Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 6 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 6.
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.
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The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
As long as the NFL keeps playing games across the pond, we’ll keep promoting prop bets that start early Sunday morning and keep you engaged until late Monday night. We have a couple of running backs going above their projection, a quarterback who deserves to go under his number, and a running back who only needs one touch to cross the goal line.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for Week 6.
For Week 6, our best bets start in the early-morning hours and don’t end until the day is almost over. Among the projections are a game to go Over, a game to go Under, a game based on a long history, and two huge favorites living up to why they’re giving away so many points.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
A league-wide view into the best wagers to make for NFL Week 6 action.
The NFL is the best reality show on television, but even the best series has a clunker episode every now and then. Week 6 of the 2023 season has the makings of that with a significant lack of marquee matchups.
Of the 15 games on the this week’s schedule, only two feature two teams with records above .500 – the Indianapolis Colts (3-2) at the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) and the Detroit Lions (4-1) at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1). By contrast, there are three games with both teams having losing records and 10 games with one team above .500 and the other at .500 or below.
There will be weeks this season that are full of potential playoff teams squaring off. This week isn’t one of them.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The Chiefs are heavy favorites (10.5 points at -110 for both teams) and it may be more because of Denver’s defense than Kansas City’s offense. The Broncos have allowed 28 or more points in each of their last four games and going on the road to play the Chiefs isn’t likely to end that streak. Take the Chiefs and lay 10.5 points (-110).
The Over/Under is low (40.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under), but both the Ravens and the Titans have under this total in four of five as well. This has the feel of a game decided by field goals and running the ball, not a lot of touchdowns. Take Under 40.5 points (-110).
The Falcons are small home favorites (2.5 points at -110 for both teams), despite having all three of their wins at home this season. After starting 2-0, the Commanders have lost three straight and allowed 34 or more points in each of those losses. The Falcons shouldn’t light them up to that extent but can run their way to a win. Take the Falcons and lay 2.5 points (-110).
The Vikings struggle against running quarterbacks and give up a lot of points to them. The Over/Under is in the middle of the pack for Week 6 (44.5 points at -110 for both). The loss of Justin Jefferson hurts Minnesota’s offense, but it doesn’t kill it. Justin Fields will make enough big plays to help push this point total over the top. Take Over 44.5 points (-110).
The Bengals are trying to climb out of their annual early hole they dig for themselves and are small home favorites (2.5 points at -105 Seahawks, -115 Bengals). Joe Burrow finally looked healthy last week and, while the teams appear evenly matched, the Bengals have the better depth of personnel and big-play guys. Take the Bengals and lay 2.5 points (-105).
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The 49ers have been dominant all season – scoring 30 or more points in every game and limiting opponents to 16 points or less in four of five. The Niners are a solid road favorite (7 points at -110 for both teams) but have beaten their first five opponents by 23, 7, 18, 19 and 32 points. The Browns will need to prove a lot just to cover this number. Take the 49ers and lay 7 points (-110).
The Panthers remain winless and have allowed 100 points in the last three games. The Dolphins are a massive favorite (13.5 points at -110 for both teams) but have earned it by outscoring their opponents 101-38 in their first two home games. Carolina just can’t compete with the firepower the Dolphins bring at home. Take the Dolphins and lay 13.5 points (-110).
Some division matchups have longstanding themes. For the Colts and Jaguars, it is the home team winning. Jacksonville last lost at home to the Colts in 2014. The Jags are a home favorite (4 points at -110 for both teams) and, given their history, they keep their home streak against the Colts continuing. Take the Jaguars and lay 4 points (-110).
The Saints defense has held four of five opponents to 18 points or less, including a shutout of New England last week. The Saints are small road favorite (1.5 points at -110 for both teams). Houston has showed signs of improvement and will give New Orleans all it can handle, but the Saints defense will step up again on the road. Take the Saints and lay 1.5 points (-110).
The Patriots offense is pathetic, and the Raiders haven’t scored more than 18 points all season. The Over/Under is low (41.5 points at -110 for both the Over and Under) but not low enough for these teams. Take the Under (-110).
The Rams have been a hard team to figure out. They gain a lot of yards, but more drives end up with field goal attempts (16) than touchdowns (11). They are a strong road favorite against the Cardinals (7 points at -110 for both teams), but you can’t trust a team that scores field goals and give away a touchdown. Take the Cardinals plus 7 points (-110).
The Eagles are a solid road favorite (7 points at -110 for both teams) but remain overshadowed by the 49ers. The Jets have kept the Bills and Chiefs under this point spread but have struggled against the run, and the Eagles love to run over opposing defense. Take the Eagles and lay 7 points (-110).
The Lions have been on a roll with wins of 14, 14 and 18 points in their last three games. The Bucs are 3-1 and coming off their bye week. The Over/Under is reasonable (43.5 points at -110 for both teams). There is just too much offensive talent on both teams for this not to get into shootout mode at some point. Take Over 43.5 points (-110).
Two teams headed in opposite directions. The Bills are a massive favorite (14 points at -110 for both teams) for good reason. The Giants’ four losses have come by 40, 18, 21 and 15 points. Buffalo’s last three wins have come by 28, 34 and 28 points. History repeats itself for both teams. Take the Bills and lay 14 points (-110).
When the Cowboys win, they win big, but being humbled by the 49ers last week left a sour taste in their mouths. Dallas is a small road favorite (2.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Chargers have had close games every week, which lends itself to Brandon Staley making the bonehead decision that costs them a game. He obliges again this week. Take the Cowboys and lay 2.5 points (-110).
