For the first time this season, the picks here ended up in the red in back-to-back weeks. Last time out, the record was 5-8, bringing the season-long record to 52-53-4. There’s a reason Vegas stays in business year after year after year. But we’ll press on, hoping to avoid another losing week.
All odds from yahoo!sportsbook, with home teams in bold. This is for entertainment purposes only.
San Francisco (-3.5) over Seattle – The 49ers are riding a six-game winning streak, while the Seahawks have lost three of their last four, including a home loss to the Panthers last week. Seattle has allowed 93 points over the last three weeks, meaning San Francisco should be able to score enough points to cover. Roll 25 Crabtrees on the 49ers.
Minnesota (-4) over Indianapolis – The Colts have lost six of their last seven games and are coming off a 35-point loss last time out. Since everyone scores on the Vikings, it’s reasonable to think the Colts can score in the low 20s this time around. But Kirk Cousins is coming off his best game of the season and the Vikings should have an easier time with a Colts’ defense that is middle of the road in sacks, rather than one of the top defenses like they’ve faced a bunch recently. Throw down 25 Dolemans on the home team.
Baltimore (+2.5) over Cleveland – The Ravens found enough offense to win on the road in Pittsburgh last week. Meanwhile, the Browns could only manage 10 points out and the offense simply isn’t clicking yet with DeShaun Watson running the show. Feed 25 Suggs on the Ravens.
Buffalo (-7) over Miami – The Dolphins have lost their last five games to teams with a winning record and they haven’t been a great road team, either, going 3-4 away from South Florida. Are they prepared for Buffalo in December? Flip 50 Rashads on the Bills.
Houston (+14) over Kansas City – Frankly, I’m tired of laying big numbers on the Chiefs only to see them win by single digits. Kansas City has won by double digits only twice this season. And for all of Houston’s 11 losses this year, only two were by more than 14. Kick 25 KrisBrowns on the home team.
Dallas (-4) over Jacksonville – Yes, the Cowboys struggled mightily on the road last week against a poor team. Do you think they’re going to do that in back-to-back weeks? Seems unlikely to me Pick: 50 Eversons on the Cowboys.
Carolina (-3) over Pittsburgh – The Panthers have won three of their last four games, with the last two coming against teams outside of the weak NFC South. Meanwhile, the Steelers are struggling to put up points and Kenny Pickett is questionable to play. Toss 25 Delhommes on the home team.
Detroit (+1.5) over New York – The Lions have scored at least 25 points in five straight games, while the Jets have scored that many just one time in their last seven games. Sure, there’s some concern about taking the Lions on the road. But they seem to be trending up while the Jets are going in the opposite direction. Drop 25 Perrimans on the Lions.
New Orleans (-4) over Atlanta – Both of these teams have lost four of their last five games. The Falcons are just 1-5 on the road this year and they lost at home by a point to New Orleans earlier in the season. Fork over 25 Swillings on the home squad.
Philadelphia (-9) over Chicago – The Eagles have scored 123 points in their last three games. Whatever mini slump they had earlier seems to have been fixed. Meanwhile, the Bears have lost six straight, the last two by a combined 30 points. Put 25 Montgomerys on the Eagles.
New England (+1) over Las Vegas – Just when it looked like the Raiders had turned the corner, they lose to a bad Rams team. And this week they have to go up against Belichick and the Pats. This is a mediocre New England team. But it’s not a particularly good Vegas squad, either. Go 25 Stingleys on the visitors.
Denver (-3) over Arizona – The Broncos scored a season-high 28 points last week, as Russell Wilson finally looked like he didn’t have a fork sticking out of his back. And Kyler Murray is out for the rest of the season. Place 50 Elways on the Broncos.
Tennessee (+2.5) over Los Angeles – The Titans come in losing three in a row. There’s no shame in losin to the Bengals and Eagles. But a 14-points loss to the Jaguars should be reason for concern. The Chargers have been inconsistent all season long. Titans need awin here to get their season back on track. Wager 25 Voleks on the visitors.
Cincinnati (-3.5) over Tampa Bay – The Bengals are one of the elite teams in the NFL and the Bucs are not. Sure, there’s still the Tom Brady allure, but the Bucs are a team with more bark than bite. Bet 50 Ickeys on the Bengals.
Washington (-4.5) over New York – Two weeks ago, these teams played to a tie in New York. The Commanders had a bye last week, while the Giants lost by 26 points. Washington keeps its playoff hopes alive with a win. Throw 25 Kilmers on the home team.
Green Bay (-7) over Los Angeles – They couldn’t flex this game? Move 25 Kramers on the Packers over the Rams.