It's officially that time of year: there are now Saturday games in the NFL. Two intriguing contes...

<p>It's officially that time of year: there are now Saturday games in the NFL. Two intriguing contests are scheduled this week - and the same four teams are also slated to play on Christmas Day in Week 17.</p><p>Let's get to it. </p><h3>Saturday 1 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 14" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cvYq3" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cvYq3/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a> are in Kansas City for a meeting with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> and, seemingly, a healthy <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>. The two-time MVP logged a full practice on Wednesday, flipping the line six points in the Chiefs' direction after the Texans were favored by three points earlier in the week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Case for the Texans</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Chiefs have struggled to cover spreads of late and may want to protect a slightly banged-up Mahomes. They may not show the Texans their full assortment of plays, meaning this might not be the same Chiefs team that's lucked its way to a 13-1 record.</li>
<li>Their offensive issues are well documented, but the Texans' defense has stepped up and is a big reason for their 9-5 record. It allows the third-fewest yards per play (4.9) and gives up only 21.4 points per contest.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Chiefs</strong></p><ul>
<li>There's a chance Mahomes is 100% healthy and this line hasn't adjusted enough.</li>
<li>This is the time of year when Kansas City begins to play its best football: Since 2018, Mahomes and Co. are 21-6 in December.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Chiefs are only 6-8 against the spread (ATS) despite having only one loss. They're also 2-5 at Arrowhead Stadium.</li>
<li>The Texans aren't much better ATS at 6-6-2.</li>
<li>Kansas City has only covered one of its past eight games.</li>
<li>The under has hit in three straight Chiefs games and six of the past eight Texans games.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Texans +3.5</strong></p><p>We'll take the Texans and the points, especially now that the line has moved and the Chiefs have to cover more than a field goal. Houston hasn't met expectations this season, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188132" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188132">C.J. Stroud</a> is going through a sophomore slump. But the Texans' defense is good and, if Mahomes is limited even the slightest bit, there's value in taking the underdog.</p><h3>Saturday 4:30 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 2" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RZHrd" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RZHrd/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>A classic rivalry caps Saturday's two-game slate as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> travel to Baltimore to take on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a>. The Steelers have a one-game edge for the division lead, so this result could be the difference between the AFC North title and a wild-card spot.</p><p><strong>Case for the Steelers</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Steelers won the first meeting between these two teams in a defensive battle. Mike Tomlin's side held Jackson's powerful offense to only 16 points, its lowest of the season.</li>
<li>A 6.5-point spread is big for a divisional matchup between two tough teams who play close games. Eight of their past 11 contests have been decided by five points or fewer.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Ravens</strong></p><ul><li>The Ravens are the better team, but their defense can sometimes let them down. Baltimore's chances increase with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174055" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174055">George Pickens</a> out for a third consecutive game, as he's become a difference-maker for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a>-led offense.</li></ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>Pittsburgh is 10-4 ATS this season, the league's second-best record. It's also 5-1 ATS as an underdog. </li>
<li>The Ravens are 7-6-1 ATS and only 2-3-1 at home. </li>
<li>Nine of their previous 10 meetings have ended with fewer than 40 points scored and only once has a team reached 20 points in a game over that span. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Steelers +6.5</strong></p><p>History tells us this game will be tight, so we'll side with the Steelers and the points. Pittsburgh is outmatched on the offensive side of the ball, but its defense could be the deciding factor. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74678" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74678">T.J. Watt</a>'s status was unclear earlier in the week, but he will play - and he can disrupt the Ravens' backfield.</p><p>However, under 45.5 may be the best play considering how low-scoring previous meetings have been. </p><h3>Sunday 1 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 16" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vFlcY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vFlcY/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> in another tilt of division rivals. The Eagles moved up to second favorite to win the Super Bowl behind only the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a> on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, while the 9-5 Commanders have yet to clinch a playoff berth.</p><p><strong>Case for the Eagles</strong></p><ul><li>Philly won the first meeting 26-18 and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> dominated on the ground with 146 yards in the game. It'll be another long day for the Commanders if they can't slow the Eagles' lethal rushing attack.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Commanders</strong></p><ul>
<li>Washington's offense is one of the few in the league that can keep up with the Eagles. It's averaging 28.3 points per game, the sixth-most in the league. Philadelphia averages 26.4.</li>
<li>The Commanders were 4.5-point underdogs in their last matchup, suggesting there's value in backing them at home while getting 3.5 points.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Eagles are 9-5 ATS while the Commanders are 8-5-1.</li>
<li>Washington is 5-2 ATS at home and the Eagles are 5-1 on the road. One of these team's impressive ATS records will take a hit this week.</li>
<li>The over is only 5-9 in Eagles games because their defense allows just 17.6 points per game.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Commanders +3.5</strong></p><p>The Commanders getting 3.5 points is too valuable to pass up in this scenario. The Eagles have the division locked up and are in play for the NFC's No.1 seed, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a>' side needs a win to secure a playoff spot. Expect a big effort from the burgundy and gold to keep this game within a field goal.</p><h3>Sunday 4:05 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 9" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-C8BEj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/C8BEj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/24" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/24">Seahawks</a> welcome the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> to the Pacific Northwest for a potential playoff preview. Minnesota has its spot secured but Seattle is fighting for the NFC West crown and needs a victory to keep pace with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>. </p><p><strong>Case for the Vikings</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are one of the league's best teams at 12-2 and only need to cover three points over a mediocre Seahawks side led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13368" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/13368">Geno Smith</a>, who injured his knee last week and could be limited.</li>
<li>Seattle was in a similar spot last week, getting 2.5 points at home against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a>. The Seahawks lost 30-13.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Seahawks</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Seahawks cannot afford a loss with only three games remaining.</li>
<li>Before last week, Seattle's defense gave up an average of 15.5 points in its previous four outings. It needs a big performance to have any chance.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are 9-4-1 ATS but only 3-2-1 on the road. </li>
<li>The Seahawks are 6-7-1 ATS and 2-6 at home. They may no longer have a strong home-field advantage like they once did. </li>
<li>The Vikings have won seven straight but only covered in four of them. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Vikings -3</strong></p><p>The Vikings may be the most under-the-radar 12-2 team of all time. While everyone is focusing on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> and Eagles in the NFC, Minnesota has quietly put together a fantastic season and could snag the conference's top seed.</p><p>Seattle was no match for the Packers last week, and the Vikings present a similar test. Expect a repeat performance with Minnesota dominating on both sides of the ball.</p><h3>Sunday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 11 (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rIwnh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rIwnh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Sunday Nighter features the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Buccaneers</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Cowboys</a>, with only Tampa Bay playing for anything at this point. The Bucs can extend their NFC South lead while Dallas fans would probably rather see the Cowboys lose to improve their draft stock.</p><p><strong>Case for the Buccaneers</strong></p><ul><li>The Bucs went to SoFi Stadium last week and dismantled a good Chargers team. They've won four straight following their bye and should put together another strong effort against the Cowboys.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Cowboys</strong></p><ul><li>Playing for pride can also make a team dangerous, which is the only thing going for the Cowboys right now.</li></ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Bucs are 9-5 ATS and have covered five of their past six games. They're also 5-2 on the road.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, the Cowboys are 5-9 ATS and a measly 1-6 at "Jerry World."</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Buccaneers -4</strong></p><p>We picked against the Buccanneers last week and they proved us wrong. To avoid the same mistake twice, we'll side with the Bucs on the road against a far inferior opponent.</p><p>Tampa was impressive on both sides of the ball last week, scoring 40 on a stingy Chargers defense and limiting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> to only 17 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/76543" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/76543">Baker Mayfield</a> has the Bucs' offense firing on all cylinders, and it's unlikely <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65598" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65598">Cooper Rush</a> will be able to keep up.</p><p> </p>

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Week 16 betting preview: Can Commanders secure playoffs vs. Eagles?

If you're still alive in your fantasy playoffs - congrats. If not, we have you covered with plent...

