Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday limit the number of games to choose from for the remainder of Week 12, but there are some prop bets to like. This week’s picks include a quarterback going Under, a quarterback going Over, two young wide receivers making a bigger impact than projected, and one of the most prolific scorers of his generation recording a touchdown.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 12 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 12.
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 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).
[lawrence-related id=484769]
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).
Meanwhile, the Seahawks are 6-4 and have fresh legs plus homefield advantage.
The bye week is over and the Seahawks will now prepare for their next opponent, the Raiders.
Las Vegas is coming off an overtime victory over Russell Wilson’s Broncos thanks to a walkoff touchdown by Davante Adams. However, that only improved the Raiders’ record to 3-7 on the season. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are 6-4 and have fresh legs plus homefield advantage. It only makes sense that they should be the favorites and for once the oddsmakers agree.
According to Tipico Sportsbook, Seattle is favored by 3.5 points.
These teams usually meet in the preseason but the last time they played in a real game was back in 2018, a 27-3 win for the Seahawks. The Raiders lead the all-time series 29-26, though.
[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbycpfe4qgv9nf6 player_id=none image=https://seahawkswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21 or older to gamble.
[vertical-gallery id=96827]
Instead, the Panthers are 4.5-point underdogs, according to the latest odds at BetMGM.
The Panthers won their fourth game of the season on Sunday. They still aren’t getting much love from the oddsmakers, though. This week, they’ll be visiting the Vikings, who are 4-6 and just lost to the Cowboys with Andy Dalton starting at quarterback.
We expected Carolina to be the favorite despite playing on the road. Instead, the Panthers are 4.5-point underdogs, according to the latest odds at BetMGM. It’s possible those odds reflect the possibility that Teddy Bridgewater will be sitting this one out. He was a last-second scratch against the Lions and his status for Week 12 is still uncertain at this point.
P.J. Walker played relatively well in Teddy’s place against Detroit, despite throwing two interceptions in the end zone. That said, a healthy Bridgewater still gives this team a better chance to win.
Either way, Carolina should be able to run up the score. Minnesota’s defense has dropped off a great deal this season and they currently rank No. 27 in points allowed per game.
[lawrence-related id=631168]
[vertical-gallery id=631094]
Carolina fans may not like such bad odds, but it’s difficult to argue that the Saints shouldn’t be heavily favored.
The Panthers just got embarrassed by one NFC South rival. The oddsmakers seem to think another one is coming down the pipe. Next up, they will visit the division-leading Saints, who are 4-1 at home this season. According to BetMGM, the Panthers are 9.5-point underdogs for Sunday’s matchup.
Carolina fans may not like such bad odds, but it’s difficult to argue that the Saints shouldn’t be heavily favored. Aside from the meaningless Week 17 victory to end last season, New Orleans has dominated this rivalry or late – winning the previous four games between the two.
One silver lining could be the status of the Saints’ top cornerback, Marshon Lattimore. He sat out Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers with a hamstring injury. If he can’t play or isn’t 100%, it might open up the game even more for D.J. Moore, who has been on a tear the last three weeks.
That said, this New Orleans roster is far deeper and more talented than the Panthers’ and they have a coach that knows how to get the best out of them.
[Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.]
[lawrence-related id=614370]
[vertical-gallery id=614348]
