Tag: NFL spread

Should you bet on the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl LIV?

Previewing the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl LIV chances, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets.

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For most of the 2019 season, it appeared the New England Patriots were locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC as they rode their hot defense to another 12-win season. After a colossal collapse against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, the Patriots will now have to play on Wild Card weekend against the red-hot Tennesee Titans.

Given their history, it’s hard to count out the Patriots as long as they are still in the playoffs. Below are the reasons you should or shouldn’t bet on the New England Patriots to win their seventh Super Bowl.

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Why You Should Bet On The Patriots to win Super Bowl LIV

(Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara – USA TODAY Sports)

Odds to Win Super Bowl LIV: +1200 

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

The case for why you should bet on the Patriots to win the Super Bowl is simple; head coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady. The two are nearly unstoppable in the playoffs and have proven time and time again they can flip the switch when it matters the most. They have shown they can go on the road and win, something many of the other AFC playoff contenders can’t say.

It also doesn’t hurt that the Patriots have the best defense in football, allowing just over 14 points per game this season. New England can create takeaways at will and give their offense short fields with which to work. While it may not always look pretty, it’s awfully tough to not bet on the Patriots to come out of the AFC this season. And with their current odds, they actually present some excellent value, as well. Their +1200 odds to win Super Bowl LIV seem almost too good to be true.

Why You Shouldn’t Bet On The Patriots to win Super Bowl LIV

(Photo Credit: David Butler II – USA TODAY Sports)

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Patriots to win Super Bowl LIV would return a profit of $120 should the Patriots win the Super Bowl.

Despite six Super Bowl wins over the last 20 seasons, the Patriots have never made it to the Super Bowl, let alone win one when they were forced to play on Wild Card weekend. It’s just too difficult to make it through the AFC gauntlet when you have to play two or three games on the road in order to make the Super Bowl.

On top of that, the 2019 Patriots don’t resemble anything we are accustomed to seeing. The Patriots have scored more than 24 points just once in their last 10 games, and their offense can be shut down relatively easily. It’s also concerning how Brady appears to be in the worst slump of his career as he has a passer rating of only 80.8 over the last eight games of the season.

While it’s hard to count out Belichick and Brady, this does appear to be one of their weaker teams in recent memory. But don’t be surprised if New England finds a way to come out of the AFC for the fourth-straight season.

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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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Should you bet on the Houston Texans to win Super Bowl LIV?

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

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Should you bet anyone to win the Super Bowl? That’s a personal question I suppose. Some would say no. I’d definitely argue yes. In the spirit of trying to break the BetMGM book, let’s take a look at the Houston Texans’ case to win Super Bowl LIV.

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Thursday at 9:40 p.m. ET.

Houston Texans playoff futures

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AFC Champion: +1800

If you’re anything like me, then seeing a quadruple-digit betting line for a relatively healthy, division-winning team with a franchise quarterback is very exciting. The Texans have been well-coached and structured enough to have a winning record in five of the six seasons Bill O’Brien has been their head coach.

Also, the Texans have won the AFC South and made the playoffs in four of six seasons under O’Brien, but this time, they have a legitimate franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson to help them advance in the postseason. Also, the 21-7 drubbing to the Indianapolis Colts last year in the playoffs gave Watson much needed postseason experience.

(Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel – USA TODAY Sports)

The 2019 Texans are the most balanced offense in their team’s history, statistically and personnel-wise. Thousands of words have been written about the explosiveness of the passing game featuring Watson, and WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, but little has been said about an elite run game.

That’s right, I said elite. What else do you call the ninth-ranked team in total rushing yards (2,009), eighth in yards per carry (4.6) and with 17 rushing touchdowns with a multi-faceted run game? Carlos Hyde was a great offseason pickup—245 carries for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns—but Duke Johnson provides a dual-threat spell back and Watson added 413 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

Taking the TEXANS +1800 to come out of the AFC is a tremendous value, and gives you a plethora of hedge options (betting the other side against the Texans to minimize financial exposure and/or ensure a profit) should they advance to the AFC title game.

