Tag: Bet NFL

Should you bet on the Buffalo Bills to win Super Bowl LIV?

Previewing the Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl LIV chances, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets.

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AFC East teams besides the New England Patriots don’t typically make the playoffs. They certainly don’t usually go 10-6 or challenge New England for the division crown very often. Yet, that’s exactly what the Buffalo Bills did this season, giving the Patriots a run for their money in the AFC East and becoming just the third wild-card team from the division since 2011.

But do the Bills have a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl? According to the oddsmakers, not really.

Buffalo Bills playoff futures

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 12:30 pm. ET.

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BetMGM has the Bills at +6000 to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February, the longest odds of any team in the playoffs. That’s the result of them having a young, inconsistent sophomore quarterback under center in Josh Allen, a tough matchup in the first round against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, and a second-round date with either the Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs if they were to advance to the Divisional Round.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bills to win Super Bowl LIV would return a profit of $600 should Buffalo win the Super Bowl.

Allen had a solid season. He threw 20 touchdown passes with only nine interceptions, rushing for another 510 yards and nine touchdowns, as well. However, he only completed 58.8% of his passes and his 5.71 adjusted net yards per attempt – a good measuring stick of a quarterback’s aggressiveness and success – ranked 23rd among qualified quarterbacks.

(Photo Credit: Rich Barnes – USA TODAY Sports)

The Bills defense is what helped carry them to the postseason, ranking second in points and third in yards allowed, but how many top offenses did they truly face? The Dallas Cowboys and Ravens were the only teams that really stand out offensively from Buffalo’s schedule, though it was impressive that they were held to a combined 39 points in consecutive weeks.

The Bills aren’t exactly coming into the postseason riding high, either. They lost three of their last four games, one of which was the season finale with Matt Barkley at quarterback. There isn’t much momentum behind the Bills heading into this wild-card matchup with the Texans, especially on offense. In the last three games that Allen completed, the Bills had fewer than 300 yards of offense in each, including fewer than 200 yards passing.

Why You Shouldn’t Bet On the Bills to win Super Bowl LIV

(Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports)

So that begs the question again: Should you bet on the Bills to win Super Bowl LIV? In short, no. Unless the Tennessee Titans go on a deep run, Buffalo will be on the road for the entire postseason run. Winning four straight games away from home is no easy task for any team, let alone one that faced only three playoff teams in the regular season – including a Philadelphia Eagles squad that barely got in.

Save your money and put it on a team like the Ravens, San Francisco 49ers or New Orleans Saints. The Seahawks at +2500 or the Patriots at +1200 are better bets than the Bills and still come with financial upside on a small wager.

So unless you just want to lay $10 down on a Bills Cinderella story, it’d be wise to pass on this wager.

Want action on this bet? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Should you bet on the Baltimore Ravens to win Super Bowl LIV?

Previewing the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl LIV chances, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets.

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The Baltimore Ravens cruised through the 2019 NFL regular season to a 14-2 record and a second straight AFC North crown. They won their final 12 games of the year after a 2-2 start and nine of their 14 wins were decided by at least a two-score margin. Now, they head into the postseason as +225 favorites to win Super Bowl LIV in Miami Sunday, Feb. 2.

The Ravens, led by MVP frontrunner QB Lamar Jackson, locked down the No. 1 seed in the AFC and will host the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills or Houston Texans in the Divisional Round Saturday, Jan, 11.

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 12:30 pm. ET.

Baltimore Ravens playoff futures

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

AFC Champion: -112

The Ravens are the only team in either conference getting a negative number to advance to Super Bowl LIV. The Kansas City Chiefs are the next closest favorite in the AFC at +200, while the Buffalo Bills are the biggest long shot at +3000. The books are putting the juice on a Ravens team, which obtained the NFL’s best regular-season record, controls home field through the AFC playoffs and enters the postseason on a 12-game winning streak.

The Ravens’ two losses this season came at the Chiefs (33-28) and at home to the rival Cleveland Browns (40-25) in Weeks 3 and 4, respectively. Baltimore and KC may meet in the AFC Championship Game, but it’ll be Baltimore with the home advantage in the rematch.

(Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan – USA TODAY Sports)

The Ravens led the NFL with 33.2 points per game and ranked second in total yards of offense per game at 407.6. Defensively, they ranked third in PPG allowed (17.6) and fourth in YPG allowed (300.6.). Only six teams had a better turnover differential than Baltimore’s plus-10.