<p>If you're still alive in your fantasy playoffs - congrats. If not, we have you covered with plenty of player-prop action to get you through Week 16's slate. </p><p><strong>Travis Kelce - Over 49.5 receiving yards (-120)</strong></p><p>This is a low total for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a>, who's having a down year but should still be able to hit 50 yards receiving. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The thesis for this play is that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> may not be 100%, and his ability to extend plays with his legs could be hindered because of an ankle injury he sustained last week. If that's the case, expect a lot of quick passes to help keep Mahomes away from contact and Kelce being a big beneficiary.</p><p><strong>Xavier Worthy - Over 3.5 receptions (-115)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199737">Xavier Worthy</a>'s usage in the Chiefs' offense has recently increased. He's caught four or more passes in five straight games and received 35 targets over that span. If Mahomes is even slightly limited, the Chiefs might increase Worthy's opportunities around the line of scrimmage with easy-to-catch passes that allow the speedster to make plays.</p><p><strong>Mark Andrews - Over 34.5 receiving yards (-120)</strong></p><p>This total feels low because <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82707" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82707">Mark Andrews</a> has surpassed 34.5 receiving yards in seven of his past 10 games. It could be tough sledding against the Steelers' defense, but he's gone over this number in six of his 10 career games against Pittsburgh.</p><p>Additionally, the Steelers have recently conceded big games to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85750" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85750">David Njoku</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87907">Mike Gesicki</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174166" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174166">Isaiah Likely</a>. If the Ravens choose to rely on Andrews, he should have no problem hitting the over. </p><p><strong>Trey McBride - Anytime touchdown (+110)</strong></p><p>This is the week, right? This has to be the week!</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174071" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174071">Trey McBride</a> caught his 87th pass last week to set the NFL record for most receptions in a season without a touchdown. However, he can take his name out of the record book by scoring a touchdown before the season is over, and this week's matchup against the lowly Panthers feels like the perfect opportunity. </p><p>Carolina has given up 10 passing touchdowns to tight ends this season, none of whom are the caliber of McBride. The Cardinals will make it a point to target McBride in the end zone now that the record is his if he doesn't score. </p><p><strong>Bijan Robinson - Over 89.5 rushing yards</strong></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/29" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/29">Falcons</a> made a switch at quarterback, benching <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> in favor of rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix Jr</a>. The best way to take stress off a rookie quarterback is to rely heavily on a rushing attack featuring one of the best backs in the league. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188153" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188153">Bijan Robinson</a> has handled 22 or more carries in each of his past three games, with 92 yards his lowest total. He's surpassed 90 rushing yards in all five games he's carried it 20 or more times. The Giants also give up 143.7 rushing yards per game, the second most in the league.</p><p><strong>Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Over 59.5 receiving yards (-130)</strong></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/24" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/24">Seahawks</a>' leading receiver has eclipsed 59.5 receiving yards in seven consecutive contests while seeing an average of 8.4 targets over that stretch. Yes, the Vikings have a strong defense, but it's susceptible through the air. Minnesota gives up 244.9 passing yards per game, the fourth most in the league. Expect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188171" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188171">Jaxon Smith-Njigba</a> to turn in another strong performance during his breakout campaign.</p><p><strong>Jalen McMillan - Over 34.5 receiving yards</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199799" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199799">Jalen McMillan</a> has become integral to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/76543" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/76543">Baker Mayfield</a>'s offense in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87115" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87115">Chris Godwin</a>'s absence. The Bucs rookie has recorded back-to-back games with more than 59 yards receiving and has exceeded 34.5 receiving yards in three of his past five games. This meeting with the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football has a total of 48.5, implying McMillan will have plenty of opportunities to hit the over.</p>

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Week 16 player props: It's time for McBride's scoreless streak to end

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<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 7" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-f1ljK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/f1ljK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>An AFC West clash between the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a> kicks off Week 16, a game with playoff implications. Both teams are likely to make the postseason - each team's odds on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet imply a probability of over 90% - but both teams are also jockeying for the final wild-card spot. Whoever finishes as the 7-seed is likely heading to Buffalo during the wild-card round.</p><p><strong>Case for the Broncos</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Broncos are on a four-game winning streak in which they're scoring an average of 34.75 points. Pairing that offensive output with one of the league's best defenses at preventing points (17.6 points against per game) is a scary combo.</li>
<li>
<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199735" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a> is no longer playing like a rookie, as he was during these two teams' first meeting. Nix had a quarterback rating of over 90 in four of his past seven games and threw for 15 touchdowns over that stretch.</li>
<li>The Broncos are the better team per <a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/dvoa/nfl/team-total-dvoa">defense-adjusted value over average</a> (DVOA).</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Chargers</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li>The Chargers already beat the Broncos 23-16 this season when they were 2.5-point favorites on the road. They are now being asked to cover a similar spread at home.</li>
<li>They were embarrassed at home against the Buccaneers. You can expect a well-coached Jim Harbaugh team to rebound.</li>
<li>The Chargers' defense is equally as impressive as the Broncos', holding opponents to an identical 17.6 points per game.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>Denver is a league-best 11-3 against the spread (ATS) this season and has covered five straight.</li>
<li>The Chargers are a respectable 9-5 ATS and 7-2 as favorites.</li>
<li>The Broncos are 3-1 ATS against divisional opponents, while the Chargers are only 1-3.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Chargers -3</strong></p><p>There isn't much separating these two teams, especially on the defensive side of the ball. However, it's best to trust the team with the better quarterback on a short week with limited preparation. As good as Nix has been this season, the rookie isn't yet in the same tier as Justin Herbert, making the Chargers the team to back. Additionally, Harbaugh already beat the Broncos this season.</p><p><strong>Players to watch</strong></p><p><strong>Ladd McConkey - Over 69.5 receiving yards (+105)</strong></p><p>For as good as the Broncos are on defense, they've been susceptible through the air in recent games. They got shredded by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/114403" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/114403">Jerry Jeudy</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161832" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161832">Elijah Moore</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98130" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98130">Jakobi Meyers</a> in two of their past three games.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199769" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199769">Ladd McConkey</a> went over 69.5 yards receiving in four of his past seven games, and 52 yards was his lowest total over that stretch. He's a dependable option for Herbert and will avoid Broncos shut-down corner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161642" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161642">Patrick Surtain II</a> since he runs most of his routes (66.6%) out of the slot.</p><p><strong>Courtland Sutton - Over 5.5 receptions (+100)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89491" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89491">Courtland Sutton</a> has become Nix's favorite target. He caught six or more passes in seven of his last eight games and has seen eight or more targets in seven straight contests, helping him rank ninth in targets in the NFL. Nix must rely heavily on Sutton to move the ball against a stingy Chargers defense, making six catches easily attainable with eight or more passes likely coming his way.</p>

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TNF betting preview: Broncos, Chargers meet in crucial AFC West clash

We have a Monday night doubleheader featuring two similar games, with both highlighting teams fig...

<p>We have a Monday night doubleheader featuring two similar games, with both highlighting teams fighting for playoff positioning and taking on clubs already eliminated from postseason contention.</p><p>Let's get to it.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 6" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-r1X7v" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/r1X7v/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bears</td>
<td>21.06%</td>
<td>9.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td>78.94%</td>
<td>90.26%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a> are in Minnesota for an NFC North contest against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a>. Minnesota can match the division-leading Lions at 12-2 with a home victory, but Chicago was eliminated from playoff contention last week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Case for the Bears</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Bears lost to the Vikings by three at home three weeks ago as 2.5-point underdogs.</li>
<li>The only argument you can make for Chicago is that seven is a lot of points to get in a division matchup.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Vikings</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings rank sixth in <a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/dvoa/nfl/team-total-dvoa">defense-adjusted value over average</a> (DVOA), while the Bears are 25th.</li>
<li>Minnesota's defense allows the league's fewest points and generates pressure on 25.8% of opponents' dropbacks. Chicago allows the most sacks on a per-game basis.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are 8-4-1 against the spread (ATS) and 4-2 at home.</li>
<li>The Bears are 6-5-2 ATS but 1-4-1 on the road.</li>
<li>The under has hit in five of the past seven Bears games and four of the previous six Vikings contests.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Vikings -7</strong></p><p>The Vikings are playing too well and have too much to play for, especially compared to the Bears. Minnesota's defense will be a problem for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a>, who was sacked seven times last week and has taken an average of 5.5 sacks over his past six starts.</p><p><strong>Players to watch</strong></p><p><strong>Aaron Jones - Over 69.5 rushing yards</strong></p><p>The Bears' defense allows 4.8 yards per carry (second most) and 134.8 rushing yards per game (sixth most). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74334" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74334">Aaron Jones</a> ran for 106 yards in the last meeting with Chicago and has gone over 69.5 yards in seven of the 10 games he received 10 or more carries.</p><p><strong>Jordan Addison - Over 59.5 receiving yards</strong></p><p>The Bears made it a point to shut down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/122708" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/122708">Justin Jefferson</a> last time, but they let <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188202" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188202">Jordan Addison</a> go off. Addison had eight catches for 162 yards when these teams played in Week 12, and he surpassed 59.5 yards receiving in three of his past four games.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 10" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hMmum" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hMmum/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Falcons</td>
<td>79.39%</td>
<td>71.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raiders</td>
<td>20.61%</td>
<td>28.58%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/29" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/29">Falcons</a> are in Las Vegas for the second leg of Monday's doubleheader. Atlanta is a loser of four straight, but a tilt against the Raiders should end its skid. Las Vegas is in the running for the first overall pick at 2-11 and is starting former Falcon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174062" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174062">Desmond Ridder</a>.</p><p><strong>Case for the Falcons</strong></p><ul><li>The Falcons are desperate and need a big effort from both sides of the ball in a must-win game to keep pace with the division-leading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Buccaneers</a>. </li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Raiders</strong></p><ul><li>Backing home underdogs can be a viable strategy, but this is the Raiders with Ridder under center.</li></ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>Both teams are 5-8 ATS this season, and neither has a one-sided ATS record as the home or away team.</li>
<li>The under has hit in four of the past five Falcons games and back-to-back Raiders contests.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Falcons -6</strong></p><p>While it may be a revenge game for Ridder, taking Las Vegas in any scenario is tough. Sure, Cousins has struggled recently, but the Raiders won't have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/100596" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/100596">Maxx Crosby</a>, and they could barely generate pressure when he was in the lineup. The Falcons' offense can be explosive if Cousins plays decently, which isn't a big ask against a weak defense giving up the second most points per game.</p><p><strong>Players to watch</strong></p><p><strong>Bijan Robinson - Over 79.5 rushing yards (-135)</strong></p><p>The Falcons are big favorites and should control the matchup from start to finish. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188153" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188153">Bijan Robison</a> will be relied upon to wear down the Raiders' defense and could easily see 20 carries. Robison has surpassed 79.5 rushing yards in six of his past eight games and all four contests in which he rushed 20 or more times.</p><p><strong>Drake London - Over 69.5 receiving yards (+105)</strong></p><p>Robinson should be effective on the ground, meaning Cousins will have the opportunity to use play-action. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173995" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173995">Drake London</a> should be a beneficiary. He's gone over 69.5 receiving yards in three of his past four games and is a threat to strike deep at any moment. </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29458761/related

