Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The preseason mercifully comes to an end for 2 teams with playoff aspirations when the Minnesota Vikings (0-2) go on the road to face the Denver Broncos (1-1) at 8 p.m. Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High. The game will be carried on NFL Network and in the local markets. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Vikings vs. Broncos odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The final preseason game of any season can best be viewed as a FRO game (For Relatives Only) and neither the Vikings nor Broncos have made any effort to be competitive and it has showed.

Minnesota has a veteran-heavy team, especially on defense and isn’t taking any chances under new coach Kevin O’Connell. The team is laden with big-name players with NFL pedigrees on both sides of the ball, but none of them have seen action. That won’t change this week.

Despite losing badly in both their games, the Vikings are are a half-point favorite on the road — primarily because the Broncos got gutted like a fish last week by the Buffalo Bills. But it should be noted, Josh Allen and the first-team starters played a series and the 2nd-team offense was led by Case Keenum — a starter for multiple teams. This is an overreaction that needs to be corrected.

Vikings at Broncos odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:27 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Vikings -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Broncos -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Vikings -0.5 (-115) | Broncos +0.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Vikings at Broncos picks and predictions

Prediction

Broncos 23, Vikings 13

Money line

When it comes to betting on the preseason — I fervently discourage it — you’re doing more of a deep dive on the back end of rosters than the front end. Russell Wilson‘s first game with the Broncos is going to come in Week 1. The same goes for more than a dozen Vikings starters.

While both Minnesota and Denver are legitimate playoff contenders, most of the guys you see Saturday are competing for back-end roster spots. We have seen that Minnesota’s 3rd and 4th line on the depth chart are dismal. The new front office regime inherited an aging roster. The Broncos are just the opposite. With the exception of the secondary and quarterback, Denver has a very young roster and players who aren’t locked into roles behind the starters.

I bet against the Vikings in both of their 2 preseason games to date and they lost both, including when installed as a 4.5 point favorite against a deeper 49ers team last week. Third time’s a charm to keep winning.

Take the BRONCOS (-105) and see the explanation below.

Against the spread

I’m always intrigued by a 0.5 point favorite with identical lines for straight up and the spread because it makes no sense. If you’re betting the underdog on such a pee wee spread, you have the benefit of the tie coming into play. Believe me, the last thing ANYONE wants to see is the last preseason game end in an overtime tie.

In the regular season, the prospect of a tie is always out there. They don’t happen often, but they do happen. Being gifted the hook when you think the team your picking is going to win, the hedge of having that extra half-point in the unlikely event of a tie gives you two of three potential outcomes.

Take the BRONCOS (-105).

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

TAKE THE UNDER (-115)

Something always knit into the fabric of a final preseason game is the wish to get it over with. Keep the clock running. If both teams are capable of running the ball effectively, they will keep doing it. Passing will likely be short unless a glaring, obvious personnel weakness is shamefully exposed.

The players on the field in the 2nd half likely know their days are numbered. They’re trying to put something on tape to impress other teams. Defensive players usually give the extra effort that slows down drives.

I was tempted to put PASS on all three betting options, but that wouldn’t be right – even for a game hard-core fans will tune out of.

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Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Bears (2-0) and Cleveland Browns (1-1) wrap up their preseason schedule Saturday. Kickoff from FirstEnergy Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Bears vs. Browns odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus announced earlier this week that QB Justin Fields and the 1stt-team offense are expected to play 25-30 snaps, or well into the first half. Fields totaled 27 snaps in the first 2 preseason outings.

While Fields will play plenty, WRs N’Keal Harry, Byron Pringle and Tajae Sharpe are all dealing with injuries and unlikely to suit up, perhaps leading to a more run-based attack.

Browns QB Jacoby Brissett is expected to play a good chunk of offensive snaps after sitting out the first 2 preseason games, and the 1st-team offense could potentially play most of the first half.