These merits aside, there’s zero value in placing a futures bet on the team getting the juice. There’s too much that can happen, even in a three-game sample. It’s a hard PASS for me on the conference title odds. It’s Super Bowl or bust for John Harbaugh’s Ravens.

Super Bowl: +225

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Ravens to win Super Bowl LIV would return a profit of $22.50 should Baltimore win the game.

Harbaugh should be viewed as the Coach of the Year favorite, much like Jackson ran away with the MVP honors. Additionally, the Ravens tied an NFL record with 12 Pro Bowl selections this season. Behind Jackson, free-agent additions RB Mark Ingram and S Earl Thomas received nods, as did in-season trade acquisition CB Marcus Peters. Nine of the team’s sections were either drafted by the Ravens (six) or signed as undrafted free agents (three).

Photo Credit: Rich Barnes – USA TODAY Sports

At +225, the books still aren’t offering much value on the Ravens to win it all in early February. The Ravens opened with +2000 odds of winning Super Bowl LIV last February, with those rising all the way to +4000 by the end of the preseason. To all those who acted at the right time, congratulations. Sit back, and hold your ticket tight.

For those needing action entering the postseason, go ahead and back the Ravens on a multi-unit bet. Hedge it by backing a long shot out of the NFC such as the Minnesota Vikings (+1600) or Seattle Seahawks (+1200).

Alternatively, try predicting the exact Super Bowl LIV matchup. Baltimore Ravens v Green Bay Packers (+800) will be getting some of my money.

Want action on this bet? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Wild Card Round: Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots odds, picks and bets bets

Previewing Saturday’s Wild Card Round showdown between the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots, with betting odds, picks and bets.

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The Tennessee Titans (9-7) travel to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots (12-4) in the Wild Card Round of the 2019-20 NFL playoffs. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Titans-Patriots odds and sports betting lines while providing NFL betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Titans at Patriots: Wild Card Round preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

  • The Titans finished the season third in total rushing yards at 138.8 yards per game, but Derrick Henry won the league’s rushing title with 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns.
  • The Titans have struggled mightily against the Patriots as of late, losing six-straight games in New England.
  • The Over hit in nine of the last 10 games for the Titans.
  • The Patriots finished the 2019 season as the league’s top-ranked defense, allowing just over 14 points per game.
  • The Patriots have won five straight playoff games. They’ve also won 10-straight playoff games at home with their last loss coming in 2012 against the Baltimore Ravens.
  • The Patriots have not fared well against the spread as of late, covering in just two of their previous six contests.

Titans at Patriots: Key injuries

Titans:

  • WR Adam Humphries (hamstring) out
  • S Dane Cruikshank (illness) questionable

Patriots:

  • WR Julian Edelman (knee) questionable

Titans at Patriots: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Patriots 24, Titans 17

Moneyline (?)

The PATRIOTS (-223) are 1-2 moneyline favorites in this contest, and while that doesn’t provide a ton of value to bettors, it’s still a wise bet. New England just doesn’t lose at home in the playoffs, and the Titans are a team that has some significant weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball. Take the Patriots on the moneyline.

Against the Spread (?)

The PATRIOTS (-4.5, -115) are slight favorites at home against a red-hot Titans team. Despite the recent play of QB Ryan Tannehill, it’s hard to bet against the Patriots at home in the playoffs.

New England has won 18 of its last 20 games at home and are incredible 6-1 against the spread in their previous seven games in January. There are going to be a lot of people betting Tennesee in this game, but avoid picking with the public and side with New England Saturday night.

Over/Under (?)

The total for this AFC matchup is set at 44.5, and that seems slightly high given the caliber of these two defenses. Tennesee is going to want to establish the run, and the Patriots are going to lean on their defense to keep this game close. Take the UNDER 44.5 (-110) here and expect a low-scoring game into the fourth quarter.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Wild Card Round: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Wild Card Round matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Minnesota Vikings (10-6) meet the New Orleans Saints (13-3) in the playoffs for the first time since the Minneapolis Miracle game in January 2018. This time, however, the Saints will have a distinct home-field advantage when the game kicks off at the Merecedes-Benz Superdome at 1:05 p.m. Sunday. We analyze the Vikings-Saints betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

Vikings at Saints: Wild Card Round preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

