With the bye weeks finally over, we have all 32 teams playing the rest of way – some maybe with more purpose than others. For this week’s picks, we’re taking a dumpster fire on the road as an underdog, two other calamitous franchises hitting Over, a road dog covering the spread, a road favorite doing the same, and an absurd Over/Under hitting the Over.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
5
Take Dallas Cowboys on the moneyline (+120) at Carolina Panthers
The Cowboys have been one of the bigger disappointments of the season, but they have taken care of their business against lesser teams. The Panthers have shown signs of heading in the right direction after bottoming out in 2023 (2-15). But the fact remains that the Panthers have lost three straight and 10 of 13. The Cowboys defense is getting injured players back who can keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive with a win.
4
New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars: Take Over 40.5 points (-110)
This is a “For Relatives Only” game that few will care about, but both these teams have consistently hit Over this number. The Jets have surpassed this number in their last three games and six of their last eight. The Jaguars have topped this number in nine of their last 11 games. The big reason is their defenses. The Jaguars have allowed 345 points, and the Jets have allowed 300. It may come late, but the Over is the play here, even if nobody is watching.
3
Take Green Bay Packers and lay 3 points (-110) at Seattle Seahawks
The Packers are third in the NFC North, but their four losses have come to Philadelphia (11-2), Minnesota (11-2), and Detroit (12-1) twice. They’ve stood on business against everybody else. Seattle’s “12th Man” mystique is dead – the Seahawks have lost four of their last five home games, and the Packers will make it five of six.
2
Take Pittsburgh Steelers plus 5.5 points (-110) at Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have covered this number in six of their last eight games and the two games they didn’t, they won by five points in both. Pittsburgh’s three losses have been by three, three and five points. The Steelers find ways to keep games close, and both teams are expected to run the ball a lot. This seems like too many points to give to the Steelers.
1
Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions: Take Over 54.5 points (-110)
This is the highest O/U of the season, and it’s understandable why. The Lions have scored 23 or more points in their last 10 games, with six over 30 points, four with more than 40 and 52 points twice. The Bills have scored 30 or more points in seven straight games. With Detroit’s injuries on defense mounting up, this may require the Lions offense to keep pace with Buffalo’s high-octane offense, and a combined 60 points or more is within the realm of possibility.
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