The trade deadline is looming next week and a lot of names are being thrown out as possibilities to move expensive players to new locales for an autumn draft-pick harvest.
It will be interesting to see if any teams get a head start on their trade plans by benching the outgoing players to avoid injury.
Anyway, we’ll focus on the wisest wagers to make with the current knowledge we possess.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+340) at Buffalo Bills (-450)
The Bills have yet to lose in Buffalo (their only home loss came in London), which explains why they’re a significant favorite (8.5 points at -110 for both the Bills and Buccaneers). Despite Buffalo’s recent struggles, the Bucs have played two likely playoff teams (Philly and Detroit) and lost by 14 points to both. Add Buffalo to that list. Take Bills and lay 8.5 points (-110).
Los Angeles Rams (+220) at Dallas Cowboys (-275)
The Cowboys are fresh off their bye and a solid home favorite (6.5 points at -110 for both teams). Dallas has won its first three home games by 40, 20 and 35 points. While the Cowboys likely won’t blow out the Rams, they should win handily. Take Cowboys and lay 6.5 points (-110).
Minnesota Vikings (-110) at Green Bay Packers (-110)
The Vikings are a one-point underdog and have been competitive with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. The Packers are a far cry from those teams. Lambeau Field gets a certain betting mystique that has long since been vanquished. The team that played against Denver and lost is facing stiffer competition. Take Minnesota on the moneyline (-110).
Atlanta Falcons (-150) at Tennessee Titans (+125)
Both teams are struggling to score points, which makes the Falcons being a road favorite (3 points at -110 for both teams) seem a little unusual. Both teams will try to run the ball a lot and that lends itself to a close game. Getting the home team and three points in that scenario makes sense. Take Titans plus 3 points (-110).
New Orleans Saints (+100) at Indianapolis Colts (-120)
The Saints are one of the most frustrating teams this season, having lost four of their last five games. The Colts are a one-point favorite, but being at home hasn’t been an advantage for them this season. The Colts are 1-3 at home and floundering. The Saints have more talent, and they shine thanks to the lack of familiarity of non-conference games. Take the Saints on the moneyline (+100).
New England Patriots (+340) at Miami Dolphins (-450)
The Dolphins beat the Patriots 24-17 in Week 2, which helps explain why Miami is a huge home favorite (9.5 points at -110 for both). The Dolphins have dominated at home – winning games by 50, 15 and 21 points. Bill Belichick will have something prepared to slow the Dolphins, but it won’t be enough. Take the Dolphins and lay 9.5 points (-110).
New York Jets (-150) at New York Giants (+125)
The Giants ended a four-game losing skid last week, but the Jets are slight “road” favorites (3 points at -105 Jets, -115 Giants). The Jets are 3-3, but their losses came against Dallas, New England and Kansas City and two of their wins came against the Bills and Eagles. They should be a larger favorite than this. Take the Jets and lay 3 points (-105).
Jacksonville Jaguars (-145) at Pittsburgh Steelers (+120)
Two of the hottest teams in league meet with Jacksonville on a four-game winning streak and the Steelers having won four of their last five. The Jaguars are a small road favorite (2.5 points at -120 Jaguars, +100 Steelers). Jacksonville is a legitimate Super Bowl contender and needs to win games like this that good teams do. The Steelers will make it difficult on them, but the Jags prevail. Take the Jaguars and lay 2.5 points (-120).
Philadelphia Eagles (-300) at Washington Commanders (+240)
The Eagles are 6-1, but have won a lot of close games – including a 34-31 overtime win over the Commanders in Week 4. Philly is a solid favorite (6.5 points at -110 for both) but haven’t showed consistency to put away inferior teams. They do the second time around with Washington. Take the Eagles and lay 6.5 points (-110).
Houston Texans (-160) at Carolina Panthers (+135)
The Over/Under on this game is pretty low (43.5 points at -110 Over, -110 Under). Houston has scored 20 or fewer points in four of six games and have allowed 21 or fewer in each of their last four. Carolina has scored 21 or fewer points in four of six games and allowed 21 or fewer in both of their home games this season. Too many coincidences here. Take Under 43.5 points (-110).
Cleveland Browns (+145) at Seattle Seahawks (-175)
The Over/Under is extremely low (38 points at -110 for both Over and Under). The indication appears to be that Cleveland’s defense will hold down Seattle, but the Browns have allowed 64 points in two road games this season against weaker offenses (Steelers and Colts). Seattle is banged up but has enough offensive weapons who can get the job done. Take Over 38 points (-110).
Kansas City Chiefs (-350) at Denver Broncos (+275)
The Broncos are coming off their second win of the season, which may explain why the Chiefs aren’t bigger road favorites (7 points at -115 Chiefs, -105 Broncos). Kansas City has won six straight – five them by margins at or above this point spread. The Chiefs and Broncos played two weeks ago and the Chiefs won 19-8. Look for more of the field goals from the first game converted to touchdowns this time around. Take the Chiefs and lay 7 points (-115).
Baltimore Ravens (-400) at Arizona Cardinals (+310)
The Ravens are big favorites (8.5 points at -110 for both teams), but the Cardinals have lost their last four games by margins of 19, 14, 17 and 10 points. Coming off a game in which the Ravens pounded the Lions by 32 points, what makes anyone think the Cardinals can keep the score differential to fewer than 10 points? Take the Ravens and lay 8.5 points (-110).
Cincinnati Bengals (+185) at San Francisco 49ers (-225)
The 49ers are stumbling after losing a pair of road games to Cleveland and Minnesota. QB Brock Purdy is in concussion protocol, which is why the spread dropped two points Wednesday. Yet, the Niners are still solid favorites (3.5 points at -115 Bengals, -105 49ers). After a slow start, the Bengals have won their last two games and allowed some of the injured stars to heal up over the bye last week. The 49ers should win, but the Bengals are too good to get this many points, even though the number dropped. Take the Bengals plus 3.5 points (-115).
Chicago Bears (+350) at Los Angeles Chargers (-450)
Chicago won last week, but teams are getting valuable film on Tyson Bagent. The Chargers keep finding ways to lose, but three of those losses have been to the Dolphins, Cowboys and Chiefs. No shame there. LA is a big favorite (8.5 points at -110 for both teams) and will be motivated under the prime-time lights and finally play an opponent they can dominate to make a statement. Take the Chargers and lay 8.5 points (-110).
Las Vegas Raiders (+320) at Detroit Lions (-400)
The Lions are huge favorites (8.5 points at -110 for both) and are coming off a humbling blowout loss to the Ravens. With Monday Night Football making a rare Motown appearance, all the momentum is on Detroit’s side against a Raiders team that hasn’t beaten a team with a winning record and were clubbed by the lowly Bears last week. Take the Lions and lay 8.5 points (-110).
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. Terms apply, 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 (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