  • The Saints have gone 10-2 against the moneyline in their last 12 home games against opponents with winning records.
  • Minnesota played to the Over in each of its last five road games and six of its last eight games overall.
  • New Orleans hit the Over in five of its last seven games.
  • Both teams have winning records against the spread this season – New Orleans is 11-5 ATS (the best record in the league), while Minnesota is 9-7.
  • The Saints won their last three games by an average of 23 points.
  • Minnesota is 5-1 against the spread in its last six games played at the Superdome.
  • In his last five games against Minnesota, Saints QB Drew Brees has completed 129 of 175 passes (74%) for 1,410 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions.
  • Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has thrown for 1,005 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception in three career games against the Saints – including 359 yards and two TDs in his only game as a Viking.

Vikings at Saints: Key injuries

Vikings CB Mackensie Alexander (knee), CB Mike Hughes (neck) and LB Eric Kendricks (quadriceps) are headed toward questionable statuses. RBs Dalvin Cook (shoulder) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) will play.

Saints CB Eli Apple (ankle) and FB Zach Line (knee) didn’t practice Thursday.

Vikings at Saints: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Saints 34, Vikings 20

Moneyline (?)

Because the teams appear to be headed in different directions, this is by far the worst moneyline bet of the Wild Card Round games. The Saints are a whopping -400. That is simply too big of a number to support given Minnesota likely would have been 11-5 if not for laying down in Week 17.

The only bet to make here is Minnesota (+310) because the price is too steep to bet the Saints, but we’ll PASS and look to the spread.

Against the Spread (?)

The Saints opened as 6.5-point favorites at a lot of sports books, but the line quickly jumped over 7 and currently sits at 7.5 points (Saints: -115, Vikings: -106). The NFL has waited for Cousins to have a signature game and, despite considerable personal success against the Saints, he has the stigma of not coming up big when needed. Brees is just the opposite. Take the SAINTS (-7.5, -115).

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Saints to win by at least 8 points returns a profit of $8.70.

Over/Under (?)

Just as the point spread for this game is the highest of any Wild Card game, so is the projected total of 49.5 points (Over: -115, Under: -106). That’s a big number, but this has the potential to be a risk-taking, big-play producing game like their last playoff meeting two years ago. Scores get big in the Big Easy and this one likely will follow suit. Take the OVER 49.5 (-115).

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Wild Card Round: Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Wild Card Round matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Seattle Seahawks (11-5) and Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) will wrap up Wild Card Weekend Sunday at 4:40 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. We analyze the Seahawks-Eagles odds and sports betting lines, while providing NFL betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Seahawks at Eagles: Wild Card Round preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

  • The Seahawks-Eagles is the only rematch from the regular season of the four wild-card games. Seattle won in Philadelphia by a 17-9 score in Week 12.
  • The Seahawks are going to enter this one awfully angry after blowing a chance at the NFC West Division crown and a first-round bye on their home field against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.
  • Seattle’s offense ranked eighth in total yards (374.4), while ranking 14th in passing yards (236.9) and fourth with 137.5 rushing yards per game. They also scored 25.3 points per game to rank ninth in the NFL.
  • Defensively, the Seahawks struggled mightily all season, ranking 26th in total yards (381.6), 27th in passing yards (263.9) and 22nd in rushing yards (117.7) allowed while yielding 24.9 PPG to rank 22nd.
  • Philadelphia posted 360.8 total yards per game to rank 14th, and they were 11th in both passing yards (239.6) and rushing yards (121.2) per game while ranking 12th with 24.1 PPG.
  • The Eagles were 10th in the NFL with just 331.7 total yards allowed, and they were 19th in passing yards (241.6) allowed and third against the run (90.1). They allowed 22.1 PPG, ranking a rather middling 15th.

Seahawks at Eagles: Key injuries

Seahawks

  • TE Luke Willson (hip) day-to-day
  • LB Mychal Kendricks (knee) out
  • WR Malik Turner (concussion) questionable

Eagles

  • WR Nelson Agholor (knee) questionable
  • TE Zach Ertz (ribs) questionable
  • OT Lane Johnson (ankle) questionable
  • RB Miles Sanders (ankle) questionable

Seahawks at Eagles: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Seahawks 23, Eagles 19

Moneyline (?)