MNF preview: Vikings, Falcons heavy favorites in doubleheader

It's the first week of the fantasy football playoffs! Maybe you've advanced and will be cheering ...

<p>It's the first week of the fantasy football playoffs! Maybe you've advanced and will be cheering on the players who carried your team all season. But maybe you didn't and are looking for some players to bet on.</p><p>We've got you covered. </p><p><strong>Derrick Henry - Anytime touchdown and over 99.5 rushing yards (+120)</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Ravens are 16-point favorites over the Giants this week, one of the largest spreads you'll see in an NFL game. Baltimore is fresh off its bye and should dominate the lowly G-Men. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72385" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72385">Derrick Henry</a> should play a huge role in that expected domination. The Giants have struggled to stop the run all season, conceding massive games to players like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174076" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174076">Brian Robinson Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161659">Najee Harris</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161910" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161910">Chuba Hubbard</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/110092" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/110092">Rico Dowdle</a>. </p><p>Henry averages 108.2 rushing yards per contest and is tied for the lead in rushing touchdowns with 13. Asking for 100 rushing yards and a score isn't a tall order, especially against the Giants.</p><p><strong>Malik Nabers - Over 59.5 receiving yards (-145)</strong></p><p>The Giants will be forced to play catchup while Henry runs all over their defense. That means a lot of passing plays and a lot of targets for rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199759" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199759">Malik Nabers</a>.</p><p>Nabers has surpassed 60-plus receiving yards in three straight games and is averaging 74.5 yards per contest this season. The Ravens have recently given up big games to opposing No. 1 wideouts, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199769" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199769">Ladd McConkey</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174055" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174055">George Pickens</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161655" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161655">Ja'Marr Chase</a> all going well over 60 yards. Nabers should be next on the list, even though this game will likely be uncompetitive.</p><p><strong>Brian Robinson Jr. - Anytime touchdown and over 59.5 rushing yards (+105)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174076" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174076">Brian Robinson Jr.</a> will be licking his chops as he lines up for the first time against the Saints' defense. New Orleans is getting gashed by running backs, giving up a rushing touchdown in nine of their past 11 games while surrendering 134.2 rushing yards per contest.</p><p>Robinson was tending to multiple lingering injuries, but the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a>' bye week should've helped. He's rushed for over 60 yards in six of the eight games he's received 12-plus carries, and he has eight touchdowns this season.</p><p><strong>Jahmyr Gibbs - Over 94.5 rushing + receiving yards (-118)</strong></p><p>Backing Jahmyr Gibbs' total yards has become a favorite of ours, mainly because it continually hits and always seems too low based on the fast-paced games the Lions tend to play. </p><p>Detroit hosts the Bills for a game with a 53.5-point total, the highest of the week. Points will be scored in this contest, and both teams should be able to easily move the ball down the field. Gibbs has gone over 94.5 total yards in six of his past eight games, and the Bills have struggled to slow down elite running backs in recent weeks.</p><p><strong>Khalil Shakir - Over 59.5 receiving yards (+100)</strong></p><p>Bills receivers should be racking up yardage in an expected shootout. Khalil Shakir has become Josh Allen's favorite weapon, receiving seven-plus targets in seven straight games. He's gone over 60 yards in four of those contests, with two other games of 50 and 58 receiving yards.</p><p>The Lions have let Christian Watson, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Michael Pittman Jr, and Brian Thomas Jr. put up huge games over the past four games. Shakir should be the next wideout to join the list. </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29414883/related

Week 15 player props: Banking on a high-flying affair in Detroit

Only four weeks remain in the NFL's regular season, meaning it's crunch time for teams either loo...

<p>Only four weeks remain in the NFL's regular season, meaning it's crunch time for teams either looking to keep their playoff hopes alive or already jockeying for playoff seeding.</p><p>Let's dive in.</p><h3>Sunday 4 p.m. ET slate</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 2" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-TMo4M" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TMo4M/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Steelers</td>
<td>79.77%</td>
<td>75.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eagles</td>
<td>20.23%</td>
<td>24.94%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Battle of Pennsylvania features two division-leading teams, as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> take their 10-3 record across the state to face the 11-2 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Philadelphia Eagles</a>. Both teams will be looking to improve their playoff seeding.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Case for the Steelers</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Steelers limit opposing teams to the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game (91.5) and have the talent to make things tough for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>.</li>
<li>Pittsburgh is in a far more competitive playoff race, whereas the Eagles have the NFC East locked up and are only fighting for the No. 1 seed in the conference.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Eagles</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Eagles narrowly escaped with a win over the Panthers and should rebound against a much more talented Steelers team. </li>
<li>They average 391 yards per game on offense (fourth highest) and limit opposing teams to only 305.3 yards per game (fewest). You could argue the Eagles are the most well-rounded team in the NFL. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Steelers are 10-3 ATS, tied for the best record in the league. They are also 5-0 as underdogs.</li>
<li>Pittsburgh is 5-2 ATS on the road.</li>
<li>The Eagles are 8-5 ATS and are 4-1 over their last five. However, they are only 1-4 ATS at home.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Steelers +5.5</strong></p><p>The Steelers have proven all year (and throughout Mike Tomlin's tenure) that you can trust them when they are underdogs. This game should be tightly contested and has a total of only 42.5. It's always wise to side with the underdog in a game that may not feature 40 points scored.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 7" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cAmyE" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cAmyE/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
<td>54.83%</td>
<td>63.66%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td>45.17%</td>
<td>36.34%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> head west to take on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Los Angeles Chargers</a> in a showdown between two playoff teams. The Bucs lead the NFC South at 7-6, while the Chargers are in the thick of the AFC wild-card race at 8-5.</p><p><strong>Case for the Buccaneers</strong></p><ul><li>The Bucs are winners of three straight after knocking off the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/18">New York Giants</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/32" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/32">Carolina Panthers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/7">Las Vegas Raiders</a> in succession. The Chargers are a step up in class, but Tampa beat the Eagles and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Detroit Lions</a> this season, proving it's capable against the league's better teams.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Chargers</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Chargers are a top-10 team in the league per <a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/dvoa/nfl/team-total-dvoa">defense-adjusted value over average</a> (DVOA).</li>
<li>Their two most recent losses were on a last-second field goal to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Kansas City Chiefs</a> and in a neck-and-neck battle with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Baltimore Ravens</a>. They've handled teams of the Bucs' quality all season.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Chargers are 9-4 ATS overall, 4-2 at home, and 7-1 as the favorite.</li>
<li>Tampa Bay is 8-5 ATS overall, 4-2 on the road, and 4-3 as the underdog.</li>
<li>L.A. covered seven of its last eight games. Tampa covered four of its last five games. Both teams are exceeding expectations this season and have impressive ATS records as a result.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Chargers -3</strong></p><p>We'll side with the Chargers in this one, hoping this spread stays at three points and doesn't move to 3.5. The Chargers are the better team per DVOA by a decent margin and are only being asked to win by three points over a team traveling across the country.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 15" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EEtZH" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EEtZH/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>55.30%</td>
<td>60.17%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lions</td>
<td>44.70%</td>
<td>39.83%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Super Bowl preview, anyone?</p><p>The Bills head to the Motor City for a date with the NFC-leading Lions. Both teams have punched their tickets to the playoffs, but there's still a lot at stake in this matchup, especially for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a>, who can strengthen their MVP cases with a win.</p><p><strong>Case for the Bills</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Bills are rarely underdogs, and any time you can get points with Allen, it's an opportunity to place a good bet.</li>
<li>Buffalo's offense is one of the few that can keep up with Detroit's and has a defense limiting opposing teams to 20.6 points per game.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Lions</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Lions are the league's best team and are incredible at covering spreads. They are 46-21 ATS since Dan Campbell was hired in 2021.</li>
<li>They have a sizeable rest advantage after beating the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Green Bay Packers</a> last Thursday night whereas the Bills played in a shootout on the road in L.A. and likely got home late Sunday night.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Lions are 9-4 ATS overall, 8-4 as the favorite, but only 4-3 at home. They are 2-3 ATS over their last five.</li>
<li>The Bills are 8-5 ATS and covered three straight before losing to the Rams last week.</li>
<li>The over hit in four of the past five Bills games, but the under hit in four of the past six Lions tilts. This game has a total of 53.5, the highest of the week and one of the highest this season.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Lions -2.5</strong></p><p>These two teams are evenly matched on offense (slight edge to the Lions), but the Lions' defense, despite its slew of injuries, is a better unit than the Bills' D. The Rams put up 44 points on Buffalo last week, exposing weaknesses that the Lions can exploit.</p><p>Detroit possesses a lethal two-headed monster at tailback with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188196">Jahmyr Gibbs</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/112122" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/112122">David Montgomery</a> and has the receiving weapons to beat teams through the air. Trust in Campbell's defense to slow down Allen just enough to cover the 2.5 points. </p><h3>Sunday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 9" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Del6T" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Del6T/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Packers</td>
<td>57.63%</td>
<td>47.02%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seahawks</td>
<td>42.37%</td>
<td>52.98%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Packers head to Seattle in the Sunday nighter for a meeting with the NFC West-leading Seahawks. As it stands right now, these two teams are set to meet again in the wild-card round.</p><p><strong>Case for the Packers</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Packers rank third in DVOA, behind only the Lions and Ravens. </li>
<li>Their only losses have come to the Lions, Eagles, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Minnesota Vikings</a>, three of the best teams in the NFC and all three much better than the Seahawks. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Seahawks</strong></p><ul>
<li>Backing the Seahawks as a home underdog is never a bad idea, especially at this time of the year.</li>
<li> They've won four straight after their Week 10 bye, largely because of their defense. Seattle has limited opponents to 15.5 points per game over its last four. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>Both teams are hovering around .500 ATS. Seattle is 6-6-1 and Green Bay is 7-6. However, the Seahawks are only 2-5 ATS at home. </li>
<li>The Packers have covered three straight games after failing to cover in four consecutive contests. </li>
<li>The Seahawks have covered in four straight games, three of those against NFC opponents. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Packers -2.5</strong></p><p>By the numbers, the Packers are the far superior team. Asking them to only win by a field goal doesn't seem like a big ask.</p><p>Green Bay has a top-10 rushing attack, while Seattle struggles to slow teams down on the ground. The Seahawks give up 4.7 yards per rush (eighth highest in the league) and 126.5 yards per game (12th highest). Expect the Packers to control the game through their rushing attack and put this game out of reach.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29396413/related

