NFL Week 15 schedule: 5 best bets on underdogs
The NFL Week 15 schedule began with an instant classic on Thursday. For the remainder of the weekend, take these five underdogs.Â
5. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) at Denver Broncos
Major value for the Bengals and their believers. Cincinnati has lost two straight and so the sports books are fading them. Fair enough, but what have the Broncos done to make you believe? This season, the only quality wins they have are a bizarre thrashing of the Dallas Cowboys, and a nice win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Every other victory has come against horrid competition. This should be a close game, and the Bengals are the more talented group.
4. Atlanta Falcons (+9.5) at San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are the better team, and they’re both hot and at home. However, the Falcons are somehow only one game behind them in the standings, and they have the better quarterback with a very underrated coach in Arthur Smith. Yes, San Francisco should win and so if you’re a big moneyline bettor, roll with the Niners. However, this game screams backdoor cover for Atlanta, which has the capability of throwing the ball against San Francisco’s underwhelming secondary.
3. New England Patriots (+2.5) at Indianapolis Colts
All about the points here. New England has won seven straight and Bill Belichick has had two weeks to prepare for a somewhat one-dimensional offense in Indianapolis. The Colts want to feature running back Jonathan Taylor repeatedly, and the Patriots will do everything in their power to take him out of the gameplan. This should be a tight game, that ultimately comes down to the last few minutes. Take the points.
2. Houston Texans (+5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Texans might lose, but they already pounded the Jaguars once and frankly, the difference between the two teams doesn’t warrant a five-point spread. Essentially, this is all about value. Maybe the firing of disgraced head coach Urban Meyer gets Jacksonville to play its best ball, but that remains a question. Also, the Texans have fought hard most weeks, even though they’re outmatched. The Jags might win, but the spread is too big.
1. Chicago Bears (+6) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota is the better team, but this is the Vikings. The same team that was almost swept by the hapless Detroit Lions — and eventually gave them their only win to date. This is the same team that almost blew a 29-0 third-quarter lead to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have virtually no offense. This is the same team that earlier in the year, lost in primetime to Cooper Rush and the Cowboys. Minnesota is better, but getting six points against them is an easy bet.