Super Bowl: +3300

New to sports betting? A $100 wager on the Texans to win Super Bowl LIV would return a profit of $3,300 should the Texans win the Super Bowl.

Talk about value, betting TEXANS +3300 to win Super Bowl LIV is a juicy play. Playoff competition isn’t new to the Texans and they’ve already beaten three AFC playoff teams in the regular season: the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 (31-24), the New England Patriots in Week 13 (28-22) and the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 (24-21).

(Photo credit: Troy Taormina – USA TODAY Sports)

Also, their emotional leader, and best defensive player, DE J.J. Watt is coming back for the postseason. The defense took a noticeable dip with Watt out of the lineup since Week 8 due to a pectoral injury. Sans Watt, the Texans gave up more yards per game, yards per play, points per game and were minus-31 in point differential compared to a plus-24 point differential with Watt playing.

All the teams in the playoffs have a worthy argument of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, but only the Texans are getting a first-ballot Hall of Fame player back for the postseason.

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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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Should you bet on the Eagles to win Super Bowl LIV?

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

The NFL playoffs begin this weekend and, as NFC East champions, the Philadelphia Eagles will host the final of the four wild-card games on Sunday afternoon. The Eagles finished the season 9-7, beating the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 then closing out the division crown with a 34-17 road win against the Giants in Week 17.

In all, the Eagles had to win four in a row to do it. And they needed every win.

Now Philadelphia readies for its playoff run with one looming question: Can the Eagles win four more games and take home its second Super Bowl title in the last three seasons?

The question for you is whether you should bet on the Eagles to actually sweep through the playoffs and win Super Bowl LIV.

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 6:30 pm. ET.

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

The odds certainly wouldn’t point to the Eagles even making the playoffs, as they sit at +1200 to win the NFC, tied with Seattle for the second-longest odds in the NFC. Only Minnesota (+1600) has longer odds.

Philly is tied for the third-longest odds to win the Super Bowl at +3300. So while their odds of pulling it all off seem unlikely, the Eagles offer one of the biggest potential paydays in the playoffs.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Eagles to win the Super Bowl would return a profit of $330 should Philadelphia win the game.

Yes, it is a big payday. The question is whether it is worth betting on the Eagles.

Eagles to win the Super Bowl: Worth the risk?

Carson Wentz and the Eagles conquered the Dallas Cowboys in December. Can they conquer the rest of the NFL in January and February? (Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons – USA TODAY Sports)

They did win their final four games to get into the playoffs, so they are hot. However, those four games were all against the NFC East. They did not beat a winning team in the final eight games of the season.

They were 5-3 at home and 4-4 on the road. They likely will only have one playoff game at home — and that’s against the Seahawks, who have a better record than the Eagles (11-5) and were literally one yard away from winning the NFC West.

The Eagles’ receiving corps is underwhelming and Philadelphia struggles in the secondary. And last week, the club saw one of its best linemen, guard Brandon Brooks, go down for the remainder of the season. Running back Miles Sanders, a revelation in the second half of the season, also went down against the Giants and his availability is in question. And then there are injuries to All-Pro tight end Zach Ertz and All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson, both of whom are also uncertain for Sunday.

And if the Eagles do get past the Seahawks, they will likely be sitting in the divisional round with a trio of 11-3 teams … and that’s before we start talking potential Super Bowl opponent.

The potential payout is huge, but unless it is a casual, small bet, the Eagles aren’t worth wagering much.

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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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Should you bet on the 49ers to win Super Bowl LIV?

Previewing the 49ers’ Super Bowl LIV NFL chances, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets

The San Francisco 49ers steamrolled their way to an 8-0 record to open the season, allowing more than 20 points just once in that span. Then came an overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10 and a 3-3 run over the next six games as the San Francisco defense came back down to earth.

