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>

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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

!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["dataw...

<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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Josh Allen is the new favorite to win the NFL MVP award after the Bills handed the Chiefs their f...

<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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NFL betting primer: Will Bills-Chiefs live up to the hype?

Mike Tyson will step into the ring Friday for his first professional fight since 2005 to square o...

<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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Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  Jared Goff's MVP chances took a massive hit Sunday n...

<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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Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  The NFL's Offensive Player of the Year award is shap...

<p><em>Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet</em></p><p>The NFL's Offensive Player of the Year award is shaping into a two-horse race between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72385" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72385">Derrick Henry</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>.</p><p>Both star running backs are in their first season with new teams and are stuffing the stat sheets and dominating highlight reels through nine weeks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Henry is the current betting favorite at -140 (58.3% implied probability) with Barkley second on the oddsboard at +275 (26.7% implied probability). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/122708" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/122708">Justin Jefferson</a> is a distant third at +750.</p><p>Now that Henry and Barkley are pulling away from the other contenders, let's dive into each player's case to win the OPOY award with half of the regular season remaining.</p><h3>Derrick Henry (-140)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>2024 Stats</th>
<th></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Carries</td>
<td>168</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rush Yards</td>
<td>1052</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rush TDs</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Receptions</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rec. Yards</td>
<td>93</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rec. TDs</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> took a chance in the offseason by signing an aging (NFL-wise) Henry as he entered his age-30 season. He was coming off somewhat of a down year on a bad <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/14" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Titans</a> team, only recording 1,167 yards in 17 games, with his 4.2 yards per carry the lowest of his career.</p><p>But any risk has already paid off handsomely. In fact, Henry may be having the best season of his nine-year career.</p><p>He leads the league in carries (168), yards per carry (6.5), rushing yards (1,052), and touchdowns (13). He also tops the NFL in rushes of over 10, 20, and 30 yards. Henry's 116.9 yards per game have him on pace to come within 13 yards of 2,000, and if he could reach that milestone, it would all but guarantee him OPOY honors.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> is, once again, playing at an MVP-worthy level and is the co-favorite to win the third MVP trophy of his career. The 6-3 Ravens look to be true Super Bowl contenders, and the addition of Henry has this Baltimore team feeling different from the ones of years past.</p><p>While team success is considered more heavily during MVP voting, earning the top seed in the AFC certainly won't hurt Henry's chances for OPOY. If Henry continues to dominate the NFL in key rushing stats and Jackson maintains his elite play, there's a good chance we'll see two teammates win MVP and OPOY since the 2001 St. Louis Rams (Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk).</p><p>Bettors will hope that's the case. Since the season started, Henry has received 32% of the handle wagered on the OPOY market - nearly three times the amount bet on Barkley - and 10% of the total bets.</p><h3>Saquon Barkley (+275)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>2024 Stats</th>
<th></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Carries</td>
<td>157</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rush Yards</td>
<td>925</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rush TDs</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Receptions</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rec. Yards</td>
<td>146</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rec. TDs</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The word "valuable" is left out of "Offensive Player of the Year," but a player's value to their team must be considered when determining the most outstanding offensive player.</p><p>Barkley has been more valuable to the Eagles than any other skill position player is to his team. Barkley's explosive rushes have single-handedly carried the Eagles to wins when the passing game has struggled.</p><p>The Ravens have the league's best total offense, while the Eagles have the sixth-best. However, Baltimore has the MVP favorite at quarterback, leading to a passing game that's as effective as its rushing attack. The team is first in rushing yards per game and third in passing yards per game.</p><p>The Eagles don't have that luxury. Philadelphia averages the second-most rushing yards per game but ranks in the league's bottom half in passing yards per game.</p><p>Without Henry, the Ravens' offense would still dominate. Without Barkley, the Eagles' season would be in the gutter, Nick Sirianni would have already been fired, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a>' future would be questioned.</p><p>Henry's counting stats are greater than Barkley's, but the Eagles have only played eight games, while the Ravens have played nine. That margin will shrink following Henry's bye in Week 14. Henry averages slightly more rushing yards (116.9) than Barkley (115.6), but Barkley's featured more as a pass-catcher, doubling Henry's total receptions.</p><p>The two running backs' stats will be similar if they continue on this trajectory, and there's no sign of either slowing down. But Barkley means more to his team than Henry does. Voters should see that by the time the season concludes.</p>