Bears at Browns odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:24 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Bears +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Browns -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bears +3.5 (-110) | Browns -3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Bears at Browns picks and predictions

Prediction

Bears 22, Browns 18

Money line

The BEARS (+180) will be taking this dress-rehearsal game seriously, leaning upon the starters for a good chunk of the first half. The Browns (-230) are presumably in the same boat, although coach Kevin Stefanski hasn’t been as open with his plan.

Still, the Bears have the promising Fields under center, while the Browns will be giving Brissett his 1st game action of the preseason. It’s likely to go in Chicago’s favor here.

Against the spread

The BEARS +3.5 (-110) are a solid play catching the three and a hook if you just can’t pull the trigger on them straight up.

Chicago has won and covered against the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks in this preseason, and there have been plenty of bright spots on offense.

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The lean is to the UNDER 41.5 (-110) here despite the presence of starters presumably on both sides for a good amount of the 1st half. These teams are likely to try and run the ball plenty, and running equals Under results.

The Bears defense has been stout in the 2 exhibition games, too, allowing just 12.5 PPG. While the Browns have totaled 22.0 PPG on offense, the defense is also allowing just 17.0 PPG in the preseason.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Arizona Cardinals (1-1) and Tennessee Titans (1-1), after holding a joint practice with each other on Wednesday, close out the preseason with Saturday’s kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET at Nisson Stadium in Nashville. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cardinals vs. Titans odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Bengas 36-23 in their preseason opener,  and followed that up with a 24-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. They have not played their starters yet in the preseason and will not play their starters in the finale against the Titans. QB Trace McSorley will start for the Cardinals and play into the 2nd half, while undrafted rookie QB Jarrett Guarantano will close things out.

The Titans are also expected to keep their starters out of the game, giving rookie QB Malik Willis the opportunity to get game reps. After a 23-10 loss to the Ravens in their preseason opener, they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-3 last week.

Cardinals at Titans odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:22 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Cardinals +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Titans -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Cardinals +3.5 (-135) | Titans -3.5 (+110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 35.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Cardinals at Titans picks and predictions

Prediction

Cardinals 24, Titans 17

Money line

Both teams are 1-1 this preseason and have not been playing their starters. The absence of starters creates highly variant potential outcomes.

If one team were playing its starters in this game, the pick would be easier, but without that, the best bet on a preseason game is to go with the best value, as backups and players battling to have an NFL job against each other is really a tossup. Take the CARDINALS (+133).

Against the spread

PASS on the spread. This is only because it is a preseason game. Both teams are 1-1 ATS in the preseason.

The Cardinals blew out the Titans in the regular season last year 38-13 in Week 1 and have won their only other preseason road game.

However, again, preseason games that don’t involve starters are tossups. You go with the best value. That is the money line in this case.

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The Cardinals’ 2 preseason games have had totals of 41 and 59 points. The Titans’ highest total was 33 points.

Arizona’s defense has allowed both preseason opponents to reach the 20s. The Titans haven’t scored more than 13 points in a game this preseason.

Are the Titans going to struggle to score again or will they be able to put points on the board as both of Arizona’s opponents have done?

I LEAN OVER 35.5 (-110).

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The final week of the preseason includes a matchup between the 2  participants in Super Bowl 56 six months ago, the Los Angeles Rams (1-1) and Cincinnati Bengals (0-2). They’ll square off at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rams vs. Bengals odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Rams went 0-3 in the preseason last year, but they come into this game 1-1 after beating the Los Angeles Chargers in the opener 29-22 and losing to the Houston Texans 24-20 in Week 2. Their record should be taken with a grain of salt because they haven’t played any of their starters – nor will they on Saturday against the Bengals.

The Bengals are 0-2 after losing 25-22 to the New York Giants and 36-23 to the Arizona Cardinals. Like the Rams, they’ve taken a cautious approach to the preseason, only playing their backups and protecting their top players from injury. That’ll be the case on Saturday, too, especially after they got in 2 days of practice with the Rams on Wednesday and Thursday.