Nevertheless, the 49ers finished the season 5-3, earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, and still look like one of the best teams in the NFL. The oddsmakers see it that way, too. As of Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, BetMGM lists the 49ers at +400 to win Super Bowl LIV, the second-best odds only to the Ravens (+225).

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 3:30 pm. ET.

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

The upside of betting on the 49ers isn’t nearly as high as picking a team like the Texans (+3300), but the risk is also much lower, given the fact that San Francisco has a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NFC.

So should you lay down a wager on the 49ers to win it all? Absolutely. In fact, they’re one of the best bets in the playoffs for a couple of reasons.

Sizing up the NFC field

Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers spent much of the regular season perched atop the NFC. (Photo credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports)

First is San Francisco’s seeding and the NFC side of the playoff bracket. The 49ers haven’t had a week off since Week 4 — in late September. Earning a first-round bye with their riveting win over the Seahawks in Week 17 will do the 49ers a world good as banged-up veterans such as Emmanuel Sanders get extra time to recover and get healthy, while their first opponent won’t have that benefit.

And speaking of their first opponent in the playoffs, it won’t be the Saints or the Packers — the next-best teams in the conference. Green Bay is the No. 2 seed and also has a bye. New Orleans is the No. 3 seed and would automatically visit the Packers in the divisional round should it beat Minnesota this weekend. That leaves the 49ers to face the Seahawks, Eagles or Vikings.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the 49ers to win the Super Bowl would return a profit of $40 should the 49ers win the game.

The Eagles are a nice story of perseverance and overcoming injuries, but they’re too banged up to make a deep run in the playoffs with Carson Wentz being their only consistent source of offense. Seattle isn’t as good as its record — the Seahawks have only one win by more than one possession but three losses by at least two touchdowns.

The Vikings are an interesting team, but Kirk Cousins can’t be trusted on the big stage. Plus a deeper look at Minnesota’s schedule shows the Vikings beat only one opponent that finished with a winning record. In other words, they beat up on lesser teams and lost to their tougher foes.

On top of the playoff bracket, the 49ers are one of the most consistent and proven teams in the postseason. They lost in overtime to the Seahawks before beating them in Week 17, lost by three points on the road to the Ravens and were upset by the Falcons at the last second in Week 15 with a decimated secondary.

 

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is a big reason why the 49ers are looking down at the rest of the NFC playoff field. (Photo credit: Stan Szeto – USA TODAY Sports)

When healthy, the 49ers have a terrifying defense that’s outstanding at all three levels — from the pass rush with Nick Bosa to the linebackers with Fred Warner to the secondary with Richard Sherman.

On offense, their relentless ground game with the three-headed running-back monster of Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman helps balance the offense with Jimmy Garoppolo behind center. As long as Garoppolo doesn’t fold under pressure, the 49ers will be in good shape.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has the smarts to outduel even the best defensive masterminds — including Pete Carroll and Mike Zimmer. He has a golden opportunity to lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl, where a rematch with the Ravens could ensue.

Talent and coaching win in the playoffs, and the 49ers have both. Feel good about putting money on the 49ers to win it all in February.

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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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Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) will close out their regular season on Sunday afternoon against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers (5-10). The game will be at Arrowhead Stadium and kickoff is set for at 1 p.m. ET.

Chargers at Chiefs: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Chargers are 1-5 straight-up and against the spread in their last six games.
  • Kansas City is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games against the Chargers.
  • The Chiefs are 5-0 ATS in their last five games, winning all five by at least seven points – and three by 20 or more points.
  • The Chiefs are 4-1 SU in their last five games at home against the Chargers.
  • The total has gone under in each of the Chiefs’ last five games.
  • Kansas City is 12-5 in its last 17 games at home dating back to last season (including playoffs).

Chargers at Chiefs: Key injuries

  • Chargers T Russell Okung (groin) is uncertain to play and could be replaced by Trey Pipkins.
  • Chiefs CB Morris Claiborne has a shoulder injury and is questionable for Sunday.

