I’m an idiot though. A lot of “sharps” have been struggling lately and this is the time I choose to jump in
You are not an idiot def not for that. Sorry to hear things started off on a bad note. There will def be better days and like everything else, it's a process. As the old saying it's a marathon, not a sprint. Don't wager so much of your bankroll on any one play too much risk. A big part of winning is money management.
When it comes to sports picks and "sharps" it's great to see who likes what and who is playing whatever games. It can create a solid baseline. But at the end of the day, it should be just 1 step of many to making your own plays. If a person you follow posts a play take it and then look at it from your perspective and then see if you can figure out why its a play and why u should like it if you can't figure it out then maybe it's not worth playing or if u think hmm something is fishy then may be best to pass. See how your instincts react
If nothing else it gives u a chance to gather information for yourself and gain a process that u can slowly build off of. before u know it you will be one of the guys posting plays more so than following them. Sports Betting can be extremely humbling at times even for those who are good at it.