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King Henry vs. Saquon: Each star running back's case to win OPOY

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  It's a do-or-die week for a handful of NFL teams. Fa...

<p><em>Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet</em></p><p>It's a do-or-die week for a handful of NFL teams. Falling three or four games below .500 at this point in the season is a hole too deep to climb out and will have teams shifting their focus to the approaching trade deadline.</p><p>Headlined by a matchup between NFC North rivals, let's dive into the marquee games of Week 9. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Jump to: </strong><a href="#Dal-Atl">DAL @ ATL</a> | <a href="#Mia-Buf">MIA @ BUF</a> | <a href="#Lar-Sea">LAR @ SEA</a> | <a href="#Det-Gb">DET @ GB</a> | <a href="#Ind-Min">IND @ MIN</a></p><h3>Sunday 1 p.m. ET slate</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 14" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qZ4bn" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qZ4bn/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>Cowboys</td>
<td>56.5%</td>
<td>79.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Falcons</td>
<td>43.5%</td>
<td>20.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a id="Dal-Atl" name="Dal-Atl">The</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Cowboys</a> will look to end a two-game losing skid on the road in Atlanta. They were defeated Sunday night by the 49ers in a game that wasn't as close as the scoreboard indicated. As for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/29" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/29">Falcons</a>, they're coming off a road win in Tampa Bay to take the NFC South lead.</p><p><strong>Case for the Cowboys</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Cowboys are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) this season on the road.</li>
<li>That's all we can come up with.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Falcons</strong></p><ul><li>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/29" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/29">Falcons</a> have scored 31-plus points in three of their last four games and now face a Cowboys defense that gives up the second-most points in the league (28.3).</li></ul><p><strong>X-factors</strong></p><ul>
<li>Dallas' defense surrenders 8.2 yards per pass, the most in the league. The Falcons have the ninth-highest yards-per-pass rate at 7.8. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> should have a field day picking apart the Cowboys' defense, especially if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161667">Micah Parsons</a> remains sidelined.</li>
<li>The over has hit in four of the past five Falcons games and is 5-2 in Cowboys contests this season.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Best bet - Falcons -2.5</strong></p><p>The Cowboys were embarrassed at home by the Lions two games ago and needed to outscore the 49ers 14-3 in the fourth quarter to lose by six. Meanwhile, the Falcons have won four of their last five and seem to be clicking on offense. It doesn't feel like Atlanta covering by a field goal in a game that could be a shootout is asking for much.</p><p><strong>Best prop - Kyle Pitts over 44.5 receiving yards (-130)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161661" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161661">Pitts</a> has surpassed this total in four straight games, averaging 78.5 yards per contest over that span. The Cowboys got torched by George Kittle last week, gave up 52 yards receiving to Sam Laporta in Week 6, and Pat Freiermuth found the end zone against them in Week 5. Pitts should be able to continue his hot run against a team struggling to defend the tight end.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 15" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1vnEw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1vnEw/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>Dolphins</td>
<td>12.8%</td>
<td>15.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>87.2%</td>
<td>84.6%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a id="Mia-Buf" name="Mia-Buf">The</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/2" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/2">Dolphins</a> head north to Buffalo for a classic AFC East battle against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/114411" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/114411">Tua Tagovailoa</a> made a welcomed return to Miami last week and heightens the intrigue of this matchup. The Bills are rolling at 6-2, while the Dolphins' season is on the line as they look to avoid dropping to 2-6.</p><p><strong>Case for the Dolphins</strong></p><ul>
<li>Despite losing by a point to the Cardinals in Week 8, the Dolphins looked like themselves again with Tagovailoa back under center.</li>
<li>In Week 2, the Dolphins were 2.5-point favorites at home to the Bills with a healthy Tagovailoa. Yes, Buffalo has proven to be one of the league's best teams since then, but an 8.5-point swing in the spread feels too big.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Bills</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Bills are 6-2 ATS this season and 3-0 at home.</li>
<li>
