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A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 15 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 15.
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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Miss out on the fantasy playoffs? Place a few of these bets to cheer up.
With four weeks left in the regular season, we’re starting to see more teams get eliminated from playoff contention. To date, only three teams have been officially nixed — Houston, Chicago and Denver. However, starting this week, a lot of those teams on life support are going to run out of time.
While NFL teams don’t “tank,” what we will start seeing are teams making business decisions with some of their veteran players and seeing what they have in young talent. This will make betting a little dicier, because some teams will make decisions that won’t improve their chances of winning.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
After a 3-7 start, the 49ers have won six straight, while Seattle has lost three of their last four, including their last two at home. The 49ers are a small favorite (3.5 points at -101 49ers, -119 Seahawks). Five of the 49ers’ six wins have been by double digits. If Brock Purdy just manages the offense, this point is too small. Take the 49ers and lay 3.5 points (-101).
The Vikings’ pass defense is the worst in the league, but the Colts are their own worst enemies. They have more interceptions (14) than TD passes (13) and have fumbled a whopping 30 times (losing 12 of them). Minnesota is small favorite (4 points at -108 Colts, -112 Vikings). The Vikings should have all their key injured players back and, while they always play close, they should have enough here. Take the Vikings and lay 4 points (-112).
The Ravens will be without Lamar Jackson, which explains a very low Over/Under (37 points at -112 Over, -108 Under). The Browns have hit Over this number in 12 of 13 games and, if the Cleveland offense can get a score or two on the board early, they can force the Ravens’ hand and make them keep up. Take the Over (-112).
Buffalo is still a Super Bowl favorite, but when they win, it tends to be convincingly – seven of 10 wins by eight or more points. They’re a solid home favorite (7.5 points at -115 Dolphins, -105 Bills). I expect this to drop to 7, but Buffalo needs to start playing postseason ball now and take control of the AFC East. Take the Bills and lay 7.5 points (-105).
I would take the Lions on the money line, but you actually get a better investment rate taking Detroit on the spread (.5 points at-109 Lions, -111 Jets). Even against good defenses, the Lions are finding ways to put up solid point totals, and I’m not sure the Jets can get into a back-and-forth with them if the Lions score touchdowns instead of field goals. Take the Lions plus 0.5 points (-109).
The Jags are going to be a team to contend with in 2023 but are still missing a couple of key pieces. Dallas is a small road favorite (4 points at -112 Cowboys, -108 Jaguars). This may be an overreaction to their struggles last week against the Texans. Look for Dallas to be focused and go for the knockout punch early. Take the Cowboys and lay 4 points (-112).
The Panthers are still in the playoff hunt, and the Steelers aren’t going to the playoffs. The offenses haven’t been brutal, which is why such a low O/U (37.5 points at -110 Over, -110 Under) seems a little too low. A defensive or special teams touchdown will make this very difficult to keep under 38 points. Take the Over (-110).
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The Falcons have been a difficult team to figure out because, despite a quarterback change and a lack of elite players, they stay in games. The Saints are solid home favorites (4.5 points at -113 Falcons, -107 Saints). The Saints seem to be mailing it in and don’t play with any consistency, which is asking a lot to five away those points. Take the Falcons plus 4.5 points (-113).
The Eagles are the best all-around team in the NFL and tend to beat up lesser teams. They’re a solid favorite (8 points at -112 Eagles, -108 Bears). The Eagles are putting up huge points, and the Bears don’t have the horses on offense to get into that kind of fight. Take the Eagles and lay 8 points (-112).
The Chiefs are huge favorites (14 points at -106 Chiefs, -114 Texans). There’s a reason for that. I’ve tended to avoid giant spreads, because a team takes its foot off the gas with a 20-point lead and gives up a score at garbage time. The Chiefs need to keep winning, because they don’t have the tie-breaker with Buffalo. Give me Patrick Mahomes on a dry track any day. Take the Chiefs and lay 14 points (-106).
The Patriots are adept at playing field position games when the opponent is ripe for that. The Over/Under is a little high (45 points at -112 Over, -108 Under). In six of their seven wins, the Patriots have hit under this O/U. The Raiders may win this game, but they’re going to play the Patriots’ style. Take the Under (-108).
There are certain numbers that are a breaking point for me. An Over of 55 or above gets serious consideration. An Under of less than 38 does the same. The Over/Under here is 36 (-111 Over, -109 Under). Not much needs to happen for that to go Over. Unless there are 20 punts, I can’t resist. Take the Over (-111).
