This week’s picks are all over the board. We have a game hitting Over the projection, a game going Under, a struggling franchise winning on the road, and a road favorite and home underdog covering the spread. Most don’t make sense … until they do.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
5
Take the San Francisco 49ers on the moneyline at Miami Dolphins (+100)
It would be easy to write off the 49ers, who have lost four of their last five games. However, the Dolphins aren’t a juggernaut. Of their six wins, five are against teams that have lost 10 or more. While Miami is much better at home than on the road, the 49ers have enough talent on defense to cause problems and enough offensive players left to get the job done. Miami used to fold in the playoffs. Now they fold sooner.
4
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts: Take Over 42.5 points (-110)
Both teams have a propensity for giving up a lot of points. In three of their last four games, the Titans have allowed 27, 32 and 37 points. The Colts have allowed 24 points or more in each of their last five games. Neither offense has shown explosiveness or consistency, but they know each other’s weaknesses, and neither defense is strong enough to hide their trouble spots.
3
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills: Take Under 46.5 points (-105)
This number should be higher, because the Bills are capable of topping this O/U themselves – they’ve scored 90 points in the last two games — losing one and winning the other by six. They don’t have to light up the Patriots. I’m unconvinced New England will score more than 10 points. The Bills can work the clock and move on without taking risks. A 34-10 final sounds about right.
2
Take Dallas Cowboys plus 4 points (-110) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are on a four-game win streak and put the Los Angeles Chargers to cool in a big way last week. The Cowboys are on fumes but have won three of their last four. Getting four points at home against a decent but one-and-done playoff team seems a little high. Perhaps this game is a precursor of what took expect when a legitimate playoff team that ends Tampa Bay’s season.
1
Take Minnesota Vikings and lay 3 points (-110) at Seattle Seahawks
The 12th Man is dead. Seattle has lost five of its last six home games and got dusted 30-13 against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday with chants of “Go, Pack, Go!” resonating with no response from Seahawks fans. Apparently Minnesota is the most fraudulent 12-2 team in history. If the Vikings don’t shoot themselves in the foot, they win their eighth straight (Google it!) and should win by 10 or more.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