<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> and Co. are the fifth-best team in the NFL per DVOA, while the Dolphins are ranked 29th after Tagovailoa missed four games.</li>
</ul><p><strong>X-factors</strong></p><ul>
<li>If Tagovailoa plays like he did last week (minus the fumbles), the Dolphins should be able to compete. He elevates the entire offense, proven by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188117" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188117">De'Von Achane</a>'s 147 total yards and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/83498" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/83498">Tyreek Hill</a>'s six-for-72 game. Tagovailoa's passing yards prop is set at 249.5.</li>
<li>Allen, currently the MVP favorite at +325, is 11-2 against the Dolphins in his career. He's averaging 269.4 passing yards per game and 2.6 touchdowns. His passing prop is 249.5, but he's only averaging 220.8 this season.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Best bet - Dolphins +6</strong></p><p>The Bills are obviously the better team, but six points feels like too many to lay against a Dolphins team we've barely seen this season. Miami with Tagovailoa should be able to keep this close even if its defense doesn't have an answer for Allen. </p><p><strong>Best prop - De'Von Achane over 86.5 rushing + receiving yards</strong></p><p>Achane smashed this total last week in Tagovailoa's first game back. He also eclipsed this number in the two games Tua started at the beginning of the season. </p><h3>Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 9" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-k0ggY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/k0ggY/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>Rams</td>
<td>76.3%</td>
<td>72.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seahawks</td>
<td>23.7%</td>
<td>27.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a id="Lar-Sea" name="Lar-Sea">The</a> <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/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a> in a huge divisional matchup with playoff implications. Every team in the NFC West is 4-4 except Los Angeles, which is 3-4. Come January, this game could decide who's in and who's out.</p><p><strong>Case for the Rams</strong></p><ul>
<li>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a> looked impressive Thursday night with a 30-20 victory over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> thanks to the return of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/68147" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/68147">Cooper Kupp</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188318" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188318">Puka Nacua</a>.</li>
<li>They're 16-6 ATS straight up with a rest advantage since hiring Sean McVay in 2017. They're also 28-18-1 ATS within the division under McVay.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Seahawks</strong></p><ul><li>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/24" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/24">Seahawks</a> are the better team per DVOA, although the Rams have been without their top two receivers. Still, this line suggests Los Angeles is the stronger side and would be roughly four-point favorites if this game were at SoFi Stadium. </li></ul><p><strong>X-factors</strong></p><ul>
<li>Nacua and Kupp returned to the lineup last week and combined for 12 catches for 157 yards and one touchdown. Kupp is +130 and Nacua is +155 to find the end zone in Seattle.</li>
<li>
<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/680" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/680">Matthew Stafford</a> threw for 279 yards and four touchdowns during the return of his top two receivers.</li>
<li>Geno Smith remains the NFL leader in passing yards thanks to the Seahawks' league-leading 66.27% pass rate. His passing prop is 249.5.</li>
<li>Seattle has one of the league's worst defenses against the run. Kyren Williams is averaging 76.1 yards per game and has rushed for over 75 in five straight.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Best bet - Seahawks +2</strong></p><p>We backed the Seahawks at home last week when they were three-point underdogs to the Bills. That didn't go according to plan, but the Rams aren't in the same class as Buffalo. Now, Seattle's only getting one fewer point compared to last week.</p><p><strong>Best prop - Puka Nacua over 5.5 receptions (-120)</strong></p><p>Nacua returned to the lineup last week and looked fantastic. He hauled in seven of Stafford's nine targets for 107 yards. Nacua even had two carries, a clear indication he's healthy and that McVay wants to get him the ball.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 13" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zuNOH" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zuNOH/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>Lions</td>
<td>70.3%</td>
<td>73.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Packers</td>
<td>29.7%</td>
<td>26.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a id="Det-Gb" name="Det-Gb">It's</a> a battle for NFC North supremacy as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> visit Lambeau Field to take on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a>. Both teams have six victories this season, but Detroit is winning in dominating fashion with recent blowouts over the Cowboys and Titans.</p><p><strong>Case for the Lions</strong></p><ul>
