It would appear we’ve reached an annual rite of passage that isn’t discussed in the NFL – tanking season.
At the moment, those obviously on board are the Washington Commanders and the Las Vegas Raiders. Washington traded away its two best pass rushers at the trade deadline, and the Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. Almost immediately after, they announced the benching of starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
ThIs is what is quietly referred to as tanking in a league that claims teams don’t tank. Both teams have seen the handwriting on the wall for 2023 and are looking to improve their draft prospects for 2024. Teams will follow in the coming weeks, but for now we have two in full-on tank mode, and their betting lines will start reflecting such.
Tennessee Titans (+120) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-145)
The Steelers are small favorites (2.5 points at -105 Titans, -115 Steelers). Will Levis had a big first career start last week, but going into Pittsburgh on a short week is going to be a problem. Mike Tomlin will have defenses dialed up Levis hasn’t seen on tape, which is why it typically takes times for young QBs to excel consistently. Take the Steelers and lay 2.5 points (-115).
Miami Dolphins (+105) at Kansas City (-125)
The Chiefs are coming off their worst game of the season and are very small favorites in Germany (1.5 points). If this “home game” for the Chiefs was at Arrowhead, I’d go with the Chiefs. On a neutral field, you have to like Miami’s chances, because the Chiefs don’t have the elite weapons to get into a shootout. Take the Dolphins on the moneyline (+105).
Minnesota Vikings (+180) at Atlanta Falcons (-225)
The Vikings have won three straight, but the loss of Kirk Cousins has Minnesota as big underdogs (4.5 points at -105 Vikings, -115 Falcons). The Vikings will be starting rookie QB Jaren Hall, but the Falcons have QB issues of their own to deal with and don’t have the credibility to be a favorite of that size. Take the Vikings plus 4.5 points (-105).
Arizona Cardinals (+280) at Cleveland Browns (-375)
There aren’t many points expected in this one (37.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Cardinals have struggled to score points, and they traded their starter on Tuesday. Reports say Kyler Murray will not be starting, which will make scoring points extremely difficult for the Cardinals against a strong Browns defense. Take Under 37.5 points (-110).
Los Angeles Rams (+140) at Green Bay Packers (-165)
The Rams are 3-5 but have played the Seahawks, 49ers, Bengals, Eagles, Steelers and Cowboys. The Packers have lost four straight and have losses to the Falcons, Raiders, Broncos and Vikings. Yet, Green Bay is favored (3 points at +100 Rams, -120 Packers). The Rams have the ability to win outright, and the Packers have shown nothing in a month, but you must keep tabs on Matthew Stafford‘s availability after he suffered a sprained throwing-hand thumb last week. Take the Rams plus 3 points (+100).
Washington Commanders (+145) at New England Patriots (-175)
The Commanders traded away their top two pass rushers and their offense is struggling. The Patriots offense has been quiet all season. The Over/Under is low (40.5 points at -110 for both), but not low enough for these two offenses. Take Under 40.5 points (-110).
Chicago Bears (+300) at New Orleans Saints (-375)
The Saints have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the league this season but remain huge favorites (8.5 points at -110 for both teams). That big number is more an indictment of how bad the Bears play, which should play to the Saints’ favor. Take the Saints and lay 8.5 points (-110).
Seattle Seahawks (+200) at Baltimore Ravens (-250)
Seattle has won five of its last six games, and the Ravens have won four of the last five. Both offenses are capable of putting up big points when they’re clicking. The Over/Under is reasonable (43 points at -110 for both). Both teams have enough big-play potential that shortens the field, and they should combine for enough points to hit this number. Take the Over (-110).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+125) at Houston Texans (-150)
The Texans are improving, especially on defense, which is why they are a 2.5-point favorite. The Buccaneers have lost three straight but have more talent on both sides of the ball than the Texans and will stop their losing skid Sunday. Take the Buccaneers on the moneyline (+125).
Indianapolis Colts (-140) at Carolina Panthers (+115)
The Colts’ rushing offense is back, but they remain a minimal road favorite (2.5 points at +100 Colts, -120 Panthers). Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss are a dynamic one-two punch, and the Panthers are allowing 4.7 yards a carry. If the Colts hit that mark Sunday, they are capable of rushing 40 times. Take the Colts and lay 2.5 points (-100).
New York Giants (+100) at Las Vegas Raiders (-120)
The Raiders are small favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both teams) despite firing their head coach and general manager Tuesday night. The Giants have scored just 52 points in their last five games. Often when a coach is a fired inseason and assistant takes over, it motivates a down-and-out team. Announcing the benching of Garoppolo changed my pick on this one. Take the Giants on the moneyline (+100).
Dallas Cowboys (+130) at Philadelphia Eagles (-155)
This game will be a litmus test for both teams. The expectation is that the offenses are going to dominate given the O/U number (46 points at -110 for Over and Under). All it’s going to take is one team getting a lead to bring this game uptempo and they’re capable of zooming past this number. Take Over 46 points (-110).
Buffalo Bills (+110) at Cincinnati Bengals (-130)
The Bengals have dug themselves out of their early-season hole, and the Bills have been hit-and-miss. One thing both teams can do is score a lot of points. The Over/Under is high (49.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under), but all it takes is one of these potent offenses to hit on all cylinders to keep the points coming. Take Over 49.5 points (-110).
Los Angeles Chargers (-175) at New York Jets (+145)
The Jets have won three straight games, but the Chargers are favored (3 points at -120 Chargers, +100 Jets). The Chargers could be much better than 3-4, but they make critical mistakes that cost them games. This could be a playoff elimination game when the season is over and playoff spots are determined. The Chargers are better than their record shows and will be in the national spotlight to prove it. Take the Chargers and lay 3 points (-110).
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