Week 15 betting preview: Lions host Bills in potential Super Bowl matchup

When the schedule was released, the Week 14 Monday night matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals a...

<p>When the schedule was released, the Week 14 Monday night matchup between the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/9" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/9">Cincinnati Bengals</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Dallas Cowboys</a> would've been notable. But after two disappointing campaigns, there's little at stake aside from the winner mathematically keeping their playoff chances alive, though both team's seasons are, realistically, nearing their end.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 16" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-J1Iuu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/J1Iuu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>Insights</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bengals</td>
<td>67.3%</td>
<td>60.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cowboys</td>
<td>32.7%</td>
<td>39.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Bettors at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet are siding with the Bengals on the road. It's worth noting this line opened with the Bengals as six-point favorites and has shifted in the Cowboys' favor, which could be because Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown was ruled out for the Bengals.</p><h3>Key trends</h3><ul>
<li>The Bengals are 6-6 against the spread (ATS) despite their 4-8 record. They are 5-1 ATS on the road.</li>
<li>The Cowboys are 4-8 ATS, the fifth-worst mark in the league. They're also 1-5 ATS at home.</li>
<li>The over has hit in nine of 12 Bengals games - including five straight - and eight of 12 Cowboys contests. This game's 49.5 total is the week's third-highest.</li>
</ul><h3>Best bet - Bengals -4.5</h3><p>Cincinnati's offense is the best unit of the four that'll take the field, and it's not close. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97638" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97638">Joe Burrow</a> and Co. have scored at least 34 points in four straight games and are averaging 27.9 this season (fifth-most in the league). Both teams' defenses, meanwhile, give up a ton of points, which is why this game's total is so high.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Yes, Brown's absence on the offensive line is a big loss for the Bengals, especially against a Cowboys front seven that generates the most pressure in the league. However, we'll bank on Burrow being able to make the necessary adjustments to outscore whatever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65598" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65598">Cooper Rush</a> can muster up. </p><h3>Players to watch</h3><p><strong>Joe Burrow - Over 36.5 passing attempts (-120) and 2.5 passing touchdowns (+190)</strong></p><p>We'll back Burrow's production in two ways: targeting his passing attempts in one wager and his passing touchdowns in another.</p><p>Burrow has attempted 37 or more passes in five straight contests as the Bengals' offense fires on all cylinders. There's no reason that production should slow down in a game with shootout potential.</p><p>He's also passed for three or more touchdowns in four consecutive games. At nearly +200, it's a worthwhile bet he'll do the same against a Cowboys defense allowing 28.3 points per outing.</p><p><strong>Tee Higgins - Over 69.5 receiving yards + over 5.5 receptions (+105)</strong></p><p>Under the expectation Burrow will put up numbers, it's reasonable to assume that one of his two elite pass-catchers will benefit from the offense. When healthy, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115870" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115870">Tee Higgins</a>' outputs are similar to those of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161655" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161655">Ja'Marr Chase</a>, yet Higgins' totals are much lower in the betting market. Higgins is averaging 6.14 receptions and 79.7 yards per contest in his seven appearances this season, while Chase is averaging six catches and 97.7 yards in the same seven-game span. We'll take the discount on Higgins in this case. </p><p><strong>Jake Ferguson - Over 39.5 receiving yards + over 3.5 receptions (+100)</strong></p><p>Rush has been deliberate in getting his tight ends involved in his five outings since taking over for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/50470" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/50470">Dak Prescott</a>. Dallas' starting tight ends are averaging five catches and 47.8 yards with Rush under center, including a tilt against the Eagles in which he threw for only 45 yards.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174218" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174218">Jake Ferguson</a> is returning from a two-game absence and should be heavily involved in the Cowboys' passing attack as they look to keep pace with the Bengals. He's averaging 5.25 grabs and 44.75 receiving yards in the eight contests he's played in without leaving early due to injury.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29376264/related

MNF betting preview: Burrow set for another explosive outing vs. Cowboys

The Mets became the second favorite to win the 2025 World Series after reportedly winning the Jua...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/17">Mets</a> became the second favorite to win the 2025 World Series after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3129426" href="https://thescore.com/news/3129426">reportedly</a> winning the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> sweepstakes Sunday night with a record-setting $765-million deal.</p><p>The Mets moved from +1200 to +700 (a 4.8% increase in implied probability) at theScoreBet/ESPN Bet, behind only the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Dodgers</a> (+375) and ahead of the crosstown-rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/3">Yankees</a> (+850), who reportedly came second in the Soto race.</p><p>The Mets also became the second favorite to win the NL pennant, going from +600 to +400. The Dodgers are the +200 favorite, while the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/15" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/15">Braves</a> (+450) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/18">Phillies</a> (+650) are close behind New York.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>When free agency began, the Mets were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3114460" href="https://thescore.com/news/3114460">given +225 odds</a> to sign Soto, while the Yankees were the -225 favorite. </p><p>By inking the left-handed slugger to the richest contract in sports history, the Mets create a lethal duo with Soto and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a> at the top of the order. However, the Soto signing likely signals the end of fan favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a>'s tenure as a Met.</p><p>Mets owner Steve Cohen is hoping Soto is the missing piece that gets the franchise over the hump. New York lost to the Dodgers in the NLCS last season and hasn't won the World Series since 1986.</p><p>Soto hit 41 homers, drove in 109 runs, and hit .288 during his lone season with the Yankees. His deal with the Mets will mark his fourth team in five years and a return to the NL East, where he started his career with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/16">Nationals</a>.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29373206/related

Mets jump Yankees on World Series oddsboard after landing Soto

How is it already Week 14?   Six teams are on bye (raise your hand if you are furious about this ...

