NFL Week 16 lines: Making a case for each underdog
Taking a deep dive into the NFL Week 16 lines, we check on each underdog and see how they can cover and perhaps even win.
San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is at home and trying to push for a huge win that would essentially wrap up the AFC South. Also, long trip for the Niners on a short week.
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers (-7.5)
The Packers are trying to get home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs, but the Browns have to win or face a very, very long offseason.
Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals (-1)
Right now, the Colts are the better team. Arizona is a tough out, but it isn’t anywhere close to the team it was early in the year.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (-3)
The Ravens and Bengals are both 8-6 and fighting for the AFC North. In a game this even, roll with the points.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-2.5)
Buffalo has a strong argument as the better team. In their first matchup, the wind took away Josh Allen’s ability to throw the ball. Not this time.
Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons (-5.5)
The Lions have actually been playing well of late winning two of their last three. And, frankly, there isn’t huge difference in rosters.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (PICK)
Since Vegas couldn’t pick a favorite, and this is awful, let’s move on.
Los Angeles Chargers (-10) at Houston Texans
The Chargers and Texans are both missing a slew of players on their respective COVID lists, so perhaps the game is a bit watered down, making it a closer contest.
Los Angeles Rams (-3) at Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota is about the weirdest team in the league, always playing up and down to competition. Expect a very close game. Also, the Rams are on an insanely short week.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-10)
The power of prayer, and also the Eagles are a very, very limited offensive team through the air.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10) at Carolina Panthers
The Bucs are missing a legion of players including Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette. It’s a ton of firepower.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)
Justin Fields plays great. That’s about the argument.
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders (PICK)
Let’s roll with the Broncos since they’re the road team. It’s about running the ball down Vegas’ throat.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs (-10)
The Chiefs are missing a bevy of stars to the COVID list, including Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
Washington Football Team at Dallas Cowboys (-11)
Washington isn’t Dallas, but this spread is too big. Look for the Football Team to keep things relatively close.
Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints (-3)
This are the exact same teams. Take the points.