The SEAHAWKS (-133) are mild favorites on the road. While they have some injury issues in the backfield, as they were forced to turn to RBs Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin out of desperation, their injury problems pale in comparison to those of the host Eagles (+110).

Against the Spread (?)

The SEAHAWKS (-1.5, -115) are cheaper against the spread if you’re feeling them to win outright. Seattle is just 2-5 ATS in their past seven playoff games, but they’re 5-1 ATS in the past six in the Wild Card Round.

The Eagles (+1.5, -106) are 5-0 ATS in their past five playoff games, but just 5-12 ATS in the past 17 as a home underdog.

Over/Under (?)

The UNDER 45.5 (-115) is the way to go here. We had a total of 26 points when these teams met about six weeks ago. There will be a little more production in this one, especially since the Seahawks figure to have their offense a little pass intensive. Still, the Under is 5-2 in the past seven for the Seahawks as a playoff favorite, and 8-2 in the past 10 as a road favorite. The Under is also 8-1-1 in the past 10 playoff home games, and 5-1 in the past six in the Wild Card Round.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Wild Card Round: Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Wild Card Round showdown between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans, with betting odds, picks, tips and best bets.

The Buffalo Bills (10-6) and Houston Texans (10-6) kick off Wild Card Weekend Saturday at 4:35 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium. We analyze the Bills-Texans odds and sports betting lines, while providing NFL betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Bills at Texans: Wild Card Round preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

  • The Bills return to the playoffs for the second time in three years after a 17-year postseason hiatus. They haven’t won a playoff game since 1995.
  • The Texans won their fourth AFC South title in five years but they’re looking to win just their second playoff game in that span.
  • The two sides last met Oct. 14, 2018, with the Texans winning 20-13 at home.
  • Houston ranked 14th in the NFL with 23.6 points per game and 13th with 362.0 total yards of offense per game. Buffalo was 23rd in points per game (19.6) and 24th in yards per game (330.2).
  • The Bills had the No. 2 defense in the NFL with 16.2 PPG allowed per game. They ranked third in yards allowed per game (298.3). The Texans rank 19th in PPG allowed (24.1) and 28th in YPG allowed (388.3).
  • Both teams produced one 1,000-yard receiver in Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (1,165) and Bills WR John Brown (1,060). No Bills running back topped 775 yards, while Texans RB Carlos Hyde rushed for 1,070 yards.
  • The Bills had a turnover differential of plus-4 to the Texans’ neutral rating.
  • Buffalo finished the regular season with 44 sacks to Houston’s 31. The Texans gave up more sacks (49-40).

Bills at Texans: Key injuries

Bills CB Levi Wallace (ankle) is considered day-to-day.

Texans WR Will Fuller (groin) is expected to play. DL J.J. Watt (pectoral) is aiming to return from the Reserve/Injured list either this week or next.

Bills at Texans: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Texans 21, Bills 15

Moneyline (?)

The Bills (+130) have the better defense, but the TEXANS (-154) have the more balanced offense and will be inspired in front of a home crowd desperate for a postseason win after so much failure. The return of Watt hangs huge in this one. He’ll be needed to help contain Bills QB Josh Allen, who has 510 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground this year.

The Texans went 5-3 at home while the Bills were 6-2 on the road. Week 17 was a glorified bye week for both sides, and they both lost.

Against the Spread (?)

Get better value on the TEXANS (-2.5, -115) by backing them to win by at least a field goal. Houston was 7-8-1 against the spread overall while Buffalo was 9-5-2. The Texans were just 2-6 ATS at home and the Bills were a league-best 6-0-2 ATS on the road.

The trends can be thrown out in the playoffs, especially with such a small gap.

Over/Under (?)

Take the UNDER 42.5 (-110). The Bills have the stronger defense while the Texans will be extra motivated if Watt is able to line up along the defensive line. It’s also the first career playoff game for Allen under center and some early contact by the Texans’ pass rush could force some costly mistakes.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NFL betting record: 54-48

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Betting Guide – Week 17: Odds, lines, spreads, picks and best bets

Game-by-game NFL Week 17 breakdowns, with NFL betting odds, lines, predictions, picks and betting tips for each game.

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Today is your last chance of the year to bet on a full slate of NFL teams. SportsbookWire’s NFL Betting Guide is at your service for Week 17; full of NFL odds, lines, spreads, game-by-game predictions, picks and best-bet selections to help you make the best NFL sports bets for the week.