The worst thing anyone can do is bet on the Chargers consistently, because they’re so inconsistent. They are a standard home favorite (3 points at -112 Titans, -108 Chargers). The stat standing out is that the Chargers allow 5.4 yards a carry to all runners. If Derrick Henry comes anywhere close to that number, he’ll have 30 carries. Take the Titans plus 3 points (-112).
The Bengals are road favorites (3.5 points at -112 Bengals, -108 Buccaneers). The problem with Tampa Bay this season is that the offense stagnates for long periods of time. You can’t do that against the Bengals and expect a positive outcome. Take the Bengals and lay 3.5 points (-112).
The Giants and Commanders are division rivals, making them very familiar with each other’s personnel. Washington has been established as a significant divisional favorite (4.5 points at -113 Giants, -107 Commanders). I think Washington will win, but I’m not willing to give away the required five points for two teams that tied two weeks ago. Take the Giants plus 4.5 points (-113).
When this game was scheduled, they didn’t expect what they’re getting. A California team going to Wisconsin the week before Christmas is never good, which is why the Packers are a touchdown favorite. But the number here is the O/U (39 points at -110 for both). There are a lot of ways this game can play out. Aaron Rodgers wants to make a point, and the Rams are on fumes. One team scores 24 or more points. It doesn’t need much left. Take the Over at 39 points (-110).
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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 14 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 14.
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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All of the smartest wagers to make from around the NFL ahead of Week 14.
In a week that has just 13 games with six teams on bye, it is a strange week that sees almost half of the games with spreads of six points or more, a pair of teams currently in a playoff spot (Seattle and Tennessee) as minimal home favorites against a pair of 4-8 teams, and a 5-7 team favored to beat a team that is 10-2.
Just when you think you’ve seen enough craziness, the NFL finds a way to throw you yet another curve.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
The Raiders are a solid road favorite (6 points), but the Rams are the losers of five straight and seeing one star after another drop. The Over/Under is solid (44.5 points at -107 Over, -113 Under). My question is how many points can the Rams’ depleted offense score? Not enough for this number. Take the Under (-113).
I’m not touching a 16-point favorite bet (I think Dallas will surpass it, but I never give away that many points). However, I’m down with the Over/Under (45.5 points at -111 Over, -109 Under) The Cowboys defense is a chore for good offenses, much less a pedestrian one. The Texans may not hit 10 points. The Cowboys will run enough to kill clock. Take the Under (-109).
This is always a bloodbath and the Steelers have had the upper hand when Lamar Jackson is available. He won’t be this week, which explains why the Steelers are small favorites (2.5 points at -101 Ravens, -119 Steelers). A lopsided spread bet like this means that it is likely to go to 3 points. I’m about getting my ticket in when the opportunity is better. Take the Steelers and lay 2.5 points (-119).
Joe Burrow has been dominated by the Browns in his career, but Cincinnati has won eight of its last 10 games after an 0-2 start – including the last four. The Browns have won their last two and Deshaun Watson is getting his legs under him. The Over/Under is big (47 points at -111 Over, -109 Under). The thing about this rivalry is even if one of them gets a big lead, they don’t take their foot off the gas. Take the Over (-111).
The Eagles are given respect as a road favorite (7 points at -105 Eagles, -115 Giants). Before game time, this is going to go to 7.5. In their last 10 wins, the Eagles have covered this number eight times. The Giants haven’t seen this year’s version of Philly yet. It may be a rude awakening. Take the Eagles and lay 7 points (-105).
One of Buffalo’s three losses was a 20-17 loss to the Jets on the road. The Bills had won the previous four and covered the point spread for this week (9.5 points at -109 Jets, -111 Bills) in three of them (and won by eight in the other). The Jets have been a cute story, but this is where Buffalo draws the line. Take the Bills and lay 9.5 points (-111).
Ryan Tannehill is battling another ankle injury, which helps explain the small home favorite number (4 points at -113 Jaguars, -107 Titans). Even with a bad ankle he can turn and hand the ball to Derrick Henry. In the last four meetings (all Titans wins), Henry has rushed 99 times for 488 yards and 7 touchdowns. What should change that? Take the Titans and lay 4 points (-107).
Minnesota has 10 wins and has only scored 10 more points than their opponents. The Lions have won four of their last five and gave Buffalo all it could handle in the loss. The Lions are favored by 2.5 points. The Vikings two losses have come to the Eagles and Cowboys. The Lions aren’t close to them. The Vikings win ugly, but they win. Take the Vikings on the money line (+115).