<li>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> are the best team ATS in the league under Dan Campbell. They're 43-18 since he took over in 2021 and are 6-1 this year.</li>
<li>Detroit ranks first in DVOA and is arguably the best team in the NFL.</li>
<li>
<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104659">Jordan Love</a>'s health is a factor. The spread possibly assumes he's 100% healthy when his mobility may be limited due to a groin injury (if he plays).</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Packers</strong></p><ul>
<li>There isn't a case if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174046" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174046">Malik Willis</a> starts. He was serviceable in the two games he started earlier this season, but those were against the Titans and Colts.</li>
<li>The Packers are 6-1 as home underdogs since hiring Matt LaFleur in 2019.</li>
</ul><p><strong>X-factors</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Lions' offense is downright explosive. Detroit is averaging a league-high 33.4 points per game. The Lions have scored 31-plus points in four straight games and 42-plus in three of their last four. Their team total is set at 26.5.</li>
<li>If you're going to beat Detroit's defense, it's through the air. The Lions concede the fifth-most passing yards per game (247.6), and teams throw on them at the third-highest rate in the league (65.23%).</li>
</ul><p><strong>Best bet - Lions -3.5</strong></p><p>It's not always the best idea to fade the Packers as home underdogs, but the Lions are a rare exception. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a> has this team looking unstoppable. The Packers' defense is solid but nothing to write home about. Plus, the hope is that Love plays and isn't 100%.</p><p><strong>Best prop - Jahmyr Gibbs over 88.5 rushing + receiving yards (-115)</strong></p><p>Gibbs has proven why he's Detroit's most dangerous offensive weapon in recent games. He's gone over 88.5 total yards in three straight contests and five of seven this season.</p><h3>Sunday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 5" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-AeOzz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/AeOzz/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><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>Colts</td>
<td>34.1%</td>
<td>52.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td>65.9%</td>
<td>48.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a id="Ind-Min" name="Ind-Min">Sunday</a> night football will see newly named starter Joe Flacco and the Colts head to Minnesota to take on the 5-2 Vikings. The Colts' decision to bench Anthony Richardson was heavily scrutinized, although Flacco gives them the best chance to win now. We'll see if the quarterback switch immediately pays off.</p><p><strong>The case for the Colts</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Colts are the league's best team ATS at 7-1.</li>
<li>Joe Flacco is 3-0 ATS as a starter this season.</li>
<li>The line opened with the Vikings as seven-point favorites but moved in the Colts' favor after Flacco was announced as the starter. There's a chance the line hasn't moved enough.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Vikings</strong></p><ul>
<li>According to DVOA, the Vikings are the league's third-best team and the Colts are 20th. This spread suggests that Minnesota would only be favored by three points if the game were played on a neutral field, which feels short.</li>
<li>Minnesota is 5-2 ATS this season, the sixth-best record in the league.</li>
</ul><p><strong>X-factors</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings have one of the NFL's best rush defenses, giving up only 83.9 rush yards per game, while the Colts rely heavily on <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/121194">Jonathan Taylor</a> to power their offense. Taylor's rushing total is 69.5, but he's averaging 90.8 on the ground this season.</li>
<li>
<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/122708" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/122708">Justin Jefferson</a> is second in the league in receiving yards, trailing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161655" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161655">Ja'Marr Chase</a> by only 28 with a game in hand. He's surpassed 80-plus yards in six straight contests. The Colts give up the ninth-most passing yards at 227.8 per game.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Best bet - Colts +5</strong></p><p>We'll ride the hot hand ATS and take the Colts with the points. The Vikings have lost two straight and didn't look good last week in L.A. They need a victory to avoid a third consecutive loss, but Flacco should be able to keep the Colts within a touchdown.</p><p><strong>Best prop - Justin Jefferson over 6.5 receptions + over 79.5 receiving yards (+125)</strong></p><p>We'll end our weekly primer with another same-game parlay focusing on the best receiver in the league. Jefferson has consistently gone over 80 yards and has seven-plus catches in back-to-back games. It's safe to expect another monster performance from him in prime time.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28854778/related

