The NFL playoff race heats up with some massive games in Week 13. Even more exciting for NFL betting enthusiasts this week are the divisional matchups. Time is running out for some teams to earn a wild card spot.
Three critical games on the NFL Week 13 schedule are worth a closer look. Keep reading to find out where the best wagers might be for these games.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta (+10.5)
The Buccaneers have rebounded from early troubles to get to 8-3 and the division lead. Tom Brady is once again having an MVP year, and he has plenty of weapons to work with in Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Rob Gronkowski.
Yet somehow, the Atlanta Falcons are still in the NFL playoffs picture. At 5-6 after a win over Jacksonville, the Falcons are keeping pace with Washington for a wild card spot.
The Buccaneers lead in almost all statistical categories against Atlanta, but Atlanta is better in passing defense. The Falcons are 14th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game, and they do a decent job at protecting Matt Ryan. They’ve only allowed 21 sacks this year, which is the 11th best in the NFL.
The Falcons aren’t in the same category as Tampa Bay, but Tampa Bay is only 1-5 against the spread on the road. They may not win the game, but I’ll take the Falcons to cover the 10.5 points.
Washington at Las Vegas (-2.5)
The Washington Football Team sits in the last wild card position in the NFC ahead of the Vikings. At 5-6, their record is similar to several other teams in the NFL playoff race.
However, Washington comes to Vegas on a three-game winning streak, with one of those wins against Tampa Bay. Taylor Heinicke has been efficient over those three games, throwing for five touchdowns and only one interception.
Washington has the fourth-best rushing defense, so the Raiders might have trouble moving the ball on the ground.
The Raiders have second-most passing yards per game, but they could go against Washington without one of their best weapons, Darren Waller. Waller has yet to practice this week because of a knee injury.
These teams are fighting hard for a place in the NFL playoffs. Even though the Raiders have some health issues, I believe that they’ll win this game because of their ability to move the ball through the air and Washington’s inability to defend the pass. Washington ranks 30th in passing yards allowed per game. I’m taking Las Vegas minus 2.5 points.
Patriots at Bills (-3)
The Bills looked like Super Bowl contenders a few months ago. Now, Bill Belichick’s Patriots have reeled off six consecutive wins and lead the AFC East.
If the Bills want to win the AFC East, they have to find a way to win this game. Buffalo came back strong last week with a 31-6 rout over New Orleans. But, in their previous four games, New England has given up only 26 points in total.
New England has looked defensively, but Buffalo also has the ability to shut down any team they play. The Bills are second in passing yards allowed per game and sixth against the run. Offensively, Buffalo also has the seventh-best passing offense.
I like the Bills -3 because of their defense, ability to pass the ball, and the fact that they’re playing at home.
Place Your Bets on the NFL Playoff Race
Week 13 action has several games that will impact the NFL playoff race. However, I believe that the three games listed above are the most important ones this week.
Who do you like in the NFL Week 13 schedule? Open an account at BetMGM’s online sports betting site and place your bets on all of this season’s NFL action.
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