Thanksgiving Football Insights w/ Fox Sports Radio’s Bernie Fratto

It’s episode 122 of Wise Kracks and joining the show this week is Fox Sports Radio’s own, and Wise Kracks alum, Bernie Fratto! With Bernie sitting in for the duration of the show, the guys discuss who will take the NFC East division in the NFL, if there are any advantages to be had with games being spread out this week due to Thanksgiving, the disaster of a World Cup, an upcoming UFC Fight Night, predictions for who Aaron Judge will sign with next season, and more. Here we go!

Your hosts Bill Krackomberger and Jon Orlando no longer see the Philadelphia Eagles as a possible leader in the division. Who do they think will take the NFC East?

With Thanksgiving coming up, NFL games are more spread out than usual throughout the week. Are there any advantages that come from this?

 With controversies abound, the World Cup isn’t shaping up to be a pleasant experience. That being said, do sharp bettors do well with this event?

The next UFC Fight Night on December 3rd is looking like a stellar card, with Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland as the headliner. Who do the guys see winning?

As a free agent, MLB all-star Aaron Judge’s next move is still up in the air. With the guys hounding their guest for insider information, where does Bernie Fratto see Judge ending up next season? All of this and more on this week’s Wise Kracks!

The NFC East Title Race is Close

“For the first time, we acknowledge that the Philadelphia Eagles are not looking like the leader in their division!”

With a loss to the last-place team in their division just over a week ago against the Washington Commanders, and just barely beating the Indianapolis Colts this past weekend 17-16, the guys are starting to doubt the Eagles will be the NFC East division champs.

With a crushing victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys inch closer to the top of the division and are currently tied with the New York Giants. Interestingly enough, the Cowboys and the Giants are due to square off for some Thursday Night Football action that will determine who will be the true second-place team in the division. I think you can guess who’s happy about the Cowboy’s performance as of late. Jon smiles, “The Vikings looked like they showed up for the wrong game!”

Bill, on the other hand, wasn’t happy with the Vikings' efforts, “I needed the Vikings for that game… I had some Dallas things that I was against.” Jon laughs, and Bernie sides with Jon, “The Cowboys are a good time… they’re legit, they’re going to be in the playoffs.” This is, of course, music to Jon’s ears!

The guys are looking forward to the eventual battle between the Eagles and the Cowboys, a true test of might for who will take the NFC East. Bill grins, “Dallas against the Eagles… that will be the game.” Like any savvy bettor, Bill is curious about what the future lines are looking like for that game which is to take place a month from now, “What do you guys think? I think it could be a pick ‘em.” Jon inquires, “Are you going to bet it, Bill?” Bill shakes his head, “I don’t like futures because they’re such a big, juiced market.”

Upon further scanning, Bill notes that the Cowboys are 15 to 1 to win the Super Bowl. Jon turns to Bernie, “Would you take that?” Bernie responds, “I wouldn’t.” As Bill agrees with Bernie, Jon’s smile fades, “You both make me very sad.”

However, Bernie chases that statement with some Cowboys praise, “I think the NFL is better if the Cowboys do better… I’m a Jerry Jones fan, and I wish I could trust Dak Prescott, but a Cowboys Super Bowl win would be great for the NFL.” With Bernie supporting Jon’s wish for a Cowboys Super Bowl, it’s a wish that will hopefully come true someday and make Jon’s life complete!

Thanksgiving Football (with Turkey on the Side)

“It’s a short week for these teams, and you can guarantee that with two favorites like the Buffalo Bills and the Cowboys playing, at least one of those games is going to be an upset.”

The 2022-23 NFL season has been a real rollercoaster, and even someone as seasoned as Bill just doesn’t know how things will turn out next. With more games being spread out over the week than usual with Thanksgiving on the horizon, Bill discusses whether this brings with it any advantages. 

For one, he sees the match-ups between the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions, and the New York Giants and The Dallas Cowboys, going to the dogs, “Don’t be surprised if the Lions and the Giants win outright,” Bill exclaims, “God just has a way of protecting bookmakers.” Bernie concurs, “It’s very possible, the last 6 double-digit underdogs have covered!”

Bill continues to drive home an evergreen point, “Our eyes can deceive us… week to week, it doesn’t mean a thing. The books are going to need both dogs!”

The season-long favorites, Buffalo Bills, are also undergoing changes that could alter their chances of winning. Bernie shares some insight, “Buffalo doesn’t want Josh Allen to run a lot.” With that tidbit about the Bills’ quarterback, Bill jumps into action, “I’m going to bet under rushing yards for Josh!”

When asked about potential teasers, Bernie shares his perspective, “The only reason I don’t like teasers is that you need two outcomes, and it doesn’t always get there!” This is music to Bill’s ears!

As has become a ritual on the show as of late, the guys shower the New York Jets with praise, specifically Jon, “I’m high on the Jets!” Bernie adds, “Mike White is officially starting for the Jets, and they have an elite defense.” Bill agrees, “What can I say, they’re over their season win totals already.”

When Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is brought into the conversation, Bernie has a few things he’d like to say, “As a quarterback, you’re supposed to play with your eyes… his default mechanism is to run.” Looking at the other end of the spectrum, Bernie advises the quarterback (listen up, Fields!) to take after his contemporaries, “You have to operate from the pocket… watch Burrows, watch Jimmy G, they know what to do!”

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Welcome to Wise Kracks, the place to be for all things betting, pop culture, tips & more! Your hosts Jon Orlando and Bill Krackomberger dive into the sports world, sharing a laugh as good friends do.

 A new guest joins the show every week to share one-of-a-kind stories from the world of sports and entertainment. Wise Kracks wants to make you a winner, and Bill is the man to make it happen. 

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