Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for Week 12.
The slate of Sunday games is reduced due to Thanksgiving, but we still found a collection of picks that cover the gamut of bets. We have a favorite covering the spread, an underdog taking the points, a game going Over, another staying Under, and a game on the moneyline.
Enjoy the Thanksgiving leftovers with a pick stew that includes a little bit of everything.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
New BetMGM customers can sign up today and get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just download the BetMGM app, deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. If your first bet loses, you will receive bonus bets in the amount of your bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Bet Now!
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, New York or Ontario.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
A league-wide view into the best wagers to make for NFL Week 12 action.
It’s a shame the NFL can’t flex standalone games determined last spring before the season played out and the fortunes of teams took a dive.
Of the four games played on Thanksgiving and, God forbid, Black Friday, all four of the expected winners are favored by more than a touchdown – the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers by 7.5 points, the Miami Dolphins by 9.5 points, and the Dallas Cowboys by 12.5 points. In contrast, of the 12 games played Sunday and Monday, only one team (the Kansas City Chiefs at 9 points) are favored by more than 3.5 points, with five teams favored by less than two points.
It would seem the NFL botched this holiday tradition by having the games expected to be the closest being played when only part of the fan base is watching.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The Packers are banged up offensively, and the Lions have won 16 of their last 20 regular season games – including three wins over Green Bay. Detroit is a solid home favorite (7.5 points at -110 for both teams). Three of Detroit’s last four home wins have been by more than this, and they’ll make it four out of five. Take the Lions and lay 7.5 points (-110).
The Cowboys are gigantic favorites (12.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Commanders have lost four of their last five games and seven of their last nine. When the Cowboys win, they win big – six of their seven wins have come by 40, 20, 35, 23, 32 and 23 points. I hate laying huge numbers, but the Cowboys have paid off all season. Take the Cowboys and lay 12.5 points (-110).
The Seahawks are big home underdogs (7.5 points at -105 49ers, -115 Seahawks). Seattle’s offense is likely without Kenneth Walker III (oblique, doubtful) and QB Geno Smith (elbow) is questionable. Seattle would struggle to beat this 49ers team at 100%. Horribly weakened by injury makes that task a lot more daunting. Take the 49ers and lay 7.5 points (-105).
The Jets offense is a complete mess, and switching to QB Tim Boyle is why they’re such big home underdogs (9.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Jets defense should have them in the playoffs, but the offense is so punchless that it gives opponents more possessions to do damage. You don’t do that to Miami and get away with it. Take the Dolphins and lay 9.5 points (-110).
The Saints are one-point road favorites. Both teams have been extremely erratic. The Falcons have lost three straight games by a total of 10 points. They just haven’t closed out games. The Saints haven’t been able to string solid games together and with a win, Atlanta will by 3-0 and in first place in this weak division. Take the Falcons on the moneyline (-110).
The Bengals are starting the rest of the season without Joe Burrow as home underdogs. The Steelers offense has been putrid all season, which explains a very low Over/Under (35.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). This game should be controlled by defense and special teams with both offenses stunted. Take the Under (-110).
The Panthers are in line for the first pick in next year’s draft, and the Titans have struggled offensively. The Over/Under is low (37 points at -110 for both). Carolina has scored 15 or fewer points in six games this year, including each of their last four. The Titans have scored 16 or fewer seven times, including their last three and five of their last six games. Take Under 37 points (-110).
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The Buccaneers have won only once since Oct. 1, and the Colts are 1-4 in front of the home fans. Indianapolis is a small favorite (2.5 points at -110 for both teams). The key here is that the Bucs defense is allowing only 90 rush yards a game and will be loading the box to stop Jonathan Taylor. You could bet the moneyline because the Bucs may win this outright, but getting points is a nice hedge to the bet. Take the Buccaneers plus 2.5 points (-110).
The Over/Under is very low (34.5 points at -110 for Over and Under). The Patriots keep benching Mac Jones, and Tommy DeVito is going to face defensive looks he’s never seen from Bill Belichick. For this game to hit the Over, it will require points from the defense and special teams. Take Under 34.5 points (-110).