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The Chiefs are stinging from a loss to the Bengals, but remain huge road favorites (9.5 points at -111 Chiefs, -109 Broncos). I’ve seen enough of Russell Wilson stealing money in Colorado. I’m not convinced the Broncos will score 17 points. I’m much more confident in the Chiefs’ ability to score 27. Take the Chiefs and lay 9.5 points (-111).
The Seahawks’ running game is banged up, but it doesn’t change the fact the the Panthers are winless on the road and have lost the last two by double digits. Seattle is a modest favorite (4 points at -112 Panthers, -108 Seahawks). If Seattle has to pass 50 times, so what? The Panthers should be closer to a touchdown dog, not 4 points. Take the Seahawks and lay 4 points (-108).
Tom Brady and Brock Purdy isn’t a matchup anyone expected to ever see. It is what it is. The Bucs offense goes dormant for long stretches, especially against good defenses. The Purdy-led offense will struggle against a Bucs defense that is injury-depleted but deep. The Over/Under is extremely low (37 points at -109 Over, -111 Under). Despite their records, this is a playoff game in early December. Field position is king. Take the Under (-111).
These are two teams capable of putting up a lot of points. As such, the Over/Under is high (52 points at -112 Over, -108 Under). I’m unconvinced either team will try to run, because this game could have serious implications. If the Chargers lose, they’re likely dead. I’m not picking a winner here. I’m picking a mindset. Take the Over (-112).
The Patriots are slight road favorites (2 points at -110 for both teams). The Cardinals have stunk it out at 4-8 (on top of their epic collapse at the end of the 2021 season). I’m not willing to make an East Coast team heading back to the West Coast and being given that kind of status, because the Patriots aren’t a team at this point built to hand out butt-whoopings on the road. Take the Cardinals on the money line (+105).
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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 13 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 13.
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 spin around the NFL for the smartest wagers to make in Week 13.
There are a ton of games this week in which both teams are either currently in the playoffs or within a game of a playoff spot.
This week we’re focusing a lot more on the Over/Under numbers, which have some that make too much sense not to jump on.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
The Patriots have a tendency to keep games close, which is why the Bills are such small favorites (3.5 points at -107 Bills, -113 Patriots). Viewed by many as the clear favorite to win the AFC, right now Buffalo would be a wild-card team. This is a statement game for the Bills to get back into the Super Bowl discussion. Take the Bills and lay 3.5 points (-107).
The Vikings are winning all their games close, but this spread seems a point or two off for Minnesota (3 points at -112 Jets, -108 Vikings). Minnesota is at home going up against another backup quarterback (their fifth of the season) and will create an environment that will make it very difficult for White to replicate his numbers from last week. Take the Vikings and lay 3 points (-108).
I wouldn’t even have this game on the board with both starting quarterbacks banged up and not certain to play. The only bet I would consider at this point is the Over/Under (43.5 points at -109 Over, -111 Under). Two months ago many circled this game as a battle of the quarterbacks, but nobody expected the realistic prospect of Jordan Love vs. Nathan Peterman. Take the Under (-111).
Some may be surprised that the Steelers are the slightest of road favorites (1 point at -109 Steelers, -111 Falcons). Pittsburgh is 4-7 for the first time in a long time (Mike Tomlin has never had a losing record). However, the Steelers are 2-0 against the teams from the pathetic NFC South and haven’t played Carolina yet. Take the Steelers and lay 1 point (-109).
I have a difficult time with this one – if I was to completely avoid one game knowing who’s in and out on Sunday morning, this is it. They both win by beating people up. As such, my only bet is the Over/Under (44.5 points at -111 Over, -109 Under). The Eagles are expected to roll, but the Titans thrive when they’re written off. It may take two A.J. Brown revenge TDs to do it, but take the Over (-111).
The Lions defense is garbage, but this Over/Under is way too high for my liking (51.5 points at -107 Over, -113 Under). The Chiefs-Bengals game is only one point higher and Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow won’t be in Motown. This game will likely require seven touchdowns to surpass the point. Take the Under (-113).
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Deshaun Watson is finally back, and who does he get for his first game? His old team. The Browns are a solid favorite (7 points at -109 Browns, -111 Texans). Of their nine losses, the Texans have been beaten by seven of more points in eight of them. Combine that with the Revenge Play of the Year, if Watson is on his game, Cleveland could win by 20. Take the Browns and lay 7 points (-109).
