest single legal wager ever in the United States.
And Mattress Mack didn’t stop there. Two days after the Biloxi bet, the furniture store superstar flew to New Jersey to wager another $1.5 million on the Astros at the same +220 odds. If Houston wins, McIngvale would net $11 million on those two bets alone.
Beloved in Houston, McIngvale reportedly has other betting slips on the Astros at various legal sportsbooks in Vegas and New Jersey. His eventual goal is to bet $10 million on Houston winning the Series.
But we’ve strayed from our lane, sort of. It’s still football season. And here are this week’s picks against the spread from college football and the NFL:
Standings
ART GARCIA
Last week: 7-5
Season: 38-20-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — Frogs ride Max Duggan to another easy W. Pick: TCU
Tulsa at SMU -13 — The hype is real on the Hilltop but the Hurricane keep it close: Pick Tulsa
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — Ain’t the same without Dana. Pick: Texas
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — The Jayhawks gave up 51 to TCU. This gets ugly: Pick: OU
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — Raiders lose their first at Jones, but stay in it: Pick: Tech
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — After padded their records with powder puffs, Bears looked better. Pick: Baylor
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — Loser of this game may actually move up in the polls. Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — The Buckeyes are for real, but Sparty is spunky. Pick: MSU
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — The fighting Harbaughs keep their Big Ten title hopes alive. Barely. Pick: Michigan
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — Pack don’t have enough firepower to keep up with Dak. Pick: Cowboys
Vikings at Giants +5 — Would needs Barkley when you’ve got Danny Dimes. Pick: Giants
Colts at Chiefs -11 — Pick: Chiefs
JOHN HENRY
Last week: 7-5
Season: 37-21-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — The identity of both of these teams remains elusive through four games. When in doubt, go with the home. Pick: Iowa State
Tulsa at SMU -13 — As an notable leasee on campus once said while in Washington, “Fool me once, shame on … shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.” I’m on your vessel, SMU. Pick: SMU
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 –– Mr. Texas, Sam Ehlinger, puts on his mining gear and goes all Dikembe Mutombo when he learns the Mountaineers scheduled the Longhorns for homecoming, which features a parade of very close brothers, sisters and cousins. Pick: Texas
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — The John Heismans of Oklahoma send a beast of 10 horns atop seven heads to Lawrence and give it authority to rule Kansas. Pick: Oklahoma
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — It’s one thing to get beat by Oklahoma last week without your starting QB. It’s another to do it the way a sloppy, mistake-ridden Tech did. Until they prove otherwise … . Pick: Oklahoma State
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — I’m a believer in the heirs of J. Frank Norris. This could be a shootout. Pick: Baylor
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — Auburn is the more tested team at this point, beating ranked Oregon at a neutral site and Texas A&M — not nearly as sexy now — on the road. Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — Ohio State might be the best team in the nation. Pick: Ohio State
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — Michigan wins a nail biter, but the Wolverines still have a hitch in the giddyup. Pick: Iowa.
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — The Cowboys show us a little something by rebounding to win a big game at home. If they don’t, start shopping for shovels. This is a game good teams should win at home. Pick: Cowboys
Vikings at Giants +5 — Can the Vikings get things fixed on the road against a very mediocre football team? Pick: Vikings
Colts at Chiefs -11 — After getting by last week, the Chief Mahomes rediscovers his stride. Pick: Chiefs.
JAN HUBBARD
Last week: 7-5
Season: 35-23-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — Home Field makes a difference. Pick: ISU
Tulsa at SMU -13 — Are you kidding me? 6-0 Mustangs? Somewhere in football heaven, Doak Walker is smiling. Pick: SMU
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — Longhorns should win, but big line at home favors WVU among bettors. Pick: West Virginia
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — Beating the spread would be a moral victory for the Jayhawks. Pick: Kansas
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — The Red Raiders may be short a quarterback, but like all the home dogs, the spread is attractive. Pick: Tech
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — Rejuvenated Bears pass their first major road test. Pick: Baylor
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — Battle of top 10 unbeaten teams. Auburn already showed it can win big games on the road. Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — Buckeyes winning games by an average of 45 points. That makes this line not so big. Pick: Ohio State
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — Jim Harbaugh will not put on a happy face after this one. Pick: Iowa
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — there are a lot of memories from that playoff game two years ago. The only pleasant ones belong to Aaron Rodgers. Pick: Green Bay
Vikings at Giants +5 — The Daniel Jones era is off to a spectacular start. Eli who? Pick: NY
Colts at Chiefs -11 — Colts still grappling with life after Andrew Luck. KC not a good place to grapple. Pick: KC
RICHIE WHITT
Last week: 9-3
