Tag: nfl betting odds

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

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

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

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

Buffalo Bills playoff futures

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

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

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

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

(Photo Credit: Rich Barnes – USA TODAY Sports)

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

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

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

(Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titans at Patriots: Key injuries

Titans:

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

Patriots:

  • WR Julian Edelman (knee) questionable

Titans at Patriots: Odds, betting lines and prediction

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

Prediction

Patriots 24, Titans 17

Moneyline (?)

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

Against the Spread (?)

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

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

Over/Under (?)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vikings at Saints: Key injuries

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

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

Vikings at Saints: Odds, betting lines and prediction

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

Prediction

Saints 34, Vikings 20

Moneyline (?)

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

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

Against the Spread (?)

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

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

Over/Under (?)

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

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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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Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Chicago Bears (7-8) visit the playoff-bound Minnesota Vikings (10-5) Sunday with an 1 p.m. ET kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium. We analyze the Bears-Vikings odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.

Bears at Vikings: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Bears eliminated the Vikings from the 2018 playoffs with 24-10 Week 17 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium.
  • The Bears are 5-0 against the spread (ATS) in their five meetings with the Vikings.
  • Minnesota is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine games against teams with losing records.
  • The Vikings and Bears have hit the Under in four of the last five meetings.
  • Chicago is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games.
  • Minnesota is 6-1 against the moneyline in its last seven home games against Chicago, but the only loss was the last meeting.
  • Both teams are coming off inept, humbling losses – the Bears losing at home 26-3 to the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Vikings losing their first home game of the season 23-10 to the Green Bay Packers.

Bears at Vikings: Key injuries

Vikings: The injury report only shows one player as not practicing – Pro Bowl snub LB Eric Kendricks (quadriceps). RB’s Dalvin Cook (shoulder) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) have been limited and neither is expected to play. With Minnesota locked in as the No. 6 seed, several key veterans on both sides of the ball could be pulled early.

Bears: Four players didn’t practice Thursday – DL Akiem Hicks (elbow), NT Eddie Goldman (concussion), WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion) and OL Bobby Massie (ankle). Some of these guys may be making business decisions as to play a meaningless game.

Bears at Vikings: Odds, betting lines and prediction

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

Prediction

Vikings 20, Bears 16

Moneyline (?)

For only giving away 1.5 points, Minnesota (-129) is a little stiff. Chicago is +105, so this one pretty much bets itself. If you think Chicago is going to beat Vikings QB Kirk Cousins a fourth consecutive game, take the Bears here instead of being given a paltry 1.5 points.

Every $1 wagered on the Bears ML would profit $1.05 if they win.

Against the Spread (?)

As mentioned above, the line is Vikings -1.5. Both teams are -110 because it is what is so perilous about putting bets down in Week 17. Minnesota has absolutely nothing to play for or risk Sunday. With the Vikings coming off a national humbling to the Packers and the Bears’ recent dominance of them, if the Vikes lay down in front of their home fans, it will have a negative backlash. If you think motivation of a veteran means anything, take the Vikings at a better price than the moneyline.

Over/Under (?)

This is the most difficult bet of them all because 36.5 (Over -115, Under -106) is such a low number. But these teams tend to hit the Under. It won’t take much to hit the Over and these are teams with opportunistic defenses and special teams, but the Bears have dominated Cousins and, in the last three games against Minnesota, Chicago QB Mitch Trubisky has been knocked out of two of them. The sportsbooks are daring you to take the Over. Take the UNDER 36.5 (-106), but it will be close.

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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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San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The San Francisco 49ers (12-3) visit the Seattle Seahawks (11-4) in a battle for the NFC West title Sunday with an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff at CenturyLink Field. We analyze the 49ers-Seahawks odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.

Both teams have already clinched playoff berths, but the 49ers lock up the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a win. The Seahawks can finish anywhere from the Nos. 1 through 3 seeds with a win; the loser of Sunday’s game gets the 5 seed.

