We reach the halfway mark of the NFL season and we have some key matchups that will have huge bearings on the playoffs including two cracking divisional clashes between the Packers and the Lions and the Seahawks and Rams.
Houston +2 (at NY Jets)
The Jets are a huge lay team this week having covered just four of 17 in primetime and a horrific five of 26 when playing off an upset loss.
New Orleans -7.5 (at Carolina)
The Saints are 16-1 against the spread in their last 17 when playing a road rematch while Carolina are 4-18 against the spread when playing teams who have won 33% or fewer matches.
NY Giants +4 (v Washington)
The Giants are 24-13 against the spread when on short rest while Brian Daboll is 15-8 against the spread as a head coach.
Detroit -3 (at Green Bay)
The Lions have covered 14 of 16 off a double digit win while they are 19-5 against the spread against teams with a winning record.
Dallas have been poor this year but are a strong bet this week with Atlanta in a huge lay position. Re-tread coaches are a huge lay at home and when favoured, particularly early in the season.
Under 46.5 Denver-Baltimore
The under is 17-2 when Denver are off a double digit win while the under is 35-16 over Sean Payton’s career when he is off a double digit win.
Under 43 LA Chargers-Cleveland
The under is 60-27 when the Chargers are off a win while it has hit in 12 straight when the Chargers are on normal seven-day rest.
Under 45.5 Tampa Bay-Kansas City
The under is 31-10 when Andy Reid’s teams are favoured at home while the under has hit in nine straight when the Chiefs are up against a team scoring 27 points per game.
Houston +2 (at NY Jets)
The Jets are a huge lay team this week having covered just four of 17 in primetime and a horrific five of 26 when playing off an upset loss.
Indianapolis +5.5 (at Minnesota)
Minnesota have been highly unreliable as a home favourite with the Vikings 7-21 against the spread in the spot.
Under 45.5 Tampa Bay-Kansas City
The under is 31-10 when Andy Reid’s teams are favoured at home while the under has hit in nine straight when the Chiefs are up against a team scoring 27 points per game.
The Saints and Giants are both among the best bets of the week while the Cowboys are the best underdog of Week 9.
Detroit are among the best bets of the week. The Eagles are a top bet because the Jags are 8-32 against the spread v winning teams. Home teams pre-bye Week 8 or later cover at 67% making the Seahawks a play.
Sam LaPorta is a big body who has scored in two of his last three. The Packers play the run well and with Jameison Williams out, LaPorta is likely to get more targets.
Chase has seven touchdowns in his last six games. Lamb has scored in two of his last three road games. Cook has eight touchdowns in seven outings and is being fed relentlessly close to the line.
Joe Mixon has absolutely feasted this year with six touchdowns in five games. Tank Dell has scored in two of his last three games as he emerges as the Texans WR1.