NFL Week 16 lines: Making a case for each favorite
The NFL Week 16 lines are in, and we’re here to make a case for each favorite to both win outright and cover the spreads.
San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Tennessee Titans
Few teams are hotter than the 49ers, and they now get to play an injury-ravaged Titans team on a short week.
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers (-7.5)
The Browns are dealing with a litany of COVID issues, and now have to play in Green Bay on a short week. This is going to be a perfect spot for the Packers to roll.
Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals (-1)
Arizona has lost two straight and desperately needs to win. The Cardinals have the more talented quarterback, and that may carry the day.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (-3)
The Bengals won the first matchup between these two teams, 41-17. Cincinnati has more talent, is more healthy, and is at home.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-2.5)
Can New England get the sweep? Absolutely, and it’s all about winning in the trenches. The Patriots have an advantage up front on both sides of the ball.
Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons (-5.5)
Atlanta is at home, largely healthy, against a two-win team that might be without Jared Goff. #RiseUp?
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (PICK)
Since there’s no favorite, let’s do the decent thing and move on.
Los Angeles Chargers (-10) at Houston Texans
The Chargers have Justin Herbert and despite all the COVID issues for both sides, that ought to be enough to win and cover.
Los Angeles Rams (-3) at Minnesota Vikings
Even on a short week, the Rams are the superior team on offense and defense. Los Angeles is also trying to chase down the Cardinals in the division.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-10)
Have you seen the Giants play?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10) at Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton and Sam Darnold will both be playing on Sunday. That’s enough to bet the Bucs.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)
Matt Nagy.
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders (PICK)
Let’s say the Raiders are favored. Las Vegas will face Drew Lock after the horrific Teddy Bridgewater. That’s enough reason to take Vegas straight up.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs (-10)
Patrick Mahomes is facing Ben Roethlisberger. If the Chiefs are even reasonably healthy, they should win and cover.
Washington Football Team at Dallas Cowboys (-11)
Dallas is playing some of the league’s best football. The Cowboys have a real chance to hold Washington under 10 points.
Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints (-3)
Expect a close game with a couple of good defenses, but the home team has the advantage. Also, the Saints are far more experienced in big games.