Be sure to check out our top NFL Underdog Bets for Week 17, where our Ken Pomponio is 29-19 on underdog predictions with this weekly staple.

Are you looking to place a bet on any of these games? Visit BetMGM and place your bets now. Games are always more interesting when you have some skin in the game.

NFL Week 19 – Sunday, December 29, 2019

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1:00 p.m. ET – FOX

Looking to place a bet any of the Week 17 NFL games? Get some action on the games or other sports at BetMGM. Sign up now!

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants – 4:25 p.m. ET – FOX

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – 4:25 p.m. ET – FOX

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams – 4:25 p.m. ET – FOX

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – 8:20 p.m. ET – NBC

Now that you have the skinny on what to do with each game, visit BetMGM to place a bet on your favorite matchups now. For additional sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com now and for a complete set of today’s live odds, access them at USA TODAY Sports.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Arizona Cardinals at L.A. Rams odds, lines, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Cardinals at Rams NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Arizona Cardinals (5-9-1) and Los Angeles Rams (8-7) close their seasons this weekend, both without anything to play for other than pride as both have been eliminated from postseason contention. The Cardinals travel to Southern California for a Sunday afternoon kickoff (4:25 p.m. ET) at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, the final game the Rams will play there.

Cardinals at Rams: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

  • The Rams have beaten the Cardinals in five straight contests, outscoring them 164-32 and scoring more than 30 points in each game.
  • The Cardinals have won two straight games and are coming off their best defensive performance of the season, beating the Seattle Seahawks 27-13 on the road and holding them to only 224 total yards.
  • The Rams are allowing an average of 169.4 rushing yards in their last five games. The Cardinals have averaged 151.8 yards on the ground offensively in the same period, including more than 225 yards in each of their last two games.
  • Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake has rushed for 303 yards and six touchdowns in his last two games.
  • Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was sacked six times by the Rams in their last matchup on Dec. 1.
  • Rams QB Jared Goff passed for 424 yards in the 34-7 win over the Cardinals and has had two touchdown passes in each of his last four games.

Cardinals at Rams: Key injuries

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (hamstring) is questionable for the game and will be a game-day decision.

Rams CB Jalen Ramsey (knee) has been ruled out of the season finale. T Andrew Whitworth (knee) did not practice until Friday but does not carry an injury designation.

Cardinals at Rams: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 2:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rams 23, Cardinals 20

Moneyline (?)

The Rams are heavy favorites at –286. Considering their dominance over the Cardinals the Rams seem like a lock, even with no value. Arizona at +225, on the other hand, would provide a big payout.

However, you should AVOID this bet. The Cardinals are playing their best football and are still focused despite their record. The Rams could be flat after getting eliminated from postseason contention and may rest some veterans for some younger players.

New to sports betting? A $10 successful wager on the Rams to win outright would return a profit of $3.50.

Against the Spread (?)

The Rams are favored by nearly a touchdown at home at –6.5 (-110). The history between the two teams suggests the smart money is to take L.A. to cover that spread. But the Cardinals lean on a running attack led by a rejuvenated Kenyan Drake and are playing better defensively. Arizona has been an underdog in 14 of their 15 games this season but covered the spread nine times. The Rams have covered the spread in 10 of 15 games.

With the Cardinals still trying to prove themselves and the Rams having little to play for and expected to play younger players, take the CARDINALS +6.5 (-110) — even if Murray can’t go.

Over/Under (?)

The total is set at 44.5 points. Arizona’s games have gone under the total three of the last four times, while Rams games have gone under the total nine out of 15 times this season. Expect a lower-scoring game than normal from both teams. It will be close, but take the UNDER 44.5 (-106).

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots Week 17 matchup with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets.

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The New England Patriots (12-3) host the Miami Dolphins (4-11) at Gillette Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. ET to close out the regular season. We analyze the Patriots-Dolphins odds and betting lines, while providing best-bet options around this Week 17 NFL matchup.

The Patriots, who have already won the AFC East and have punched their ticket to the NFL playoffs, can clinch a first-round bye with a win or tie — or a Kansas City Chiefs loss or tie. With Kansas City playing the Los Angeles Chargers at 1 p.m. ET, you can expect the Patriots to play to win.

