The playoff picture for several teams will depend on a win in Week 12 action. And NFL betting lines are offering some intriguing possibilities. Yet Week 12 favorites on the road might be where the best wagers exist.
There are must-win games for wild card hopefuls as well as division leaders. Others still are road favorites who match up well against their opponents. So take a look at these games for sports betting value as the hunt for a playoff position gets tighter.
Bills at Saints (+5.5)
The late Thanksgiving Day game features two teams coming off lopsided losses. The Buffalo Bills have dropped out of first place in the AFC East. Yet despite the bad loss to the Colts on Sunday, NFL odds have Buffalo as favorites.
I had high expectations for the Bills at the beginning of this season. But a sudden lack of offense is squandering an early division lead. If Buffalo wants to regain control, it has to start on Thursday night.
The Buffalo defense is still one of the best, and I expect the Week 12 favorites to get back on track in New Orleans. So I’m taking Buffalo minus the points.
Panthers at Dolphins (+1.5)
The Panthers didn’t win for Cam Newton on his second game back with the team. But now they have another week to tweak the offense to suit his style. And this team can beat teams better than Miami. Just look at their recent 34-10 victory versus Arizona.
The Dolphins are winners of their last three. But two of those wins were against Houston and the New York Jets. So at 4-7, the NFL odds suggest Miami is out of contention.
Carolina needs this win to keep pace in the Wild Card race. My sports betting instincts say that’s enough motivation for Carolina to win. So I’m taking the Panthers minus 1.5 points.
Eagles at Giants (+3.5)
With a win against their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles can get back to .500. Then the Eagles will get right back in the hunt for a Wild Card spot in the NFC. They have a favorable schedule to close out the season with four winnable games.
The New York Giants fired OC Jason Garrett, so a new game plan will take time to develop. The Giants are 2-3 at home this year, while Philadelphia is 4-2 on the road.
I expect the running game to be a significant factor again for the Eagles. They ran for 242 yards last week against New Orleans. So I’m taking the visitors minus 3.5 points.
Chargers at Broncos (+3)
The Los Angeles Chargers have a chance to keep pace with the Chiefs for first place in the AFC West. Justin Herbert is proving to be the franchise quarterback with 22 TDs and only 8 INTs. Week 12 will be his first visit to Denver against the Broncos, who are only 2-3 at home this year.
The Chargers are also 2-0 in divisional play with wins against the Chiefs and the Raiders, and a win against the Broncos puts them in the AFC West driver’s seat.
I expect the Los Angeles Chargers to keep their foot on the gas in Week 12. So I’m going to give up the 3 points for NFL betting on this game.
Best NFL Betting Odds
Two of these road favorites are vying for top seeds in their divisions. The other two also need wins in week 12 for any hope to reach the playoffs. And NFL betting odds see these teams as contenders, and I do as well.
Which of these Week 12 favorites do you like to cover the spread this week? Open an account today at BetMGM sports betting and take your best shot.
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