It seems that NFL teams are moving in one of two directions. Either they are on a winning streak, or can’t seem to break out of a slump.
Several teams, Houston, Indianapolis, and Chicago have all won at least five straight. Arizona, Jacksonville, and the New York Jets have losing streaks of three or more games.
Will that trend continue? We think in some cases, definitely so, and have put together five bets with teams either trying to continue their winning ways, or desperately attempting to bust out of the losing column.
1. Indianapolis -4 at Jacksonville
Indianapolis looks to have found its form and they have countered a four-game losing streak by winning its last five. They travel to Jacksonville to face a Jaguars team that is headed in the opposite direction.
The Jags have lost seven straight, and coach Doug Marrone fired his offensive coordinator and benched quarterback Blake Bortles. This seems like a desperate move by a coach trying to save his job. Bortles was awful, but will Cody Kessler be any better?
We don’t think so, and wonder why the line is only four in the Colts’ favor.
Take Indianapolis and give away the points.
2. Baltimore -2 at Atlanta
Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco is still bothered by a bad hip, but his replacement, rookie Lamar Jackson has led the Ravens to back-to-back victories. Flacco is questionable for Sunday’s game with Atlanta, and was seeing a hip specialist on Monday. Even is he is ready to go, he may be splitting time with Jackson.
Atlanta, who is getting two points, have lost three straight, and are getting a little more rest since playing on Thanksgiving. The running game was horrific against the Saints, and will need to be better than 16 yards on 10 attempts.
Will the run improve and the extra rest help the Falcons out of their slump? We don’t think so.
Take Baltimore and give away the points.
3. Cleveland +4.5 at Houston
Cleveland is back to being a feel-good story. They fired coach Hue Jackson, and have won two out of their last three. No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield is playing inspired football, and the quarterback is showing why the Browns wanted him so badly.
But they are playing their second consecutive road game, and that never is an advantage. In addition they are facing a surging Houston team, who has won seven straight.
Feel good stories are nice, and it’s easy to root for the underdog, but Houston should cruise to its eighth straight win. Plus 4.5 points doesn’t seem like a lot.
Take Houston and give away the points.
4. Kansas City -15 at Oakland
You see 15 points as a line and you a lump in your throat. Then you realize it’s Kansas City and Oakland and the lump is replaced with giddiness. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing against a Raiders defense that can’t put pressure on the quarterback, and thus can’t stop the pass, gives us all a warm fuzzy feeling. It is then you realize 15 points might not be enough.
Oakland has been a double-digit dog once this season, and lost 20-6, so the 10.5 points they got wasn’t enough. Fifteen probably won’t be enough against the Chiefs.
Take Kansas City and give away the points.
5. Minnesota +6 at New England
Minnesota had a signature win against Green Bay Sunday night, but that victory was at home against a team that’s not going to make the playoffs, so how big was it really?
The Vikings now have to leave the comforts of home and a dome stadium to play outdoors at Foxboro. Can they handle the elements, where rain is expected?
More importantly, can they handle the Patriots offense, especially with tight end Rob Gronkowski playing? We like New England and six points, and believe they will win by at least seven.
Take New England and give away the points.