This is the lowest Over/Under on the board (38.5 points at -110 for both). Given Denver’s offense, I’m unconvinced they head east for an early-window game against a good team and score more than 10 points. That gives you 28 points for Baltimore to score. That’s a lot of points against an unheralded Denver defense and gives you wiggle room on the lowest number you can get. Take the Under (-110).
The Commanders are clearly the hotter team, winning five of their last six and their last four road games. That helps explain why they’re road favorites (2.5 points at -111 Commanders, -109 Giants). The Giants have lost two straight, but they stacked up a lot of wins early to recover from that. If the Commanders aren’t error-free, they lose. Take the Giants plus 2.5 points (+110).
I’m not a believer in the Seahawks, but the Rams are so decimated by injury that they’re kryptonite to me. The Over/Under is low (41 points at -113 Over, -107 Under). The defending champs are in full shutdown mode with an eye on reloading for 2023. I can’t see the Rams defense allowing a ton of points and can’t see L.A.’s offense doing much. Take the Under (-107).
In my view, this is the game of the week. Miami is the new Kansas City in terms of offensive firepower, and the 49ers are stocked and locked since trading for Christian McCaffrey. Both teams can absorb a double-digit deficit and come back from. The Over/Under (46.5 points at -110 for both) should be three points higher. Take the Over (-110).
The Chiefs lost twice to the Bengals in January and this is a game they have been building toward. The line shows that Kansas City is the better team and is a road favorite (2 points at -112 Chiefs, -108 Bengals). That line is there for a reason. The Bengals won’t blow out the Chiefs. The Chiefs could blow the doors off the Bengals – and all you have to give is two points. Take the Chiefs and lay 2 points (-112).
I’m always hesitant to take the Chargers, because they’re the most overrated team in the NFL. They have elite talent on both sides of the ball and nothing to show for it. They’re a modest road favorite (1.5 points at -109 Chargers, -111 Raiders). Las Vegas has won two in a row, but the Raiders lost seven of their previous nine, including vs. the Chargers. One loss ain’t enough, Jack, you better make it two. Take the Chargers and lay 1.5 points (-109).
The Cowboys defense is better than Pittsburgh’s and the Colts couldn’t beat the Steelers at home in primetime. The Cowboys are double-digit favorites and I’m gun-shy on that. The Over/Under is low (43.5 points at -111 Over, -113 Under). I don’t believe the Colts will muster enough offense to keep this close, and Dallas can run for “death-by-paper-cut,” 12-play drives. Take the Under (-113).
A Monday night game expected to be a battle of two playoff teams is now a battle of teams trying to get up to .500 (Tampa Bay) and trying to get within a half-game of the lead with a win (New Orleans). The Buccaneers are decent road favorites (4 points at -111 Buccaneers, -109 Saints). Six of the eight Saints losses have been by double this number or more – including a 10-point loss to the Bucs in Week 2. Take the Buccaneers and lay 4 points (-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 12 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 12.
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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The top bets to make from around the NFL during Week 12.
It’s Thanksgiving weekend and the NFL has all hands on deck – pausing the bye weeks to have all 32 teams in action.
There are four games in which a team is favored by a touchdown or more, but it’s the underdogs that make this interesting. The 7-3 New York Giants are 9.5 underdogs at Dallas. The Green Bay Packers are 7-point underdogs at Philadelphia, and the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams are a whopping 14.5-point dog at Kansas City.
The Green Bay Packers and Rams were two of the favorites in the NFC to start the season, but both have the look of bottom feeders who will be virtually eliminated from playoff consideration in November. Strange days indeed.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
This will be the second straight game the Bills will have at Ford Field after relocating last week’s game due to five feet of snow. The Bills are the heavy favorite (9.5 points art -110 for both the Bills and Lions). That’s a lot of points for a short week, but the Over/Under is 54, giving the impression the Lions will try to get into a track meet. That rarely ends well when it comes to Buffalo. Take the Bills and lay 9.5 points (-110).
The Giants have been largely disrespected all season and this spread is no exception as they’re a huge underdog (9.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Cowboys defense is very good, but their one weakness is stopping the run, which is the Giants strength. It may take a late Giants score to cover, but this is too many points to give away. Take the Giants plus 9.5 points (-110).
The Vikings are coming are coming off a humbling loss and will be missing their left tackle, which explains why they’re such a small favorite (2.5 points at -105 Patriots, -115 Vikings). This should be another tight, one-score game that Minnesota thrives on. Take the Vikings and lay 2.5 points (-115).