Chargers at Chiefs: Odds, betting lines and prediction

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

Prediction

Chiefs 27, Chargers 17

Moneyline (?)

The Chiefs have plenty to play for, with a first-round bye in the playoffs still within reach. They won’t be resting starters, and should put the pedal down in Week 17.

Take the CHIEFS (-385) to win outright on Sunday, especially with the moneyline being a reasonable price.

Against the Spread (?)

The Chiefs are only 8.5-point favorites over the Chargers, who have lost five of their last six. The last time they met, the Chiefs won by seven points, but this game is at home and Los Angeles is playing poorly as of late.

Kansas City will win this game comfortably. The only concern is Andy Reid pulling starters in a blowout. Still, take the CHIEFS -8.5 (-110) to cover and win.

Over/Under (?)

The over/under is 46.5 points. The Chiefs haven’t allowed more than 17 points in any of their last five games and the Chargers have only scored more than 20 once in their last five.

Bet the UNDER 46.5 (-134), partly because the Chiefs defense is playing extremely well right now.

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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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Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins NFL Week 16 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Cincinnati Bengals (1-13) face the Miami Dolphins (3-11) in a game someone has to win but likely few will watch when they meet at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.

Cincinnati at Miami: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • Miami has had a ratty record, but the Dolphins are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games after starting off the season 0-4.
  • Miami is 7-1 against the moneyline in its last eight games as a home favorite.
  • Nobody has scored fewer points this season than Bengals’ 211 points – an average of just 15 a game.
  • Miami has hit the over in four of its last five games.
  • Cincinnati is 0-7 against the moneyline on the road this season, but 4-3 ATS.
  • Last week, the two teams allowed a combined 70 points in losses – 34 by the Bengals and 36 by the Dolphins.

Cincinnati at Miami: Key injuries

Three Bengals haven’t practiced yet this week – the usual suspect A.J. Green (ankle), who has been on the active roster for all 15 games; G John Miller (concussion); and CB Darius Phillips (illness). RB Joe Mixon was added to the injury report Thursday with a calf injury, but did practice. No Dolphins missed practice Thursday and only three – WR Allen Hurns (ankle/knee), DT Zach Sieler (ankle) and K Jason Sanders (illness) – were limited.

Cincinnati at Miami: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines as of Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Miami 31, Cincinnati 24

Moneyline (?)

This is a bet correction for action coming in to force a pick-’em scenario. You almost never see an NFL moneyline at -110 for both teams. Nobody who thinks Miami will win will take that bet when they can get even money on the point line. If you think the Bengals are going to win, the price of getting 1.5 isn’t worth it – unless you somehow think the game could go to overtime and end in a tie.

Against the Spread (?)

The same rule of thumb applies. If you’re going to give away 1.5 points (Miami), you’re at even money (100). Get 1.5 (Cincy) and your price goes to -121 from -110. The only people who should be on this are those backing Miami.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Dolphins to win outright would return a profit of $9.09, while the same wager on the Dolphins to win by more than 1 point would return $10. A $10 wager on the Bengals to win outright would return $9.09, while the same wager on them to win or lose by 1 point would return $8.26.

Over/Under (?)

This is the most intriguing bet of them all. These teams have won four games out of 28 played because they both have iffy offenses and bad defenses. But when a veteran QB gets up against a bad defense, shootouts can take place. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andy Dalton have nothing left to lose. Let the ball fly! The bet is the under (-121), but we’re taking OVER 46.5 (100) and running with it.

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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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Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Colts at Saints Week 15 NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) will try to snap their three-game losing streak on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints (10-3), who are coming off a loss to the 49ers in Week 14.

These two cross-conference foes will square off at 8:15 p.m. ET from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

Colts at Saints: Week 15 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Colts have lost five of their last six games this season, going 2-3-1 against the spread in that span.
  • The Saints are 9-2 straight up and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games. Their only SU losses this season were to the Rams, Falcons and 49ers.
  • New Orleans is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home (including playoffs).
  • The Saints are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games against the Colts
  • In the last five games between these teams in New Orleans, the total has gone over four times.
  • The Colts are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games against teams above .500.
  • The Saints are 4-1 ATS against teams with a losing record.