NFL betting primer: Lions' trip to Lambeau headlines Week 9 slate

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  Now that the Dodgers have been crowned World Series ...

<p><em>Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet</em></p><p>Now that the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Dodgers</a> have been crowned World Series champions and the sun has set on the 2024 MLB season, it's time for free agency. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> is the biggest name hitting the open market, with teams like the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Dodgers</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/17">Mets</a> already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3114453" href="https://thescore.com/news/3114453">expressing interest</a> in the 26-year-old slugger.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Soto was questioned about his upcoming free agency immediately after the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/3">Yankees</a> were defeated in Game 5 of the World Series. He made it clear he'll listen to every offer and isn't giving the Yankees the inside track.</p><p>"I feel like every team has the same opportunities when I go into free agency," Soto <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3113508" href="https://thescore.com/news/3113508">said</a>. "I don't want to say anyone has an advantage because, at the end of the day, we're gonna look at what they have and how much they want me."</p><p>So, who has the best chance of signing Soto? Oddsmakers at <a href="https://thescore.bet/sport/baseball/organization/united-states/competition/mlb">theScore Bet</a> think Soto is most likely to return to the Yankees, but there are still a handful of teams in the mix.</p><h3>Odds to sign Soto</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Yankees</td>
<td>-225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mets</td>
<td>+225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dodgers</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giants</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nationals</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Phillies</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rangers</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cubs</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Padres</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Teams above +6000 are not listed. </em></p><p>The Yankees' -225 odds imply a 69.2% probability of re-signing their superstar, who's <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1852117008831127741">reportedly</a> looking to land a $700-million deal.</p><p>The Mets are the second favorites to sign Soto and keep him in New York. The Dodgers (+800) and Giants (+1500) are looking to bring Soto back to California.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/4" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/4">Blue Jays</a>, who were also apparently in the running for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> last offseason, are +1800 to round out the genuine contenders for Soto.</p><p>If Soto doesn't re-sign with the Yankees - and doesn't go back to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/16">Nationals</a> or Padres - he'd join a fourth different team in only his eighth year in the bigs.</p><p>In any case, Soto is expected to sign a lengthy deal with whomever wins the bid for his services. And if he lands an Ohtani-esque contract, it will likely be the last of his career.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28863645/related

What the odds say: Which team will win the Soto sweepstakes?

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  The Chiefs entered the season as the betting favorit...

