It’s easy to feel blasé when looking at the Week 7 slate in the National Football League, but NFL football betting is always interesting.
As far as must-see games go, Denver at Indianapolis on Sunday night appears to be the only one. The Cowboys/Eagles clash for the NFC East lead and the Bengals/Lions matchup of 4-2 teams should also be fun to watch.
The other contests don’t appear too intriguing, at least until you analyze the point spreads and begin to make arguments for and against each team. Scheduling and other intangibles become more important at this time of year, now that we’re getting into the meat of the season.
Here are our quick hits on this week’s NFL games and odds:
Seahawks at Cardinals (+6.5, O/U 40)
This may be a more dangerous game for Seattle than it first appears to be. Seahawks are 1-6 ATS last 7 trips to Arizona, including four-point loss in last year’s season opener.
Bears at Redskins (-2, O/U 51)
1-4 Washington is favoured over 4-2 Chicago. Redskins outgained the Cowboys Sunday night but still lost by 15. Bears with extra time to prepare after beating Giants last Thursday.
Bills at Dolphins (-7.5, O/U 41)
Lot of points for Miami to be laying against a division rival. Buffalo put up a fight last week versus Cincy and Thad Lewis actually looked decent at QB for the Bills.
Chargers at Jaguars (-7.5, O/U 45)
Dangerous game for San Diego, a west-coast team playing at 1 pm eastern and coming off a Monday Night win over Indy. Are Jaguars competent enough to take advantage?
Cowboys at Eagles (-3, O/U 56.5)
Sad as it is, the winner of this game will lead the NFC East with a 4-3 record. Expect Nick Foles at QB once again for Eagles. Over is 7-1 in Eagles’ last eight at home.
Rams at Panthers (-6, O/U 42)
Oddsmakers showing Carolina some love after Panthers blew out Vikings last week. St. Louis, however, coming off an impressive win of its own, routing Houston.
Buccaneers at Falcons (-7.5, O/U 42.5)
Doesn’t seem right that an underachieving team like the Falcons is laying more than a touchdown. The Texans did the same thing last week and got blown out by St. Louis.
Bengals at Lions (-3, O/U 47)
Cincy got away with one last week at Buffalo, blowing a 14-point lead but then winning in OT. Lions continue to impress, particularly their defence.
Patriots at Jets (3.5, O/U 43.5)
New England coming off emotional last-second win over Saints. Jets came back to earth with home loss to Steelers. Gronkowski might be back in lineup for Pats.
49ers at Titans (+4, O/U 39.5)
San Fran has covered three in a row after that 20-point home loss to Indy in Week 3. Titans continue to play teams tough, covering as 11-point dogs last week in Seattle.
Browns at Packers (-10.5, O/U 46)
Green Bay is obviously better than Cleveland and is at home, but this line seems awfully high. Won’t be surprised to see this spread in single digits by game time.
Ravens at Steelers (-1.5, O/U 40.5)
Did Pittsburgh get back on track with last week’s win at the Jets? Baltimore fell to 3-3 with tough two-point loss at home to Packers.
Texans at Chiefs (-6.5, O/U 40)
It’s tough to back Houston with any confidence at all these days. If Schaub is out, that would help. KC continues to win games and cover spreads.
Broncos at Colts (6.5, O/U 55.5)
Excuse Denver for yawning its way through last week’s win over Jacksonville. Expect the Broncos’ best effort in Peyton Manning’s return to Indy. Colts coming off short week.
Vikings at Giants (-3.5, O/U 46.5)
The kind of Monday Nighter that only a gambler could watch. Impossible to know what to expect from either team. Maybe the over is the best play here.