Tag: nfl betting odds

Who will Cam Newton play for next? Betting odds, picks and best bets

Looking at the teams most likely to trade for Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton, with betting odds, picks and best bets for his next team.

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The Carolina Panthers announced QB Cam Newton had been granted permission to seek a trade Tuesday, shortly before they went out and agreed to terms on a new deal with New Orleans Saints impending free-agent QB Teddy Bridgewater. Below, we take a look at the BetMGM odds and make our picks and best bets for Newton’s next team.

Odds to acquire Cam Newton

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

TEAM ODDS
Chicago Bears +140
Los Angeles Chargers +165
Washington Redskins +340
New England Patriots +450
Miami Dolphins +900
Oakland Raiders +2000
Jacksonville Jaguars +2000
Denver Broncos +3300
Dallas Cowboys +5000
Pittsburgh Steelers +5000
Detroit Lions +5000
Cleveland Browns +5000
Cincinnati Bengals +5000

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Best bets to acquire Cam Newton

Chicago Bears +140

The Bears have been very public about their interests in acquiring a veteran free agent to challenge incumbent starter Mitchell Trubisky in 2020. They had been loosely tied to Bridgewater, but now seem focused on either Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton or Jacksonville Jaguars QB Nick Foles.

Newton is a significant upgrade over both of those veterans, and in all likelihood over Trubisky, as well. Signed for just the 2020 season, he could allow the Bears to give Trubisky a much need refresh on the bench, before trying again with the former second overall pick in 2021.

Los Angeles Chargers +165

The Chargers allowed Philip Rivers to walk away in free agency and are now one of three teams picking at the top of the 2020 NFL Draft with a clear need at quarterback. With Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa likely to go to the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins, respectively, they may be fine settling for Jordan Love or Justin Herbert, or may choose to address another position of need.

Acquiring Newton allows the Chargers to address one of those other positions, while potentially targeting a rookie in the second or third round. If Newton flames out or proves to be not fully healthy, they could find themselves picking at the top of the 2021 draft in what’s expected to be a strong QB class, led by Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.

New England Patriots +450

The Patriots are the fourth team without a clear starting option for the 2020 season already on the roster. They’re unlikely to turn from Brady to 2019 backup Jarrett Stidham.

Fitting Newton into head coach Bill Belichick’s ball-control system seems the biggest challenge, but the Pats are quickly running out of viable options.

Jacksonville Jaguars +2000

Already looking to unload Foles after just one year and left largely unimpressed with Gardner Minshew following his rookie season, the Jaguars could use a positive splash to help change the franchise trajectory. Newton immediately injects some star power into the roster and finally inspires some confidence at the most important position.

Want action on Cam Newton’s next team? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

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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Super Bowl LIV Prop Betting: First quarter moneyline

Should you make a moneyline bet on the San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs to hold a lead after the first quarter of Super Bowl LIV?

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Two of the NFL’s best offenses will square off Sunday in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The San Francisco 49ers ranked second in points scored this season, while the Kansas City Chiefs were fifth. Below, we’ll look at which team can get off to the better start in Super Bowl LIV with our best bet for the first-quarter moneyline.

Super Bowl LIV First quarter moneyline odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.

We all know how good these offenses are, but which team will come out of the gates hotter? According to BetMGM, the first quarter moneyline is -110 for both teams. In other words, the oddsmakers don’t favor either the Chiefs or 49ers to hold the lead after the first 15 minutes.

If you’re going to bet on the first quarter moneyline, though, which team should you take?

Special sports betting line for the big game

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The Chiefs enter Super Bowl LIV as 1.5-point favorites against the spread, but as we saw in their first two playoff games, they’ve had to come from behind to earn their victories. Against the Houston Texans, they were down 24-0 early in the second quarter before mounting a huge comeback to win 51-31. The Tennessee Titans held a 10-point lead the following week, but Kansas City erased that deficit, too.