The Dolphins have been one of the hottest offenses in the league and are coming off their bye week. The Texans are brutal and in line for the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft. The Over/Under is a little high (46 points at -111 Over, -109 Under). I just don’t believe the Texans can generate enough points to compete. Take the Under (-109).
I’m still not a believer in the Falcons, but they continue to keep games closer than they should. Washington is the favorite (4 points at -110 for both). While the Commanders are clearly capable of surpassing this number, I’m not convinced they’ll run away from Atlanta. The the Falcons plus 4 points (-110).
The Bucs and Browns both have too much talent to be as big of underachievers as they’ve been this season. The Buccaneers are solid road favorites (3.5 points at -105 Buccaneers, -115 Browns). I’m always partial to home dogs that can play defense and run the ball. Take the Browns plus 3.5 points (-115).
The Jets are coming off one of their most brutal game of the season. Yet, they’re solid home favorites (4.5 points at -113 Bears, -107 Jets). The Jets defense is good, but Justin Fields should be able to make enough plays to get the Bears in scoring position enough times to cover. Take the Bears plus 4.5 points.
The Titans were the No. 1 seed in the AFC last years but still don’t get the respect they deserve. The Bengals have been hit and miss and this is the type of opponent they struggle with – one that can string together long drives by running 30 times a game. Take the Titans on the moneyline (+110).
With an Over/Under of just 36 points, that bet is tempting. I could envision that game going under, which will take a lot. I prefer the betting line with Denver as a modest favorite (2 points at -112 Broncos, -108 Panthers). This should be a close game, but the Broncos have more talent on both sides of the ball. Take the Broncos and lay 2 points (-112).
The Ravens have shot themselves in the foot a couple times this season or they would have the best record in the AFC. They’re small road favorites (4 points at -109 Ravens, -111 Jaguars). Jacksonville is getting better, but they’re not in the Ravens’ class yet. Take the Ravens and lay 4 points (-109).
The Chargers are underachievers (again), but the Cardinals are a complete mess that seems to be imploding. The Chargers are solid road favorites (3.5 points at -107 Chargers, -113 Cardinals). This is the type of game the Chargers must win if they expect to make the playoffs and the Cardinals are already cooked. Take the Chargers and lay 3.5 points (-107).
I’ve struggled predicting the Seahawks, because they can look great and like a dumpster fire in the same game. The Raiders have struggled all season. That inconsistency makes the Over/Under (47.5 points at -114 Over, -106 Under) seem a little high. A lot of things have to happen for these two to combine for 48 points. Although the investment rate says otherwise, take the Under (-106).
The Rams are a mess and their offensive line is in shambles. The Chiefs are massive 14.5-point favorites, but I won’t touch that. I’m more interested in the Over/Under (44 points at -110 for both). I believe Kansas City is easily capable of scoring 31 points. That only leaves 14 for the Rams to score – even if one of the scores comes late against a prevent defense. Take the Over (-110).
I was on the San Fran bandwagon prior to the acquisition of Christian McCaffrey and that has only grown stronger, despite their mediocre record. The 49ers are heavy favorites (8 points at -112 Saints, -108 49ers). The Saints have the ability to keep it close, but the 49ers grinding style on both sides of the ball will wear them down in the second half. Take the 49ers and lay 8 points (-108).
The Packers are on life support, and heading into Philadelphia doesn’t seem like a miracle cure. The Eagles are strong favorites (7 points at -111 Packers, -109 Eagles). Philadelphia has had a pair of subpar games in a row, falling from the ranks of the unbeaten in Week 10. This will be a statement game that puts the Packers out of their misery. Take the Eagles and lay 7 points (-109).
Far too many prime time games this season have been low-scoring affairs. The Over/Under suggests another one (39 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). These franchises are going their own upheaval with underachievement, but their defenses are the strengths. This has the makings of a field position game, not a back-and-forth scoring matchup. Take the Under (-110).
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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 11 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 11.
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 spin around the NFL’s best wagers to make for Week 11.
Part of betting is learning from your losses and learning your weaknesses. I’ve done both.
My Achilles’ heel is double-digit favorites. They should slap the taste out of the mouth of their opponent. Over the past four weeks, there have been seven games in which team has been favored by double-digits.
I’m 1-6 in those games.