<p><em>Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet</em></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> entered the season as the betting favorites to win the Super Bowl - and their perfect 7-0 record keeps them atop the oddsboard.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> &amp; Co. began their quest for a three-peat at +500 odds, and their flawless start has made them shorten to +375. That implies a 21.1% probability that Kansas City will become the first team to win the Lombardi Trophy in three consecutive seasons. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Chiefs accumulated 15.6% of the bets and 15.96% of the handle (money wagered), representing the most of any NFL team. Since the conclusion of Week 1, they're the third-most bet on team in terms of handle (12.13%) and first in terms of bet count (18.53%).</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> have received the most handle since the season started, accounting for 21.3% of the money wagered. Their Super Bowl odds have shortened from +1000 to +600, making them the second-favorite team to win.</p><h3>Super Bowl odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Current Odds</th>
<th>Preseason Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>+375</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ravens</td>
<td>+600</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lions</td>
<td>+650</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49ers</td>
<td>+800</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>+850</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texans</td>
<td>+1200</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eagles</td>
<td>+1300</td>
<td>+1100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Packers</td>
<td>+1500</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td>+2000</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commanders</td>
<td>+2200</td>
<td>+15000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Falcons</td>
<td>+2500</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steelers</td>
<td>+3000</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bengals</td>
<td>+4000</td>
<td>+1300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cowboys</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Teams priced above +5000 are not listed.</em></p><p>Before the season started, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> received the second-most bets behind the Chiefs (both in number of bets and handle). That early love remains: Detroit, the top-seeded team in the NFC, is still getting the second-most bets.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> are by far the biggest riser on the betting board: They opened the year with +15000 odds (0.7% implied probability), which have now shortened to +2200 (4.3% implied probability). Second overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> has led the team's resurgence - they're 6-2 and holding the lead in the NFC East.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> have also flown up the oddsboard. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a>'s career has been revitalized in Minnesota, leading the Vikings to an impressive 5-2 start.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/9" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/9">Bengals</a> (3-5) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Cowboys</a> (3-4) have experienced the biggest drops from their preseason odds. Both teams are struggling - the Bengals' only wins came over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/18">Giants</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Browns</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/32" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/32">Panthers</a>, while the Cowboys' -48 point differential is tied for the seventh-worst in the league.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28842902/related

Undefeated Chiefs remain favored to 3-peat; Ravens, Lions close behind

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  The Yankees are staring down a World Series sweep at...

<p><em>Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet</em></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/3">Yankees</a> are staring down a World Series sweep at the hands of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Dodgers</a> after losing a third straight game Tuesday night.</p><p>The Bronx Bombers face an improbable task, but not an impossible one. Their odds of winning the World Series are +1100 (8.3% implied probability) - but they'll have to pull off a feat accomplished by just one team in MLB history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Only the 2004 Red Sox have erased a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. The Astros nearly did it in 2020 but fell short in Game 7 in the ALCS. No team has ever done it in a World Series.</p><p>There's a chance New York pulls off the improbable. There's also a chance the series goes to seven games - those odds sit at +600 (14.3% implied probability).</p><p>If there's any shot of a comeback, the Yankees' bats must wake up. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> has an abysmal .140 average in the postseason and only has one hit in the World Series. New York has scored just seven runs as a team in three contests against Los Angeles.</p><p>The Dodgers go for the sweep Wednesday at 8:08 p.m. ET. They're +125 underdogs and have yet to name a starting pitcher to face the Yankees and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a>.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28835371/related

What the odds say: Can the Yankees come back from 3-0 deficit?

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  The Commanders' last-second Hail Mary against the Be...