In one of the better NFL games of the year, the Seahawks won the first meeting of the regular season 27-24 in overtime Nov. 11. Jason Myers’ 42-yard field goal as time expired handed the 49ers their first loss of the season.

49ers at Seahawks: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • One might be surprised the home team Seahawks are NOT the favorite, but they’ve recently suffered key injuries to their defense and their running back corps — leading to the signing of RB Marshawn Lynch this week.
  • The 49ers have alternated wins and losses the last five weeks, most recently beating the visiting Los Angeles Rams 34-31 in Week 16, but failing to cover a 7-point spread.
  • An 8-point favorite, the Seahawks were stunned at home by the Arizona Cardinals 27-13 last week.
  • The 49ers are 6-1 on the road, 8-6-1 against the spread (ATS) overall, and 5-2 ATS away from home.
  • The Seahawks are a surprising 4-3 at home, 7-7-1 ATS overall and 2-5 ATS at CenturyLink Field.
  • Both teams are 8-7 against the over/under on the season.
  • 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo is 20-5 in 25 starts — but this is his first career start at Seattle.

49ers at Seahawks: Key injuries

49ers: WR Deebo Samuel (undisclosed), S Jaquiski Tartt (ribs), DT Julian Taylor (elbow) and DE Dee Ford (hamstring) are questionable.

Seahawks: RBs Chris Carson (hip), Rashaad Penny (knee), C.J. Prosise (arm) and LT Duane Brown (knee) are out — the three RBs are done for the year. CB Shaquill Griffin (hamstring) and DE Jadeveon Clowney (abdomen) are probable, while S Quandre Diggs (ankle) is questionable.

49ers at Seahawks: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Aug 30, 2018; Seattle, WA; Marshawn Lynch (left), when with the Oakland Raiders, and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll (right) catch up during a 2018 game CenturyLink Field. They have rejoined forces heading into Sunday’s showdown with the 49ers. (Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson – USA TODAY Sports)

NFL odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 5:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

49ers 27, Seahawks 17

Moneyline (ML)

The 49ERS (-176) are worth a small play if you have doubts about the spread – and are afraid of the hook. The trend points to the Seahawks (+145), who have won eight straight home games vs. the 49ers, but Seattle is just not healthy and Lynch is not the answer.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the 49ers to win straight up would profit $5.68 if the 49ers win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The 49ERS (-3.5, -106) are the STRONGEST PLAY. I’m not a fan of backing road teams, especially when they’re favored by more than 3 points. But as mentioned above, the Seahawks (+3.5, -115) are undermanned in this one – they were exposed in last week’s loss to the Cardinals, and the 49ers will take advantage in avenging the regular-season OT loss.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 47.5 (-115). The 49ers defense ranks eighth in allowing just 19.3 points per game, while the Seahawks allow 24.8 PPG. On the offensive side, the 49ers are second in points scored (30.2 PPG) and the Seahawks are ninth (25.6 PPG).

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

Johnny’s December record: 16-7-1. Strongest plays: 8-2.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 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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Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys sports betting odds and lines, with Week 17 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Dallas Cowboys (7-8), in need of a win, host the Washington Redskins (3-12) Sunday for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at AT&T Stadium (on FOX). We analyze the Redskins-Cowboys odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.

Redskins at Cowboys: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Cowboys need a win over Washington and a Philadelphia Eagles loss to the New York Giants in order to make the postseason.
  • Washington has lost three in a row and seven of its last nine games, but has gone 5-4 ATS in that span.
  • The Cowboys are just 1-4 in their last five games after starting the season 6-4.
  • Dallas is 12-4 in its last 16 games at home.
  • Washington has only covered the spread once in its last five games against Dallas.
  • The Redskins are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games against the NFC East.

Redskins at Cowboys: Key injuries

Redskins: QB Dwayne Haskins (ankle) has been ruled out. QB Case Keenum will start in his place. OT Morgan Moses (knee) is questionable.