Miami, of course, has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Dolphins at Patriots: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Patriots pulled off a big 24-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills last week, covering across the board and hitting the Over.
  • The Dolphins are coming off a 38-35 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
  • Patriots QB Tom Brady hit 78.8 percent of his passes last week against Buffalo; it was the first time since Week 6 that his completion percentage was north of 70%.
  • These two teams met in Week 2; a 43-0 New England victory. The Patriots have won three of the last five meetings vs. the Dolphins. Each of the Miami wins came during December, although those were games in South Florida.

Dolphins at Patriots: Key injuries

New England WR Julian Edelman (knee/shoulder), officially questionable, was limited all week, but he’s been toughing it out come game-day.

Dolphins WR Allen Hurns (ankle/neck) was limited all week and is questionable.

Dolphins at Patriots: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 12:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Patriots 26, Dolphins 13

Moneyline (?)

There’s nothing smart about betting on a team with -1112 odds like the Patriots have been given entering this one. This is extreme chalk. You’d have to risk $1,112 to win $100. No thank you.

While I like the Patriots to win, I couldn’t blame you for tossing a small-unit wager on the Dolphins (+660) at ridiculously high odds.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet would profit $66 with a Miami upset.

Against the Spread (?)

While the Patriots cruised in their first matchup, the teams are significantly different at the tail-end of the season. MIAMI (+15.5, -110) should be able to mount just enough offense to keep this within the large spread. I’m always more than a little skeptical of two-plus touchdown spreads in divisional games. The Patriots have scored better than 30 points just once during the second half of the season.

The Dolphins are 4-3-0 vs. ATS on the road this year, but just 4-11 overall. New England is 12-3 ATS overall, but just 3-3-1 at home.

Over/Under (?)

The UNDER (44.5, -110) is the lean, as the Patriots defense will generally limit the challenged Dolphins offense and the New England offense isn’t special enough right now to blow up Miami. The Pats are 6-9-0 vs. the O/U this season, including 3-4-0 at home. The Dolphins are 3-4-0 vs. the O/U on the road.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Ryan’s NFL Picks: 33-18

Follow @RyanBonini and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Eagles at Giants NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) and the host New York Giants (4-11) will do battle at MetLife Stadium Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET (on FOX). We analyze the Eagles-Giants sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 17 matchup.

Eagles at Giants: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Eagles can punch their ticket to the postseason with a victory in this battle, or a Cowboys loss against the Redskins, to wrap up the NFC East title.
  • The Eagles topped the Giants 23-17 in overtime on Monday Night Football Dec. 9, as QB Eli Manning and the G-Men nearly pulled the upset as 9.5-point underdogs while the under (45.5) cashed.
  • Philadelphia is 5-2 against the spread in the past seven games in the month of December, while going 4-1 ATS in their past five in Week 17.
  • New York has cashed in four of the past five games overall, and 7-3 ATS in the past 10 games in the month of December.
  • The G-Men are 1-4 ATS in the past five home games, and 0-5 ATS in the past five against teams with a winning overall record.
  • The over is 27-11 in the past 38 road games for Philly, while the under is 5-2 in their past seven overall.
  • The over has hit in six of the past eight for the Giants, including 5-2 in the past seven inside the division.

Eagles at Giants: Key injuries

Eagles: RB Jordan Howard (shoulder) is off the injury report and expected to serve as the third-string tailback. WR Nelson Agholor (knee) and TE Zach Ertz (ribs, back) are both out, while OT Lane Johnson (ankle) is questionable.

Giants: TE Rhett Ellison (concussion) landed on the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, ending his season.

Eagles at Giants: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Eagles 31, Giants 23

Moneyline (?)

The Eagles (-223) are in a winner-take-all scenario: take care of the Giants and they’re into the playoffs as NFC East champs. While that’s fully expected, you can’t risk more than double your return. So it’s a PASS on the moneyline.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Eagles on the moneyline returns a $4.48 profit with a Philly victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The EAGLES (-4.5, -106) can be trusted, as they have everything to play for, while the Giants (+4.5, -115) are playing for nothing but pride. Philly is 9-3 ATS in the past 12 trips to MetLife Stadium, too, while the road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five in this series.

Over/Under (?)

OVER 45.5 (-106) is the play in this one. The Giants defense has long since checked out, and was tuned up for 35 points last week by the lowly Redskins. The over has connected in seven straight meetings in New York, too, while going 6-2 in the past eight battles in this series overall.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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