So last week, I messed up. I had my NFL Week 15 bets ready but never finished my weekly column. I had to take care of an urgent matter while writing the piece. I never returned to finish. If you hate excuses, I understand. My apologies. These were going to be the picks:
- Eagles -8.5 vs. Bears (L)
- Steelers +2.5 vs. Saints (W)
- Patriots +2.5 vs. Raiders (L, gross)
- Teaser: 6 points: Eagles -8.5 > -2.5, Steelers +2.5 > +8.5 (W)
Enough housekeeping. Happy Chrismukkah! Here are my Week 16 bets.
Tip: Make sure to check the weather before betting. It’s going to be cold and windy throughout most of the country.
*Lines as of 12/24 at 11 a.m. ET on FanDuel
NFL Week 16 Best Bets
Steelers -1.5 vs. Raiders
For this game, I’m going with my heart over my head. I loved the Steelers going into the week because they’re facing a warm-weather team in the cold on a Saturday night. Pittsburgh has won 3 out of 4, and all four games have been low-scoring defensive battles. However, Pittsburgh is not losing because of Franco Harris, who tragically died this past week. It’s the anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, and the Steelers were set to retire Harris’s jersey. There is no chance the Steelers come out flat. The Steelers win on an emotional night.
Bengals -3 vs. Patriots
If you believe the Bengals are the best team in football, I do not argue against that statement. After losing to the Browns on Halloween night, the Bengals are 6-0 with wins over the Chiefs, Bucs, and Titans. Burrow and Chase get all the attention (rightfully so), but their defense seems to make big plays at the right time as Cincy is the 5th best in turnover differential (+5). After last week’s humiliating loss, do Bill Belichick and the Patriots have anything left in them? It’s probably a mistake to write the Pats off, but I’m grabbing my nicest pen and signing their death certificate. Cincy wins and covers.
NFL Week 16 Underdog of the Week
Eagles +4 vs. Cowboys
My love for Gardner Minshew has been well-documented. He deserves to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He can be the next Ryan Fitzpatrick without all of the interceptions. I don’t care who you play for, but if you have thrown for 41 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions in your career, you deserve a chance to start in this league. Plus, Philly has a better team than Dallas. A shaky showing against the Texans and a collapse against the Jaguars have the Cowboys in the A-block on every debate show. This comes down to the trenches. The Eagles boast the 4th best rushing attack (158.6 ypg), and Dallas ranks 25th in stopping the run (133.1 ypg), so I expect this game to be within a field goal either way.
NFL Week 16 Teaser of the Week
7 POINTS: Niners -7>PK, Chiefs -10.5>-3.5
This was my Super Bowl pick at the beginning of the season. I’m happy with where both teams stand. The Niners and Chiefs are a combined 13-1 since October 30. The Niners get a scrappy Commanders team at home while the Chiefs face off against the injured Seahawks. While the Niners game should be close because the Commies rank 3rd in yards allowed per game
Bets of the Week: 12-13-1
Underdog of the Week: 8-5
Teaser of the Week: 7-6
Total: 27-24-1
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