<p>How is it already Week 14? </p><p>Six teams are on bye (raise your hand if you are furious about this while battling for a playoff spot in your fantasy football league), creating a condensed lineup of games. Let's dive into the five most interesting ones.</p><p><strong>Jump to: </strong><a href="#GB-DET">GB @ DET</a> | <a href="#ATL-MIN">ATL @ MIN</a> | <a href="#SEA-ARZ">SEA @ ARI</a> | <a href="#BUF-LAR">BUF @ LAR</a> | <a href="#LAC-KC">LAC @ KC</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Thursday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 6" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-2DBmB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/2DBmB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Packers</td>
<td>37.3%</td>
<td>36.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lions</td>
<td>62.7%</td>
<td>63.6%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a id="GB-DET" name="GB-DET">An</a> NFC North clash opens the week with the Super Bowl favorite (+250 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Detroit Lions</a> hosting the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Green Bay Packers</a>. These divisional foes battled it out in Week 12 when the Lions won by 10 points at Lambeau Field.</p><p><strong>Case for the Lions</strong></p><ul>
<li>Five weeks ago, the Lions closed as 2.5-point favorites on the road and are now being asked to cover an additional half-point at home. </li>
<li>They are winners of 10 straight while averaging 35.2 points per game at home. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Packers</strong></p><ul>
<li>Divisional games can often be tight, especially in the teams' second meeting of the season.</li>
<li>The Packers need to win this game more than the Lions.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Lions are 9-3 against the spread (ATS) and 8-3 as favorites this season, continuing to cover spreads at the highest rate in the NFL over the past five seasons. </li>
<li>Green Bay is 6-6 ATS and 2-2 on the road. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Lions -3</strong></p><p>Based on the closing spread from their first meeting, you could have expected the Lions to be favored by five points in this matchup. So laying just three points with the Lions at home feels like great value. And it's not like you're getting value on a below-average club: Detroit is arguably the best team in the league, the Super Bowl favorite, and has covered 69.7% of the time since Dan Campbell was hired in 2021.</p><h3>Sunday 1 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 2" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rQpWI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rQpWI/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" id="ATL-MIN" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947" name="ATL-MIN">Kirk Cousins</a> returns to Minnesota while his 6-6 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/29" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/29">Atlanta Falcons</a> are tied for the NFC South lead. The 10-2 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Minnesota Vikings</a> safely hold a wild-card spot, but a win over Atlanta would help them keep pace with the Lions in the NFC North.</p><p><strong>Case for the Falcons</strong></p><ul><li>It's hard to make one given how Cousins played last week against a stout Chargers defense. He's thrown six interceptions in his last three games with no passing touchdowns. Perhaps this is a good buy-low spot on Cousins and the Falcons.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Vikings</strong></p><ul><li>The Vikings' defense generates a ton of pressure (27% pressure rate) and has the fourth-most sacks in the league. It should be a very long day for the immobile Cousins.</li></ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are 7-4-1 ATS this season while the Falcons are 5-7. </li>
<li>Atlanta has failed to cover in three straight games. Minnesota has only covered twice in its five-game win streak. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Vikings -5</strong></p><p>It's hard to ignore how poorly Cousins played against the Chargers last week. This video is all you need to see: </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It might be over <a href="https://t.co/VuIYg7V4OQ">pic.twitter.com/VuIYg7V4OQ</a></p>— Billy M (@BillyM_91) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/1864275853594533966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Vikings are clearly the superior team on both sides of the ball. They shouldn't have any trouble scoring against the Falcons, who concede the 10th-most points in the league, while limiting Cousins' production. This spread should be closer to a touchdown.</p><h3>Sunday 4 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 9 (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-r1ze2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/r1ze2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a id="SEA-ARZ" name="SEA-ARZ">Who</a> could have predicted the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">San Francisco 49ers</a> would be +1400 to win the NFC West at the beginning of December? Instead, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/24" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/24">Seattle Seahawks</a> (+140) and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/22" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/22">Arizona Cardinals</a> (+175) are the two favorites and face off in a huge divisional tilt Sunday.</p><p><strong>Case for the Seahawks</strong></p><ul><li>The Seahawks beat the Cardinals 16-6 at home two weeks ago. They closed as 1.5-point underdogs, which suggests they should be close to 1.5-point underdogs in this contest. </li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Cardinals</strong></p><ul>
<li>Arizona is the seventh-best team in the league per <a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/dvoa/nfl/team-total-dvoa">DVOA</a> (defense-adjusted value over average) compared to the Seahawks at 18th. </li>
<li>The Cardinals won their last two home games (against the Bears and Jets) by a combined 60-15 margin. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Cardinals are 8-4 ATS overall, 4-2 at home, and have covered five of their last six.</li>
<li>Seattle is 3-1-1 ATS on the road but is 5-6-1 overall.</li>
<li>The under has hit in four straight Cardinals games and five of the last six Seahawks games.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Cardinals -2.5</strong></p><p>This game has the makings of being decided by a last-second field goal, so we'll take the Cardinals to cover and split the season series with the Seahawks. The numbers suggest Arizona is a much better team and should probably be favored by five points (much like the Vikings are over the Falcons).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 12" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n3RQ2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n3RQ2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a id="BUF-LAR" name="BUF-LAR">After</a> winning a snowy affair Sunday night, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Buffalo Bills</a> head west to take on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Los Angeles Rams</a> in the comfy confines of SoFi Stadium. Buffalo has already clinched the AFC East while the Rams are in a heated NFC West race at 6-6.</p><p><strong>Case for the Bills</strong></p><ul><li>The Bills are the third-best team in the league per DVOA and the co-favorites to win the AFC at +200 with the Chiefs. There's no debate the Bills are better than the Rams.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Rams</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Bills' last two victories were in big spots over the Chiefs and 49ers. The team could take its foot off the gas in a cross-conference road game.</li>
<li>The Rams have the firepower to keep up with any team in the league. It will come down to their defense's ability to limit MVP favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a>.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>Buffalo is 8-4 ATS, tied for the fourth-best record in the league. </li>
<li>The Rams are 5-7 ATS overall and 2-4 ATS at home. </li>
<li>The over has hit in three of the last four Bills games and two of the previous three Rams games. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Rams +5</strong></p><p>We'll side with the Rams and the points in a game Buffalo doesn't have much motivation to win, let alone cover. Sure, the Bills could continue their dominant run, but even if Allen's offense puts another 30 points on the board, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/680" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/680">Matthew Stafford</a> is more than capable of keeping pace to cover the five points.</p><h3>Sunday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 14" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zz3pn" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zz3pn/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a id="LAC-KC" name="LAC-KC">The</a> 11-1 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Kansas City Chiefs</a> host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Los Angeles Chargers</a> to cap off Week 14's Sunday lineup. The Chiefs may be the luckiest 11-1 team in NFL history with one narrow victory after another and will look to make a statement against their division rival in prime time.</p><p><strong>Case for the Chargers</strong></p><ul>
<li>L.A.'s playing very solid football of late, collecting wins of seven or more points in four of its last six games and hanging tough with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Baltimore Ravens</a> for its only loss over that span.</li>
<li>The Chiefs' last three victories have all been by three points or less, and two of those came against the woeful <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/32" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/32">Carolina Panthers</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/7">Las Vegas Raiders</a>.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Chiefs</strong></p><ul><li>The Chiefs need a convincing win to quiet the noise surrounding their fluky 11-1 record. A dominant victory over their division rivals would send a message to the league.</li></ul><p><strong>Key Trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Chiefs have failed to cover in six straight games, falling to 5-7 ATS on the season. </li>
<li>The Chargers are 8-4 ATS overall and 4-2 ATS on the road. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Chargers +4</strong></p><p>Until the Chiefs prove they can beat teams by more than a field goal, it's tough to bet them to win by more than four points against a strong opponent. The Chargers have one of the league's best defenses, limiting opposing teams to 15.7 points per game (the lowest mark in the league). Fingers crossed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199769" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199769">Ladd McConkey</a> can suit up to give <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> another weapon, but even if he doesn't, the Chargers should be able to keep this game close.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29309226/related

NFL betting preview: Will Chiefs' luck run out vs. Chargers?

Props, props, and more props! It's Week 14 of the NFL season, and perhaps you need something else...

