I didn’t gain any ground on getting back to a .500 record for my spread betting picks for the season, going 1-1 last week. The Chiefs were able to bounce out of their slump at home against the Raiders, which I did not expect, but the Chargers easily covered the 6 point spread hosting the Redskins for a win on that play. My season record now sits at 13-17-1 with only 3 weeks remaining to get back to .500, after an awful start to the season.
I’ll be using SportsInteraction.com for all of the spreads and predictions below. You can see our full Sports Interaction review here. I only have 2 plays this week.
LA Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles -1.5- Kansas City +1.5
I bet on the Chargers and against the Chiefs last week, and that’s the route I’m going once again. The Chiefs did get a win over the Raiders last week, but I think that has more to do with the Raiders than the Chiefs. I don’t believe this Chiefs team has turned a corner and is once again the early season Chiefs. They just had a decent home game against another weak team.
The Chargers though, I think are the real deal. They’ve now won four games in a row and everything seems to be coming together for this team at the right time. The defense has been incredible the last few weeks, only giving up 201 total yards to Washington last week, and keeping both the Browns and Cowboys under 300 total yards in the previous two games as well. That does even take into account the turnovers they are generating, with 9 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries over the past 4 game winning streak. Add in Philip Rivers finding his mojo and throwing for over 300 yards in each of the past 3 weeks, Keenan Allen playing like the best receiver in the league with over 100 yards receiving in each of the past four games, and Melvin Gordon adding 65+ yards each game on the ground. This offense is clicking on every level.
This is the case of two teams trending in opposite directions. I love the Chargers in this spot.
Play: Chargers -1.5
Green Bay Packers @ Carolina Panthers
Green Bay +4.5- Carolina -4.5
***I made this play before Rodgers was cleared to play. The spread is now 2.5 points. I’m sticking with my bet, but the circumstances have changed, so keep that in mind.
The Packers are on a two game winning streak, but let’s remember who they beat: Tampa Bay and Cleveland. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves and start thinking this Packers team is legitimate without Aaron Rodgers at QB. I don’t expect the Packers to be able to put up more than 20 points in Carolina this week.
The Panthers bounced back in a huge way with a big 31-24 win over the Vikings this past week and I still really like this team even though they have been rather inconsistent this year.
I expect the defense to shut down the Packers, while Newton creates enough opportunities to move the ball with his feet, while also opening up running lanes for Jonathan Stewart. If the Panthers play to their ability this should be a relatively easy win at home.
Play: Panthers -4.5
Tagged With : NFL betting • NFL odds • NFL Picks • NFL Week 13