Rams at Bengals odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:21 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rams +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Bengals -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Rams +2.5 (-103) | Bengals -2.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Rams at Bengals picks and predictions

Prediction

Rams 23, Bengals 20

Money line

Aside from some poor play up front, the Rams offense has actually looked pretty good in the preseason, especially with QB Bryce Perkins under center. QB John Wolford‘s status is unclear after he suffered a thumbnail injury on his right hand, so it could be Perkins getting every snap.

If that’s the case, I like the RAMS (+115) to win outright against the Bengals.

Against the spread

Preseason games have been fairly close this year, and the Rams have played 2 games that were decided by 1 possession. The Bengals were beaten handily by the Giants in Week 2, and while I don’t expect another lopsided game in this one, I do think it’ll be the Rams coming out on top.

Getting 2.5 points, I like the RAMS +2.5 (-103) to cover and at least keep the score close – even if the Bengals wind up winning.

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The total has gone Over in each of the Rams and Bengals’ first 4 games of the preseason. Even without starters playing in this one, I expect both teams to put up enough points to push the total over the 37.5-point line.

Perkins provides a spark for the Rams and Brandon Allen is a capable quarterback in Cincinnati – even if he isn’t overly aggressive.

Bet the OVER (-115).

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Seattle Seahawks (0-2) visit the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) in the preseason finale Friday. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium (NFL Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Seahawks vs. Cowboys odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Seahawks are coming off an offseason in which they traded away QB Russell Wilson. They lost their preseason opener 32-25 to the Pittsburgh Steelers and dropped their 2nd game 27-11 to the Chicago Bears.

The Cowboys lost their preseason opener 17-7 to the Denver Broncos and  followed that up with a 32-18 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cowboys seek to defend their NFC East division title this coming season.

Seahawks at Cowboys odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:04 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Seahawks -320 (bet $320 to win $100) | Cowboys +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Seahawks -6.5 (-115) | Cowboys +6.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 37.5  (O: -112 | U: -108)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Seahawks at Cowboys picks and predictions

Prediction

Seahawks 24, Cowboys 20

Money line

The Cowboys are going to sit their starters, while the Seahawks have shifted practice reps to their starters. They are expected to get playing time in the preseason finale.

So while the Cowboys will have young players in the lineup and guys who are battling to just make the roster, the Seahawks will have their starters on the field, at least to start things off.

The line reflects that, making a bet on the Seahawks worth very little. PASS on the money line

Against the spread

The focus for this final game, especially once the starters for Seattle come out of the game, will be to stay healthy. Yes, potential back-of-the-roster guys are battling for NFL jobs, but the last part of the game will definitely slow down.

Seattle’s starters are not considered to be among the league’s best, so it will be a matter of how big of a lead they build before things even out.

Expect the score to tighten as the game goes on.

Take the COWBOYS +6.5 (-105).

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The Seahawks have had both preseason games finish with at least 38 points. The Cowboys had their last game hit 50 total points but their opener had only 24.

Take OVER 37.5 (-112).

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Los Angeles Chargers at New Orleans Saints odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Los Angeles Chargers at New Orleans Saints odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Chargers (0-2) and New Orleans Saints (0-2) will wrap up their preseason slate on Friday night at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Kickoff will be at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Chargers vs. Saints odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Chargers lost 29-22 to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 and were blown out in Week 2 by the Cowboys 32-18, allowing 2 special teams touchdowns by KaVontae Turpin. QB Justin Herbert and most of the Chargers starters have not played this preseason, thus leading to Easton Stick and Chase Daniel as the top quarterbacks.

The Saints haven’t been much better this summer, also starting the preseason 0-2. They lost to the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers, and like the Chargers have not been playing most of their starters as well as being without QB Jameis Winston. It’s unclear if Winston will play against the Chargers, and if he doesn’t, it’ll likely be QB Ian Book leading the offense again.