Suffice to say, I will be betting the Over/Under on the one double-digit game this week. Learn from your mistakes and don’t repeat them…even if you believe this is the week the curse ends.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
The Packers saved their season by being desperate and throwing the ball. Given their banged up offensive line, that won’t continue for long. Tennessee is a three-point underdog at even money. I wouldn’t begrudge anyway effectively being given four points (three would be a push). The Titans’ only losses have been the Chiefs, Bills and Giants. The Packers aren’t in that class. Take the Titans on the moneyline +145)
The Rams are getting Matthew Stafford back, but won’t have Cooper Kupp, which is why the Saints are a solid favorite (3.5 points at -113 Rams, -107 Saints). The Rams beat the teams they’re better than (see the schedule), but I’m willing to give the Saints a chance to win and get more than a field goal as a hedge. Take the Rams plus 3.5 points (-113).
It seems like the Giants refuse to get respect from the oddsmakers who seemingly keep expecting the other shoe to drop. The Giants are small favorites (3 points at -109 Lions, -111 Giants). The Lions have lost to every team they’ve played with a record of better than .500. I’ll lay a field goal on that. Take the Giants and lay 3 points (-113).
The Bears have been a different team the last month since letting Justin Fields cut loose and run. The Falcons are a fluky team at home, which is why they’re favored (3.5 points at -119 Bears, -101 Falcons). Chicago has a chance to win this game if they let Fields run the RPO, but given a nice cushion is easier. Take the Bears plus 3.5 points (-119).
Seeing as I won’t touch 13 points (see above), all that leaves me is the Over/Under (42 points at -110 Over and Under). I believe the Ravens are capable of putting up 30. That doesn’t leave Baker Mayfield to do much late in the game. Take the Over (-110).
The perfect season is done because the Eagles shot themselves in the foot (wing, thigh and leg) Monday night. They’re solid road favorites (7 points at -108 Eagles, -112 Colts). Indy is overmatched at far too many positions. This could get ugly. Take the Eagles and lay 7 points (-108).
Who plays football in four to six feet of snow? Nobody. Right now, the Over/Under is acceptable (43 points at -110 for both). As we’ve learned in the NFL, games can be delayed or relocated. Both options are currently in play. I’ve attended a Tuesday night NFL game. The field will be clean – one way or another – when the game begins. Take the Over (-110).
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I don’t like this game. The Commanders are on a short week. Neither team has a quarterback that’s NFL-worthy. The Over/Under is small (41 points at -109 Over, -111 Under). I see a game where running the ball and field position are at a premium to keep it close late. Take the Under (-111).
This one could go either way. The only certainty is that a lot of points are not expected. The Over/Under is just 38 points – three points less than any other game. The Patriots are nominal favorites (3 points at -102 Jets, -118 Patriots). If a game is expected to be played tight to the vest, I tend to go Belichick in that scenario. Take the Patriots and lay 3 points (-118).
Both teams have been disappointments, but the Broncos defense has allowed 20 points just once – a loss to the Raiders in Week 3. Denver is a minimal home favorite (2.5 points at -103 Raiders, -117 Broncos). The Raiders are on the brink of 2022 extinction, and the Broncos defense has revenge in mind. Take the Broncos and lay 2.5 points (-117).
A Week 1 loss to the Steelers put the Bengals in a hole they’re still trying to climb out of – where every loss is a step backward that kills momentum. Cincinnati is a road favorite (4 points at -110 Bengals, -110 Steelers). At this point, the Bengals are better at too many positions to lay off the point spread. Take the Bengals and lay 4 points (-110).
Minnesota is 4-0 at home and winners of seven straight. The Cowboys are a coming off a road loss at Green Bay where they blew a 14-point lead. Yet, Dallas is favored (2 points at -110 for both teams). Call me nuts, but getting points for a home team with a loud crowd and an 8-1 record just makes too much sense. Take the Vikings on the moneyline (+105).
In my view, the Chargers are the most overrated team of the last two seasons. They lose games they should win. They lose games they should lose. The spread says the Chiefs should win (5.5 points at -112 Chiefs, -108 Chargers). I rarely shy away from a team that dominates its division or betting against a team that underachieves. Take the Chiefs and lay 5.5 points (-112).
The 49ers remain a favorite to go to the Super Bowl despite not showing it consistently on the field. The Cardinals are forced to pass by design. The Over/Under is low (43.5 at -111 Over, -109 Under). The combination of the 49ers looking to hit their stride and the Cardinals likely to throw 40 or more times makes this number seem too low. Take the Over (-111).
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