<p>Props, props, and more props! It's Week 14 of the NFL season, and perhaps you need something else to cheer for with your fantasy team already eliminated from playoff contention.</p><p>We identified six props to supplement our <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3129316">Week 14 betting preview</a>.</p><p><strong>Jordan Addison - Over 49.5 receiving yards (+100)</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188202" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188202">Addison</a> has been producing recently, clearing 50 receiving yards in three straight contests. He turned in games of 54 and 61 receiving yards when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/122708" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/122708">Justin Jefferson</a> went over 80 yards, and when the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a> held Jefferson to only two catches for 27 yards, Addison exploded for 162 receiving yards and eight grabs.</p><p>He should be able to surpass 50 yards through the air for a fourth straight game, regardless of how the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/29" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/29">Falcons</a> try to defend the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a>' passing attack.</p><p><strong>Kirk Cousins - Under 35.5 passing attempts (-130)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Cousins</a> looked terrible in the Falcons' Week 13 loss to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a>. He threw four interceptions and only completed 24 of 39 attempts. There's a real chance Cousins gets pulled in this game and replaced by rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix Jr</a>.</p><p>Even if Cousins plays the entire game, he's only attempted 36 or more passes in three of 12 games this season. His -130 odds imply a 56.5% probability, but he's gone under 35.5 passing attempts in 75% of his starts.</p><p><strong>Will Levis - Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (+135)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188135" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188135">Levis</a> has thrown for two or more touchdowns in three of his last four games and now gets to tee off on a weak <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/16">Jaguars</a> defense conceding an average of two passing touchdowns per contest.</p><p>This is a bet on the numbers, with Levis' +135 odds implying a probability of 42.6%. Levis has a far better chance than his odds suggest if he continues to play as well as he has since returning from injury.</p><p><strong>Trey McBride - Over 69.5 receiving yards (-120)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174071" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174071">McBride</a> is the focal point of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/22" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/22">Cardinals</a>' passing attack. He's caught 12 balls in each of his past two games and leads Arizona's pass-catchers in receptions and yards by a wide margin. One of those 12-reception games was against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/24" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/24">Seahawks</a> when McBride tallied a season-high 133 yards.</p><p>He's surpassed 69.5 receiving yards in five of his past seven games while seeing an average of 8.9 targets per contest over that span.</p><p><strong>Puka Nacua - Over 79.5 receiving yards (-110)</strong></p><p>Targeting the best wide receiver on the field is never a bad idea in a game with shootout potential. The total in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a> game is 49.5, the highest for Sunday's slate.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188318" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188318">Nacua</a> has eclipsed 79.5 receiving yards in three of his past four games and should be heavily involved if the Rams have any chance of keeping up with the Bills. He's averaged 11 targets per game over his last four.</p><p><strong>Travis Kelce - Over 5.5 receptions (-140)</strong></p><p>Look for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> to try to make a statement against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a> on Sunday night. Whether they're victorious or not, expect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Kelce</a> to see a full workload as they seek an important division win.</p><p>He's hauled in six or more <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> passes in seven of his past nine games - a 77.8% rate - while his -140 odds suggest there's only a 58.3% probability. </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29332230/related

Week 14 player props: Nacua among 4 pass-catchers set for big games

Team Canada is a slight favorite over Team USA in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, which will re...

<p>Team Canada is a slight favorite over Team USA in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, which will replace the NHL's All-Star Game in February.</p><p>Canada is priced at +145 (40.8% implied probability) to win the event and the U.S. is +175 (36.4% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. </p><p>Sweden (+450) and Finland (+725) round out the four-team field. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>So far, bettors are eager to back the Americans. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> and Co. have attracted 50% of the bets and 55.1% of the handle (money wagered). Finland has received the second-most handle with Canada the least bet-on team at only 14.2% of the handle.</p><p>Rosters for the international round-robin tournament were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3150360" href="https://thescore.com/news/3150360">released</a> Tuesday. The tourney will be the first featuring countries' best-on-best players since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> are three of Team Canada's notable selections.</p><p>Matthews is joined by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> and reigning Stanley Cup champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>, among others, on Team USA.</p><p>The 4 Nations Face-Off runs from Feb. 12-20 in host cities Montreal and Boston. The final game will be played in Boston.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29318989/related

Canada slight favorite over USA in 4 Nations Face-Off

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 8" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-7sUPS" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7sUPS/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Look, not every Monday night game can have the makings of an instant classic, which is the case for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Browns</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> showdown closing out Week 13.</p><p>The Browns take their 3-8 record on the road to visit the surprising 7-5 Broncos<span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">, led by rookie <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a>, the second-favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a>. </span></p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Denver is on track for its first playoff berth since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016. With a victory at home, the Broncos can move two games ahead of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/15" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/15">Colts</a> for the final wild-card spot</span>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Weather can always <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">be a factor in December in the Mile High City. But t</span>here's no snow in the forecast for Monday's game<span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">, unfortunately for fans looking for added excitement and for <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/64259">Jameis Winston</a>, who thrived in wintery conditions in Cleveland's win over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> last week.</span></p><h3>Key trends</h3><ul>
<li>The Broncos are 9-3 Against The Spread (ATS), tied for the league's best mark, and 5-0 ATS as favorites. However, they're only 3-2 ATS at home.</li>
<li>The Browns are 4-7 ATS, but all four of their covers were as underdogs.</li>
<li>The over has hit in three of the last four Browns games and six of the previous eight Broncos games.</li>
<li>Winston is 2-2 ATS as the Browns' starter.</li>
</ul><h3>Insights</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Browns</td>
<td>27.92%</td>
<td>29.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broncos</td>
<td>72.08%</td>
<td>70.67%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Bettors are keen to back the Broncos to cover the spread, currently sitting at six points in Denver's favor. Over 70% of the bets and handle (money wagered) have come in on the Broncos at theScore Bet and ESPN Bet. </p><h3>Best bet - Browns +6</h3><p>We'll go against the percentages and take the Browns and the points. The Browns are playing carefree football at the moment and turned in a great effort against the division-rival Steelers last week. They have a substantial rest advantage as well, with 10 days off between games compared to Denver's seven.</p><p>The Broncos have won by 10 or more points in back-to-back games, but six points is still a decently sized margin to cover. The Broncos also have a bye next week and may have their foot off the gas pedal a touch as they look forward to their time off. </p><h3>Players to watch</h3><p><strong>Bo Nix - Over 4.5 rushing attempts (-125)</strong></p><p>Nix ran a ton at the beginning of the season, turning in only one game with fewer than five rushing attempts in his first nine contests. However, he's had three or fewer rush attempts in his last three games, largely because he didn't need to while the Broncos were winning big. </p><p>But if we expect the Browns to keep the game close, it's safe to assume Nix will need to make plays with his legs. Additionally, the Browns' defense has the second-highest pressure rate in the NFL, meaning Nix may not have much time to survey all of his options and will be forced to scramble. </p><p><strong>Jameis Winston - Under 0.5 interceptions (+125)</strong></p><p>Let's get wild on Monday, shall we? Betting under interceptions for Wintson is a scary proposition ... but hear us out. Winston is surprisingly good against the blitz, which the Broncos call 33.3% of the time. The Browns QB has a 122.2 passer rating and a 0.32 Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback against the blitz. His passer rating is third in the league, and he's tied with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> in EPA/dropback.</p><p>Winston has four interceptions this season, but three of those came against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a>, a team that only blitzes 21.8% of the time and generates pressure at the fifth-lowest rate.</p><p><strong>Devaughn Vele - Over 3.5 receptions (+100)</strong></p><p>The 26-year-old rookie (you read that correctly) is quietly having a solid first season. Vele's averaging four catches a game and has surpassed 3.5 total grabs in three straight contests. Continuing to haul in four Nix passes isn't a big ask at even money, especially after Vele saw nine targets last week.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29279502/related

MNF betting preview: Nix looks to strengthen OROY case vs. Browns

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 14" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-PaYpL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/PaYpL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Jim and John Harbaugh last coached against each other in Super Bowl XLVII, when John's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> got the better of his brother's 49ers.</p><p>The younger Jim is back on an NFL sideline after a nine-year stint as Michigan's head coach, leading a rejuvenated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a> franchise to a surprising 7-3 record.</p><p>Jim welcomes his brother's 7-4 Ravens to the West Coast for a prime-time showdown in which <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> can strengthen his MVP case under L.A.'s bright lights. The Ravens need a victory to keep pace with the AFC North-leading Steelers, who helped Baltimore by losing to Cleveland in the snow Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's unlikely the Chargers can catch the Chiefs for the AFC West title, so their focus will be on clinching the top wild-card spot in the loaded AFC.</p><h3>Key trends</h3><ul>
<li>The Chargers are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) this season, tied for the fifth-best cover rate in the league. They're also 4-1 ATS at home.</li>
<li>The Ravens are only 5-5-1 ATS and 3-5 ATS against AFC opponents.</li>
<li>Jackson is a career 19-5 in prime-time games, the best record of any quarterback since 1970 (minimum 15 starts).</li>
<li>The over has hit in 81.8% of Ravens games but only 30% of Chargers games.</li>
</ul><h3>Insights</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ravens</td>
<td>48.87%</td>
<td>38.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td>51.13%</td>
<td>61.57%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This line opened with the Ravens as 2.5-point favorites and shifted slightly in their favor despite the Chargers receiving more bets and a larger chunk of the handle. This type of line movement can indicate that sharp action has come in on Baltimore, but the public money is backing L.A.</p><h3>Best bet - Chargers +3</h3><p>Mike Tomlin's defense provided the NFL with a blueprint on how to slow down the Ravens' offense last week, limiting Baltimore to a season-low 16 points. The thing is, not many defenses in the league have the players or coaching required to replicate the Steelers' success ... but the Chargers do.</p><p>Jim Harbaugh's defense allows the fewest points per game in the league (14.5), which includes the Bengals' 27 from Sunday night, and the fewest touchdowns per game (1.5). Jackson will have his hands full for the second week in a row. The Chargers also have the fifth-best turnover margin in the NFL. </p><p>Additionally, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> is cooking. Harbaugh has taken the reins off his quarterback as the season has progressed, allowing him to attempt 31 passes a game over their last six contests compared to only 22.75 times from Weeks 1-4. The Ravens' defense is susceptible through the air, giving up a league-high 284.5 passing yards per game.</p><h3>Players to watch</h3><p><strong>Ladd McConkey - Over 5.5 receptions (+100)</strong></p><p>The Chargers' rookie wideout has seen six-plus targets in eight of 10 games this season and has a 77% catch rate over his past five contests. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199769" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199769">McConkey</a> has emerged as Herbert's favorite target as the Chargers have opted to throw the ball at a much higher rate than they did early in the season. The Ravens have allowed massive games to No. 1 options, giving up an average of 8.2 catches and 134.8 yards to opponents' leading receiver over the past five games.</p><p><strong>J.K. Dobbins - Over 39.5 rushing yards + anytime TD scorer (+110)</strong></p><p>It's a revenge game for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115040" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115040">Dobbins</a>, who signed with the Chargers in the offseason after injuries plagued his four-year tenure in Baltimore. The Ravens aren't the easiest team to run on, but you know player's coach Jim Harbaugh will want to give Dobbins every opportunity he can to score on his former team.</p><p><strong>Zay Flowers - Over 49.5 receiving yards + over 4.5 receptions (-115)</strong></p><p>Flowers was held in check the last two weeks but received six targets in each of those contests. He should be able to operate with little resistance in short-yardage areas against a Chargers defense that's conceded big games to opposing wideouts. Even if he doesn't pile up yardage after the catch, Flowers should be able to surpass 50 yards if the target volume remains high.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29170119/related

