Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 3 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 3.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 2 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 2.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 1 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 1.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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The wisest wagers one should make for the upcoming NFL Divisional Round of the playoffs.
We have reached the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs and No. 1 seeds are getting their welcome to the dance on their home turf. For this week’s picks, we take two home teams covering the spread, one Over, and one Under.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
When these teams met in Week 10, Kansas City had one of its worst games in terms of turnovers (minus-3), yet still dominated and won 27-17. When you overcame three turnovers, built a 20-0 lead at halftime, and kept the Jaguars at arm’s length in the second half, how bad was it? The Chiefs had only three offensive drives in the second half but ran 29 plays and held the ball for 9:39 of the fourth quarter to close things out.
The Chiefs are heavy favorites (9 points at -111 Jaguars, -109 Chiefs), and the weather forecast calls for a rain/snow mix with temperatures in the mid-30s at game time. That doesn’t sound like Jaguars weather. The Chiefs won by 10 with a minus-three turnover number. Imagine if they win the turnover battle? Take the Chiefs and lay 9 points.
There is always something special about division rivals playing each other a third time in the postseason. They played in Week 18. In a twist of irony, the Giants knew their playoff seeding and the Eagles didn’t. As a result, Jalen Hurts shook off the rust against a Giants team resting numerous starters. The result? A 22-16 Eagles win that featured six field goals and three touchdowns.
In this rivalry, a score like that isn’t unusual, which is why the Over/Under number is a little puzzling (48 points at -109 Over, -111 Under). While the Eagles hammered the Giants in their first meeting this season, in their last six games these two have combined to hit Under this point five times – all by four points or more below this number. Familiarity will come into play and every point will be safeguarded, which again could lead to as many or more field goals as touchdowns. Take the Under (-111).
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The Damar Hamlin tragedy abruptly ended the regular-season meeting, which had huge postseason ramifications. The Bengals were ahead 7-3 and driving when the game stopped. Had they won, this rematch would be in Cincinnati. As much motivation as Hamlin is going to provide pregame to the Bills Mafia, the Bengals have their own motivation – revenge.
The Over/Under acknowledges points will be scored (48 points at -112 Over, -108 Under). Both defenses have playmakers, but the straw that stirs for both teams is their offenses. Their defenses can struggle and still win games. If their offenses struggle, it’s a lot harder to win. I see both offenses taking chances downfield and enough splash plays will happen that there are too many scenarios (good, bad or hideous for the losing team) that hit the Over to avoid. Take the Over (-112).
This is an ideal betting matchup, because the Cowboys have a dedicated fan base that has surrendered January money for pushing 30 years. America’s Torn Betting Slip. Fresh off their win against an aging core of a Buccaneers roster, the Cowboy Swagger is back in play and dreams of punching the 49ers in their Purdy mouth are afoot.
The result is that the 49ers are small home favorites (3.5 points at -112 Cowboys, -108 49ers). It isn’t the San Francisco offense that has the team in this position – even though it has been weaponized since Christian McCaffrey arrived. It’s the league’s top-ranked defense. Dallas has a lot of talent, but it doesn’t take many mistakes – in any of the three phases of the game – for a team like the 49ers to take advantage of and exploit. Take the 49ers and lay 3.5 points (-108).
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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.
All of the key bets you should make for the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend.
The 2022 playoffs begin with a six-pack of games featuring three games pitting division rivals and three games with teams that met earlier in the season. This week, we take three home favorites to cover, one road team to come away with a win, and two games hitting the Under due in large part to injuries at quarterback.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
The 49ers are the hottest team in the NFL, because they are the most complete team in the league. They have won 10 straight games, have scored more than 30 points eight times (including the last three and five of the last six), and allowed 17 or fewer in 12 of the last 16 games (including eight of the last 10).
That is likely why the 49ers are such huge favorites against their division rival Seahawks (9.5 points at -105 Seahawks, -115 49ers). The 49ers swept the season series by scores of 27-7 and 21-13. There will be some who aren’t willing to give away this many points, but the 49ers’ home wins have come by totals of 20, 15, 6, 13, 16, 28, 17 and 15 points. They’ve covered this number in seven of nine home games, so there’s no reason to think Seattle can buck this trend. Take the 49ers and lay 9.5 points (-115).
The Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars met in Week 3 when Jacksonville went on the road and pounded Los Angeles 38-10, dominating on both sides of the ball. However, after that win, the Jaguars lost seven of their next nine games and needed to win their last five games to finish above .500 and with the AFC South.
