What happens if you check the flop behind with your boat, the river is a blankish card, and he bets? Are you going to raise? If he's betting with nothing on the turn, you calling will induce a check/fold on the river. Raising will almost definitely cause a fold. The only way you're going to make any money with that hand if you check the flop is if bets both the turn and the river. Betting on the flop gives him the impression that you're stealing.