There are just two regular-season weeks left in the NFL season before it’s officially playoff time. There are some favorites that are desperate for a statement win this weekend.
Offshore sportsbooks are filled with generous spreads for favorites this week, which means it’s to lock in some bets.
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Here are the Week 16 favorites that have the best chance to cover.
Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers Preview
Best Bet: Colts -1.5
The Steelers seemed like a guaranteed lock for the top seed in the AFC. However, after three straight losses, Pittsburgh is now hanging on by a thread to claim a division title.
The Steelers lost to Washington, Buffalo, and Cincinnati. Buffalo won the AFC East last week, so this is a reasonable loss.
On the other hand, there are no excuses for losing to Washington and Cincinnati. The Steelers looked like a JV team against the Bengals last week. The team only rushed for 86 yards and was 4-of-16 on third down, resulting in a 27-17 loss to the Bengals.
The Colts are at the opposite end of the spectrum relative to the Steelers. Indianapolis has won five of its last six games.
The team is surging at the right time of the season. The Colts are tied for first place in the AFC South, so this is a must-win contest.
Indianapolis is 8-5 ATS as favorites. Pittsburgh hasn’t covered in four straight games. I’m riding with the Colts on Sunday.
Live NFL Week 16 Odds
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks Preview
Best Bet: Seahawks -1.5
It’s tough to bet against Seattle at home. Seattle is 5-2 ATS at home in 2020.
This is the time of the year when the Seahawks typically gain momentum. They have won four of their last five games. A win on Sunday will give Seattle the NFC West title.
They’ll face the Rams, who were defeated by the Jets last week. This was Sean McVay’s most embarrassing loss as a head coach.
The Rams defeated the Seahawks earlier this year by a score of 23-16. This result plays to Seattle’s advantage because it’s proven tough to beat a team twice in the NFL.
Seattle has struggled on defense, but I like it in this matchup. The Seahawks will be able to focus on their play in the secondary with Rams running back Cam Akers unavailable.
If they stay disciplined on the Rams’ play-action attempts, I think they’ll have success.
The Seahawks offensive line will need to protect Russell Wilson. If these two things happen, Seattle will cover at home on Sunday afternoon.
NFL Week 16 Predictions
Cleveland Browns at New York Jets Preview
Best Bet: Browns -9.5
Three weeks ago, Cleveland had no chance of winning the AFC North title. The Steelers’ three-game losing streak was a surprise in Browns country.
Now, the Browns are one game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. They’ll face the Steelers in Week 17, which could decide the division title.
This is a game that the Browns should win and need to win. They’re at least 10 points better than the Jets on a normal NFL Sunday. In addition to this, they need to make a statement going into the Pittsburgh game next weekend.
The Browns have won five of their last six games. They got hot when Pittsburgh went cold.
Cleveland is the most underrated team in football. Baker Mayfield has thrown 25 touchdowns and has the fifth-best QBR in all of football.
The Jets did beat the Rams last week, which could be the upset of the season. Nonetheless, I don’t think they can do it again versus the Browns.
Cleveland is 6-8 ATS, but it’s facing a team that’s only scoring 14.6 points per game. If the Browns play up to their capability, this game will be over by halftime.