Chargers at Saints nickname odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:03 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Chargers +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Saints -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Chargers +3.5 (-135) | Saints -3.5 (+110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Chargers at Saints picks and predictions

Prediction

Chargers 20, Saints 18

Money line

It’s been a sloppy preseason for both teams, combining for 8 turnovers through 2 games. The Saints are tied for the league-high with 5 turnovers of their own, which shows they’ve gotten away with the mistakes they’ve made.

Stick and Daniel are decent backup quarterbacks to have and I think they’ll have the offense playing well on Friday night. Take the CHARGERS (+133) to win outright.

Against the spread

If you want to protect your ML bet a little bit, you can do so by taking the Chargers to cover the 3.5-point spread. Obviously, the return on that bet is far less than an outright ML wager, but at least if the Chargers wind up losing by 3 points or less, you can still get back some money.

Neither the Saints nor the Texans have covered the spread yet this season, but I like the CHARGERS +3.5 (-135).

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The total went over pretty easily in the Chargers’ first 2 games, combining for 51 and 50 points in those contests. Saints games have been lower-scoring so far, totaling 30 points in each of their first 2 preseason games.

The Chargers defense hasn’t looked great so I expect the Saints to score more than the 13 and 10 points they put up the last 2 weeks, and L.A.’s offense has shown some signs of life so far. Bet the OVER 36.5 (-115).

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Buffalo Bills (2-0) and Carolina Panthers (1-1) wrap up their preseason schedule Friday. Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Bills vs. Panthers odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Bills throttled the visiting Denver Broncos 42-15 last weekend, playing the starters for most of the 1st quarter. But the run game continued to be impressive well after the 1st unit was out of there, showing some tremendous organizational depth.

Coach Sean McDermott confirmed early this week that most of his 1st-team players will not play Friday in Charlotte, including star QB Josh Allen.

The Panthers were on the short end of a 20-10 loss at New England after joint practices with the Patriots last week. The only touchdown came via pick-6 from DB Tae Hayes, too.

Carolina made headlines this week, officially naming QB Baker Mayfield as the starter, while also announcing rookie QB Matt Corral (foot) suffered a long-term injury. Mayfield is expected to play into the 2nd quarter Friday, with QBs Sam Darnold and PJ Walker finishing up.

Bills at Panthers odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:01 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Bills +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Panthers -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bills +6.5 (-115) | Panthers -6.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Bills at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 22, Bills 16

Money line

The Panthers (-280) will use the 1st-team offense well into the 2nd quarter, while the Bills (+220) will take a low-key approach to this preseason finale, using mostly reserves.

The advantage is to the home side, but you can’t risk nearly 3 times your potential return on a favorite in a preseason game.

AVOID.

Against the spread

The PANTHERS -6.5 (-105) are worth playing lightly, as the starters on offense should feature well into the 2nd quarter in front of the home fans. Coach Matt Rhule will give us a glimpse of what to expect from the Panthers, and it might be a little better than the regular season, since they’ll be facing a Bills team using mostly reserves.

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The UNDER 39.5 (-103) is the way to go here, as no Allen means the offense is likely to be a little slower for Buffalo. Of course, that wasn’t the case at home against Denver last week even after Allen exited.

Still, the Panthers offense managed just a field goal last weekend, and it is still a work in progress.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Bet Slippin’ podcast: 2022 AFC North gambling preview

Nathan Beighle invites back OutKick handicapper Geoff Clark to continue the Bet Slippin’s 2022 NFL preview series discussing the AFC North.

SportsbookWire.com handicapper Nathan Beighle connects with OutKick sports betting analyst Geoff Clark to preview the AFC North, including breakdowns of the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.

Listen as they offer up their picks, predictions and best bets. Visit SportsbookWire.com for more sports betting analysis.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.

(If the podcast player does not display, please click here.)