Season: 34-24-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — Cyclones gutted by last-second loss in Waco. Suddenly Frogs’ loss to SMU doesn’t look so bad. Pick: TCU
Tulsa at SMU -13 — Starting to believe in Mustangs and Buechele. Can’t see why they don’t put up 40+ again. Pick: SMU
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — Loss of Caden Sterns weakens an already porous Horns’ secondary. Texas wins, but in a struggle. Pick: West Virginia
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — Sooners could win this by 52, much less 32. Pick: Oklahoma
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — Conservative Red Raiders are wholly unrecognizable from the glory days of Mike Leach. Pick: Oklahoma State
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — Narrow wins over Rice and Iowa State don’t have me convinced of undefeated Bears. Pick: Kansas State
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — Sparkling records and stats might be identical, but Tigers have beaten two ranked teams. Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — Sparty’s underrated defense gives Buckeyes its first real test of season. Pick: Michigan State
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — Blowout of Rutgers can’t camouflage this very average Wolverines team. Pick: Iowa
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — Green Bay likely without Davante Adams; Dallas opens up offense after Big Easy hiccup. Pick: Cowboys
Vikings at Giants +5 — Despite consecutive wins, New York shouldn’t be favored by 3+ points vs. any team in the NFL. Pick: Vikings
Colts at Chiefs -11 — Banged-up Colts’ defense is a huge bulls-eye for Mahomes at home. Pick: Chiefs
MARJORIE LEWIS
Last week: 6-6
Season: 34-24-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — I’d give Iowa State 3, but not 3 1/2. Pick: TCU
Tulsa at SMU -13 — Like SMU, Tulsa has a Big 12 transfer QB, and he’s getting better each week. Pick: Tulsa
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — West Virginia has played better than expected, but I’ll take QB Sam Ehlinger over the West Virginia secondary in this one. Pick: Texas
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — QB Jalen Hurts plays as if he has something to prove each week, and each week he gets better. Pick: Oklahoma
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — The Cowboys go as Chuba Hubbard goes. Pick: Oklahoma State
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — Not sure how good Baylor is, but certain Kansas State has been overrated. Pick: Baylor
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — A balanced offense goes to Auburn. Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — Michigan State has the superior defense but not the superior team. Defense will keep it closer, but not by much. Pick: Michigan State
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — Iowa is not Rutgers. Pick: Iowa
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — The outcome will be determined by the Cowboys’ running game. If Zeke isn’t up for this one, the season could get long. Pick: Cowboys
Vikings at Giants +5 — Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has apologized, so he’ll either make it work or make a mess. Pick: Vikings
Colts at Chiefs -11 — Night game. Home game. QB Patrick Mahomes will put on a show. Pick: Chiefs
ANTHONY ANDRO
Last week: 9-3
Season: 33-25-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — I think I think Iowa State is better than it is. But I’m riding the Cyclones another week. Pick: Iowa State
Tulsa at SMU -13 — Top 25 Ponies look the part against Tulsa. Pick: SMU
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — The Mountaineers are way on down, down, way on down. H/T Elvis. Pick: Texas
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — Could cover by halftime. Pick: Oklahoma
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — No QB in Lubbock means big problems. Pick: Oklahoma State
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — Everyone in Waco is getting new contracts and feeling good. Pick: Baylor
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — Auburn is the sleeper in the SEC West. Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — Is Fields the best QB in the country right now? Pick: Ohio State
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — I can’t stake Harbaugh and all. But…. Pick: Michigan
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — Feel like this is a bounceback game. Pick: Cowboys
Vikings at Giants +5 — Minnesota is afraid to throw the ball and the receivers are pissed. Pick: Giants
Colts at Chiefs -11 — The Colts are better than this. Pick: Colts
GIL LeBRETON
Last week: 8-4
Season: 32-26-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — A vote for the better defense, getting the points. Pick: TCU
Tulsa at SMU -13 — I’m on the Ponies bandwagon until they show me otherwise. Pick: SMU
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — Longhorns may stumble one week, but I don’t see the Texas offense having trouble here. Pick: Texas
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — Talent disparity is immense, and that’s a lot of points to give in a road game, especially with Sooners likely resting people for Texas during second half. Pick: Kansas
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — Not crazy about discounting the home underdog here, but ‘Pokes are playing well. Pick: Okie State
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — I smell a mildly desperate effort on K-State’s part after last week’s defeat. Pick: Kansas State
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — In the battle of coaches, give me Dan Mullen at home over Gus Malzahn. Pick: Florida
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — Buckeyes keep rolling and a three-touchdown spread is nothing to them at home. Pick: Ohio State