Cowboys: QB Dak Prescott (shoulder), LT Tyron Smith (eye), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (shoulder) and LB Sean Lee (pectoral/thigh) did not practice Wednesday. DE/DT Michael Bennett (foot), S Jeff Heath (shoulder), P Chris Jones (abdomen) and LB Joe Thomas (knee) were limited in practice.

Redskins at Cowboys: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Cowboys 27, Redskins 20

Moneyline (?)

The Cowboys (-500) are going to win, but I can’t justify suggesting to someone to make a wager that only profits $1 on every $5 bet. Dallas is desperate for a win, hoping to keep its playoff chances alive. The Redskins (+380) have nothing to play for and will keep their banged-up players out of harm’s way.

Against the Spread (?)

The Cowboys are only 1-3 ATS in their last four games and their blowout win over the Los Angeles Rams looks more like an outlier than an indicator of their actual ability. They’re still favored by 10.5 points over the Redskins, which is too large a number for me to bite on.

Take the REDSKINS (+10.5, -115) to cover the spread and keep the game relatively close.

Over/Under (?)

The number is 44.5 (Over -106, Under -115). The total has gone over in 12 of the Cowboys’ last 18 games, and four of the last five at home against the Redskins.

Take the OVER (-106) with Dallas’ offense getting things kicked into gear after a flop in Philly.

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

Follow @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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Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers sports betting odds and lines, with Week 17 NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

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The Atlanta Falcons (6-9) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) wrap up their 2019 seasons in an NFC South rivalry clash Sunday of Week 17 at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Falcons-Buccaneers odds and sports betting lines, while providing NFL betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Falcons at Buccaneers: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Falcons and Bucs enter Week 17 projected to pick fifth and 13th overall, respectively, in the 2020 NFL Draft.
  • The Buccaneers took a 35-22 victory in Atlanta when the two sides met in Week 12.
  • The Falcons have won three straight games and are 5-2 since entering their bye week at 1-7. The Bucs took a 23-20 loss at home against the Houston Texans Saturday of Week 16 to snap a four-game winning streak.
  • Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston threw another four interceptions in the Week 16 loss and now sits at 28 on the year. He has thrown at least two interceptions in eight of 15 games, including two against the Falcons in Week 12.
  • Falcons WR Julio Jones has totaled 300 receiving yards over the last two games.
  • Winston (4,908) leads the league in passing yards. Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (1,333) and Jones (1,316) rank second and third, respectively, in receiving yards.
  • The Buccaneers and Falcons rank 25th and 30th, respectively, in team rushing yards per game.
  • Only two teams have allowed more points on the year than Tampa Bay’s 421 through 15 games.

Falcons at Buccaneers: Key injuries

Godwin (hamstring) is unlikely to play for the Buccaneers, joining WRs Mike Evans and Scotty Miller on the shelf.

The Falcons will remain without WR Calvin Ridley and CB Desmond Trufant.

Falcons at Buccaneers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

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

Prediction

Falcons 24, Buccaneers 18

Moneyline (?)

Take the FALCONS (-106) as very slight road dogs. The Buccaneers’ depleted receiving corps cost them against the Texans, as Winston was forced into making bad throws to sub-par receivers. Atlanta has played its best football over the last three weeks and will be able to pad on one more meaningless win against their division rivals.

The Falcons are 3-4 on the road while the Bucs are just 2-5 at home.

Against the Spread (?)

Back the Falcons to win outright rather than accepting the lower -115 odds for them to cover a spread of just +1.5. The single point of insurance in the event of a loss isn’t worth taking a 70 cent hit in profit on a $10 wager.

Atlanta is 7-8 against the spread overall and Tampa Bay is 5-8-2. Take the healthier visitors to simply win outright as underdogs.

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 48.5 (-110) is the play. It’s tied for the highest projected total of the week. The Bucs put up just 20 points last week with their depleted receiving corps and the Falcons are just 6-9 against the Over/Under for the year. The irrelevance of the game for both sides will detract from the offensive output.