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Bet Slippin’ podcast rundown

Cincinnati Bengals | Time – 2:37

Pittsburgh Steelers | Time – 17:58

Cleveland Browns | Time – 31:01

Baltimore Ravens | Time – 39:48

Goin’ to the window (best bets) | Time – 45:31

More AFC North coverage:

Like, subscribe, rate and review SportsbookWire’s sports betting podcast on your favorite podcasting platform: Google PodcastsSpotify | Apple Podcasts.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Green Bay Packers (1-1) and Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) wrap up their preseason schedule Thursday. Kickoff from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Packers vs. Chiefs odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Packers picked up the 20-10 win over the New Orleans Saints in their lone preseason game at Lambeau Field last weekend.

Packers QB Jordan Love started and completed 12-of-24 passes for 113 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT, and he should see extensive action in this one, too.

The Chiefs rebounded from a Week 1 loss in Chicago to topple the Washington Commanders 24-14 last weekend at home.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was sharp against Washington, completing 12-of-19 passes for 162 yards, 2 TD and 0 INT, playing a surprising amount for the preseason. Coach Andy Reid indicated this week that Mahomes might play little, or not at all, against the Packers.

Packers at Chiefs odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:20  p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Packers -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Chiefs -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Packers -1.5 (-105) | Chiefs +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 35.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Packers at Chiefs picks and predictions

Prediction

Packers 23, Chiefs 16

Money line

The PACKERS (-115) are worth a look in the preseason finale, as Love is likely to see a lion’s share of the offensive snaps with QB Aaron Rodgers  likely to sit yet again. Toss in the fact Mahomes is likely to sit for the Chiefs (+100), and the visitors look like quite the play.

Against the spread

The PACKERS -1.5 (-105) will save you a little bit of juice, and is a better value than the money line play unless you are hellbent on this game being decided by just 1 point.

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Over/Under

The OVER 35.5 (-112) is the lean here.

Even without Rodgers under center, the Packers offense has been fairly efficient in 2 preseason games, averaging 20.5 PPG.

The Chiefs have hit the Under in each preseason game, and that’s with Mahomes playing a considerable amount of snaps. There is concern here, but the reserves should push this one Over late.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The San Francisco 49ers (2-0) and Houston Texans (2-0) wrap up their preseason schedule Thursday. Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the 49ers vs. Texans odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The 49ers hit the road for the 2nd straight preseason game, and try to wrap up the exhibition campaign with a perfect record. San Francisco beat Green Bay 28-21 at home in Week 1 and won 17-7 at Minnesota in Week 2, covering both times.

Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this week that the 49ers will play their starters in the preseason finale.

The Texans topped the New Orleans Saints 17-13 in Week 1 and beat the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams 24-20 on the road in Week 2. They also have covered both preseason games.

Despite the solid record, QB Davis Mills and the Texans offense haven’t been terribly impressive. The key to success has been defense, with the Houston pass rush recording 11 sacks and 16 total pressures.

49ers at Texans odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:10  p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): 49ers -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Texans +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
  • Against the spread (ATS): 49ers -3.5 (-103) | Texans +3.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

49ers at Texans picks and predictions

Prediction

49ers 23, Texans 17

Money line

The 49ers (-190) might be a tempting play straight up rather than fiddling around with the points, but it’s risky betting on a road team, especially in a preseason game which is essentially a coin-flip game. While Shanahan confirmed the starters will play, he didn’t say how long.

PASS.

Against the spread

The 49ERS -3.5 (-103) are a much better play laying the points, although 3 and a hook on the road in the preseason is still a rather unsavory number. Still, Mills and the Texans +3.5 (-117) offense has been rather mediocre, and the 49ers will be leaning on the starters at least for a handful of drives.

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Over/Under

The UNDER 41.5 (-112) is the best bet on the board.

The Houston offense has totaled 41 points through 2 preseason games, and the defense has been surprisingly effective with plenty of pressure.

The San Francisco offense wasn’t great last week in a 17-7 win, although it was a mixture of young QBs Brock Purdy and Nate Sudfeld. QB Trey Lance should play, helping the 49ers to more points. But still, this one should be a game with a total in the 30s.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWireTitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

[lawrence-newsletter]

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