The Texans have been a great success story, but since Houston hammered the Jaguars at home in Week 3, Jacksonville is 6-1 and 3-0 on the road. The Jaguars a small favorite (1.5 points at -110 for both teams), and there are plenty of reasons to think the Texans can win at home, but the Jaguars can distance themselves from Houston with a win. This is a must-win game for a better team. Take the Jaguars and lay 1.5 points (-110).
Denver has won four straight but has been outgained by 1,000 yards this season. The Browns offense has suffered critical injuries, but Cleveland’s defense has been lights out, and pressure defenses force Russell Wilson into mistakes that cost games. Take the Browns on the moneyline (+105).
The Rams have struggled to score points but are only slight road underdogs (1 point at -110 for both teams). The Cardinals have Kyler Murray back, and he is playing for his future in the event the Cardinals finish high enough in the draft order. This could be the most important stretch of Murray’s career. Take the Cardinals and lay 1 point (-110).
The Chiefs are big favorites (9 points at -110 for both teams), because they just don’t lose many games in November or December (or January). The Chiefs are 15-2 in their last 17 meetings with the Raiders and, coming off a difficult loss to the Eagles, will take it out on Vegas. Take the Chiefs and lay 9 points (-110).
The Bills are floundering after coming in with Super Bowl expectations, while the Eagles are making their case for a Super Bowl return. The Over/Under is big (48.5 points at -110 for both). Both teams are capable of putting up a lot of points, and it won’t take much to get this into shootout mode. Take Over 48.5 points (-110).
The Ravens have been one of the most dominant teams in the league, while the Chargers continue to find ways to lose. The Ravens are favored (3.5 points at -110 for both teams) and have the ability to blow out the Chargers if things fall right. LA needs this one badly, but the Ravens are ready for prime time. Take the Ravens and lay 3.5 points (-110).
The Bears have Justin Fields back, and the Vikings offense has a different look with Josh Dobbs at the wheel. The Over/Under is low (43 points at -110 for both teams). The difference quarterbacks who can scramble makes is that with one play they get a drive in scoring position or end a drive with a touchdown. Both quarterbacks are capable of that kind of game-changing plays. Take Over 43 points (-110).
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 11 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 11.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
[betwidget_betmgm]
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
We’re in Week 11 and with each passing week, more teams are going to join the list that will start looking as much to next year as finishing off the season, so this week’s focus is on those who have the most to play for in a good way.
This week’s picks include a pair of NFC West quarterbacks hitting Under their projected numbers, a pair of the highest-volume receivers doing what they do best, and a running back snapping an eight-game scoreless streak.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for Week 11.
As we head into the weekend before the schedule gets crazy Thanksgiving weekend (games on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday), we spread out this week’s picks to check a lot of boxes.
This week, we take the second-lowest Over/Under hitting Under, a division leader moving one step closer to clinching with a home win, a road underdog winning on the moneyline, one of the biggest favorites covering, and a Super Bowl reunion shootout.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
New BetMGM customers can sign up today and get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 using bonus code USAT. Just download the BetMGM app, deposit at least $10 and place your first wager on any game. If your first bet loses, you will receive bonus bets in the amount of your bet (up to $1,500). Just make sure you use bonus code USAT when you sign up. Bet Now!
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. CO, DC, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MS, NJ, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in DC, New York or Ontario.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for Week 11.
There are some weeks that create separation and set the stage for the rest of the season moving forward. Week 11 of the 2023 season is one of those.
There are seven divisional games, including critical matchups between the Bengals-Ravens, Steelers-Browns, Jets-Bills and Seahawks-Rams. The week ends with a Super Bowl rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs. In between, there will be games that most of the winners stay alive in the playoff chase for another week and many of the losers take one step closer to turning out the lights on their season.
