For this week’s tryptophan-recovery picks after the turkey hangover wears off, we’re offering some tasty leftovers. We have a home underdog with an unusual advantage winning on the moneyline, a low Over/Under going Under, the highest O/U going Over, a road favorite taking care of business, and a frosty, primetime home favorite doing the same.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
5
Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs: UNDER 42.5 points (-110)
The Raiders are imploding – their last three losses have been by 17, 14, and 10 points. The Chiefs are on a short week and hoping to see if Isiah Pacheco is good for the playoff run by easing him into the offense. The Raiders might score 13 points. The Chiefs don’t need to score 30 or more to take care of their business.
4
Take Atlanta Falcons on the moneyline (+110) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The NFL harps on avoiding a “competitive advantage,” yet does it all the time – just typically not this gross. The Falcons are at home coming off their bye with two weeks to prepare for the Chargers. LA played on Monday night and is walking through practices to allow players to heal up. If the Falcons lose this one, their season is done.
3
Take Denver Broncos and lay 5.5 points (-110) vs. Cleveland Browns
I was quick on the bandwagon that the Broncos defense is consistently stout – Denver has allowed fewer than 20 points in nine of the last 11 games. The Browns have scored 18 or fewer points in nine of their 11 games. An elite defense against a low-rent offense doesn’t make it too hard for Denver’s improving offense to take advantage of that disparity.
2
Take Los Angeles Rams and lay 2.5 points (-115) at New Orleans Saints
The same NFC South bye week issue applies here, but for a different reason. The Saints had lost seven straight and responded with home wins against the Falcons and Browns before their bye and had to hit the brakes on momentum. The Rams are in playoff mode and ready to take chances – and have more players capable of making that difference.
1
Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens: Over 51.5 points (-110)
In their last 10 games, the Ravens have scored 28 or more points in eight of them – in large part because their defense required it. In their last six wins, the Eagles have point totals of 28, 37, 28, 34, 26, and 37. What could possibly make you think that either team would want to slow things down and make it a field position game? Whether the final is 28-24, 38-14, or 48-7 (or 34-31), it still hits Over.
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