In the final week with teams on bye – six of them – the options are more limited. What makes this week unique is that there is only one game with a point spread of three points or less (Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals). Of the 13 games on the schedule, seven of them have a team favored by five or more points, giving the impression there will be some lopsided scores. But the NFL teaches us that games don’t tend to follow the script.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Green Bay Packers (+155) at Detroit Lions (-190)
The Lions are solid favorites (3.5 points at -115 Packers, -105 Lions). The Lions have won 10 straight and the Packers have won seven of their last eight. That one loss was against the Lions at home and, until something changes, there is no reason to think the Lions won’t take care of business at home. Take the Lions and lay 3.5 points (-105).
Jacksonville Jaguars (+165) at Tennessee Titans (-200)
This is the lowest Over/Under of the week (39.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The Jaguars have scored three touchdowns in their last three games (with Trevor Lawrence). The Titans have scored more than 20 points just twice all season. Take Under 39.5 points (-110).
New York Jets (+165) at Miami Dolphins (-275)
The O/U is reasonable (45 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The Jets have allowed 85 points in the last three games, and Miami has scored 85 points in its last three. Too many signs point to touchdowns being scored. Take Over 45 points (-110).
Atlanta Falcons (+200) at Minnesota Vikings (-275)
The Vikings are solid favorites (5.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Vikings have won their last five games but haven’t covered this number in three of the last four. Kirk Cousins can take advantage of Minnesota’s weaknesses. The Viking should win, but laying 5.5 points is a lot. Take the Falcons plus 5.5 points (-110).
New Orleans Saints (-225) at New York Giants (+185)
The Over/Under is low (41 points at -110 for both). The Giants have lost all six home games, and the Saints historically struggle in cold-weather games. Both of those should hold true once again. Take Under 41 points (-110).
Carolina Panthers (+500) at Philadelphia Eagles (-700)
The Eagles are huge favorites (12.5 points at -110 for both teams). I hate laying almost two touchdowns, but the Eagles are on such a roll that laying this many points to the outmanned Panthers is forcing my hand. Take the Eagles and lay 12.5 points (-110).
Cleveland Browns (+225) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-275)
The Over/Under is low (44 points at -115 Over, -105 Under). Jameis Winston is capable of 35 points on his own – 21 for his team and 14 for the other. Russell Wilson is capable of the same. Take Over 44 points (-115).
Las Vegas Raiders (+240) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-300)
The Bucs are big favorites (6.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Raiders are gassed, and the Buccaneers need a win like this in the substandard NFC South. When one team has its season on the line counting on a win, go with it. Take the Buccaneers and lay 6.5 points (-110).
Seattle Seahawks (+120) at Arizona Cardinals (-145)
The Cardinals are unconvincing home favorites (2.5 points at -105 Seahawks, -115 Cardinals). Seattle dominated Arizona’s offense two weeks ago. Getting points is a plus for a team that should sweep. Take the Seahawks plus 2.5 points (-105).
Buffalo Bills (-250) at Los Angeles Rams (+200)
The O/U is high (49.5 points at -110 for both). The Bills have scored 30 or more points in their last six games. The Rams will be forced to keep pace. One way or another – a shootout or blowout – these two will 50 points. Take Over 49.5 points (-110).
Chicago Bears (+165) at San Francisco 49ers (-200)
The Niners are weak favorites (4 points at -110 for both teams). At some point, the 49ers are going to drop from a punch, taking them out of the hunt. It isn’t this week against a Bears franchise placing bricks for a foundation. Take the 49ers and lay 4 points (-110).
Los Angeles Chargers (+165) at Kansas City Chiefs (-200)
The Chiefs are legit favorites (4 points at -110 for both). The Chiefs against the spread has been rough, because they play down to the competition. Not this week. The West is won with this one, and it may be personal. Take the Chiefs and lay 4 points (-110).
Cincinnati Bengals (-250) at Dallas Cowboys (+200)
The O/U is big (49.5 points at -110 for both). Over the last five games, the Bengals have allowed 35 points, on average. In their last seven games, the Cowboys defense has allowed 31 points a game. A typical game shoots over this number. Take Over 49.5 Points (-110).
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