As the demarcation between good and bad teams starts to become more pronounced, getting to people to bet on the bad teams is becoming more difficult.
Of the 16 games this week, six of them have a team favored by seven or more points, including three teams in double digits. The hard part for those betting on games is that a strong case can be made that all the big favorites should cover, which is always dangerous for bettors who project blowouts.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Minnesota Vikings (-160) at Los Angeles Rams (+135)
The Vikings are road favorites (3 points at -105 Vikings, -115 Rams). The Rams may be holding a fire sale over the next two weeks with big names being thrown out. Even if untrue, Minnesota has to have an advantage, especially since there will be more Vikings fans in the stadium than Rams fans. Take the Vikings and lay 3 points (-105).
Baltimore Ravens (-450) at Cleveland Browns (+350)
The Ravens are huge favorites (9 points at -110 for both teams). The Browns have been a train wreck all seasons. The Ravens has won five straight and look almost unbeatable. The Browns don’t have an answer to Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Take the Ravens and lay 9 points (-110).
Tennessee Titans (+475) at Detroit Lions (-650)
The Lions are the biggest favorites of the week (11.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Titans offense is punchless, and Detroit is currently the Super Bowl frontrunner from the NFC. The Lions should win this by 20. Take the Lions and lay 11.5 points (-110).
Arizona Cardinals (+150) at Miami Dolphins (-185)
The Dolphins are solid favorites (3.5 points at -115 Cardinals, -105 Dolphins). This line is predicated on Tua Tagovailoa coming back this week and having no rust in his game. That may be asking too much. Take the Cardinals plus 3.5 points (-115).
New York Jets (-350) at New England Patriots (+275)
The Over/Under is low (41 points at -110 for both). Both Drake Maye and Aaron Rodgers have shown the ability to move the ball but not translate it into a slew of touchdowns. This stinks of a game with more field goals than touchdowns. Take Under 41 points (-110).
Atlanta Falcons (-350) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+120)
The Falcons are small road favorites (2.5 points at -115 Falcons, -105 Buccaneers). It’s hard to fathom losing both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the same game. Baker Mayfield has to reinvent the offense. That rarely happens the week after catastrophe. Take the Falcons and lay 2.5 points (-115).
Green Bay Packers (-210) at Jacksonville Jaguars (+170)
The Over/Under is high (49.5 points at -110 for both). The Packers have hit under this numbers five teams – all wins. If you think Green Bay can take care of business against the Jags, they do it bleeding the clock. Take Under 49.5 points (-110).
Indianapolis Colts (+200) at Houston Texans (-250)
The Texans are solid favorites (5 points at -110 for both teams). The Texans beat the Colts 29-27 in the season opener in Indy when the Colts were at full strength. There’s little reason to believe that will change in the sequel. Take the Texans and lay 5 points (-110).
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Philadelphia Eagles (+110) at Cincinnati Bengals (-130)
The Bengals are modest home favorites (2 points). I preface this by saying the Eagles are my betting kryptonite. I was late to the party during the collapse year, but this team can grind a defense and wear it down. Take the Eagles on the moneyline (+110).
New Orleans Saints (+280) at Los Angeles Chargers (-350)
The Chargers are huge favorites (7.5 points at -115 Saints, -105 Chargers). The Chargers don’t deserve to be this big of a favorite, but the Saints are in free fall and have lost their last three games by 13, 24 and 23 points. Begrudgingly take the Chargers and lay 7.5 points (-105).
Buffalo Bills (-160) at Seattle Seahawks (+135)
Buffalo is a small road favorites (3 points at -110 for both teams). The Seahawks were a cute story when they started 3-0, but they have played two playoff-caliber teams – the Lions and 49ers. They lost those two games by 13 and 12 points, respectively. Buffalo can handle three points. Take the Bills and lay 3 points (-110).
Chicago Bears (-150) at Washington Commanders (+125)
The Bears are favored at the moment (2.5 points). I would avoid this game because Jayden Daniels’ rib injury is why the number is where it’s at. However, we need a pick on this game. Daniels keeps a tab on comparisons. He plays. He shines. Take the Commanders on the moneyline (+125).
Carolina Panthers (+375) at Denver Broncos (-500)
The Broncos are undeserving monster favorites (10 points at -110 for both teams). The Panthers seem content to stink – their losses have been by 37, 23, 10, 26, 18, and 33 points. Carolina should be relegated to SEC to prove their value. As much as they don’t warrant it, take the Broncos and lay 10 points (-110).
Kansas City Chiefs (-550) at Las Vegas Raiders (+400)
The Chiefs are another huge favorite (10 points at -110 for both teams). What have the Raiders done that would make you think they will be competitive with the unbeaten champs. When they traded Davante Adams, they waved the white flag of surrender, not the war flag of the eye-patch guy. Take the Chiefs and lay 10 points.
Dallas Cowboys (+165) at San Francisco 49ers (-200)
This game has a big Over/Under number (46.5 points at -110 for both). Neither team is living up to their hype. If the game is close, decisions will be made to play it safe in hopes of a much-needed win. Take Under 46.5 points (-110).
New York Giants (+240) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-300)
The Over/Under is worthy of flexing this game out (36 points at -110 for both). Daniel Jones doesn’t have the ammunition to be somebody. Russell Wilson is notorious for one half of great football followed by a drought. But there should never be an O/U under 38 points where Under is a consideration. Take Over 36 points (-110).