Category: Week 16

Dallas Cowboys (5-9) vs Philadelphia Eagles (4-9-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Philadelphia Eagles Will Win

The Eagle offense has found a spark in Jalen Hurts.

He hasn’t been perfect, and Philadelphia lost to Arizona last week, but the last two weeks the O came up with over 400 yards of total yards after only getting there once all season.

Hurts runs things quicker, the running game has started to work more, and Dallas can’t stop any of it. The injured Cowboys are last in the NFL in run defense and now the offense isn’t doing enough to help the cause.

Why Dallas Cowboys Will Win

The defense might be awful, but the takeaways are there.

As bad as Dallas has been, it’s been able to force mistakes over the last two weeks – both wins – coming up with seven turnovers to do enough to generate points for an O that’s not getting to 300 yards. There was only one other time the Cowboys were able to come up with more than two turnovers – the four they got against Philadelphia in a 23-9 loss back in early November.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas
Is this the week he finally comes up with some semblance of production again? He missed last week with a calf injury and is questionable this week, but he’s expected to git it a try. But will it matter? He hasn’t rushed for a touchdown since coming up with two against the Giants way back to mid-October.

What’s Going To Happen

Can Carolina beat Washington? If that happens, the winner of this is still alive for the NFC East title, with it getting really, really interesting if the Eagles win and the Football Team lose – the two play in Week 17.

Philadelphia is having all sorts of defensive issues – it fell off the map in the secondary over the last month – but the offense isn’t turning the ball over. It has only given it up three times in the last four games, and Dallas needs to come up with at least two takeaways to get the win.

This will be a surprisingly entertaining game, with Hurts coming through late.

Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles Prediction, Line

Philadelphia 27, Dallas 23
Bet on Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles with BetMGM
Philadelphia -3, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: Die Hard
1: Every other Christmas movie ever made

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Washington Football Team vs Carolina Panthers Prediction, Game Preview

Washington Football Team vs Carolina Panthers prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Washington Football Team vs Carolina Panthers prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Washington Football Team vs Carolina Panthers Broadcast

Date: Sunday, December 27
Game Time: 4:05 ET
Venue: FedEx Field, Landover, MD
Network: CBS

[jwplayer XUSLKON6]

Washington (6-6) vs Carolina (4-10) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Carolina Panthers Will Win

There are parts that keep working despite this brutal run of eight losses in nine games.

Teddy Bridgewater has been fine, the offense is getting some rushing yards even without Christian McCaffrey, and there isn’t a problem with a whole lot of big mistakes. The team is competitive, but it just needs a few big breaks.

Washington games are relatively low scoring. It’s about the defense, ball control, and not screwing up. The Panthers will never be out of this. However …

Why Washington Football Team Will Win

The Football Team’s defenses been a rock over this run to the playoffs. Even in last week’s loss to Seattle, Washington was able to hold down the high-powered attack to just 302 total yards and fewer than 200 to Russell Wilson.

One of the things Carolina does right is control the clock, but the Washington D is among the best in the NFL at getting off the field. The Panthers, though, have one of the league’s worst third down defenses.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

WR/RB JD McKissic, Washington
Is he really a wide receiver, or is he really a running back, or does it matter in this offense? He’s a receiver with 67 catches for 482 yards and a touchdown, but he’s getting enough carries to be worth potentially using in a flex spot if you’re desperate. he ran 24 times over the last two weeks for 119 yards, and he’ll keep getting the ball.

What’s Going To Happen

Washington is sort of a mess, but it’s also sort of – actually, it really is – going to be the 4 seed. Dwayne Haskins is going to likely get the starting nod despite violating COVID-19 protocols, and he’s going to lead the team to the win that clinches the NFC East.

It’s more like the defense is going to do that, but Haskins will be okay, the coaching staff will be creative enough to keep things moving, and it’ll be yet another close loss for a Carolina team that deserves better.

Washington Football Team vs Carolina Panthers Prediction, Line

Washington 23, Carolina 20
Bet on Washington Football Team vs Carolina Panthers with BetMGM
Washington -1, o/u: 42
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: Die Hard
1: Every other Christmas movie ever made

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Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Game Preview

Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers Broadcast

Date: Sunday, December 27
Game Time: 4:05 ET
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Network: CBS

[jwplayer tfEp7mIX]

Denver Broncos (5-9) vs Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Los Angeles Chargers Will Win

The Chargers have figured out how to win.

