™s best bets capitalize on surprising resilience across the league.
- The Eagles are favored to cover +1.5 against the Bills.
- The Bengals are strong picks to cover -7.5 against the Cardinals.
- The jaguars are projected to win by more than a touchdown against the Colts.
If you’ve been distracted by the holiday season, consider this a late gift: a guide to informed NFL wagers. All odds are sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Eagles at Bills – sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox | Fubo, try for free)
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The Bills’ defense is a growing concern as the playoffs approach. While they’ve surprisingly navigated to a 4-0 record despite allowing 31 or more points in those games, that luck won’t last, especially against a potent Philadelphia offense.
This game could see a breakout performance from Saquon Barkley,continuing his late-season surge with at least 120 rushing yards in two of his last three contests. Buffalo currently allows a league-worst 5.4 yards per carry, trailing only the Giants (5.5 yards per carry). Barkley previously gashed the Giants for 150 yards on just 13 carries in Week 8.
Paired with an improved Jalen Hurts (five touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last two games), the Eagles should move the ball effectively. While Josh Allen and James Cook form a formidable backfield duo, the Eagles’ defense allows just 5.0 yards per play, ranking fifth in the NFL. This matchup smells like an upset.
Projected score: Eagles 27, Bills 24
The pick: Eagles +1.5
Bengals at cardinals – Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox | Fubo, try for free)
The Bengals offense is finally resembling the unit expected when fully healthy, coming off a Week 16 victory over the Dolphins where they scored a season-high 45 points. They now face an Arizona team that has lost seven straight and is surrendering a league-high 31.8 points per game since Week 6.
This sets the stage for another explosive day for Joe Burrow’s unit. Even accounting for a shutout loss to the Ravens in Week 15, Cincinnati is averaging 27.7 points per game since Burrow’s return in Week 13.
The Bengals’ success hinges on their defense, but against this Cardinals team, they should hold their own.Arizona’s offense has averaged just 18.7 points over the last three games. Even if Cincinnati’s defense concedes slightly more, the offense is capable of securing a win and covering the spread.
Projected score: Bengals 33, Cardinals 23
The pick: Bengals -7.5
Jaguars at Colts – Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (fox | Fubo, try for free)
I underestimated the Jaguars’ potential, notably their ability to win in Denver against the Broncos. I’ve been skeptical of their ceiling all season, but they’ve consistently proven me wrong.Now, I view them as a legitimate AFC contender.
If they can win at mile High, they’re more than capable of securing a victory at Lucas oil Stadium by a pleasant margin. Over his last six games, Trevor Lawrence is averaging 8.4 yards per attempt, with 19 total touchdowns and a 108.7 passer rating – the highest marks in the NFL over that span. Lawrence should outduel Philip Rivers, who will be playing on short rest.
Projected score: Jaguars 27, Colts 20
The pick: Jaguars -5.5
titans at Saints – Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS | Paramount+)
Cam Ward is enjoying a true breakout. Over his last three games, he’s 2-1 and has Tennessee averaging 27 points per game, with six touchdowns and only one turnover, resulting in a 97.9 passer rating. While Tyler Shough has played well,Ward’s balanced attack gives the Titans an edge.
New Orleans’ backfield is depleted, with Taysom Hill leading the team with 12 rushing attempts last week and the team attempting 50 passes. This imbalance creates a predictable offense. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard has rushed for 100+ yards in three straight games, and Ward is connecting with receivers like Chig Okonkwo, Tyjae Spears, and Elic Ayomannor. The Titans represent good value.
Projected score: Titans 23,Saints 21
The pick: Titans +2.5
Rest of the Bunch
Texans at Chargers (Saturday)
projected score: Texans 23, Chargers 21
The pick: Texans +1.5
Ravens at Packers (Saturday)
Projected score: Packers 24, Ravens 17
The pick: Packers -4.5
Patriots at Jets
Projected score: Patriots 30, Jets 16
The pick: Patriots -13.5
Steelers at Browns
Projected score: Steelers 21, Browns 20
The pick: Browns +3
Seahawks at Panthers
Projected score: seahawks 27, Panthers 21
The pick: Panthers +7
Buccaneers at Dolphins
Projected score: Buccaneers 27, Dolphins 20
The pick: Buccaneers -5.5
Giants at raiders
Projected score: Raiders 23,Giants 17
the pick: Raiders +1.5
Bears at 49ers
Projected score: 49ers 30, Bears 24
The pick: 49ers -3
Rams at Falcons (Monday)
Projected score: Rams 30, Falcons 20
The pick: Rams -7.5