MNF betting preview: Harbaugh brothers face off in L.A.

The quantity of player props available these days will make your head spin. You can spend hours p...

<p>The quantity of player props available these days will make your head spin. You can spend hours pursuing every game and failing to find one you like.</p><p>We're here to help.</p><p>Below, we identified five props to target from this week's marquee games to supplement our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3129316" href="https://thescore.com/news/3129316">Week 12 betting primer</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Let's dive in.</p><p><strong>Anthony Richardson - Over 7.5 rush attempts (-130)</strong></p><p>Richardson returned from his benching and turned in what was arguably the best game of his career. Yes, it was against a weak Jets defense, but any progress from Richardson is a positive sign.</p><p>The team total in Colts-Lions is 49.5 at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, suggesting there's potential for a shootout. The Lions have a very efficient offense and should give the Colts plenty of possessions. Indianapolis, meanwhile, runs the third-highest-paced offense in the league based on seconds-per-play, and the more snaps Richardson takes, the more opportunities he has to run.</p><p><strong>Jahmyr Gibbs - Over 91.5 rushing + receiving yards (-122)</strong></p><p>Gibbs may be the most explosive player in the league. He has a chance to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. The Lions' speedster amassed more than 91.5 total yards in six of 10 games this season and went over 90.5 in five of his last six.</p><p>The Colts' defense is not very good, giving up 143.1 yards on the ground and 374.5 total yards per game (both are the fifth most in the league). The Lions average the most points per game (33.1) and the third-most yards (394.7). In a game that could turn into a track meet, backing one of the league's fastest running backs who continually exceeds his yardage props is a worthwhile bet.</p><p><strong>Caleb Williams - Over 24.5 rushing yards (+105)</strong></p><p>The first overall pick ran for 70 yards last week on nine attempts. Some of that had to do with the Bears' weak offensive line, and some of that had to do with Williams' willingness to use his legs.</p><p>This week, Williams won't have a choice but to run. The Vikings generate the most pressure in the NFL, getting to the quarterback on 29.6% of opponents' dropbacks. Williams will be forced to tuck the ball and run more often than he'd like and should be able to surpass 24.5 yards on the ground.</p><p><strong>Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Over 59.5 (+100)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111570" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111570">DK Metcalf</a>'s injury that forced him to miss two games was arguably the key to unlocking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188171" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188171">Jaxon Smith-Njigba</a>'s potential. With Metcalf out, Smith-Njigba caught 13 balls for 249 yards. When Metcalf returned last week, Smith-Njigba had 10 catches for 110 yards.</p><p>Smith-Njigba should remain the focal point of the Seahawks' passing game against the Cardinals. Metcalf will remain their deep threat, but Smith-Njigba's ability to earn targets all over the field makes him <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13368" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/13368">Geno Smith</a>'s top option and a candidate to surpass his receiving-yard prop with ease.</p><p><strong>Cooper Kupp - Over 69.5 receiving yards (+100)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/68147" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/68147">Kupp</a> has exceeded the 70-yard mark by a wide margin in three straight games, making this total jump off the page as one that's too low. The Eagles can be tough to pass on, as rookie corner Quinyon Mitchell shuts down opponents' top options on the outside.</p><p>However, Kupp does most of his damage out of the slot on shorter routes, and the Eagles are giving up big games to players with similar profiles (tight ends, short-yardage receivers, and running backs). Kupp should be able to find plenty of open space and be Matthew Stafford's go-to option.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29135579/related

Week 12 player props: Gibbs set to run wild against Colts' defense

Week 11 spoiled us with marquee games delivering great finishes, including an electric Sunday nig...

