Xam’s Daily Gems:
Panthers +5.5 -110
The Saints are dealing with plenty of injuries coming into this game. QB Derek Carr has a couple different injuries and was in the concussion protocol this week. The Panthers are coming into this game healthier, and their defense has played well recently. They’ve surrendered 21 or less points in 3 of their last 4 games. Chris Olave is coming into this game after dealing with an illness during the week, and Taysom Hill is likely to miss this game as well. This game is shaping up to be a defensive slugfest, and if Bryce Young can do anything offensively, the Panthers should be able to cover this number.
Bengals Money Line -146
The Bengals are coming off a shocking win in Jacksonville last week, and now they host the Colts at home. Jake Browning has stepped up admirably since Joe Burrow went down for the year. The Colts have been playing well, but they are without star running back Jonathan Taylor again and coming into a hostile environment. The Bengals have better offensive talent here, and the Colts almost lost to an underachieving Titans team last week.
Browns Money Line -118
The Jaguars are coming into this game banged up. The big story is the ankle sprain suffered by QB Trevor Lawrence last week, but running back Travis Etienne has been dealing with a rib injury and Zay Jones just went on injured reserve. This is not the defense you want to face when you are banged up. The Browns have been good at home and have made life miserable for opposing teams. The Browns have been dealing with their own offensive issues, but Amari Cooper should be ready to go for this game. The Browns will lean on their running attack and defense in this one. It’s a short week for Jacksonville, which only adds to the difficulty here.
Lions/Bears Over 43.5 Points -115
The Lions have shown to have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league this year. They can drop back to pass with Jared Goff and their plethora of weapons, or they can run the football with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. The Bears have been one of the worst teams in the league defensively this year. The last time these two teams matched up, they combined for 57 points in Detroit. The Lions should have quite a few big play opportunities in this game. The Bears should also have their own chances against a Lions defense that has struggled of late as well.
Vikings/Raiders Over 40.5 Points -105
Both teams are coming off their bye, so both teams are rested and ready for this game. The Vikings are getting superstar WR Justin Jefferson back, and he’s been sorely missed. Josh Dobbs can certainly use that extra weapon, after struggling against the Bears in his last game. The Raiders have been poor defensively this year, so the Vikings should be able to exploit things offensively. The Raiders should also be able to move the ball. The Vikings have been inconsistent on defense this year, and with the extra time to prepare, the Raiders should have a plan in place for success.
Chargers Money Line -164
The Chargers have been up and down all year, but their defense has played pretty well recently. Since Week 8, they’ve given up more than 23 points only once. The Broncos did have a recent winning streak snapped, but the Chargers should be able move the ball offensively. The Chargers have better talent on both sides of the ball, including at quarterback. Their defense should do enough to keep them in the game long enough for Herbert and the offense to put some points on the board.
Chiefs Money Line -118
The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing loss to the Packers last week, but they’ve been a different team at home and against the Bills in recent years. The Chiefs have been markedly better defensively this year, and even with their struggles offensively, Mahomes and Andy Reid are simply too good to not figure this out. Even without Isiah Pacheco, look for the Chiefs to pound the football all day to try and keep Buffalo off balance. The Chiefs have the better QB and the better defense in this game. Being at home should be enough to get the job done today against a team they’ve battled hard before.
Eagles/Cowboys Over 51.5 Points -110
There may be no better offense in the league than the Cowboys at home. They are averaging over 32 points per game this year, and have continuously rolled teams offensively this year. The Eagles just haven’t been the same defensively this year. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts and the offense is coming off arguably their worst game of the year and will surely come back firing in this game. Dallas Goedert is returning from injury which should help as well. Look for Hurts to try and get it going early. Dallas has a tough defense, but the Eagles have more than enough offensive talent to right the ship and put points on the board. They scored 28 points against Dallas when these teams faced off in Philadelphia.