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

Esten’s NFL betting record: 50-45

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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New York Jets at Buffalo Bills odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s New York Jets at Buffalo Bills sports betting odds and lines, with Week 17 NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

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The New York Jets (6-9) will be trying to send the AFC East-rival Buffalo Bills (10-5) into the postseason with one more loss as the two sides meet at New Era Field Sunday of Week 17. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Jets-Bills odds and sports betting lines, while providing sports betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Jets at Bills: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Bills claimed a 17-16 road victory when the two sides met in Week 1. Bills QB Josh Allen threw for 254 yards, while Jets QB Sam Darnold passed for 175 yards. The Jets rushed for just 68 yards as a team.
  • New York enters off of a 16-10 home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets are 5-2 since Week 10.
  • Buffalo fell by a 24-17 count to the rival New England Patriots Saturday of Week 16.
  • Allen doesn’t have a 300-yard passing game on the season. Darnold has two. The Jets allow 236.2 passing yards per game while the Bills rank third in the NFL with 195.9 pass yards allowed per game.
  • The Bills rank second with just 16.4 points per game surrendered. The Jets have given up 23.5 PPG.
  • Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott hasn’t yet decided which starters, if any, will be resting for Week 17 with the AFC’s top wild-card spot already secured.
  • The Bills are set to visit the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. The Jets are projected to pick ninth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jets at Bills: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bills 17, Jets 13

Moneyline (?)

The BILLS (-125) are the better team overall and should be the pick regardless of who starts and sits this week. Matt Barkley could draw the start in place of Allen, but the Bills are still deep enough at the other skill positions and have one of the NFL’s top defensive units. They’re a good pick at the early-week odds, and will be worth doubling down if they shift to slight home dogs with the potential inactive ruling for Allen.

The Bills are 4-3 at home while the Jets are just 1-6 on the road.

Against the Spread (?)

The better number for the BILLS (-1.5, -110) comes on the spread where they’ll need to win by 2 or more points for a bet to cash. Buffalo is a league-best 9-4-2 against the spread overall and covers the line by 3.6 points per game. New York has covered the spread in just six of 15 games and falls an average of 0.8 PPG below the cover line.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bills to win by at least 2 points and cover the spread returns a profit of $9.09 while the same wager for the outright win on the moneyline returns a profit of $8.

Over/Under (?)

Take the UNDER 36.5 (-110). The projected total is the lowest of the week. The Bills are 4-11 against the Over/Under and fall an average of 4.1 points below the line. The Jets are 7-8 and come up 1.4 PPG shy of the projections. The Bills haven’t scored 20 points in any of their last three games.

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

Esten’s NFL betting record: 50-45

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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Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens sports betting odds and lines, with Week 17 NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) will make their final bid for a postseason berth Sunday of Week 17 against the AFC North-rival Baltimore Ravens (13-2) at M&T Bank Stadium. The game will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET. We analyze the Steelers-Ravens odds and sports betting lines, while providing sports betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Steelers at Ravens: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Ravens beat the Steelers 26-23 in overtime in Pittsburgh in Week 5. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson passed for 161 yards and rushed for 70. His 3 interceptions were a single-game season-high.
  • The Steelers enter Week 17 off of back-to-back losses to the Buffalo Bills (17-10) and New York Jets (16-10).
  • The Tennessee Titans (8-7) hold the tie-breaker over the Steelers for the second wild-card spot based on strength of schedule.
  • The Ravens have won 11 straight games with seven of those being decided by at least two scores. They clinched home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs.
  • Steelers third-string QB Devlin Hodges will get the Week 17 start after Mason Rudolph (shoulder) suffered an injury in Week 16.
  • Baltimore will rest Jackson and RB Mark Ingram (calf) in the regular-season finale, along with several veteran defensive starters.
  • QB Robert Griffin III will start for the Ravens. He appeared in six games this season, going 12-for-17 through the air with one touchdown and one pick. He hasn’t started a game since 2016.
  • The Ravens (18.1) and Steelers (18.3) rank third and fourth, respectively, in scoring defense. They’re two of the five teams in the NFL allowing fewer than 310 yards of offense per game.