The Chargers played about as poorly as they could in the first meeting. While they’re the most unpredictable team in this year’s playoff field, when they’re on, they can win games with their offense and their defense. Yet, they are road favorites (2 points at -111 Chargers, -109 Jaguars). While you always take a risk investing in the Chargers, this time around, Los Angeles won’t make the same mistakes and come away with a win. Take the Chargers and lay 2 points (-111).
Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out. Teddy Bridgewater isn’t expected to be available with a pinky injury on his throwing hand. That leaves seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson in line to start for the Dolphins. In seven games in which Thompson played, he threw 105 passes. In those games, he completed just 57 percent of his passes for 534 yards with one touchdown, three interceptions and a passer rating of 62.2.
The Dolphins split with the Bills this year, but both those games were with Tagovailoa at quarterback. Thompson has had very little work with the first-team offense this season, because the plan was never to start him until other options weren’t available. This O/U number (43.5 points at -111 Over, -109 Under) needs both teams to put up points to hit the Over, and I don’t believe this version of the Dolphins can do their part. Take the Under (-109).
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It seems like everyone looking for an upset pick is jumping on the Giants. Minnesota beat the Giants 27-24 in Week 16 at US Bank Stadium by scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter to pull out yet another improbable win, which explains why they’re such small home favorites (3 points at -110 for both teams).
I don’t expect the Vikings to make a deep playoff run, but this is a game where if their offensive line holds up, the Giants defense will have a lot of difficulty slowing them down and keeping pace. Laying three points isn’t a lot for a team that posted an 8-1 record in front of the home fans this season. Take the Vikings and lay 3 points (-110).
The Bengals played their starters in their 27-16 win last week while the Baltimore Ravens were without some of their key players. If Lamar Jackson was coming back, it might be a different story, but he didn’t practice Wednesday – the 16th straight practice he has missed.
As a result, the line for the Bengals keeps going higher (8 points at -108 Ravens, -112 Bengals). I don’t like giving away a more touchdown against a division rival – much less in the playoffs – but the Ravens are going to struggle to score 17 points, which doesn’t leave a lot for the Bengals to make up to win this game and this bet. Take the Bengals and lay 8 points (-112).
Two of the more puzzling teams in the league as the Buccaneers won the NFC South with an 8-9 record, and a Cowboys team that looked awful in their final game of the season when there was still an outside chance of locking down the No. 1 seed. That is why the most interesting bet here is the Over/Under (45 points at -112 Over, -108 Under).
The Buccaneers are averaging just 11.2 points through the first three quarters, while the Cowboys have been adept at shutting down teams late when they have a lead – allowing just 4.5 points a game in the fourth quarter and overtime. This one could go either way, but expect a low-scoring game from the two teams that combined to score 22 points when they met in Week 1. Take the Under (-108).
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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.
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 18 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 18.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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A wise wager from every contest in the regular-season finale.
The tragic events of Monday night have created more questions than answers at the top of the AFC, but there are a lot more seeds to be filled in the final week of the regular season.
When one thinks of divisional matchups, you envision games that are played closer to the vest than most because of the innate familiarity the teams have playing twice a year. But nine of the 16 games have one team favored by six or more points, clearly giving the impression that there should be some blowout games on the weekend schedule. When some teams have a lot to play for and others have nothing, strange things happen.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
This game has the highest Over/Under of this week’s games (52.5 points at -110 for both the Over and Under). The Chiefs need to win to have a chance for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. These two teams have gone Over this point in their last five meetings, and the Raiders have been a thorn in the Chiefs side. They won’t let up if they get a big lead. Take the Over (-110).
The Jaguars are on the precipice of locking down the division title and are heavy favorites (6 points at -112 Titans, -108 Jaguars). While I think they will find a way to win, the potential of Derrick Henry running 30 or more times gives me cause for pause to give away that many points to an upstart to their throne. Take the Titans plus 6 points (-112).
The Steelers haven’t hit above this O/U (40 points at -110 for both) in their last five games (four wins) and the last time they went Over, 41 points were scored. The Browns have been under this number the last four games, and 41 points were scored the last time they hit the Over. That sounds like a trend to me. Take the Under (-110).
The Bills will be playing for Damar Hamlin and emotion is an unsung factor that motivates teams. Buffalo is a big favorite (7.5 points at -112 Patriots, -108 Bills), but they entered Week 17 as the No. 1 seed in the AFC and are going to force the issue to resume the Bengals game at some point out of competitive fairness. Take the Bills and lay 7.5 points (-108).
Like the Bills, the Bengals still have a chance to be the No. 1 seed. They’re big favorites (7 points at -111 Ravens, -109 Bengals). If Lamar Jackson was playing, I’d see this much differently, but he hasn’t practiced in a month and the Ravens are already in the playoffs. A rematch could be coming in the first week of the playoffs … with Jackson under center. Take the Bengals and lay 7 points (-109).
