This week, we have games on Saturday and Sunday. As we enter the football equinox, the excitement builds. While the season has entered peaks and valleys, we are in the home stretch of the NFL season. Week 15 gives us a few intriguing matchups and thus a few games worth betting on. Here are my bets for Week 15.
Favorite: Chiefs (-3) Versus Saints
This line was oddly close at the beginning of this week and is still at three points. The assumption is that Drew Brees plays and thus the game is close. While Drew Brees makes the Saints’ offense better, the Chiefs are still the best team in the NFL. The game is in New Orleans, which also gives the Saints a few points but many would assume that Patrick Mahomes and that offense indoors are only going to play better. Expect the Chiefs to win in a close game but also cover the three points spread in the process.
Underdog: Eagles (+6.5) Versus Cardinals
There are many factors that favor the Eagles entering this game. The first is the assumption that the Cardinals are due for an explosive offensive performance. Many see Kyler Murray’s struggles as just a slump. The problem is that many defenses are starting to figure him out. The Eagles defense has been underrated all year and will play Kyler Murray to his weaknesses (force him to beat them with his arm and not his legs). Another thing to consider is Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense. The Eagles look much better as an offense and a team with Jalen Hurts in as the starting quarterback. The Eagles might not win this game but the 6.5-points spread is very likely of being covered.
Over: Browns Versus Giants (44.5)
The Browns offense has exploded in the last two games, scoring 40 points in both weeks. Many would expect a decline from the Browns offense in Week 15 and the Giants’ offense has been disappointing this season. This total should go Over because of the Browns’ ability to not only run the ball, but Baker Mayfield is making all the right throws. In addition, the Browns defense hasn’t been good in recent games. The Giants’ offense isn’t a good one but they should score enough points against a bad Browns defense to cover the Over.
Under: Titans Versus Lions (51.5)
This is a high total; understandably so considering the Lions’ defense has been awful and the Titans’ offense has been red hot. The Titans are assumed to win and run up the score to force the total to go over. However, this game can be a surprisingly low scoring game. For starters, the Lions have not proved to have a potent offense. For the total to go over, the Lions would need to score 20 points and, realistically, it is hard to see that happening. In addition, the Titans’ offense has looked good, mainly because they have been riding Derrick Henry and throwing off play-action. The Lions defense should come prepared to limit Henry and thus the total in the game.
Money Line: Patriots Versus Dolphins
For most of this week, I was convincing myself that the Dolphins would win this game. They need a victory to stay in the playoff hunt and their roster is far better than the Patriots. However, it’s easy to forget that Bill Belichick is incredible against rookie quarterbacks. Earlier this year, Belichick made Herbert look like a bust as the Patriots defense shut out the future rookie of the year. Even though this game is a pick ’em game and the game is in Miami, the Patriots should claw away with a win and keep their dim playoff chances alive.
Alternate Spread: Vikings (-6.5) Versus Bears
The Vikings had a terrible week against the Buccaneers, losing by two scores and essentially ending their playoff aspirations. The problem with our perception of the Vikings is that it would be wildly different if their kicker didn’t miss three field goals and an extra point. We should expect a more normal kicking performance this week, especially since the game is indoors. Likewise, the Bears win last week has to be perceived as fools gold. They beat down a Texans roster that feels done for the season. The Vikings are only favored by three points but they should win by at least a touchdown in this Week 15 matchup.
Three-Leg Parlay: Rams (-10.5) + Ravens (-6.5) + Seahawks Versus Football Team (Under 49.5) for +208 Odds
The Rams and Ravens are heavy favorites as they play the two worst teams in the NFL. Expect both of them to win, but expect the games to be closer than the line tells us it will be. The Rams should win by at least double digits against the Jets while the Ravens might struggle early on but should flush away the Jaguars late to win by at least a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Seahawks and the Football Team enter their game with a low total at 43.5 points. While Washington’s defense looks great right now, there is an expectation that points will be scored, especially since Russell Wilson is the quarterback playing against them. The Under is the bet to take here but give yourself a few points by taking an alternate total.