The 49ers, on the other hand, haven’t trailed once in these playoffs and were only tied once (after the opening score). They were tied 7-7 after one quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round, and they led 7-0 after 15 minutes against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship.

Our best bet: 49ers (-110)

(Photo Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports)

So, based on recent history, the 49ers would look like the wiser bet for the first quarter moneyline. They’ve been more in control than the Chiefs this postseason and there were only four games this season in which they trailed after the first quarter. The Chiefs trailed after the first quarter seven times.

Only three teams were better than the 49ers in the first quarter this season. Their scoring margin in the first 15 minutes was plus-40, scoring 106 points to their opponents’ 66. The Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers were the only teams better in that department.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, were 12th in first-quarter scoring margin (plus-10). They scored 90 first-quarter points but allowed 80 to their opponents, which was 11th-worst in the NFL.

So if you’re going to wager on the first quarter money line, the 49ers look like a solid bet. They may not put up a ton of points with their ground-and-pound attack, but it’ll take the Chiefs some time to get in a rhythm offensively.

Also see:

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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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How to bet Super Bowl LIV: San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs betting guide

Looking at the multitude of ways to bet Super Bowl LIV, and how to get NFL action on the San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs matchup.

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Legal sportsbooks across the USA have rolled out the red carpet this week for those looking to get their NFL betting action on the Super Bowl LIV matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. Our friends at BetMGM have a wide array of sports betting options for the big game, ranging from the outright winner to the result of the opening coin toss and everything in between and beyond.

Viewers and bettors don’t even need to be fans of either of this year’s participants to get a piece of the pie. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the water or dive headfirst into the sports betting pool, we at SportsbookWire have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about betting Super Bowl LIV:

Super Bowl LIV betting: Outrights

As with any other game, the three main bet types are the Moneyline, Against the spread and the Over/Under. Here, we’re looking for the game winner, the winner against the points handicap and the total points scored in the game. The same betting logic applies as to any standard game, and you should be sticking by the same research methods which got you here.

Don’t get bogged down in the added volume of analysis and predictions around the Super Bowl. Everyone has a prediction. Look for values and if the line seems too close to call, step away and simply avoid the bet.

Be sure to investigate alternate lines, as well. The Super Bowl, like most games, brings with it a broad array of secondary options, such as lines for each half or quarter. Like the underdog to win the game outright? Bet them on more profitable lines to win by 1-6 points or exactly 3 points. These secondary lines can often be overlooked by the sportsbooks and are great sources of value as the betting public generally looks only at the principle lines and odds.

Special sports betting line for the big game

Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if either team scores a touchdown during the big game February 2, 2020. Regardless of the outcome, you win with a touchdown! Bet now.

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Super Bowl LIV betting: Prop bets

Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox – USA TODAY Sports

Player props

There’s no better way to stay involved in every single play of the Super Bowl than with player props. Options exist for the first touchdown of the game, last touchdown, total touchdowns and yardage totals for most offensive players involved. Defensive players aren’t left out, either. Get action on the number of sacks recorded by key defenders, or “will they or won’t they” record an interception.

As usual, quarterbacks are the stars of the show. Patrick Mahomes and Jimmy Garoppolo will be front and center in head-to-head competitions for statistical production, or on individual props estimating their yardage, touchdown and interception totals.

The main attraction, of course, is for Super Bowl MVP. Most players involved in the game are listed with corresponding odds from Mahomes’ +110 as the odds-on favorite to longshot Chiefs P Dustin Colquitt at +50000. Be sure to research the trends and play the odds. A QB has been named the MVP of 29 of the 53 Super Bowls to date.

Also see:

Team props

If you don’t like the risk of the player props, despite more profitable odds, team props can be the better route to take. These look at the precise winning margin, which team will score first, last or most often, as well as total touchdowns or field goals for either side.

Bets can be broken down by team or combine the two sides. Look at the season-long trends for both teams to get an idea of how many times they run, pass or punt per game. How many sacks did they record and how many points did they give up on average?