Steelers at Ravens: Key injuries

Ingram is the main injury concern for Baltimore, but he was likely to rest this week regardless.

Steelers RB James Conner (thigh) may join Rudolph on the shelf for Week 17 after he left the Week 16 contest.

Steelers at Ravens: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 8:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Ravens 20, Steelers 13

Moneyline (?)

Take the value with the RAVENS (+110). Even though they’ll be resting stars, they’re still the deeper and more talented group on offense. Baltimore is 6-1 at home this year while Pittsburgh (-133) is just 3-4 on the road. Hodges threw six interceptions against just a single touchdown over the Steelers’ last two losses and they briefly switched back to Rudolph last week.

Against the Spread (?)

The spread is set at 2.5 points with -110 odds on either side. Stick with the hosts on the moneyline rather than taking lower odds for just 2 points of insurance in the event of a loss. PASS on the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Ravens to win outright on the moneyline returns a profit of $11. Backing them to cover +2.5 on the spread and stay within 2 points in a loss, tie or win outright would return $9.09 in profit.

Over/Under (?)

The best play is the UNDER 38.5 (-110). It was going to be a strong defensive battle even if both sides were fielding full rosters. Look for both QBs to struggle and Baltimore’s backup defenders to prove their worth in a defensive slog.

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

Esten’s NFL betting record: 45-42

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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Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Green Bay Packers (11-3) look to lock down the NFC North title when they travel to U.S. Bank Stadium to play the Minnesota Vikings (10-4) in a much-anticipated Monday Night Football tilt at 8:15 p.m. ET. We analyze the Packers-Vikings odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 16 NFL matchup.

Packers at Vikings: preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Packers are 9-5 against the spread (ATS) this season, but just 3-3 ATS in their last six games.
  • The Over has hit in five of the Vikings’ last six games.
  • Green Bay is 4-2 against the moneyline and 5-1 against the spread in its last six games as a road underdog.
  • In games where Minnesota has been favored between 3.5 and 4.5 points, the Vikings are 9-0 against the moneyline and 8-1 ATS – hitting the Over in 14 of 20 games in that scenario.
  • Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has a career record of 6-14-1 in 21 prime-time games.
  • The total has gone Under in eight of the last 10 meetings between the two NFC North rivals.

Vikings at Packers: Key injuries

Vikings

  • RB Dalvin Cook (chest) out
  • RB Alexander Mattison (ankle) questionable

Packers

  • DE Dean Lowry (ankle) questionable
  • T Yosuah Nijman (elbow) out

Vikings at Packers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. (Photo Credit: Brad Rempel – USA TODAY Sports)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Vikings 23, Packers Bay 20

Moneyline (?)

Minnesota is the only team in the league that is unbeaten at home this season (6-0) and has protected their home-field advantage extremely well, winning games by 16, 20, 18, 10, 6 and 13 points. That can explain why they have a big moneyline number (-239). The Packers are getting a good number (+190), and it’s rare for any 11-3 team to get that kind of love from the sportsbooks. We would lean toward the Vikings, but not by much given the return to go with Green Bay and the lack of it for Minnesota.

Against the Spread (?)

Minnesota has blown out the 3.5-point number all season and are the favorite despite giving up the points (-139). The money is going on Minnesota, which explains the spread, but if you’re willing to give Aaron Rodgers and the PACKERS +3.5 (+115) that many points, it’s hard to deny taking him. Go with the visitors.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on the Packers moneyline will profit $1 if they don’t lose by 4 or more points or win outright.

Over/Under (?)

The Vikings and Packers tend to play games close to the vest and work the clock with long drives that drain the clock. Both defenses have been strong in the red zone and forced teams to settle for field goals more often than touchdowns. The Over 46.5 (+100) is getting better odds than the under (-121), but this one has the smell of a tightly contested, conservative game plan for both offense, which lends itself to lower scores. Take the UNDER 46.5.

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

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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