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — Wrong team is favored, right? Pick: Iowa
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — Despite the fans’ week of panic, Cowboys should bounce back at home. Pick: Cowboys
Vikings at Giants +5 — It’s been a crazy week for Mike Zimmer’s team, but Giants won’t have Saquon Barkley. Pick: Vikings
Colts at Chiefs -11 — Kansas City has played three of its first four on the road. Pat Mahomes will like being back home. Pick: Chiefs
MATT MOSLEY
Last week: 6-6
Season: 32-26-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — Do I trust any of the TCU QBs to get it done on the road? Absolutely not. Could the Frogs hold down the Cyclones for three quarters like Baylor? You bet they could Pick: TCU
Tulsa at SMU -13 — This is a scary game for a team that is ranked for the first time in forever. Tulsa can be dangerous despite its poor record under Phil Montgomery Pick: SMU
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — I love it when the Horns are a big road favorite. This is EASY MONEY. Pick: West Virginia
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — If only the Jayhawks could save us the time and simply forfeit. But wait, these kids will fight it out a bit. I like a backdoor cover. Pick: Kansas
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — I don’t trust Mike Gundy in Lubbock BUT the Red Raiders are compromised at QB. Pick: Oklahoma State
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — The Bears will put pressure on this secondary. And Denzel Mims and Tyquan Thornton form quite a duo. Pick: Baylor
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — There is no scenario where I trust a ranked Gators team to beat Auburn. Bo Nix and the fellas continue to roll. Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — The Buckeyes are good, but they are not 20-point favorite over Sparty good. Michigan State will hang around for a good while. Pick: Michigan State
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — Under no circumstances can we trust Harbaugh against a ranked opponent. Wait, Michigan is favored vs Iowa? Pick: Iowa
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — Aaron Rogers and three and a half points? Against the Cowboys?! Pick: Packers
Vikings at Giants +5 — Mike Zimmer is about to combust. His receivers have aired their grievances against Kirk Cousins. Pick: Vikings
Colts at Chiefs -11 — KC is going to play a poor game at some point. Pick: Colts
JIMMY BURCH
Last week: 7-5
Season: 31-27-2
TCU at Iowa State – 3 1/2 — Horned Frogs’ quarterback Max Duggan enjoys his return to his home state, thanks to a little help from his defensive teammates. Pick: TCU
Tulsa at SMU -13 — College football’s best story of the season continues to get even better. Pony Up, you non-believers! Pick: SMU
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — After four games, I’m still not smitten by the new coaching regime or the new QB at West Virginia. Pick: Texas
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — After four games, I’m thoroughly impressed by the new QB and his play-caller at Oklahoma. Pick: Oklahoma
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — Despite the home crowd, It’s hard to envision the Texas Tech defense containing Cowboys’ RB Chuba Hubbard well enough to remain within single digits. Pick: Oklahoma State
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — Baylor remains undefeated for another week … but just barely (Bearly?). Pick: Baylor
Auburn at Florida + 2 1/2 — Auburn squeezes out this early season elimination battle between SEC teams with CFP dreams. Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State – 20 — Watching Buckeyes’ QB Justin Fields makes me think Georgia let the wrong quarterback transfer to Columbus, Ohio. Pick: Ohio State
Iowa at Michigan – 3 1/2 — Iowa has a better team, yet STILL gets points vs. Jim Harbaugh’s bunch? Yes, please! Pick: Iowa
Packers at Cowboys – 3 1/2 — The Cowboys rebound in a big way, extract some overdue vengeance on Aaron Rodgers in AT&T Stadium. Pick: Cowboys
Vikings at Giants + 5 — The Giants add Golden Tate to Daniel Jones’ offensive arsenal while preparing to face a dysfunctional bunch of disgruntled Vikings. Pick: Giants
Colts at Chiefs – 11 — After last week’s narrow escape on the road, the Chiefs use the whole can of Whoop A** on the outmanned Colts in front of a frenzied home crowd. Pick: Chiefs
CARLOS MENDEZ
Last week: 6-6
Season: 28-30-2
TCU at Iowa State -3 1/2 — Max Duggan showed poise and put touch on the ball last week. Led a 17-play scoring drive, too. Now he’s got to show it on the road, and not just anywhere on the road — his home state against a team badly needing a win. Pick: TCU
Tulsa at SMU -13 — Mustangs have convinced themselves they’re good. And they are. Pick: SMU
Texas at West Virginia +10 1/2 — West Virginia gets its chops up at home. Texas has chops, too. Pick: Texas
Oklahoma at Kansas +32 — Way too much heavy lifting required of the home team here. Pick: Oklahoma
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech +10 — Been a long time since we’ve seen a Tech team without offense. Pick: Oklahoma State
Baylor at Kansas State -1 1/2 — Good teams play good at home. Pick: Kansas State
Auburn at Florida +2 1/2 — Has Florida solved their OL problem? Pick: Auburn
Michigan State at Ohio State -20 — Ohio State is one of these teams that, every year, eventually out-athletes you. Pick: Ohio State
Iowa at Michigan -3 1/2 — What am I missing? Pick: Iowa
Packers at Cowboys -3 1/2 — Aaron Rodgers scares me. Keep him off the field. Pick: Packers
Vikings at Giants +5 — The Giants have found some quarterbacking. They feel good. They’re at home. And Wayne Gallman’s trouble. Pick: Giants
Colts at Chiefs -11 — Chiefs at home at night sounds good every day of the week. But Indy is sneaky good. Pick: Colts