It took most of the year and a whole lot of misfires, but they were able to beat the Raiders in overtime as part of a two-game winning streak for the first time all year.

There’s been only one turnover and a +3 turnover margin over the two-game run, and Denver doesn’t do anything to take the ball away.

The Broncos have also given the ball away an NFL-high 30 times. This is an explosive LA team that doesn’t necessarily need the breaks, but it’ll get them.

Why Denver Broncos Will Win

The Denver secondary doesn’t allow a whole lot of big deep plays.

The defense hasn’t been good enough, and field position has been an issue all year, but the D isn’t bad at getting off the field, Justin Herbert doesn’t hit a whole lot of deep plays, and there’s not a great running attack to worry about.

Yes, field position has been an issue for the Broncos, but Los Angeles has a tougher time – it’s always seemingly starting with long fields to work with.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Melvin Gordon, Denver
Gordon has quietly been coming up with big production over the last few weeks. He might not be doing anything as a receiver, but he ran for 131 yards against Kansas City and scored twice last week against Buffalo. The Charger run D has allowed 160 yards in four of the last seven games.

What’s Going To Happen

Denver was able to come up with a tough 31-30 win in the first meeting in a fun shootout. The two teams are in different places now with LA getting better and the Broncos struggling to get through.

Denver’s turnover issues will be a big deal. The Charger defense will be just good enough, Herbert will be great, and it’ll be a three-game winning streak before closing out with Kansas City.

Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Line

Los Angeles 31, Denver 27
Bet on Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers with BetMGM
Los Angeles -3, o/u: 48.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: Die Hard
1: Every other Christmas movie ever made

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Houston Texans vs Cincinnati Bengals Prediction, Game Preview

Houston Texans vs Cincinnati Bengals prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch

Houston Texans vs Cincinnati Bengals prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Houston Texans vs Cincinnati Bengals Broadcast

Date: Sunday, December 27
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Network: FOX

[jwplayer XUSLKON6]

Houston Texans (4-10) vs Cincinnati Bengals (3-10) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Cincinnati Bengals Will Win

Look at Cincinnati showing a whole lot of fight.

This is a lost year, it’s about the the draft position to help out Joe Burrow, and then, out of nowhere, the defense forces a season-high three takeaways to beat Pittsburgh.

Houston has a whole slew of issues, and ill-timed turnovers is among the biggest with two in each of the last three games. Combine that with the NFL’s worst running game from the O and lack of takeaways from the D, and it’s possible to pull this off.

Why Houston Texans Will Win

It’s not like the Cincinnati offense worked against Pittsburgh.

The Bengals struggled with just 230 yards of total offense in the win, and that’s been close to the norm. They only went over 300 yards once in the last five games, and that was against the miserable Dallas D.

Houston’s defense might be lousy, but get up fast and make the Bengals press, and there’s a problem. However …

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
It is a massive risk to put him in your playoff lineup, but Bernard is coming off a 83-yard, one score, one receiving touchdown day against Pittsburgh. Those were his first touchdowns in six weeks, but now he’s going against the league’s worst run defense. The yards won’t be there, but the scores might.

What’s Going To Happen

Both teams are equally bad, but that should make for an equally interesting tight matchup.

Turnover margin will be a big deal here, but the biggest difference will be Deshaun Watson. Ryan Finley was okay against the Steelers, but will the defense force three takeaways again?

At home, Houston will finally catch the break it wasn’t able to against Indianapolis over two of the last three games.

Houston Texans vs Cincinnati Bengals Prediction, Line

Houston 27, Cincinnati 23
Bet on Houston Texans vs Cincinnati Bengals with BetMGM
Houston -7 o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 2

5: Die Hard
1: Every other Christmas movie ever made

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Baltimore Ravens vs New York Giants Prediction, Game Preview

Baltimore Ravens vs New York Giants prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Baltimore Ravens vs New York Giants prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Baltimore Ravens vs New York Giants Broadcast

Date: Sunday, December 27
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
Network: FOX

[jwplayer h7W8AlzN]

Baltimore Ravens (9-5) vs New York Giants (5-9) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why New York Giants Will Win

Daniel Jones is expected to play. After such a problem scoring over the last few weeks, it’s a boost for a team that needs something positive to close things out.

Baltimore has been playing well over the last few games, but the Giant defense is still doing a solid job overall and it’s still in the top ten in fewest points allowed.