Keep in mind, the Super Bowl features the best teams from the AFC and NFC. Make sure to discount outlier stats racked up against an inferior, bottom-feeding opponent early in the season.

Game props

Here, bettors can get action right from the get-go by betting on the result of the coin toss. From there, bet between the first play of the game being a run or pass, the first scoring play being a field goal, touchdown or safety.

Game props can also look at total penalties in the game or which penalty will be called first, or most often. Keep checking BetMGM throughout the week, as more and more betting options are being posted as we near Sunday’s 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

With all these bets, it’s important to remember the odds at the sportsbook are reflective of which side is getting the most betting action. The Super Bowl typically draws in bets in hopes of high-scoring exciting games. Always be on the lookout for the best values. The most likely result isn’t always the most exciting. Know when to be contrarian and bet against the public.

Super Bowl LIV betting: Bankroll management

Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell – USA TODAY Sports

Despite all the build-up and hype around the event, it’s important to remember for betting purposes the Super Bowl is just another game. Sure, it marks the end of the NFL season, but sports bettors still have plenty of options throughout the year and the MLB season is just around the corner.

While there are more betting options available than any other game thus far this season, the size of your wagers shouldn’t be any different than they’ve been up to this point. Whatever your standard betting unit may be (i.e. $1, $5, $10 or $100) you should still be sticking to the same number of units for any wager as you did in Weeks 1 through 17.

Also, know your budget going into this. Carefully peruse the available betting options, take notes of bets which may be of interest, and whittle down your final choices rather than placing bets on the fly. It can be easy to get sidetracked while “window shopping.” Look for the best values and be selective.

Want action on the big game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. 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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Super Bowl LIV prop bet: Who will win MVP of Super Bowl LIV?

Forecasting the odds on who will win Super Bowl LIV MVP, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets.

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The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will square off on Sunday night in Super Bowl LIV. It’s a game that’s chock full of prop bets for viewers to wager on. One of the more common prop bets is the winner of Super Bowl MVP, which can be difficult to predict.

Just like the regular-season MVP award, it’s a quarterback-favored honor. However, there have been more than a few instances where a non-quarterback has won it.

Special sports betting line for the big game

Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if either team scores a touchdown during the big game February 2, 2020. Regardless of the outcome, you win with a touchdown! Bet now.

New customer offer; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.

Will this year be one of those cases? First, let’s look at the odds and who’s favored to win it.

  • Patrick Mahomes +110
  • Jimmy Garoppolo +250
  • Raheem Mostert +750
  • George Kittle +1400
  • Travis Kelce +1400
  • Tyreek Hill +1600
  • Damien Williams +1600
  • Nick Bosa +2000
  • Deebo Samuel +2500
  • Emmanuel Sanders +3300
  • Sammy Watkins +3300
  • Tevin Coleman +5000
  • Frank Clark +8000
  • Mecole Hardman +8000
  • Richard Sherman +8000
  • Chris Jones +8000
  • Arik Armstead +10000
  • Tyrann Mathieu +10000
  • DeForest Buckner +10000
  • Dante Pettis +10000
  • Kendrick Bourne +10000
  • Matt Breida +10000

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Obviously, Patrick Mahomes is the favorite to win the award. He has carried the Chiefs offense that ranked fifth in passing and 23rd in rushing, throwing for 26 touchdowns and five interceptions with 4,031 yards in only 14 games.

But when it comes to betting on the Super Bowl MVP, you first have to start with who you believe will win the game. Only one player in the history of the game has won Super Bowl MVP on the losing team (Chuck Howley, Super Bowl V).

So if you feel strongly about the Chiefs knocking off the 49ers on Sunday, Mahomes is a good bet. He’s going to get a ton of opportunities to throw the ball, attempting at least 25 passes in every game he started and finished this season; he averaged 34.6 pass attempts per game in 2019.

