South Shore Press Sports Director and Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw caught up with nationally known sports betting expert Tom Barton to break down the newly released NFL schedule and spotlight “Barton’s Best Bet” for the upcoming season. While the conversation touched on the Jets, Giants and the changing landscape of NFL scheduling, Barton made it clear his strongest wager is already locked in.
Stefan Mychajliw: The full NFL schedule came out. What jumped out at you?
Tom Barton: We’re used to Sunday one o’clock football. Now games are everywhere — Wednesdays, Thursdays, streaming platforms, prime time. It’s become almost every day of the week. Traditionalists may not love it, but for somebody like me, I kind of enjoy it.
Stefan Mychajliw: The Bills have Thanksgiving and Christmas games. It almost feels like the NFL took a Pollock painting approach and splattered games everywhere.
Tom Barton: Exactly. Five teams won’t even be on prime time at all, including the New York Jets.
Stefan Mychajliw: Speaking of the Jets, what stood out about their schedule?
Tom Barton: No prime-time games actually helps them. They stay in rhythm, don’t deal with short weeks, and avoid the spotlight. That said, it’s still a tough schedule for a bad football team.
Stefan Mychajliw: Let’s get to what everybody wants: Barton’s Best Bet.
Tom Barton: Arizona Cardinals under five wins. That’s the play. Their first 10 weeks might be the toughest schedule I’ve ever seen. Absolutely brutal.
Stefan Mychajliw: That strong?
Tom Barton: Look at the division. The Rams are among the Super Bowl favorites. Seattle is coming off a Super Bowl win. San Francisco is loaded again. On top of that, Arizona’s quarterback situation is already messy with contract issues during OTAs.
Stefan Mychajliw: So you’re saying the Cardinals are the dumpster fire of the NFL before the season even starts?
Tom Barton: There are several teams racing to the bottom for the No. 1 pick, but Arizona is absolutely one of them. I think they may win one or two games all year.
Barton’s Best Bet: Arizona Cardinals UNDER 5 wins.