<p>Week 11 spoiled us with marquee games delivering great finishes, including an electric Sunday nighter between the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/9" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/9">Bengals</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a>. Week 12's slate is much lighter with six teams on bye but we still found five games worth highlighting.</p><p><strong>Jump to: </strong><a href="#DET-IND">DET @ IND</a> | <a href="#MIN-CHI">MIN @ CHI</a> | <a href="#ARZ-SEA">ARZ @ SEA</a> | <a href="#SF-GB">SF @ GB</a> | <a href="#PHI-LAR">PHI @ LAR</a></p><h3>Sunday 1 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 15" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-8yZqN" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8yZqN/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a id="DET-IND" name="DET-IND">The</a> 9-1 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> take their NFC-leading record to Indianapolis for a date with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188125" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188125">Anthony Richardson</a> and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/15" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/15">Colts</a>. This is a matchup between two of the league's best teams against the spread (ATS) with one of the week's highest point totals.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Case for the Lions</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Lions are the best team in the NFL per <a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/dvoa/nfl/team-total-dvoa">defense-adjusted value over average</a> (DVOA) and are the Super Bowl favorites (+375) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</li>
<li>They're the best team against the spread (ATS) over the past five years.</li>
<li>Five of their nine victories this season are by 10 or more points.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Colts</strong></p><ul>
<li>Richardson returned as the starter last week and played his best game of the season by far. Perhaps benching him was the wake-up call he needed.</li>
<li>The Colts are desperate in their hunt for a wild-card spot, whereas the Lions could be in a letdown spot after they destroyed the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/16">Jaguars</a> at home.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Lions are 8-2 and the Colts are 8-3 ATS, two of the league's top-four records. </li>
<li>Dan Campbell is an astonishing 43-18 ATS as the Lions' head coach. </li>
<li>The under has hit in two of the last three Lions games and four of the previous six Colts games.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick - Colts +7.5</strong></p><p>We've been riding the Lions' impressive ATS record this season but this feels like a game they could take their foot off the gas. The Colts typically play close games, losing by more than 7.5 points only twice (on the road against the Vikings with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/2945" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/2945">Joe Flacco</a> and at home versus the Bills). With Richardson back under center, the Colts' offense is far more dynamic and has a better chance of being able to keep pace with the Lions.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 6" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Sgl4f" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Sgl4f/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a id="MIN-CHI" name="MIN-CHI">The</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> will play their third straight road game when they visit the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a> for a crucial NFC North tilt. The Vikings are only one game back of the Lions for the division lead while the Bears can't afford to drop another game if they're going to make the playoffs.</p><p><strong>Case for the Vikings</strong></p><ul>
<li>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> had a convincing bounce-back win over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/14" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Titans</a> last week after barely squeaking by the Jaguars in Week 10. They remain a top-five team per DVOA. </li>
<li>Minnesota's defense is the best unit in this game and could cause problems for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a>' interim offensive coordinator, Thomas Brown.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Bears</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Bears lost on a blocked last-second field goal to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a> last week, their first competitive game in three weeks. </li>
<li>Taking the home underdog in a divisional game with a point total of 39.5 is always a solid option. This spread and point total suggests the game will be a low-scoring affair, likely decided by a field goal. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are 7-3 ATS while the Bears are 5-4-1.</li>
<li>Kevin O'Connell is 6-2-2 ATS as an away favorite since being hired as Minnesota's head coach.</li>
<li>The Bears are 4-1 ATS at home this season.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick - Bears +3.5</strong></p><p>The Bears have shown up for their home fans aside from an abysmal Week 10 effort against the Patriots. The offense looked solid last week in their first game with a new OC and Williams used his legs effectively, rushing for 70 yards. Plus, playing a third straight road game is a tough spot for the Vikings, who haven't played their best football in November.</p><h3>Sunday 4:25 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 9" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cQ79T" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cQ79T/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a id="ARZ-SEA" name="ARZ-SEA">The</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/24" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/24">Seahawks</a> welcome the division-leading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/22" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/22">Cardinals</a> for an important NFC West game. Arizona is 6-4 with the other three teams sitting one game back at 5-5. The Seahawks could jump from fourth in the division to first with a home victory.</p><p><strong>Case for the Cardinals</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Cardinals are coming off their bye while the Seahawks may still be recovering from an emotional road victory over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a>.</li>
<li>
<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97952" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97952">Kyler Murray</a> and Co. are the better team per DVOA and winners of five of their last six. They have impressive victories over the Chargers and 49ers over that span and blew out both the Bears and Jets in their most recent wins.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Seahawks</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Seahawks defeated the 49ers - still one of the league's best teams despite their 5-5 record - 20-17 in San Francisco last week.</li>
<li>Seattle's beaten Arizona in five straight meetings and nine of the past 12 dating back to the start of 2018, Murray's rookie season.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Cardinals have covered the spread in four straight games to bring their season record to 7-3. They are 2-0 ATS against NFC West opponents this year.</li>
<li>The Seahawks are only 3-6-1 ATS this season and 1-5 ATS at home.</li>
<li>The under's hit in four straight Seahawks games and four of the past six Cardinals games.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick - Seahawks -1</strong></p><p>Coming out of a bye and beating the 49ers on the road indicates the Seahawks have turned the corner. They limited <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a>'s offense to 17 points and were able to move the ball on a strong 49ers defense. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13368" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/13368">Geno Smith</a> shouldn't have trouble scoring on the Cardinals, and as long as the Seahawks' defense plays as well as it did last week, Seattle should be able to cover with ease.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 7" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-wXTM8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/wXTM8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a id="SF-GB" name="SF-GB">Speaking</a> of the 49ers, they're in Green Bay this week for a classic NFC contest. A desperate San Francisco team will rely on backup quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53651" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53651">Brandon Allen</a> to beat the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a> after Purdy was ruled out Friday. A loss for the 49ers would put them below .500 and likely mean their only shot at making the playoffs is winning the NFC West.</p><p><strong>Case for the 49ers</strong></p><ul>
<li>They're the slightly better team per DVOA, but that's with Purdy under center. Perhaps the drop-off to Allen isn't as drastic as the betting market might think.</li>
<li>While important for both sides, the 49ers need to win far more than the Packers.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Packers</strong></p><ul>
<li>Backing the Packers at Lambeau Field is never a bad idea, especially later in the season when the weather can get ugly.</li>
<li>There's a chance the 49ers underachieve all season and they are what they are: a .500 team.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>Both teams are 4-6 ATS, underperforming compared to the league's other top contenders. </li>
<li>This is the first game in which the 49ers are underdogs this season. </li>
<li>The under has hit in four of these teams' last six games. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick - Packers -5.5</strong></p><p>The injury-riddled Niners slog onward with Purdy and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111907">Nick Bosa</a> unavailable Sunday. These are arguably the two most important players on the roster and their absence leaves massive gaps on both sides of the ball. The spread only moved two points after they were ruled out, which doesn't seem like enough and makes the Packers a valuable bet.</p><h3>Sunday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 12" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-sx45v" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sx45v/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a id="PHI-LAR" name="PHI-LAR">Sunday</a> Night Football features the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a> for a game with shootout potential. The Eagles are one of the hottest teams in the league right now as winners of six straight and the Rams' offense is always poised to explode, especially at home.</p><p><strong>Case for the Eagles</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Eagles have covered four of their last five while averaging 30.6 points per game.</li>
<li>They have a small rest advantage having played Thursday night last week, while the Rams played on the East Coast and likely arrived home late Sunday.</li>
<li>The Eagles are seventh in DVOA compared to the Rams at 18.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Rams</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Rams played a similar game in Week 8 when they hosted the Vikings on Thursday night as 2.5-point underdogs and won 30-20.</li>
<li>Like the Eagles, they're on a run of good football. They've covered three of their last four games and are winners of four of their previous five.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Eagles are only 6-4 ATS this season but are 4-1 on the road. </li>
<li>Home-field advantage isn't a thing for the Rams at SoFi Stadium. The franchise is 32-36-4 ATS since returning to L.A. in 2017. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick - Eagles -3</strong></p><p>The Eagles are by far the better team and are only being asked to cover three points with the rest advantage. They feature the league's most dangerous rushing attack, while the Rams are league average at stopping the run, allowing 127.3 rushing yards per game. Expect the Eagles to remind the NFC that they must be considered one of the conference's top teams.</p>

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> is the new favorite to win the NFL MVP award after the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a> handed the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> their first loss of the season Sunday. </p><p>Allen's odds are down to +150 (40% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, slightly ahead of former favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> (+185 and 35.1% implied probability). The Bills quarterback threw for 262 yards and a touchdown while adding 55 yards and a score on the ground to help earn his team's ninth win of the season.</p><p>Before Sunday, Allen was +300 (25% implied probability), and Jackson was the odds-on favorite at -115 (53.5% implied probability). Allen can strengthen his MVP credentials with repeat performances against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a>, two of the marquee games remaining on the Bills' schedule.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Allen's impressive victory coincided with a tough loss for Jackson and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a>. Baltimore fell to 7-4 at the hands of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a>, dropping two games back in the AFC North race.</p><p>Not only did the Ravens lose, but Jackson's offense struggled. He threw for only 207 yards and one interception in Baltimore's 18-16 loss, a game in which the Steelers failed to score a touchdown. </p><p>Elsewhere on the oddsboard, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a> is back in the MVP conversation as the third favorite at +650. Goff torched the lifeless <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/16">Jaguars</a> for 412 yards and four passing touchdowns. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> quarterback dropped to +2200 to win MVP after he threw five interceptions Nov. 10 against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>' MVP case took a hit after suffering his first loss of the year. He fell from +600 to +1200 in the worst statistical season of his career.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> (+1400), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> (+2500), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> (+2500), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97952" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97952">Kyler Murray</a> (+2500) round out the top eight on the betting board. </p>

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<p>Mike Tyson will step into the ring Friday for his first professional fight since 2005 to square off against Jake Paul, the YouTube star turned boxer.</p><p>Tyson is 31 years older than his opponent, the main reason why he's the betting underdog at +175 (36.4% win probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</p><p>Paul is the -225 favorite. He holds a 10-1 professional record.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The three-decade age gap between the boxers isn't worrying for bettors, though. The action is rather one-sided, with 58-year-old Tyson receiving a whopping 89.3% of the bets and 66.3% of the handle (money wagered).</p><p>When the line for the fight opened, Tyson was priced at +150 and was as short as +135 before the fight was postponed due to Tyson's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2918942" href="https://thescore.com/news/2918942">medical scare</a> in May. Concerns surrounding Tyson's health - and potential stamina in the eight-round fight - have lengthened his odds significantly.</p><p>Odds for the fight to go the distance are set at +140, meaning there's a roughly 65% chance the fight ends with a KO, TKO, or DQ. </p><p>Bettors also like Tyson's chances of knocking out Paul, or they're simply betting with their heart. A substantial 39.5% of the bets and 43.5% of the money wagered on the "method of victory" market are on a Tyson KO or TKO, which has odds of +270.</p><p>The highly anticipated fight at AT&amp;T Stadium - home of the Dallas Cowboys - will be aired at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix.</p>

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<p><em>Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet</em></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a>'s MVP chances took a massive hit Sunday night after he threw five interceptions against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a>.</p><p>His odds of winning the award went from +700 (12.5% implied probability) to +4000 (2.4% implied probability) even though the Lions won their prime-time contest on a last-second field goal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Goff dropped from the fourth favorite - behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> - on the oddsboard to ninth alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a>.</p><p>There was a lot of buzz around Goff's potential MVP candidacy before Sunday's game. As the signal-caller for the league's most efficient offense, he had Detroit atop the NFC with a 7-1 record and had thrown only four picks to go with 17 touchdowns before the Lions' victory over Houston.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188132" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188132">C.J. Stroud</a>, who threw two interceptions of his own Sunday night, also saw his MVP odds lengthen. While he was already a long shot, Stroud went from +3500 to +5000 after the Texans' fourth loss this season.</p><p>Meanwhile, Jackson remains the MVP favorite at +110. Allen is close behind at +350 and undefeated Mahomes sits third at +550.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> (+1300), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> (+1300), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a> (+1800), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97952" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97952">Kyler Murray</a> (+2200), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97638" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97638">Joe Burrow</a> (+2500) are now ahead of Goff on the oddsboard. </p>

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