In the AFC, there are six teams within a game of each other for the final wild-card berth. In the NFC, it’s seven. That doesn’t take into consideration the division races which are just as jumbled. That is to say that as the season progresses, each week is of utmost importance. A single game can be the difference between playing on wild card weekend and watching it from the comfort of your couch like the rest of us. From a gambling perspective, the level of intrigue makes it hard to stay away from the action. Let’s take a look at the week 12 slate and pick three of our favorite games for the NFL Sunday Picks.
Philadelphia Eagles at NY Giants (+3.5)
Mercifully for Giants fans, Jason Garrett was relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator of the Giants. Garrett wasn’t the sole issue for the Giant’s stagnant offense but he certainly played a part. His playcalling was unimaginative and rarely put his playmakers in positions to make plays. The Giants, in time, may see a marked improvement in their offense but we doubt the turnaround can be made in a single week. The Eagles, on the other hand, have unlocked Jalen Hurts and done a better job of playing to his strengths. We are going to give Hurts and the rest of that Philly offense the edge heading into a crucial matchup for the Eagles.
PREDICTION: Eagles -3.5
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos (+2.5)
The Chargers have burned us more times than we care to admit but there’s something about them that we just can’t quit. They have the dynamic pass rusher, the franchise quarterback, the aggressive head coach, and a bevy of skill position players. Why then, have they underperformed. If this team is serious about making a run at the playoff they will have to take care of business against a Broncos team that is already thinking about next season. From a gambling perspective, this is the last time we ride the Chargers unless they come out and have a statement win. The Chargers remain on the NFL Sunday Picks.
PREDICTION: Chargers -2.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts (+3)
Johnathan Taylor has been a wrecking ball the past few weeks and is coming off of a performance in which he had over 200 yards from scrimmage and FIVE touchdowns. The Colts rode Taylor to victory and are red hot on the ground. This game, however, will be about Carson Wentz who only mustered 106 yards through the air on 11 completions. The strength of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the middle of their line and few teams have been able to establish a productive run game against them. If the Buccaneers are able to contain Taylor, will Wentz be able to take advantage of a struggling secondary? We are going to bet that the answer is no and Tom Brady finds a way to make enough plays to win. If this line were a half-point higher we would stay away but the opportunity to bet on Brady as a field goal favorite is too good to pass up. Prediction: Buccaneers -3