Colts at Saints: Key injuries

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton has a calf injury and is questionable to play on Monday night.

Saints DT Sheldon Rankins (ankle) and DE Marcus Davenport (foot) were both placed on injured reserve this week. TE Jared Cook suffered a concussion against the 49ers and will be monitored.

Colts 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 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Saints 31, Colts 20

Moneyline (?)

It’s hard to fathom a way in which the Saints lose this game, especially being at home and coming off a 48-46 loss to the 49ers. The Colts are really struggling right now and shouldn’t pose much of a threat to the Saints.

Bet the SAINTS (-455) to win outright on Monday night and defend their home turf.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 wager on the Saints to win would return a profit of $2.20.

Against the Spread (?)

The Saints come into this one as 9.5-point home favorites over the Colts. Three of the Saints’ last five wins have come by at least 11 points, so they’re plenty capable of winning handily.

Take the SAINTS -9.5 (-106) to cover the spread and beat the Colts by at least 10 points.

Over/Under (?)

The over/under of 45.5 points is certainly a reachable number, considering the Saints have scored at least 26 points in each of their last four games, and just put up 46 on the 49ers’ top defense.

Take the OVER (-125) because this game has a good chance of topping 50 total points.

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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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Rams open as 2.5-point underdogs vs. struggling Cowboys in Week 15

The Rams and Cowboys are heading in opposite directions, but it’s Dallas as the favorite in Week 15.

For most of the season, the Rams and Cowboys were on similar paths. They both started 3-0 before going on three-game losing streaks, suffering one embarrassing loss each: Dallas to the Jets and the Rams to Tampa Bay.

They got things back on track by winning their next two, but the Rams have since pulled away from Dallas since both were 6-4. The Cowboys have lost three straight to fall to 6-7, while Los Angeles has won two of its last three to get to 8-5.

Yet, the Rams still enter their Week 15 matchup with Dallas as underdogs. According to BetMGM, the Cowboys are favored by 2.5 points at home over the Rams. The over/under is set at 47.5, the third-highest total of Week 15 thus far.

This is somewhat of a surprise after seeing how the last two weeks have gone for each team. The Cowboys lost by 11 points to the Bills at home on Thanksgiving, and they followed it up with a 31-24 loss to the Bears on Thursday night – a game that was much more lopsided than the score indicates.

The Rams blew out the Cardinals in Week 13, 34-7, and dominated the Seahawks at home on Sunday night, 28-12. They look like the team we saw at the beginning of the season, finding a groove offensively and still playing at a high level on defense.

Dallas has a lot of talent on its roster, but the Rams certainly look like the better team at this point in the season despite being underdogs at AT&T Stadium.

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

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills Week 14 NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets.

Winners of their last eight games, the Baltimore Ravens (10-2) will visit the surging Buffalo Bills (9-3) on Sunday afternoon. It’s a big game for both teams with the Ravens eyeing a No. 1 seed and the Bills hoping to take over the AFC East from the Patriots.

Kickoff from New Era Field will be at 1 p.m. ET.

Ravens at Bills: Week 14 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • Baltimore is 5-1 against the spread in its last six games. The only loss came last week against the 49ers when the Ravens won 20-17 but failed to cover the 6-point spread.
  • The Bills are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games, including 3-0 in their last three. They are 4-1 straight up in that stretch.
  • The Ravens are 5-3 all time against the Bills, outscoring Buffalo by an average of 22.5-14.
  • The Ravens are 4-1 ATS when facing a team with a winning record.
  • Buffalo is 5-0-1 ATS in its last six games as an underdog and 5-2 ATS against teams above .500.
  • The total has gone under in four of the Bills’ last five games.

Ravens at Bills: Key injuries

Bills T Ty Nsekhe is unlikely to play on Sunday as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.

