NFL odds: Lines and predictions
We are getting toward the cold weather, which means football season is getting serious. Forget about what we have seen in September and October from the contenders, it’s about the second half of the year, something that is rapidly approaching. So what should we expect this week across the league? Let’s take a look.
All lines are courtesy of OddsShark, as of Wednesday afternoon.
Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens (-3)
This is going to be torturous to watch. The Dolphins are the slightly better team (I think) but the Ravens have no offensive ability. Give me the home team, barely.
Atlanta Falcons (-4) at New York Jets
The Jets might win this game if the Falcons don’t get the train rolling a bit. Still, Atlanta is so much more talented, it’s hard to go the other way.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2)
Are either of these teams good? They both should be, but so far, it’s been a mixed bag to say the least. I’m taking the Buccaneers at home, but it’s a coin flip, frankly.
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-9)
The Saints are leading the NFC South with a four-game winning streak, and things look good to make it five here. Chicago has a good defense, but that’s it.
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (-10.5)
The Bengals are going to cruise, not because they’re good, but because the Colts are that damn bad. Indianapolis is a total mess.
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (-7.5)
I love the Chargers to give the Patriots a real scare. I think New England finds a way to win late, but Los Angeles is going to cover easily.
Minnesota Vikings (-9.5) at Cleveland Browns
The Browns could play in Canada, Mexico, England or the Philippines, and they are still going to be terrible. Take the Vikings to win and win big in this one.
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles (-13)
Another huge spread, and this time, I’m taking the 49ers to cover. Philadelphia should win the game without much trouble, but San Francisco will fight hard.
Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills (-2.5)
This is a tough one. The Bills are at home and while the Raiders saved their season a week ago, give me Buffalo finding a way to get it done.
Houston Texans at Seattle Seahawks (-5.5)
Deshaun Watson has been terrific since taking over as the starter, but he’s not going into Seattle and winning this game. Take the Seahawks and swallow the points.
Dallas Cowboys (-2) at Washington Redskins
Who knows what we are getting from either of these teams. Dallas is the better, healthier team, but the Redskins are desperate. Take the Cowboys with a wince.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Detroit Lions
The Lions are going to come up big here. Detroit is off a bye and at 3-3, has to win. Pittsburgh is also weird, ranging from great to awful. If the Steelers aren’t on their A game, they lose here.
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (-7.5)
It’s impossible to take Trevor Siemian at Arrowhead, even with the Chiefs struggling defensively. Take the Broncos to cover, but to never threaten for a win.