Mahomes is most likely going to score at least one touchdown, too. There have only been three games in his career where he didn’t throw at least one touchdown pass, and in one of those games, he scored a rushing touchdown.

The problem with betting Mahomes is that he’s only +110 to win it. That doesn’t provide much upside, because you’ll have to bet $10 just to win $11.

The quarterback on the other side, Jimmy Garoppolo, provides much greater value at +250. But he has only thrown 27 passes in the 49ers’ two wins this postseason with one touchdown and 208 yards. There have been eight games this season where he threw for 200 yards or less.

And as much as quarterbacks are favored for Super Bowl MVP, a non-QB has won it in three of the last six years – most recently with Julian Edelman taking home the award last year. If you’re going to bet on Garoppolo to win, I wouldn’t wager much because there’s a chance the 49ers will run the ball 30 times and only attempt 15 or so passes.

Instead, I’d rather go with someone like Raheem Mostert, who’s +750 to win MVP. He became the favorite option in the 49ers’ crowded backfield after Tevin Coleman injured his shoulder in the NFC Championship Game. Coleman would’ve been listed as questionable if the game were played yesterday, and it’s unclear what his status will be for the Super Bowl.

Watch Coleman’s status closely as the week progresses, because if he’s available, Mostert’s odds decrease – which will be reflected in the betting line.

Other good values for Super Bowl MVP include Nick Bosa (+2000) because of his pass-rushing ability against a team that throws the ball often, Coleman (+5000) if he’s healthy and plays, and even Richard Sherman (+8000) because of how often Mahomes is going to throw the ball. If Sherman has an interception or two, or a pick-six in a low-scoring game, he could win it.

A real long shot who might be worth putting a small wager on is Chiefs receiver/return specialist Mecole Hardman (+8000) because of his ability to make an impact as a returner. If he takes a kickoff or punt back for a touchdown and there aren’t many other scores, he could sneak in and win the award.

It’s not worth betting on a Chiefs defender because unless he forces a fumble on a running back, there isn’t a great chance of one making enough impact plays against the 49ers’ run-first offense.

Follow @camdasilva 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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2020 Pro Bowl: AFC vs. NFC odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s 2020 Pro Bowl between the best of the AFC and NFC, with NFL betting odds, picks, tips and best bets.

The 2020 Pro Bowl is set for Sunday afternoon at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Kickoff will be at 3 p.m. ET as the best of the AFC and NFC do battle in the annual exhibition of the NFL’s top talents. We analyze the AFC-NFC odds and sports betting lines, while providing NFL betting tips and advice on the Pro Bowl matchup.

AFC vs. NFC: 2020 Pro Bowl preview, betting trends and notes

  • Six members of the Super Bowl-bound Kanas City Chiefs had been named to the Pro Bowl and were replaced this week. The San Francisco 49ers had four players who needed to be replaced.
  • The Baltimore Ravens, who earned the top playoff seed in the AFC, lead the way with 13 Pro Bowl representatives. Among them is MVP front-runner QB Lamar Jackson.
  • The NFC will be coached by Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and his staff. The AFC will be led by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

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  • In addition to the absent Chiefs players, the AFC team needed to make six additional replacements due to injury or the withdrawal of selected players. The NFC needed five extra replacements.
  • Jackson led all players in fan voting. He passed for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns against just six interceptions this season, while adding 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
  • The AFC has won three straight Pro Bowls after the league reverted back to the conference vs. conference format following a three-year experiment with captains.

AFC vs. NFC: 2020 Pro Bowl odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

AFC 28, NFC 20

Moneyline (?)

I’m taking the value with the AFC (-106) as a slight underdog. Despite having to make more roster alterations than the NFC (-115), it will still be led by Jackson, who’ll be keen to put on a show for the fans who made him the top-voted player. He and the rest of the Ravens’ selections will also be trying to put behind them the sour taste of their early playoff exit.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the AFC to win outright would return a profit of $9.43.

Against the Spread (?)

