Tag: nfl betting odds

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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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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Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

Two struggling teams looking more to the future than the present, the Detroit Lions (3-10-1) travel play to the Denver Broncos (5-9) Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High at 4:05 p.m. ET (on CBS). We analyze the Lions-Broncos odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 16 NFL matchup.

Lions at Broncos: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Lions are 9-5 O/U on the season.
  • Denver has played to the Under in 17 of its last 23 games and 10 of its last 13 home games.
  • When Detroit is supposed to lose, it usually does. The Lions are 1-8 against the spread (ATS) in its last nine games and 0-7 against the moneyline in the last seven.
  • Denver is 4-2 at home ATS.
  • Detroit is a stiff on the road, going 1-5-1 straight up and 2-5 ATS away from home.
  • The Broncos are 1-5 against the moneyline in their last six games against teams from the NFC North.

Lions at Broncos: Key injuries

Broncos: The offensive line is thin with OT Ja’Wuan James (knee) and guard Ron Leary (concussion) out, while G Dalton Risner (illness) is questionable after missing two of three practice sessions, including Friday’s. TE Noah Fant (shoulder) and DEs DeMarcus Walker (ankle) and Dre’Mont Jones (ankle) are also questionable.

Lions: The laundry list of injuries just keeps growing. DT A’Shawn Robinson (shoulder), LB Christian Jones (shoulder) and OT Rick Wagner (knee) are out. LB Devon Kennard (hamstring) and previous starting RB Bo Scarbrough (ribs) are questionable.

Lions at Broncos: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Broncos 23, Lions 13

Moneyline (?)

The problem here is how much you have to give up on Denver (-304), but, if you had to make a bet on this, it might be the play to make because few believe the Lions (+240) can compete simply because of the injuries. This is the one wager option to AVOID the most.

Against the Spread (?)

The spread has wavered from 6.5 to 7 and back again. The difference between 6.5 and 7 is big in the NFL. The BRONCOS -6.5 (-115) will take that hook (the half point), but they probably won’t need it. The Lions (-106), with a spread less than a touchdown, doesn’t make a lot of outward sense. Take the BRONCOS and go heavy if you have that same feeling.

Over/Under (?)

This is the one that will likely get the most action because the line is a pee-wee 37.5 (-110 on both sides). Over/Unders don’t get much lower than that in the NFL for a reason. It doesn’t take a lot to hit that number. Barring a defensive or special teams touchdown, can two QBs who still can count their starts on one hand be counted on to score four or five touchdowns? Take the UNDER 37.5 (-110) with tepid confidence.

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Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) look to keep their unlikely playoff run alive when they travel to play the New York Jets (5-9) at MetLife Stadium at 1 p.m. ET Sunday (on CBS). We analyze the Steelers-Jets odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 16 NFL matchup.

Steelers at Jets: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Steelers have owned the Jets, going 4-1 against the spread (ATS) over New York in their last five meetings.
  • The last 16 times the Jets have played the Steelers, the total has hit the Under 13 times, averaging less than 31 combined points per game.
  • The total has hit the Under in each of last six Steelers road games, averaging less than 36 points a game.
  • The Jets are 0-3 against AFC North teams this season, having already lost to Baltimore, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
  • Pittsburgh is 5-3-2 ATS in its last 10 games.
  • Le’Veon Bell will be playing the Steelers for the first time on Sunday. Bell has struggled all season, but had his best rushing game of his Jets career last week when he rushed for 87 yards.

Steelers at Jets: Key injuries

Steelers: Six players sat out of Wednesday’s practice, but only two – CB Joe Haden (foot) and G Ramon Foster (not injury related) sat out Thursday.

Jets: 20 players are listed on their injury report, but just three didn’t practice – WR Robby Anderson (illness), OL Tom Compton (calf) and WR Demaryius Thomas (hamstring/knee). S Jamal Adams (ankle) and DL Quinnen Williams (neck) were both limited.

Steelers at Jets: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Steelers 20, Jets 13

Moneyline (?)

This is a bet that is the football anomaly. If you think the Steelers (-173) are going to win, you don’t bet this one because the spread is only 2.5 points. If you’re going with the Jets (+140), this is your bet because getting 2-and-a-hook drops your return significantly (27 percent). Given how we think this one will turn out, we’ll PASS.

