The last week of the NFL season is upon us but the promise to win big on the lines stays the same. Although most teams are out of the playoff hunt by now, there is still much to win for the league’s fans. So let’s take a look at some of the best and worst bets you can place for this weekend in this week’s edition of Beating the Spread.
Tad’s Games To Go For
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers, Packers -8, O/U 45.5
The key to making good late-season bets is to focus on the games where starters playing is an absolute certainty. Despite recent rumors that the Lions may be ready to move on from Matthew Stafford, Detroit is still behind him for at least one more game. This line is confusing as the Packers are coming off an overtime victory over the lowly Jets and in the midst of searching for their new coach. Green Bay has three key players listed as either questionable or doubtful in Davante Adams, Equanimeous St. Brown and Jaire Alexander so while Detroit may not win this game, it is well within reason they will beat the eight-point spread.
Call: Lions beat the spread, over 45.5
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Falcons -2, O/U 52
The Falcons are without a doubt one of the more disappointing teams this season and the Buccaneers are in a state of total flux which leaves this game in the cellar of final matchups. However, this is where gamblers can find treasure in the trash. While Atlanta has a hugely underwhelming record, they have won most of the games against the lesser teams in the NFL. The last four of five of their losses came against teams contending for a playoff spot and the fifth was against the Packers who are still being led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is 2-7 in their last nine games with those two losses coming against the 49ers and a one-score game versus the Panthers.
Call: Falcons cover, under 52
Tad’s Game To Stay Away From
Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, Vikings -5, O/U 40.5
This is one of those games that would normally be exciting to watch but with the Bears secured in their spot for the division crown, it’s a tossup with this game. On one hand, Chicago has the chance to spoil a division rival’s chances at the second wild-card spot but on the other, they could end up resting their starters halfway through the game to stay as healthy as possible for the postseason. This game could end up being an easy win for the Vikings or a hard fought battle should the Bears decide to keep their starters in for the rest of the game.