NFL Line Watch Week 7
By:
Art Aronson |
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Each week during the pro football season, AAA Sports looks
at the NFL odds and tells you which spread to bet now, which one to bet later,
and which total to watch as the week plays out.
Game to bet on now
Minnesota at Philadelphia (+2.5)
Maybe it’s time to starting taking these Vikings seriously.
They’re 5-0 SU (and, more importantly, 5-0 ATS) less than two months after
franchise QB Teddy Bridgewater was lost for the season after tearing up a knee
in a practice. Many in the league ragged on Minnesota for giving up two high
draft picks – including next year’s No. 1 – for retread Sam Bradford. But so
far, so good. Bradford has a 109.7 passer rating and has thrown zero
interceptions, letting the Vikings’ A-plus defense do the heavy lifting.
Minnesota is holding opponents to under 13 points a game (best in the league).
If they can get things done against the Eagles this Sunday, they could take
complete charge of the NFC North real soon because Chicago and Detroit are up
next. This could very easily be a field goal game, so giving 2.5 looks
inviting.
Game to wait on
New England at Pittsburgh (+7)
It’s the Steelers’ bad luck that the schedule forces them to
play their toughest opponent right after Ben Roethlisberger bangs up a knee.
No. 7’s injury and meniscus surgery moved this game from close to a pick ‘em to
Pittsburgh being a 7-point home dog, even though there were early-week
rumblings that Roethlisberger might be able to go against the Patriots.
Oddsmakers seem pretty certain that Roethlisberger will be sidelined, but on
the off chance that he plays, the line could move several points in the
Steelers’ direction. The Patriots have always played well in Pittsburgh, and
are at close to full strength as they have been all season. Combined, the teams
are 8-3 ATS.
Total to watch
Oakland at Jacksonville (48.5)
What gives with Oakland? After scoring a total of 62 points
in wins over Baltimore and San Diego, the Raider offense threw up all over its
cleats against the Chiefs – at home – in a statement game last Sunday. Oakland
is now 1-2 at home and 3-0 (with three covers) on the road this season.
Jacksonville, meanwhile, has taken advantage of a soft schedule and is back in
the hunt in the weak AFC South. Given the inconsistency of Oakland’s offense
and Jacksonville’s 8th-ranked defense, the under should get serious
consideration here.
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