NFL Week 12 schedule: 5 best bets on underdogs

The NFL Week 12 schedule began we three games on Thanksgiving. Now, we look towards Sunday to figure out the best underdog bets.

5. Denver Broncos (+2.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Th Chargers are the better team, but the Broncos are both at home and coming off their bye. At 5-5, Denver must win or essentially start planning for an offseason before December. Additionally, Los Angeles has one of the league’s worst defenses and special teams units. The Broncos have quality weapons and while quarterback Teddy Bridgewater isn’t great, he’s capable.

4. Minnesota Vikings (+3) at San Francisco 49ers

This might be the most important game of the week in terms of figuring out who makes the playoffs, and who misses out. For the Vikings and 49ers, it’s all about a wild card berth. Both teams have won two straight tilts and enter Sunday’s matchup at Levi’s Stadium at 5-5. So why take Minnesota? Because the Vikings are the more talented team getting three points. This should be a very tight game, so take the three.

3. Indianapolis Colts (+3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are one of the league’s best against the run, but they could be without defensive tackle Vita Vea, who is slated as a game-time decision. For the Colts to beat Tampa Bay, they’ll need running back Jonathan Taylor to have a huge afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium. It’s not a great matchup, but Vea being either out or limited changes things. Also, the Bucs have been hideous in pass defense, and Carson Wentz will have his chances to hit the deep ball.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5) at Cincinnati Bengals

It’s an important AFC North battle in the Queen City. The Bengals desperately need to keep winning if they’re going to threaten for the division crown. As for the Steelers, they haven’t won in either of the past two weeks and now get a chance to split the season series. Whoever loses drops further in the standings and has a serious uphill climb to catch the Baltimore Ravens. The winner is right where it needs to be.

1. Miami Dolphins (+2) vs. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have new shine to them after signing Cam Newton, but Carolina promptly went out and lost to the Washington Football Team at home. Now, the Panthers get the Dolphins, who have won three straight and have seen quarterback Tua Tagovailoa playing much better as of late. There’s little reason for Carolina to be favored on the road in this one.