Pittsburgh Steelers (+100)/Cincinnati Bengals (-120)
The Cincinnati Bengals feature an offense that seems to go overlooked on a weekly basis. They currently rank fourth in the NFL in points per game (30.6), while the Pittsburgh Steelers rank fifth (28.6). Neither team features an elite defense, as they are combining to give up an average of 52.6 points per game. It’s a bit worrisome that this game is a divisional game, as generally defenses have the advantage in this type of matchup. With that being said, these are two teams that focus heavily on offense, and they simply do not have the defensive talent to slow each other down. I expect this to be a divisional shootout in a game that is nearly a must win for Pittsburgh. On the other hand, Cincinnati could have a clear path to the playoffs if they are able to win this game.
Bet 3 units on Pittsburgh/Cincinnati OVER 53 to win 2.6 units (-115)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+150)/Atlanta Falcons (-180)
Some of these totals are starting to look like college football totals rather than NFL totals, but I’m still finding myself betting the over. These two teams rank as the two worst defenses in the NFL, allowing a combined 67.4 points per game. They also both rank in the top-10 of the NFL in scoring, although that doesn’t tell the entire story. In three home games, the Atlanta Falcons have scored 31, 37, and 36 points. Matt Ryan has been a better quarterback in Atlanta, and that should be the case once again this week. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an offense that features plenty of question marks, but they have now had two weeks to prepare for this game, as they are coming off of their bye. Furthermore, Atlanta’s defense has been decimated by injuries, and it could get worse if Grady Jackson is ruled out again this week. This game should feature an offensive showing against two of the worst defenses in the NFL.
Bet 3 units on Tampa Bay/Atlanta OVER 57.5 to win 2.6 units (-115)
Carolina Panthers (+100)
At this point, it’s impossible to trust the Washington Redskins. They have one good win against the Green Bay Packers, but they are a team that has been dealing with a plethora of injuries. Aside from that, they lost to the Indianapolis Colts and were embarrassed by the New Orleans Saints on primetime football. The Carolina Panthers have the best win of either team, as they beat the Cincinnati Bengals, but they needed a last second 60+ yard field goal to beat the New York Giants. While I don’t fully trust the Panthers, Washington is dealing with a laundry list of injuries. Their top two running backs, top three receivers, and three starting linemen are all questionable this week. While the questionable tag is for anyone that is even “probable,” it shows they are dealing with some type of injury that could impact their game. The travel won’t be bad for the Panthers, and I’m siding with them at even odds this weekend.
Bet 2 units on Carolina ML to win 2 units (+100)
Parlay Bet
Parlay 2 units on Atlanta -3.5 spread, Jacksonville -3.5 spread, and Seattle/Oakland OVER 48 points to win 11.7 units (+582)