Ravens at Bills: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated on Thursday at 5:15 p.m. ET

Prediction

Ravens 24, Bills 17

Moneyline (?)

The Ravens and Bills are two of the hottest teams in the league right now, but Baltimore has been steadier all season and has beaten better opponents. They’ll keep that up this week against a surprisingly tough Bills team that just beat the Cowboys in Dallas on Thanksgiving.

Bet the RAVENS (-250) to win outright despite being on the road. They have a great chance to win this game, because Buffalo’s offense will have trouble keeping up.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Ravens to win would return a profit of $4.

Against the Spread (?)

The Ravens are 5.5-point road favorites, which suggests the oddsmakers are confident that they’re the better team. Baltimore has been somewhat underwhelming against the spread (6-5-1) this season, but they’ll cover in this one.

Take the RAVENS (-5.5, -110) to cover and win by a touchdown, if not more. Unless Buffalo’s defense shuts down Lamar Jackson, the Bills won’t be able to score enough to match the Ravens.

Over/Under (?)

The over/under of 43.5 points may not seem like a high number for the league’s No. 1 scoring offense in Baltimore, but Buffalo’s defense is legit. The Ravens won’t put up 35+ like they have in four of their last five games, nor will the Bills light up the scoreboard.

Bet the UNDER 43.5 (-110) in this matchup, even as tempting as it is to take the over with the Ravens playing.

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.

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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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Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Eagles at Dolphins Week 13 NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Philadelphia Eagles (5-6) look to right the ship for a December run as they travel to play the Miami Dolphins (2-9) at Hard Rock Stadium at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.

Philadelphia at Miami: Week 13 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • Scores in Eagles games have hit the under in four of the last five games.
  • Miami is 2-5 at home against the spread in its last seven home games.
  • The Dolphins have a better record ATS (5-6) than the Eagles (4-7).
  • Philadelphia is 2-4 against the moneyline in its last six games, while Miami is 2-12 against the moneyline in its last 14 games.
  • The Dolphins have the NFL’s 30th-ranked offense and 30th-ranked defense.

Philadelphia at Miami: Key injuries

Eagles TE Zach Ertz was held out of practice after suffering a hamstring injury. RB Jordan Howard still hasn’t been cleared for contact with a shoulder injury. WR Alshon Jeffery (ankle) returned to practice, but was limited.

In Miami, all of the Dolphins practiced Wednesday, but WRs Allen Hurns (ankle) and Albert Wilson (hip/chest), CBs Ken Webster (ankle) and Ken Crawley (shoulder), and S Steven Parker (groin) were limited.

Philadelphia at Miami: Odds, betting lines and prediction

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

Prediction

Philadelphia 31, Miami 10

Moneyline (?)

This has all the makings of a college moneyline with Philadelphia (-455) a massive favorite over Miami (+340). As much as Philly’s offense has struggled and been missing key weapons to the offense for the last month, -455 is a stiff price to pay to get such little return. While we would avoid this one for obvious reasons, if you were to make a bet, the only one that makes sense is a small wager on Miami on the off chance of Fitzmagic from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Against the Spread (?)

The Dolphins have been ugly all season, which is why they’re a 9.5-point home dog (-110 on each team). If the Eagles can’t blow this one out, they don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. Including the Dolphins, four of the Eagles’ final five games are against teams currently 2-9 (Miami, New York Giants and two against Washington). This is a statement game for the Eagles – good or bad – and we think it’s going to be an aggressive statement for a team with a fresh ring. LAY THE 9.5 POINTS.

Over/Under (?)

The O/U is 44.5 points (-115 on the over, -106 on the under). Miami is last in the league in points allowed, giving up 31.5 per game. But the Eagles defense, despite an anemic showing from the Philly offense, held Tom Brady and Russell Wilson to 17 points each in their last two games. Miami’s offense? Fitzpatrick is going to be under attack all day. He may not get 10 points. TAKE THE UNDER … but not by much.

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