The Bucs are talking tough about playing all their starters. I’m not buying it and was looking at getting 3.5 points. However, the best tactic is assuming Todd Bowles is lying or will treat this like a preseason game and pull the starters after one quarter. The Over/Under is decent (40.5 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). The Bucs backups can keep Atlanta in check, and the backup Tampa offense will keep their punter busy. Take the Under (-110).
I’m no fan of the Colts, but the Texans need to lose to assure the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. When Houston was trying, they can’t beat the Colts. Indy is 4-0-1 in their last five meetings. The Colts are given the standard home-field advantage (3 points at -108 Texans, -112 Colts). Given the gravity of winning this game and potentially losing the No. 1 pick to Chicago, shady things may take place. Take the Colts and lay 3 points (-112).
Miami is likely relegated to seventh-round rookie Skyler Thompson against a strong Jets defense. New York has lost five straight with point totals of 12, 17, 3 and 6 in their last four. The O/U is the lowest of the week (38.5 points at -110 for both). Not low enough. Take the Under (-110).
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The Vikings are healthy road favorites (7 points at -116 Vikings, -104 Bears), primarily because Justin Fields is out. Given the circumstances, the Bears could land the No. 1 overall pick and have a lot of trade capital. Minnesota likely won’t move out of the No. 3 seed, but they should have enough to handle this number. Take the Vikings and lay 7 points (-116).
The Over/Under is low (41.5 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). The Saints haven’t hit Over this number in their last five games. The Panthers and Saints haven’t hit Over this number in their last four meetings. There’s a whole lot of trending going on. Take the Under (-110).
Technically, Dallas can lock down the No. 1 seed if the Eagles falter. Not likely, but possible. As such, the Commanders are big home underdogs (7.5 points at -106 Cowboys, -114 Commanders). There may be scoreboard watching going on that pull starters, but until that happens, let the beating commence. Take the Cowboys and lay 7.5 points (-106).
The Chargers are going to know before they start if they need to win to lock down the No. 5 seed (which gets the AFC South winner). That is huge. Because I’m convinced the Bengals will win, they’ll be locked in at 5 and have no reason to play. The O/U reflects that (39.5 points at -111 Over, -109 Under). The Broncos can’t score and neither can the Chargers’ junior varsity against a good Denver defense. Take the Under (-109).
All the Seahawks can do to make the playoffs is win and hope Detroit beats Green Bay. They’re good favorites (6.5 points at -111 Rams, -109 Seahawks). The Rams are limping out of 2022 with their rings in hand from the previous year. They’re going to be evaluating the back end of their roster talent in this one. Take the Seahawks and lay 6.5 points (-109).
The Giants are locked into their playoff spot at No. 6. The Eagles need to win to earn a bye they blew last week. Philadelphia has been installed as a massive favorite (13.5 points at -108 Giants, -112 Eagles). One team has everything to play for. The other has nothing. I’d lay more than this under the current scenario. Take the Eagles and lay 13.5 points (-112).
The 49ers have won nine straight, the last few with Mr. Irrelevant 2022. While it’s unlikely the Eagles lose, anything is possible when they all kick off at the same time. Arizona is mailing it in with an offense not built for a No. 3 QB, and they’re giant dogs as a result (14 points at -110 for both teams). The 49ers will play their starters as long as the out of town scoreboard requires. Take the 49ers and lay 14 points (-110).
The NFL wants Green Bay in the playoffs, which scares me a little bit because ref-related shenanigans have been known to take place. If Seattle wins, Detroit is eliminated. All they can do is keep Green Bay out. The Packers are solid favorites (4.5 points at -112 Lions, -108 Packers). While I think the Lions have a shot, things will take place that they lose – but not by five points. Take the Lions plus 4.5 points (-112).
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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.
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 17 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 17.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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A wise wager from each contest heading into NFL’s Week 17.
With two weeks to go in the 2022 regular season, there is shockingly only one game – Arizona at Atlanta – that doesn’t have some kind of playoff implications. Every other game has some postseason significance – some more than others – making the penultimate week of the regular season one of the most exciting to follow.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
The Cowboys are massive 12-point favorites, and the Titans are without eight key starters, including their starting quarterback, running back, and best defensive player. The bet I’m looking at is the Over/Under (40 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). Dallas has hit the Over on this point in eight straight games, and I think the Titans will score enough points to do their part. Take the Over (-110).