Against the Spread (?)

The opposite applies here. Giving up 2.5 points drops the investment in the Steelers down to -134. Typically, you try to find a point that will get even betting where the line is as close to -110 as possible. The Jets are +110 on this bet, enticing those who can envision a 14-13 game have the cushion. But we’re going with the Steelers defense on this one. Back PITTSBURGH (-2.5, -134).

New to sports betting? Every $1.34 wagered on the Steelers ATS will profit $1 if they win by 3 or more points.

Over/Under (?)

A total of 38.5 isn’t unheard of, but pretty rare on a weekly slate of games. There’s a reason the number is so low here. Solid defenses going up against young QBs who struggle when blitzed, which both teams do. The Under is the stiffer bet (-121) than the Over (+100) because the sportsbooks don’t believe the Over will hit, and the books are hedging. Unless there is a defensive/special teams touchdown (or two), it will be difficult to hit 40 points between the two of them. Take the UNDER 38.5 (+100).

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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Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles sports betting odds and lines, with Week 15 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Dallas Cowboys (7-7) visit the Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) in an NFC East first-place battle Sunday for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field (on FOX). We analyze the Cowboys-Eagles odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 16 NFL matchup.

A Cowboys win would clinch the division with one game to go since they beat the Eagles 37-10 in their first head-to-head matchup this season Oct. 20.

Cowboys at Eagles: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • As a 1-point underdog last Sunday, the Cowboys snapped a three-game skid with a 44-21 home throttling of the Los Angeles Rams. QB Dak Prescott threw for 2 TDs while RB Ezekiel Elliot ran for 117 yards and 2 scores and RB Tony Pollard added 131 yards and 1 TD on the ground in the win.
  • Eagles QB Carson Wentz steered a last-minute scoring drive for a second consecutive game, hitting WR Greg Ward for the go-ahead TD with 26 seconds left in a 37-27 win at the Washington Redskins last Sunday. The Eagles added a defensive TD on the last play of the game for the wild 7-point cover as the favorite.
  • The Cowboys have won the last four head-to-head meetings, including the last two in Philly, but one was a meaningless game to end the 2017 regular season.
  • The Cowboys are 3-4 away from home, 8-6 Against the Spread (ATS) overall and 4-3 ATS on the road.
  • The Eagles are 4-3 at home, 5-9 ATS overall and 2-5 ATS in Philly.
  • The Cowboys are 9-5 against the over/under, including 5-2 on the road.
  • The Eagles are 7-7 O/U and 2-5 O/U at home.

Cowboys at Eagles: Key injuries

Cowboys: LT Tyron Smith (eye), LB Sean Lee (pectoral/thigh) and Michael Bennett (foot) returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. All three are questionable, along with RT La’el Collins (knee), RG Zack Martin (ankle) and LB Joe Thomas (knee), while LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) is out.

Eagles: RB Jordan Howard (shoulder), RG Brandon Brooks (calf), CB Ronald Darby (hip) and DT Fletcher Cox (triceps) were limited in Thursday’s practice, while RT Lane Johnson (ankle) and DE Derek Barnett sat out. All six are questionable. WR Nelson Agholor (knee) is doubtful.

Cowboys at Eagles: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Nov 28, 2019; Arlington, TX; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. (Photo Credit: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports)

NFL odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Friday at 3:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Eagles 27, Cowboys 24

Moneyline (ML)

The EAGLES (+100) are the STRONGEST PLAY. While Philly isn’t the trendy pick, I love a home team at even money as long as they don’t stink. The Cowboys are -121.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered would profit $1 if the Eagles win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The EAGLES (+1.5, -110) are the play here, too. The Cowboys have just been too “Jekyll and Hyde” this season. You never know which team will show up. Look for Wentz & Co. to continue to find the magic that has led to back-to-back victories.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 47.5 (+100) is worth a small wager. The Cowboys average 27.0 points per game, while the Eagles average 23.9. On the defensive end, the Cowboys allow 20.6 PPG and the Eagles surrender 23.4 PPG. This should be close to the number, but expect a wild finish with the division title up for grabs.

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: 10-3-1. Strongest plays: 5-1.

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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