Welcome back to this week’s edition of Beating the Spread where we take a look at some of the best and worst games to bet on in the NFL. Sports Al Dente has decided to shake things up and will now include Tyler Seymour’s picks as well. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what can help you get a little bit more gift money for this holiday season.
Beating The Spread: NFL Week 15 Best Bets
Tad’s Games To Go For
Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills, Bills -2, O/U 39.5
This line is understandable given the Lions’ injury report is as long as your arm and includes Matthew Stafford but I think if this game was being played in Detroit, it would be flipped. The Bills have had a late-season resurgence of sorts with the return of rookie Josh Allen but its hype may be overstated. They blew a lead against the Jets last week after a close loss to the Dolphins and other than Allen’s play, there still aren’t many bright sides in Buffalo. The Lions could be without Kerryon Johnson again but looking at their season, none of their losses in the past eight weeks are particularly surprising meaning they aren’t as bad as their record seems to indicate. Expect a Lions upset in Buffalo.
Call: Lions Beat The Spread, over 39.5
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers, Seahawks -4, O/U 44
I was burned last week by taking the Broncos to cover against the 49ers as I vastly underestimated how much Denver’s offense would miss Emmanuel Sanders. The difference here is the Seahawks are on one of the hottest streaks in the NFL and have a quarterback and offense that is consistent and relatively healthy. Rashaad Penny and Doug Baldwin are both questionable but the former hasn’t been crucial to the offense’s success and the latter returned to practice late this week increasing the chances he suits up on Sunday. Considering the last time these two teams played Seattle won 43-16, I’m surprised the Seahawks are only favored by four points.
Call: Seahawks Cover, over 44
Tad’s Game To Stay Away From
Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos, Broncos -3, O/U 45.5
As stated before, Denver has gone from lovable betting underdog to wildcard after last week’s dismal performance against the 49ers. The loss of Emmanuel Sanders can be blamed as now opposing defenses can focus solely on Phillip Lindsay, who has been on a roll the last few weeks. Both teams are missing key defensive players with the Browns’ Denzel Ward and Broncos Chris Harris both out, leaving both air attacks poised to take advantage. Even more so, this is essentially an elimination game for both teams to stay in the hunt for the last wild card spot in the playoffs. Two inconsistent teams that are desperate yet banged up? Best stay away given the other possibilities around the league.
Call: Stay Away
Tyler’s Games To Go For
Dallas Cowboys vs. Indianapolis Colts, Colts -3, O/U 47.5
The Dallas Cowboys have been on fire over the last five weeks covering the spread for five straight weeks. But now comes that time for them to take on their final AFC South opponent, which the Cowboys are 1-2 on the season against (1-1-1 ATS). New weapon Amari Cooper leads the team in TD’s over this span as has he has been terrific. Dak Prescott has been playing good as of late, but the refs virtually gave them their last win after three game-changing calls.
This game is more important to the Colts hopes of a playoff run as they are in the hunt for a wildcard spot. They can’t afford to lose anymore this late in the seasons sitting at 7-6 having a three-way tie for the second spot. Look for Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton to link up for a big day as they will expose Dallas as a non-potentially threating playoff team.
Call: Colts Cover, Under 47.5
Tennessee Titans vs. New York Giants, Giants -2, O/U 43.5
The Giants come into this game winning four of five and going perfect against the spread in these contests (4-0-1 ATS). Derrick Henry single-handedly beat the Jaguars last week combing for a total of four touchdowns. Mike Vrabel‘s squad has been great against the NFC East this year going 2-0 in their two affairs (Beat Eagles 23-27 OT, Beat Dallas 28-14 [2-0 ATS]). Tennessee has been an underdog in every game vs the NFC East and that didn’t change here. Look for the run defense to be able to corral Saquon Barkley and with a hurt Odell Beckham jr., I don’t see how the Giants get past the Titans.
Call: Titans Money Line (+110)
Tyler’s Games To Stay Away From
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, Bears -6, O/U 45
This game feels like the biggest trap game of the week. Aaron Rodgers is an underdog against the Bears. For the first time in almost a decade, Rodgers will be an underdog against a Bears team. To be fair, the Bears are playing great and deserve the edge, but six points is a lot. You also have to factor in that the Packers are 0-6 on the road this season (1-4-1 ATS). The game, the spread, even the QB’s have question marks all over it. You’re going to be smart to stay far away from this game.
Call: Stay Away