Stick with the moneyline and PASS on the spread with the AFC spotted just 1 point at lower and less-appealing odds (+1, -110). Since 2000, only one Pro Bowl played under the AFC vs. NFC format was decided by a single point. As of publishing, there were no alternate lines available. I’d be willing to back the AFC at a number up to -3.5.

Over/Under (?)

Go with the UNDER 50.5 (-106). Each of the last three all-star exhibitions fell short of this projection, yet it’s the more profitable play with the Over set at a less-rewarding -115. Defense has shone in recent Pro Bowls and we may as well chase value.

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

Esten’s 2019 NFL betting record: 58-51

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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Super Bowl LIV: San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Super Bowl LIV matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets.

The matchup is set for Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, as the San Francisco 49ers (15-3) will do battle with the Kansas City Chiefs (14-4) for the Lombardi Trophy. The big game takes place Sunday, Feb. 2, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the 49ers-Chiefs odds and sports betting lines, while providing NFL betting tips and advice on the Super Bowl LIV matchup.

49ers vs. Chiefs: Super Bowl LIV preview, betting trends and notes

  • Both teams have cruised through the playoffs. The 49ers beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-10 in the Divisional Round before taking down the Green Bay Packers 37-20 in the NFC Championship. The Chiefs beat the Houston Texans 51-31 and Tennessee Titans 35-24 in the second and third rounds, respectively.
  • The Chiefs are riding a seven-game winning streak dating back to Week 11. The Niners have won four straight games.
  • Kansas City played one neutral site game this season, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 24-17 in Mexico City in Week 11.
  • Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo threw for a season-low 77 yards while completing six of just eight pass attempts against the Packers in the NFC Championship. The 49ers didn’t need more out of him, as RB Raheem Mostert rushed 29 times for 220 yards and four touchdowns.

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  • Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes played the hero in the AFC Championship to get Kansas City to its first Super Bowl since 1969 (SB IV). The 2018 MVP completed 23 of 35 pass attempts for 294 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for a team-high 53 yards and another score.
  • San Francisco’s last Super Bowl appearance was Super Bowl XLVII, which it lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens. The Niners last Super Bowl win was Super Bowl XXIX. They beat the San Diego Chargers 49-26, with QB Steve Young being named MVP.
  • The two teams last met in Week 3 of the 2018 season. The Chiefs won 38-27. Garoppolo passed for 251 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Mahomes went 314-3-0.
  • The Niners ranked second in the NFL with 29.9 points per game in the regular season. The Chiefs were fifth with 28.2 PPG.
  • The Chiefs (19.3) and 49ers (19.4) ranked seventh and eighth, respectively, in points per game allowed.

49ers vs. Chiefs: Super Bowl LIV odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, Jan. 20, at 8:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

49ers 32, Chiefs 29

Moneyline (?)

The Chiefs (-118) are favorites for a sixth consecutive game as the official home team in Super Bowl LIV. The 49ERS (+100) are even-money as slight dogs, despite their two 17-point wins in the playoffs. Both teams were 3-1 straight up against cross-conference opponents this season. San Francisco won those games by an average of 13.2 points per game, while Kansas City won by 5.8 PPG against four NFC opponents.

I like the Niners as the slight underdogs. While the Chiefs were able to contain the NFL’s leading rusher in Titans RB Derrick Henry (69 yards, one TD) in the AFC Championship, the 49ers have a multi-headed attack with Mostert, Tevin Coleman (shoulder) and Matt Breida. San Francisco also led the NFL with just 169.2 passing yards allowed per game in the regular season and will force the Chiefs to turn to their little-used rushing game.

Back the underdog in Super Bowl LIV.

Against the Spread (?)

The NINERS (+1.5, -111) offer less value on the spread while being spotted just 1.5 points. The moneyline is the more profitable play with a $10 bet returning $10 in profit, while the same wager here fetches a return of just $9. If you need the extra insurance in case of a 1-point Chiefs’ win, back San Francisco on the spread as a safer play.