The D HAS to come up with takeaways. There haven’t been any over the last two weeks, and it showed with the offense not getting any real help. Baltimore doesn’t turn it over all that often, but it’s had a few loose games, giving it up multiple times in five games.

Why Baltimore Ravens Will Win

The Raven offense has gone off.

Lamar Jackson is healthy and playing like his MVP self, the running game has been a killer, and now the league’s No. 1 ground game should be able to control the clock and the action against a punchless team that’s struggling just to keep the chains moving.

New York is the second-worst team in the NFL in first downs and hasn’t scored more than seven points in either of the last two games.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Gus Edwards, Baltimore
He’s a massive risk to play in the playoff, but he could payoff with a few short touchdowns if you’re willing to roll the dice. Edwards won’t get yards against the nasty Giant defense – even though he ran for 101 yards against Dallas a few weeks ago – but he has six rushing scores in the last nine games.

What’s Going To Happen

The Ravens have to win and then get a little help to slide into the playoffs. They won’t do anything funky – they’ll run, they’ll rely on the defense, they’ll try not to turn the ball over. New York will bring the fight, but the points won’t be there to keep up.

Baltimore Ravens vs New York Giants Prediction, Line

Baltimore 23, New York 17
Bet on Baltimore Ravens vs New York Giants with BetMGM
Baltimore -10, o/u: 44
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: Die Hard
1: Every other Christmas movie ever made

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Chicago Bears vs Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction, Game Preview

Chicago Bears vs Jacksonville Jaguars prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Chicago Bears vs Jacksonville Jaguars prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Chicago Bears vs Jacksonville Jaguars Broadcast

Date: Sunday, December 27
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL
Network: CBS

[jwplayer h7W8AlzN]

Chicago Bears (7-7) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (1-13) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Jacksonville Jaguars Will Win

It’s Mike Glennon vs. his old team. Oh, it’s on.

The Jaguars have faltered lately with two straight blowout losses, but in general the running game is solid and Glennon really wasn’t that bad when he got his chances for a few games.

Chicago might be playing better, but the downfield passing game has struggled and there are way too many empty drives. This is still a Bear team that needs everything to go right.

Why Chicago Bears Will Win

The running game continues to work. The team that use didn’t want to get the ground attack going for way too long a stretch during the year – failing to hit 100 yards in seven straight games – has been amazing on the ground getting better in each of the last five games yardage-wise.

Jacksonville’s defense has been a disaster against the run over the last several games, allowing 145 yards or more in each of the last four and over 200 to Cleveland and Tennessee.

The Bears aren’t going to get cute. Run, don’t take chances, and keep handing it off to …

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB David Montgomery, Chicago
The idea of starting a Chicago running back in your fantasy playoffs would’ve been unthinkable a few weeks ago, but Montgomery is a must-play this week against this Jaguar D. He has five touchdowns in his last three games and over 100 yards in three of his last four. Now he’s going against the NFL’s third-worst run D.

What’s Going To Happen

Chicago is still pushing for a playoff spot, but they need to pull this off and then get by Green Bay next week. Part One won’t be too much of an issue against a Jacksonville team that has Trevor Lawrence RIGHT THERE with just two more losses.

The Bears aren’t going to – and least they had better not – lose to Mike Glennon.

Chicago Bears vs Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction, Line

Chicago 30, Jacksovnille 17
Bet on Chicago Bears vs Jacksonville Jaguars with BetMGM
Chicago -7.5, o/u: 47
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3

5: Die Hard
1: Every other Christmas movie ever made

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Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts Prediction, Game Preview

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts Broadcast

Date: Sunday, December 27
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Network: CBS

[jwplayer h7W8AlzN]

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) vs Indianapolis Colts (10-4) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Indianapolis Colts Will Win

Pittsburgh is all of a sudden bad a football.

There’s no running game whatsoever, Ben Roethlisberger can’t throw, and the team hasn’t hit the 20-point mark in the last four.

The defense is still more than fine, but the problems with dropped passes, a lack of offensive pop, and too many turnovers are killing a team that’s playing like it hit a wall.

Indianapolis is the opposite with no turnovers in the last three games, a +7 turnover margin during that winning streak, and with teh running game cranking up to balance out the attack.

Why Pittsburgh Steelers Will Win

The Steelers need a little bit of tweaking more than a total overhaul.

