Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
For this week’s picks we look at two quarterbacks using their legs – one good, one bad – a bell-cow running back doing his thing the conventional way, a running back excelling as a receiver, and a tight end continuing to expand his role in his offense.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
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.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
[betwidget_betmgm]
The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for Week 15.
For Week 15, we offer up a variety platter to choose from – a hot team on the moneyline in a hostile environment, a game to go Over, a game to go Under, the smallest favorite covering, and the biggest favorite doing the same.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
New BetMGM customers can sign up today and get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just download the BetMGM app, deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. If your first bet loses, you will receive bonus bets in the amount of your bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Bet Now!
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, New York or Ontario.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
A league-wide view into the best wagers to make for NFL Week 15 action.
Just when you think you have the 2023 season figured out, Week 14 happened. Of the 15 games played, 10 teams with the worse record coming in found ways to win.
Teams had a chance to put a stranglehold on division titles and failed. A final nail in a season had the chance to be hammered for teams on the brink and failed. A team scored three points and won.
There are weeks in every season when you shake your head and wonder what you just saw. Week 14 was one of those lightning-strike occurrences.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
This is a really smaller Over/Under number (34.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). However, the Raiders haven’t scored more than 17 points in their last four games, six of their last seven and 10 of 13 games this year. The Chargers have scored just 23 points in their last three games and don’t have Justin Herbert. Take Under 34.5 points (-110).
The Bengals are a small home favorite (3 points at -105 Vikings, -115 Bengals). From the investment currently needed to bet the Bengals, it looks like the line will move to 3.5 points, which is a better bet for our purposes. Take the Vikings plus 3 points (+100).
The Colts have won four of their last five games but are still modest home favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both teams). If the Steelers couldn’t beat the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots at home, there is little reason to think they can beat a legitimate playoff contender on the road. Take the Colts and lay 1.5 points (-110).
The Over/Under is pretty high (47.5 points at -110 for both). While the Lions have routinely topped this number, Denver plays a ball control, field position style that hasn’t gone over 48 points in its last eight games. Detroit should win, but they will likely play Denver’s style of game. Take Under 47.5 points (-110).
The Browns are small home favorites (3 points at -105 Bears, -115 Browns). The Bears have won two straight, but the Browns are a different team at home, having won five of six games. Cleveland’s defense will need to step up, but it has the talent to defend its yard. Take the Browns and lay 3 points (-115).
Both teams are currently in the playoffs and have a relatively low Over/Under (41.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). This O/U point suggests that the game will be low scoring, but the Packers have scored 22 or more points in each of their last four games and allowed 19 or more in each of their last five. The Buccaneers have scored 20 or more in their last three and allowed 25 or more in three of their last four. Take Over 41.5 points (-110).
[lawrence-related id=485698]
The Over/Under is low given the firepower Houston has displayed this season (38 points at -110 for both Over and Under). But it’s because the Texans are already without Tank Dell and likely without C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins. Tennessee will want to grind the ball on the ground, so there will be a lot of time coming off the clock with sustained drives. Take Under 38 points (-110).
If not for blowing a 14-point lead in the final four minutes at Tennessee, Miami would be favored by more. (8.5 points at -110 for both teams). With Tyreek Hill a question mark, the Dolphins won’t be as explosive but should have enough to take care of business at home against the Jets. Take the Dolphins and lay 8.5 points (-110).
This is one of the lowest Over/Under numbers the Chiefs have seen in years (37 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The reason it’s so low is that the Patriots struggle to score and will have a difficult time moving the ball, much less score touchdowns. The Chiefs will win but may be forced to play the Patriots’ style of game. Take Under 37 points (-110).
The Giants have been a cute story but are still big underdogs (6 points at -110 for both Giants and Saints). The loud stadium environment will make things difficult for the Giants to operate, and the mistakes they make will be the difference. Take the Saints and lay 6 points (-110).
The Falcons are small road favorites (3 points at -110 for both teams). Atlanta keeps taking a step back every time it starts gaining momentum, but the Falcons beat the Panthers by 14 points earlier this year, and that shouldn’t change. Take the Falcons and lay 3 points (-110).
The Rams are pretty big favorites (6.5 points at -110 for both teams). Washington has been blown out in its last three games by 12, 35, and 30 points. While two of those were against the Dallas Cowboys and Dolphins, the Rams can do damage offensively and should have enough to pull away from this team in transition. Take the Rams and lay 6.5 points (-110).
The 49ers are huge favorites (12.5 points at -110 for both). It’s always difficult to give away this many points, but the 49ers are just too powerful and now have the No. 1 seed in their own hands. The Cardinals just can’t keep up. Take the 49ers and lay 12.5 points (-110).
The Cowboys have been on a roll and beating teams up over the last month. The Bills have been streaky, so their typical home-field dominance hasn’t been as pronounced as in recent years. This is going to be determined by turnovers, and Buffalo’s main weakness is giving the ball away at critical times. Take the Cowboys on the moneyline (+110).
The Over/Under is eminently reachable (42.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The Ravens have put up more than 30 points in six of their last seven games and the Jaguars have gone over this O/U in each of the last four games. The Jaguars have allowed 65 points to the Bengals and Browns the last two weeks, and the Ravens should make it three straight of 30 or more. Take Over 42.5 points (-110).
The Eagles haven’t been as dominant as they started the season, and the point spread is low for a team that entered last week as the No. 1 seed in the league (4 points at -110 for both teams). The Seahawks have lost four straight, including the Cowboys and 49ers twice. They’re facing another elite team and they simply can’t compete with them for 60 minutes. Take the Eagles and lay 4 points (-110).
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.
[betwidget_tipico]
[betwidget_betmgm]
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
This week we go running back-heavy with three picks – one to score a touchdown, one to go over his rushing projection, and another going over a shockingly low receiving number for his skill set and history.
Our other two picks are a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback people hate to bet against because of past history and a playmaking wide receiver who routinely slaps around those who choose to project him under a prescribed betting line.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
Five wise wagers to take you to the pay window after Week 15.
We’re heading down the home stretch of the regular season, and we have a full weekend of picks for this week to spread holiday cheer.
We take an Over pick on Saturday. We take an Under pick on Saturday. We save the best for Sunday, picking three playoff teams taking care of business on the road against opponents with losing records.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
The Huddle staff makes its weekly NFL game picks every Thursday.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, KP – Ken Pomponio, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green
[betwidget_tipico]
[betwidget_betmgm]
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
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).
[lawrence-related id=473031]
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).
[betwidget_tipico]
[betwidget_betmgm]
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