San Francisco was 3-1 against the spread in games against AFC opponents this year. Kansas City was just 2-2 ATS in those games. The two-week layoff favors a Chiefs side that went 6-4-1 ATS against teams with equal rest this year, while the Niners were a league-worst 2-5 ATS when playing on equal rest, but the 49ers were 5-0 ATS as underdogs this season.

Over/Under (?)

Those who didn’t enjoy Super Bowl LIII and the 13-3 win for the New England Patriots over the Los Angeles Rams should get their redemption this year. Back the OVER 52.5 (-118) with both teams happy to try their luck in a shootout. The two teams have scored at least 26 points in each of their last four games.

Both teams have hit the Under just eight times through 18 games. KC has topped the projected totals in each of its two playoff games. San Francisco went 1-1.

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

Esten’s 2019 NFL betting record: 58-51

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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Why you should bet on Green Bay Packers to win NFC Championship

Previewing Sunday’s Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers NFC Championship Game, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets.

The Green Bay Packers (14-3) and San Francisco 49ers (14-3) will vie for a berth in Super Bowl LIV Sunday evening at 6:40 p.m. ET, as they meet in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Below, we break down the Packers chances of winning the NFC Championship, with NFL betting odds and picks for this matchup.

The Packers are big road underdogs. They are +280 on the money line and are being spotted 7.5 points (-110) on the spread.

If you are going to bet on the NFC Championship, why should you bet on the Packers to win?

Get some action on the NFC Championship or other games and place a bet at BetMGM!

Green Bay wins close games

The last time the 49ers and Packers met, it was a 37-8 blowout win for the Niners at home in Week 12. That isn’t likely to happen again. The Packers are 9-1 this season in games decided by one score. The 49ers were 5-3.

Green Bay wins the turnover battle

(Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch – USA TODAY Sports)

Green Bay turned the ball over just 13 times all season. In the Packers’ current six-game winning streak, they have only five turnovers. They have forced nine.

In San Francisco’s three losses, they turned the ball over six times.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers threw only four interceptions all season. 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo threw 13.

Green Bay’s pass rush will get to Garoppolo

The Packers had 41 sacks on the season. Their edge presence is relentless. Za’Darius Smith had 13.5 sacks and Preston Smith had 12. In the 49ers’ three losses, Garoppolo went down eight times. Green Bay will be able to pressure Garoppolo into making bad decisions.

The Packers will be able to run the ball against the 49ers

(Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch – USA TODAY Sports)

The 49ers were 17th in rush defense in 2019. Green Bay rushed for 112 yards per game. The Packers will be able to control the game with a methodical running game.

The Packers are underdogs. They are the biggest underdogs of the four teams remaining in the postseason. At +280 on the money line, you can win nearly triple your bet.

That, in addition to the football reasons already presented, is why you should bet in the Packers to win the NFC Championship.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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NFC Championship: Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s NFC Championship between the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers, with NFL betting odds, picks, tips and best bets

The San Francisco 49ers (13-3) host the Green Bay Packers (13-3) Sunday in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET and will follow the Tennessee Titans-Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship. We analyze the Packers-49ers odds and sports betting lines, while providing NFL betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Packers at 49ers: NFC Championship preview, betting trends and notes

  • The 49ers come in with rest advantage after beating the Minnesota Vikings 27-10 in the Divisional Round last Saturday. The Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-23 last Sunday night.
  • San Francisco was 3-2 straight up with a rest advantage this season. It won those games by an average of 8.8 points and covered the spread of 5.5 points per game. Green Bay was 5-0 SU with a rest disadvantage, winning those games by an average of 7.4 PPG.
  • The two teams met at Levi’s Stadium in Week 12, with the Niners claiming a 37-8 victory. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was held to a season-low 104 passing yards with one touchdown pass and no interceptions. Lead RB Aaron Jones had just 38 rushing yards and no receptions.
  • The Packers had won the previous two head-to-head meetings in 2015 (17-3) and 2018 (33-30).