The offensive line isn’t going to all of a sudden figure out how to get the running game going, but as long as everyone can relax a bit, and when – not if – Roethlisberger starts throwing in a better rhythm – this O should be able to go again.

Losing Bud Dupree mattered to the pass rush and the defensive production, but the Steelers are still second in the NFL in total and scoring defense, and now they get to turn it loose against a Colt O line missing both of its starting tackles.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

WR Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh
Where did he go? The three-touchdown day against Philadelphia seems like it was years ago – it was Week 5 – and as the team has stalled, so has Claypool. He hasn’t scored a touchdown in four games and hasn’t pushed past 54 yards. The targets are there, but if Roethlisberger isn’t stronger, those deep plays aren’t going to click.

What’s Going To Happen

Pittsburgh is hanging on to the No. 2 spot and the lead in the AFC North for dear life. Things can get really, really interesting with the game against the Browns – who play the Jets – next week.

Indianapolis will give up enough deep plays to make Pittsburgh keep testing things, but the lines will keep playing well, the offensive balance will still be there, and the momentum of both sides will keep on rolling.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts Prediction, Line

Indianapolis 23, Pittsburgh 17
Bet on Pittsburgh Steelers vs Indianapolis Colts with BetMGM
PICK, o/u: 43
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 4

5: Die Hard
1: Every other Christmas movie ever made

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Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets Prediction, Game Preview

Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets Broadcast

Date: Sunday, December 27
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Network: CBS

[jwplayer PNvHAJOO]

Cleveland Browns (10-4) vs New York Jets (1-13) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Cleveland Browns Will Win

The Jet run defense has been a bit leaky lately, but more than anything else, the offense isn’t working.

There might have been a win over the Rams last week, but the Jets still aren’t coming up with enough first downs – they’re last in the NFL – they don’t have enough of a passing game to matter – they’ve only hit 200 yards twice – and scoring has been tough.

Cleveland should be able to bring the offensive balance, starting with a big day on the ground.

Why New York Jets Will Win

So what did the Jets do that was so right in the win over the Rams and the should’ve-won loss to the Raiders? The offense kept pressing against Las Vegas, and last week the defense got off the field.

Los Angeles only converted 2-of-11 third down chances, the Jets controlled the ball for over 34 minutes, and they didn’t turn the ball over. New York right not have an offense, but it’s doing just about everything else just okay enough to be competitive.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland
You might like a big blowup game, but for now, being consistent is good enough. He has at least one rushing touchdown in each of the last four games and last week’s 50-yard effort against the Giants was only his second all year – when healthy – under 80. The Rams might have struggled last week overall against the Jets, but they averaged six yards per carry.

What’s Going To Happen

The Browns still have a shot at winning the division with a date against Pittsburgh next week to close out the regular season. The Jets haven’t been bad, and the defense will keep this from getting ugly, but the offense isn’t going to do enough with the Brown pass rush taking over early on.

Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets Prediction, Line

Cleveland 30, New York 17
Bet on Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets with BetMGM
Cleveland -9.5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: Die Hard
1: Every other Christmas movie ever made

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Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Prediction, Game Preview

Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Broadcast

Date: Sunday, December 27
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Network: FOX

[jwplayer h7W8AlzN]

Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-10) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Atlanta Falcons Will Win

The Falcons still have the passing game to keep up.

The wins aren’t there and the defense is struggling way too much, but the offense has enough firepower to be give the Chief secondary that’s allowed 225 yards or more in five of its last six games. Kansas City will give up plenty of big deep shots and doesn’t force a ton of takeaways.

Keep the mistakes to a minimum, get Matt Ryan hot early, and play loose. Atlanta can make this interesting.

Why Kansas City Chiefs Will Win

The Falcon defense isn’t working. The run defense can be hammered on by anyone trying to give it a shot, and the secondary is getting bombed on for way too many big plays down the field and way too many plays overall.

Kansas City has in a nice groove. Patrick Mahomes is Patrick Mahomes, but the running game is doing well, too, hitting 100 yards in three of the last five games as more than just along for the ride. That’s why the one big call might be …

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Le’Veon Bell, Kansas City
With Clyde Edwards-Helaire hurting and out, it’s up to Bell to be Bell – at least the version from a few years ago. He has had a supporting role so far for the Chiefs, but last week he ran for a season-high 62 yards and a touchdown to go along with a catch for 14 yards.