The NFL does most things right, but managing bye weeks isn’t one of them.
It would be easy enough to have one division have a bye week at the same time for eight weeks and have those teams play each other the week out of byes. Apparently, that makes too much sense.
Instead, the NFL has six teams from four divisions on bye this week and all of them play teams the following week that didn’t have a bye – the definition of a competitive advantage.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Pittsburgh Steelers (-200) at Cleveland Browns (+165)
The Steelers are road favorites (3.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Steelers have won their last five games and are 4-1 on the road. The Browns have lost seven of their last eight games, and all the losses have been by more than 3.5 points. Take the Steelers and lay 3.5 points (-110).
Minnesota Vikings (-185) at Chicago Bears (+150)
The Over/Under is low (39.5 points at -110 for both). Minnesota has hit Under this number in each of its last three games and has allowed 17 or fewer points in seven of its eight wins, allowing just 33 points in the last three games. Chicago hasn’t scored 20 points in any of its last four games. Take Under 39.5 points (-110).
Detroit Lions (-400) at Indianapolis Colts (+310)
The Over/Under is very high (50.5 points -110 for both). The Lions have hit Over this number in five of their last seven games, and the Colts have scored 20 or more points in seven of their last nine games. If Indy hits 20 points, this will cruise past this number. Anthony Richardson is at a crossroads. Points are coming. Take Over 50.5 points (-110).
New England Patriots (+310) at Miami Dolphins (-550)
The Dolphins are big favorites (7.5 points at -115 Patriots, -105 Dolphins). The Patriots have lost four of their last five road games, and Miami has scored 27 or more points in three of the four games since Tua Tagovailoa‘s return from injury. Take the Dolphins and lay 7.5 points (-105).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-275) at New York Giants (+220)
The Buccaneers are big road favorites (6 points at -105 Buccaneers, -115 Giants). The Giants have begun to go into tank mode and the veteran Buccaneers defense will feast on No. 3 QB Tommy DeVito. Take the Buccaneers and lay 6 points (-105).
Dallas Cowboys (+400) at Washington Commanders (-550)
The Over/Under is middle of the road this week (45 points at -110 for both). The Cowboys have scored just 16 points in their last two games, and the Commanders haven’t scored more than 27 points in the last four games. This divisional game could be defense-dominated. Take Under 45 points (-110).
Kansas City Chiefs (-650) at Carolina Panthers (+475)
The Chiefs are huge favorites (11 points at -110 for both teams). The Chiefs are coming off their first loss and each of Carolina’s seven losses this season have been by double digits. There is a beating coming for the Panthers. Take the Chiefs and lay 11 points (-110).
Tennessee Titans (+320) at Houston Texans (-400)
Houston are big favorites (8.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Titans last four losses have been by 24, 38, 10, and 10 points. Houston stands on business when facing inferior teams, and the 2-8 Titans are clearly inferior. Take the Texans and lay 8.5 points (-110).
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Denver Broncos (-250) at Las Vegas Raiders (+200)
The Over/Under is low (41 points at -110 for both teams). The Broncos won 34-18 in their first meeting. Denver has hit Over this number four of their last five games, and the Raiders have gone Over in five of their last six, including allowing 75 points in the last two games. Take Over 41 points (-110).
San Francisco 49ers (+115) at Green Bay Packers (-140)
The Packers have played four games against playoff-caliber teams and lost of them (Eagles, Vikings and Lions) and squeaked out a two-point win over the Texans. The 49ers have been erratic, but have their injured players back and are capable of going on a significant run. Take the 49ers on the moneyline (+115).
Arizona Cardinals (-110) at Seattle Seahawks (-110)
The Over/Under is high (47 points at -110 for both teams). When the Cardinals and Seahawks are at their best, they’re running 25-30 times. Seattle has gone Under this number in each of their last four games and Arizona has topped this number just once in the last six games. Take Under 47 points (-110).
Philadelphia Eagles (-155) at Los Angeles Rams (+125)
The Eagles are road favorites (3 points at -105 Eagles, -115 Rams). The Eagles have won six straight games, and all of them have been by more than three points. All five of the Rams losses have been by five points or less – even when at full strength. Take the Eagles and lay 3 points (-105).
Baltimore Ravens (-155) at Los Angeles Chargers (+130)
The Over/Under is high (50.5 points at -105 Over, -115 Under). The Chargers have played just two playoff-caliber teams (Pittsburgh and Kansas City). Not only did they lose both games, they managed just 10 points in both of them. Ravens game have hit Over, but against playoff teams the games are lower scoring. Take Under 50.5 points (-115).