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.
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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
Week 6 wagers to make from around the NFL.
As the bye weeks kick in and the number of games is reduced, Week 6 is something of an anomaly that happens once or twice a year.
Of the 14 games on the Week 6 schedule, seven road teams are favored and three of the favored home teams are by less than a field goal — historically an ominous sign. Home-field advantage is important in the NFL, but this week the clear idea is that the better teams are the road teams this week.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
The Bears are 2-0 at home and the Commanders have lost four straight. Not a lot of points are expected here, and you get a better return on the moneyline with the Bears than you get by laying a half-point (-110). That doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, but I’ll take it. Take the Bears on the moneyline (-107).
I don’t think the 49ers are getting the respect they deserve. The 49ers defense has allowed just five touchdowns in five games, and the Niners have outscored their opponents 65-12 in the first half. The 49ers are a smaller favorite than expected (5.5 points at -108 49ers, -112 Falcons). I don’t see Atlanta scoring more than 16 points, so I’m comfortable with the spread. Take the 49ers and lay 5.5 points (-108).
The Vikings have won three straight games under suspicious circumstances, but wins are wins. With Skylar Thompson being claimed to be the starter Sunday, Minnesota is modest road favorite (3.5 points at -108 Vikings, -112 Dolphins). This has the makings of a close game, but Thompson will make more critical mistakes than Kirk Cousins and that worth four or more points. Take the Vikings and lay the 3.5 points (-108).
We’re treading new ground in Pittsburgh. The last time Pittsburgh had a losing record was in 2003 – three years before Mike Tomlin was hired. They’re 1-4, are 0-2 at home and have lost two of their last three games by double digits. Tampa Bay is a healthy road favorite (7.5 points at -112 Buccaneers, -108 Steelers). Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to run the ball, and the Bucs’ attacking defense will make life miserable for rookie QB Kenny Pickett. The Buccaneers have the chance to roll for one of the rare times this season. Take the Buccaneers and lay the 7.5 points (-112).
When is the last time you can remember a 4-1 teams as a 5.5 underdog at home against a 3-2 team? The Ravens are that team (5.5 points at -112 Ravens, -108 Giants). The oddsmakers simply don’t believe in New York. Neither do I. Take the Ravens and lay the 5.5 points (-112).
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The Saints seem to find ways to lose, which can help explain why the Bengals are road favorites (2.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Bengals haven’t been above .500 all season, but this is a game for Joe Burrow to shine. The Saints have just one interception and good QBs carve them up. Take the Bengals and lay the 2.5 points (-110).
I don’t like the Over/Under here (42.5 points at -108 Over, -112 Under). The Colts have not scored more than 20 points in a game all season, and the Jaguars have allowed 13 points or fewer in three of their last four games. I was expecting and O/U of less than 40 points and was pleasantly surprised. Take the Under (-112).
The Patriots are coming off a domination of Detroit, which explains why the Browns are small favorites (2.5 points at +100 Patriots, -125 Browns). I expect the spread will go over three points before game time, so I’m getting in now. Take the Browns and lay 2.5 points (-125).
Both teams are 3-2, but the Packers are prohibitive favorites (7.5 points at -120 Packers, -101 Jets). Those setting the lines don’t want to drop the spread lower than a touchdown, because it would shift the betting much more heavily to Green Bay. I look at the Jets’ two losses this season. Both have been by 15 points. I can envision the same for a Packers team humbled in London and looking for revenge. Take the Packers and lay the 7.5 points (-120).
The Rams are 2-3 but the three losses have been to the Bills, 49ers and Cowboys – all likely playoff teams. The Panthers aren’t in the category, and the Rams have been installed the biggest favorite of the week (10.5 points at -115 Panthers, -105 Rams). Good teams find a way to beat up on the weaker teams on their schedule. The Rams survived a brutal first five games and need to roll the lesser teams when they get them. That’s what championship teams do. Take the Rams and lay the 10.5 points (-105).
I’m done with Over/Under bets involving Seattle after their last two games had 93 and 71 points scored. The Cardinals are one of the disappointments of the first portion of the season but are still respected enough to be road favorite (2.5 points at -120 Cardinals, -101 Seahawks). I’ve quit betting on Seattle games, but have to make a call here, and I still think the Seahawks are going to collapse as the season goes on. Take the Cardinals and lay 2.5 points (-120).
Last week I was all over the Over when the Chiefs played the Raiders when the Over was 50.5. It’s even more stiff this time around (54.5 points at -105 Over, -115 Under). Once Kansas City feel behind to the Raiders last week, it played into the hand of the bet. I have said since the preseason Buffalo is the best team in the NFL. The Chiefs will try to stay with them punch for punch and both teams will take big shots and hit enough of them. Take the Over (-105).
I’m not on the Cooper Rush train, but I am on the Micah Parsons train. The Eagles are the last unbeaten team in the league and are being shown that respect on the line (6.5 points at -117 Cowboys, -103 Eagles). I get the feeling it’s going to drop a point before game time, but while I believe the Eagles are capable of a double-digit win, Dallas hasn’t allowed more than 19 points in a game all season, which doesn’t leave much needed to cover that spread. Take the Cowboys plus 6.5 points (-117).
The Over/Under (45.5 points at -108 Broncos, -112 Chargers) is curious, because the Broncos have hit under that number in four of five games and the Chargers have hit over that number in their last four. The fact L.A. is only favored by 4.5 points says the game is expected to be close. In that case, the Under rules more times than not. Take the Under at 45.5 points (-112).
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