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  • The Divisional Round was San Francisco’s first time holding the opposition below 20 points since limiting the Packers to just eight points in Week 12.
  • Green Bay’s 28 points scored against Seattle was its highest single-game total since putting up 31 against the New York Giants in Week 13.
  • The Niners tied for fifth in the NFL in the regular season with 48 sacks. The Packers tied for 15th with 41 sacks. Both teams tied for 12th with 36 sacks given up.
  • The Packers ranked second in the NFL this year with just 13 giveaways. The Niners were sixth with 27 takeaways, but they also committed 23 turnovers. The Packers had 25 takeaways.
  • San Francisco was fourth in the league with an average time of possession of 31:51. Green Bay trailed slightly with an average TOP of 31:20.

Packers at 49ers: NFC Championship odds, betting lines and prediction

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

Prediction

49ers 23, Packers 20

Moneyline (?)

The 49ers (-345) are big moneyline favorites on the home field, but we’ll PASS on the moneyline wager as a $10 bet on San Francisco to win outright returns a profit of just $2.90. The Packers (+275) offer a sizable return on your investment as they ride a five-game winning streak, but the Niners are the team to back to win the NFC Championship.

Look to the spread for a better value play.

Against the Spread (?)

The PACKERS (+7.5, -115) are the play here as they’re being spotted more than a touchdown. They’ll need just to stay within 7 points in a loss or win outright for a $10 bet to return a profit of $8.70.

Before last week, the Niners were 0-6-1 against the spread when favored by 6 or more points. The Packers were underdogs only four times this year, going 3-1 ATS in those contests. All three of their losses were by at least 7 points (including the 29-point loss the Niners) but expect a much tighter contest with a Super Bowl trip on the line.

Over/Under (?)

Take the UNDER 44.5 (-106). The 49ers fell short of 45 combined points in just six of 17 games (including the Divisional Round) but the Packers have fallen shy of a 45-point total in 10 of 17 games. The season’s first head-to-head showdown played to a total of 45 points on the dot.

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: 58-49

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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Divisional Round: Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Divisional Round showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets.

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The Seattle Seahawks (11-5) travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers (13-3) in the Divisional Round of the 2019-20 NFL playoffs. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 6:40 p.m. ET. We analyze the Seahawks-Packers odds and sports betting lines while providing NFL betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Seahawks at Packers: Divisional Round preview, betting trends and notes

  • The Seahawks have failed to cover the spread in their last five games in Lambeau.
  • The Under has hit in five of the last seven games involving the Seahawks against an NFC opponent.
  • The Packers have won three straight road games and their last five games overall.
  • The Under hit in seven of the Packers’ last eight games against an NFC opponent and in seven of the Packers’ last eight games overall.

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Seahawks at Packers: Key injuries

Seahawks

  • LT Duane Brown (biceps) questionable
  • G Mike Iupati (neck) questionable
  • DE Ziggy Ansah (neck) questionable
  • WR Jaron Brown (knee) questionable
  • RT George Fant (groin) questionable
  • DE Jadeveon Clowney (core) questionable

Packers

  • DL Kenny Clark (back) questionable
  • LB Preston Smith (ankle) questionable

Seahawks at Packers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Seahawks 24, Packers 21

Moneyline (?)

The Packers are -200 favorites to win this Divisional Round game at home, but the SEAHAWKS (+165) are the better bet. Seattle has won eight of its last nine games on the road this season, including the Wild Card Round win over the Philadelphia Eagles. No one in the league is better at keeping games close into the fourth quarter than Seattle, and I expect the same to happen Sunday night. This will likely be a coin-flip game late, so give me the better odds as I take the Seahawks in Round 2 of the playoffs.

Against the Spread (?)