<p><em>Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet</em></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a>' last-second Hail Mary against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a> - one of the most improbable plays you'll witness on a football field - drastically changed both teams' chances of making the playoffs. </p><p>The stunning victory moved the Commanders to 6-2 and kept them atop the NFC East. They're now -340 to make the playoffs (77.3% implied probability) and +130 (43.5% implied probability) to win their division.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Had <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188187" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188187">Tyrique Stevenson</a> not perfectly tipped <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a>' pass to an uncovered <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87880" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87880">Noah Brown</a>, oddsmakers would have priced the Commanders to be -130 to make the playoffs and +225 to win their division.</p><p>One miraculous play increased Washington's chances of making the playoffs by 20.8%.</p><p>The play also helped Daniels fly up the MVP oddsboard. He was +3500 before Sunday's game, as it was uncertain whether he would play. The Commanders rookie is now +1000 to win MVP and the clear-cut favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at -450 (81.8% implied probability).</p><p>For the Bears, their crushing loss dropped them to 4-3 and put them in the basement of a stout NFC North division. The Bears' win probability was over 95% in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamHoge/status/1850744016918229476">Adam Hoge of CHGO Sports</a>, but they gave it all away with zeroes on the clock.</p><p>Chicago is now +300 to make the playoffs (25% implied probability) and +2000 to win its division. Had the Bears won, oddsmakers would have priced them to make the playoffs at +115 and +1000 to win the NFC North.</p><p>Their loss hurt their playoff chances by 21.5%.</p><p>The Commanders will look to keep the momentum going in Week 9 against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/18">Giants</a>, while the Bears stay on the road to take on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/22" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/22">Cardinals</a> in Arizona.</p>

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Hail Mary drastically changes playoff chances of Commanders, Bears

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  Injuries continue to mount across the NFL, knocking ...

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NFL Week 8 betting primer: How will teams perform as injuries pile up?

Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet  A World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers is a ...

<p><em>Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet</em></p><p>A World Series between the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/3" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/3">Yankees</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Dodgers</a> is a dream scenario for everyone with a vested interest in baseball. </p><p>The league, its partners, and now sportsbooks are set to benefit from a clash between two of the sport's most iconic franchises featuring some of the league's brightest stars, most notably <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"These are two of the biggest and most well-supported teams not only in the MLB, but all of sports," said David Barnes, senior risk and trading manager at ESPN Bet and theScore Bet. "We really couldn't have asked for a more explosive matchup."</p><p>The Yankees and Dodgers were the two most bet-on teams this season. Combined, games including one of the two teams accumulated 14% of all the money wagered on MLB this year.</p><p>"The Dodgers and Yankees have been favored to win their respective pennants since the markets opened, and their games always attract the highest handle," Barnes said.<br><br>"We’re expecting this to be a high-action World Series with the highest handle in our history."</p><p>Betting data for this year's playoffs highlights the popularity of the Yankees and Dodgers, as well as bettors' excitement for the World Series. </p><p>And compared to last year's final between the Rangers and Diamondbacks - the sixth and 14th most bet-on teams, respectively, last year - it's easy to understand why sportsbooks expect record-setting action.</p><p>For this year's postseason games, the average per-game handle is up 47% and the average bet count is 2.32 times higher compared to last year's World Series games. </p><p>Bettors have already made four times as many wagers for 22% more handle in the off days leading up to Game 1 of this year's World Series compared to 2023. The majority of the World Series action is expected to come in Friday before Game 1.</p><p>Despite this dream matchup between two of the largest sports markets in the world, Barnes said a Subway Series between the Yankees and Mets may have been bigger, especially with ESPN Bet's recent launch in New York.</p><p>Had the Yankees faced the Mets, the Pinstripes would have been favored. Instead, the Dodgers are slight favorites at -125 odds (55.6% implied probability) to win the franchise's eighth World Series title.</p><p>Bettors are split on who's going to win it all. As of Thursday, 45% of the bets and 51% of the handle has been on the Yankees, despite ESPN Bet's presence in New York. </p><p>It's worth noting that sports betting is not yet legal in California. </p><p>Those in New York, though, are backing their Yankees. For bets placed in New York for Game 1, 95% of the handle and 76% of the bets are on the Bronx Bombers. </p><p>The Dodgers are sending Jack Flaherty to the mound Friday and are -130 favorites to take the early series lead over the Yankees, who are answering by starting Gerrit Cole.</p><p>Game 1 starts Friday at 8:08 p.m. ET from Dodger Stadium.</p>

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Record-setting betting action expected on Yankees-Dodgers World Series

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Eric Patterson

Betting Supervisor

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