Each the Jaguars (2-11) and the Texans (2-11) are jostling for draft positioning at this level, and gamers on these groups who’re on expiring contracts are simply hoping to place out good tape for potential suitors this low season. On paper, they might appear evenly matched: Davis Mills, the Texans’ rookie quarterback, snatched again the beginning job by merely not being Tyrod Taylor and the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence is tied for the league lead in interceptions (14).
However Houston is poised for an “upset” given the disarray in Jacksonville, amid experiences that the first-year N.F.L. coach City Meyer has already worn out his locker room welcome. The Jaguars’ gamers will likely be there, technically talking, however don’t count on them to point out up. Choose: Texans +3.5
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m., CBS
Line: Broncos -1.5 | Whole: 43.5
At this level, we all know the Broncos (7-6) are unbearably common and can beat up on dangerous groups and lose to good ones. The Bengals (7-6) have proven some up-and-down spurts, too, however have displayed extra flashes of expertise from their younger stars as they proceed to develop. Cincinnati pushed the 49ers to extra time final week and almost received, and that momentum ought to carry over. The Broncos haven’t put back-to-back wins collectively because the begin of November, and they’re due for an additional potential loss this week. Choose: Bengals +1.5
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m., CBS
Line: 49ers -9.5 | Whole: 46
The components is out on beating the Falcons (6-7): Cowl Kyle Pitts, comprise Cordarrelle Patterson, and when Matt Ryan hangs onto the ball looking for an choice, sack him.
Limiting Patterson is difficult, although, because the Falcons proceed to drive feed their breakout playmaker with so many touches that he’s tied for the sixth-most touchdowns from scrimmage. The 49ers (7-6) have their very own model of Patterson — Deebo Samuel — and he’s higher. Samuel is tied for fifth in touchdowns from scrimmage (11) and is fifth in whole yardage (1,268). He ought to have enjoyable in opposition to Atlanta’s meager protection. Choose: 49ers -9.5
Monday’s Matchup
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m., ESPN
Line: Vikings -4 | Whole: 44
The Bears (4-9) now not deserve prime time video games, but right here we’re. The offense is horrible, scoring solely 17.8 factors per sport. Justin Fields’s growth has been, properly, what you’d count on from a rookie in a nasty scenario. He’s proven sturdy glimpses, as within the first-half scoring outburst in opposition to the Packers final week, however is finishing lower than 60 p.c of his passes.
The Vikings’ offense is on an upswing in a curler coaster season. Dalvin Cook dinner rushed for over 200 yards final week and Justin Jefferson has caught no less than one landing in three of the final 4 weeks. Minnesota (6-7) has struggled with one-score video games and allowed inferior opponents to remain aggressive, however this must be a great assertion sport forward of a playoff push. Choose: Vikings -4
How Betting Traces Work
A fast primer for many who should not acquainted with betting strains: Favorites are listed subsequent to a unfavourable quantity that represents what number of factors they have to win by to cowl the unfold. Raiders -5.5, for instance, signifies that Las Vegas should beat Chicago by no less than 6 factors for its backers to win their wager. Gamblers may wager on the whole rating, or whether or not the groups’ mixed rating within the sport is over or below a preselected variety of factors.
