Somewhat entering the home stretch for football, or at least where playoff contending teams have the opportunity to distance themselves from the pack. General view on the lines is that much of what has been presented sets up some extremely attractive teaser numbers. The reality, as many of us know, is that what looks oh so good, generally leaves us with an oh so bad taste later on in the day.
Cleveland @ Atlanta {-3} [48]
Everyone and their mother has been yamming about the return of Josh Gordon, especially in the world of fantasy football. The line, however, doesn't seem to care too much as these are the same Falcons who lost five in a row leading into their bye. Two solid road wins at TB and Carolina and now seemingly they are back in good graces laying a chip shot against a team who just got the top statistical WR in the league last year back. If I were a gambling man, I'd say the hook is in the water, teasing the novice sharks to take a bite on the Cleveland ML. I'll pass on the side, but heavy interest in the over here and only remaining thought is how much I want to invest.
Cleveland-Atlanta over 48 -110 (I played this decently, but will post my finally investment shortly)
Tennessee @ Philadelphia {-11.5} [48.5]
The Titans are off their best game of the year, or at least since their week one victory vs. the Chiefs. Philly is off a cracking at the hands of GB, but previously waxed the Panthers. Is Sanchez in good form? Hard to say as the Panthers don't leave any sense that they are a viable football team and the one good team the Eagles played with Sanchez they got torched. If history tells us any story, Sanchez and the Eagles should take the Titans behind the woodshed, and part of me thinks they do. Just not sure I want to lay it.
Detroit @ New England {-7} [47]
One of the marquee matchups of the day and with NE fresh off back to back pasting off the AFCs "best" teams, I imagine many will run to the window and lay a TD here. In fact, many would sprint and lay more than a TD. Sure, the Patriots are rolling since they got dismantled by KC, but even more so than Denver and Indy, the Lions provide more matchup frustration for the Patriots. They've gone wire to wire as one of the top defenses this season and the offense, while not playing at peak performance all the time, is equally or even more explosive than the Patriots. The recipe is challenging, maybe not as much for me to get involved, but I certainly would not step to any window requesting a Patriots ticket. As noted in the preface, this is one where the teaser play looks like a can't miss.
Lean: Detroit Lions + and nibble
Green Bay @ Minnesota {+7.5} [49]
It pains me to even consider this, the way the Pack are cruising, but I like, and expect to be on the under. Last two seasons @ Minny went over, but athletes are inconsistent and this years situational spot against a much improved Vikings defense leans me to the under. The number nestled right below 50 tells me books want more over action.
Green Bay-Minnesota under 49 (waiting for a bump)
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis {-13.5} [50]
Indy should crush them. That's all I keep hearing. Crazy stat - the Jags have started the last three seasons 1-9, but never got to that 10th loss. I don't see that changing, but I can't get up to lay near two TD celebrations.
Cincinnati @ Houston {-2.5} [44]
A big bounce back game from Andy Dalton last week and on the flip, Ryan Mallet was less than average. This one seems like an easy play on the underdog, visiting Bengals. That's not how this thing works.
Lean: Houston -2.5 (waiting out for better)
Tampa Bay @ Chicago {-4} [46]
I'm glad this line came down because I think that means people like the Bucs. I personally do not and I could see the Bears finally putting something respectable together. I can't argue with people fading Chicago at what appears to be a juicy dog number on TB. Call it a hunch or maybe just an analysis into where the line opened and then where it went.
Chicago -4
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