The Ravens have been on a scoring tear, which helps explain why they are a solid home favorite (3.5 points at -105 Bengals, -115 Ravens). However, the Bengals haven’t lost by more than three points to the Ravens since Joe Burrow‘s rookie season in 2020, so I like Cincy’s chances in a must-win game. Take the Bengals plus 3.5 points (-105).
The Steelers have been anemic on offense and bad on defense, yet they are 6-3. The Browns are without Deshaun Watson again, resulting in a microscopic Over/Under (33 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Even with their offensive struggles, Steelers games have hit Over this number in seven of nine games this season. Take Over 33 points (-110).
The Lions are huge favorites (7.5 points at -110 for both the Bears and Lions), which is understandable because five of Detroit’s last six wins have been by 14 or more points. Justin Fields is expected back, but he will be shaking off the rust and the Lions will take advantage. Take the Lions and lay 7.5 points (-110).
The Packers have lost five of their last six games and haven’t scored more than 20 points since Week 2. The Chargers are road favorites (3 points at -110 for both teams), and the only teams to hold them under 24 points were the Cowboys and Chiefs. Take the Chargers and lay 3 points (-110).
This is a gigantic spread (13.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Raiders have won two straight, but they were against the Giants and Jets. Miami’s home wins have come by 50, 15, 21 and 14 points. It may seem crazy, but this spread is in line with where it should be. Take the Dolphins and lay 13.5 points (-110).
One of the Giants two wins was a 14-7 victory over Washington. The Over/Under is low (37 points at -110 for both) but these two struggle to score more than 40 points when they play each other when healthy, much less with the injuries and trades that have weakened both teams. Take Under 37 points (-110).
The Cowboys are huge favorites (10.5 points at -110 for both teams) but have a reputation of not taking their feet off the gas when ahead. Their six wins include five that have been by 40, 20, 35, 23 and 32 points. The 1-8 Panthers won’t slow them down. Take the Cowboys and lay 10.5 points (-110).
The Jaguars are heavy favorites (6.5 points at +100 Titans, -120 Jaguars), and the investment to bet on the Jags seems to say this spread should be seven or more points. The Jaguars will rebound from their humbling loss last week and come back strong against a Titans team in transition. Take the Jaguars and lay 6.5 points (-110).
The Texans have been a surprise and are a big favorite (4.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Cardinals saw Kyler Murray return last week, and he should make the team more competitive. Houston is a great story, but five points may be too many to give away. Take the Cardinals plus 4.5 points (-110).
The Bucs have been inconsistent on offense, but the Over/Under indicates they will get shut down by the heavily favored 49ers (41.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The 49ers are capable of scoring almost all these points by themselves, so the Bucs won’t have to supply too many points to top this number. Take Over 41.5 points (-110).
The Bills have lost three of their last four and lost to the Jets in Week 1, but Buffalo remains a big favorite (7 points at -110 for both teams). A lot of people have lost money showing confidence in Buffalo, but that won’t stop many of us this week. Take the Bills and lay 7 points (-110).
The Rams get Matthew Stafford back but are small home underdogs (1 point at -110 for both teams). The Rams hammered the Seahawks in Week 1 (30-13), but the Seahawks have the better, deeper roster and should get revenge. Take the Seahawks and lay 1 point (-110).
The Broncos have won three straight games, including wins over the Chiefs and Bills, but are small home favorites (2.5 points). The Vikings have won five straight games and are playing very good defense, which will cause Russell Wilson problems. Bad things happen when Wilson struggles. Take the Vikings on the moneyline (+115).
The Super Bowl rematch has two offenses capable of putting up a lot of points, which makes the Over/Under seem too low (45.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). All this game needs is for one offense to click. This game has the capability to be a shootout that blows by this number. Take Over 45.5 points (-110).
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 10 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 10.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
[betwidget_betmgm]
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
Sometimes the best thing to do when making prop bets is to go against the grain. So, this week, we do just that – we go against one of the top quarterbacks and the league’s most prolific fantasy scorer not hitting their numbers, a dynamic yet underachieving running back having his best game in a month, a running back who needs just seven yards to hit the Over, and midlevel tight end scoring a touchdown.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
