With all 16 games to choose from for one week only, we opt to hit the buffet for varied options.
We have an underdog that has no business winning. A team without merit being a huge favorite covering. The highest Over/Under hits under. The lowest O/U hits over. One hobbled division opponent gets slapped around by a healthier rival.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
5
Take Philadelphia Eagles on the moneyline (+110) at Cincinnati Bengals
The Eagles are a polarizing team because of their ability to dominate one week and look like hot garbage the next – vaporized stink-lines and all. Yet, they have the talent to dominate lesser teams. The Bengals are a lesser team. Cincy’s only wins are against the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns of Week 7 vintage. The Bengals are already 0-3 at home. Why not make it four?
4
Take the Denver Broncos and lay 10 points (-115) vs. Carolina Panthers
Broncos fans can’t face-paint and chest-thump over this number. It’s grossly too high, but three of Denver’s four wins have been by 16 points or more. That could be justification. However, this bet is much more Panthers-based. Carolina is 1-6, and its losses have come by totals of 37, 23, 10, 26, 18, and 33. When the Panthers get beaten, they get cooked. The Broncos have shown cooking ability.
3
New York Giants at Pittsburgh Steelers: OVER 36.5 points (-110)
This number is about as low as O/U totals go in the NFL – the equivalent of 53 on the high side. The Steelers have scored 32 and 37 points, respectively, in their last two games and seem to be hitting a stride while dominating less talented opponents. They could get most of this number on their own. The Giants will help out.
2
Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars: UNDER 49.5 points (-110)
This pick on which team you think is going to win. The Packers are four-point road favorites, so the clear sentiment is that Green Bay is going to win. The Packers are 5-2. Green Bay has hit under this number five times, going 5-0 in those games. Their only two losses have come when the score is above this number. Why change now?
1
Take Atlanta Falcons and lay 2.5 points (-115) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield entered Monday night’s game with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as his starting wide receivers. That changed quick. This Buccaneers team was dependent on three guys. Two of them are gone. The Buccaneers offense is crippled, and playing a healthier Falcons team that beat the full-strength Bucs three weeks ago could result in a blowout win.
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