Depending on the outcome of the Cowboys-Titans game, the Jaguars could clinch the AFC South with a win. They’ve been installed as reasonable road favorites (4.5 points at -109 Jaguars, -111 Texans). Although Houston has been playing better, their division rivals know them better than most and how to exploit their weaknesses. Take the Jaguars are lay 4.5 points (-109).
Both teams are on quarterbacks they didn’t expect to play, yet they have a respectable Over/Under (42.5 points at -108 Over, -112 Under). I don’t have faith in either offense generating touchdowns and it might take a defensive or special teams TD to top this number. Take the Under (-112).
The Colts have become a running joke and now they take their show on the road where the Giants are solid favorites (5.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Colts appear to be playing out the string, and the Giants can lock down a playoff spot. I always go with the more motivated team at home in these scenarios. Take the Giants and lay 5.5 points (-110).
The Saints have played six games against teams that are currently in the playoffs. They’ve lost all six and are facing the best team in their conference. The Eagles are solid favorites (6 points at -109 Saints, -111 Eagles). The Eagles need one more win to rest their starters for the next two weeks. I like those odds. Take the Eagles and lay 6 points (-111).
The Buccaneers have been incredibly disappointing this season, but they’re still just one win away (at home) from heading back to the playoffs. They’re small home favorites (3 points at -104 Panthers, -116 Buccaneers). Neither team has a win against a team with a winning record. As much as they’ve put bettors through, I still can’t turn my back on Tom Brady. Take the Buccaneers and lay 3 points (-116).
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The Broncos are broken and players are more concerned about who their next boss will be for next season. They’re making business decisions. The Chiefs are looking to lock down the No. 1 seed in the AFC and need to win out. They’re huge favorites (12.5 points at -110 for both teams). With so much at stake, if the Chiefs get a lead, they will keep the pressure on – and Denver doesn’t have the answer offensively. Take the Chiefs and lay 12.5 points (-110).
It’s rare when a point spread on a Bears-Lions game has been this high for one team (6 points at -110 Bears, -110 Lions). Detroit is a different team at home. They’re 3-1 in the last four home games and have lost to both the Eagles and Bills by just three points. Chicago can’t hold a candle to them. Take the Lions and lay 6 points (-110).
I don’t like this game at all because the Dolphins are in a brutal road location again, and the Patriots are frighteningly inconsistent. As such, the only bet I’ll touch is the Over/Under (41.5 points at -107 Over, -113 Under). I don’t think Miami’s offense will thrive, and I have no faith in New England’s offense. Take the Under (-113).
The Browns are one of the more disappointing teams in the league, but are minimal road underdogs (2 points at -108 Browns, -112 Commanders). Washington is currently in the playoffs and needs this game to likely make it a reality. Take the Commanders and lay 2 points (-112).
The Jets have lost four straight that have strengthened the winner’s playoff positioning each time. Seattle is at the top of the glut of 7-8 teams in the NFC and are home dogs in front of the “12th Man.” They have issues on defense, but I’m not letting that stop me. Take the Seahawks on the moneyline (+105).
The NFL’s hottest team faces a team that just gave up on its franchise quarterback. The 49ers would have been huge favorites anyway, but it’s bigger now (10 points at -111 49ers, -109 Raiders). Derek Carr will be the No. 3 QB and likely in street clothes. He was the only chance they remotely had to derail the Niner Train. Take the 49ers and lay 10 points (-111).
The belief here is that the Packer magic is back, and the ghosts of Lambeau Field will rise up and carry the Packers to the playoffs. It makes for good copy and allows the TV talking-head cliche professionals to dabble in their art. What Minnesota has accomplished this season is improbable to say the least. The only complete win the Vikings have had all season came in Week 1 in a beatdown of the Packers. Take the Vikings on the moneyline (+150).
One L.A. team is ready to go to the playoffs. The other L.A. team can look at those Super Bowl rings and remember what used to be. The Chargers are strong favorites (6.5 points at -111 Rams, -109 Chargers). Both teams are at home, so there’s no advantage other than two teams headed in different directions. Take the Chargers and lay 6.5 points (-109).
This is typically a bloodbath when both are at full strength. Neither one is this time around. The Ravens are small favorites (2.5 points at -109 Steelers, -111 Ravens). These games always seems to be close and come down to the final few minutes. I’ll take my chances with Justin Tucker kicking the winning field goal at home. Take the Ravens and lay 2.5 points (-111).
Monday night games usually look good on paper when the schedule comes out and can be awful in real time. The Bills have won six straight games. The Bengals have won seven straight. Both teams will come out slinging and probably not stop. The Over/Under is high (49.5 points at -111 Over, -109 Under). This may top this number late in the third quarter. Take the Over (-111).
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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.
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 16 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 16.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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