While the Packers (-4.5, -110) have covered the spread in five-straight contests against the SEAHAWKS (+4.5, -110), there is just something about this Seattle team that feels different this year. Maybe it’s that their receiving corps fronted by Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf is producing at an elite level. Or perhaps it’s the Seahawks’ ability to rush the passer. Nevertheless, give me Seattle and the points in Lambeau Field.

Over/Under (?)

The total for this NFC Divisional Round game is set at 46.5, which feels a bit too high. Both teams want to run the ball and rely on their defenses to keep this game close. Don’t be surprised if there are fewer than 17 points scored in the first half as each team “feels” the other out before opening up the offenses. This is a game where most of the scoring will likely come in the fourth quarter, but expect the UNDER 46.5 (+100) to hit.

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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Divisional Round: Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s AFC Divisional Round showdown between the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, with betting odds, picks and bets.

The top-seeded Baltimore Ravens (14-2) host the sixth-seed Tennessee Titans (9-7) in an AFC Divisional Round showdown at M&T Bank Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET. We analyze the Titans-Ravens odds and sports betting lines, while providing NFL betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Titans at Ravens: Divisional Round preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Ravens come off the Wild Card Round bye on a 12-game winning streak. Eight of those victories were decided by at least two scores.
  • The Titans took down the New England Patriots 20-13 on the road in the Wild Card Round. QB Ryan Tannehill passed for just 72 yards with one touchdown and one interception as RB Derrick Henry rushed for 182 yards and a touchdown.
  • The Ravens ranked fifth in the regular season with 93.4 rushing yards allowed per game as they go up against the 2019 rushing champ in Henry.
  • Baltimore lost 23-17 to the Los Angeles Chargers in last season’s wild-card game. QB Lamar Jackson threw for 194 yards with two TDs and one INT. He added 54 rushing yards.
  • The Ravens haven’t won a Divisional Round game since 2012 when they beat the Denver Broncos 38-35 in double overtime and went on to win Super Bowl XLVII.
  • The Titans’ last second-round win came in 1999 when they beat the Indianapolis Colts 19-16 en route to a 23-16 loss to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV.
  • Baltimore and Tennessee ranked No. 1 and 3, respectively, in team rushing yards per game in the regular season. The Titans ranked 12th with 104.5 yards allowed on the ground per game.
  • The Ravens are 38-2 when allowing fewer than 22 points in a game since the start of 2016. The Titans topped that number in eight of 10 regular-season games since making the switch from QB Marcus Mariota to Tannehill.

Titans at Ravens: Key injuries

The Titans made it through the Wild Card Round healthy, but the season-long losses of DL Cameron Wake (undisclosed) and CB Malcolm Butler (wrist) will be factors against the top-ranked offense of the Ravens.

Ravens RB Mark Ingram (calf) and TE Mark Andrews (ankle) are expected to play after sitting out the regular-season finale.

Titans at Ravens: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Ravens 27, Titans 13

Moneyline (?)

The Titans (+350) pulled off the upset as road dogs against the Patriots in Round 1, but the Ravens (-455) have a much more dominant offense and will be able to pull away. Some early scores will force Tennessee to turn away from Henry and the ground attack and keep the ball in Tannehill’s hands.

These odds are far too chalky, however, so look to better odds on the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the favored Ravens to win outright returns a profit of only $2.20. It’s not worth the minimal risk.

Against the Spread (?)

The RAVENS (-8.5, -115) are just the second-largest favorites of the week next to the Kansas City Chiefs, who are laying -9.5 points against the Houston Texans. Feel comfortable backing the home side to win by at least 9 points, as they did frequently while running the table from Week 5 on.

Baltimore was 10-6 against the spread in the regular season and covered the number by a league-high 10.2 points per game.

Over/Under (?)

The projected total of 47.5 is the second-highest of the second round, behind only Chiefs-Texans (48.5). Take the UNDER 47.5 (-110) with the Ravens expected to pull away and take away the Titans’ No. 1 scoring threat in Henry. The 13 points allowed by the Titans last week matched the second-lowest total they gave up all season.

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: 57-48

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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