NFL Picks Week 12: Opening Lines - Broncos Favored in Foxborough

NFL Picks Week 12: Opening Lines - Broncos Favored in Foxborough

As usual, the following article is borrowed from our friends at linemakers.sportingnews.com. Enjoy

Heading into Week 12 of the NFL season, there aren’t many teams whose postseason hopes have been dashed. In the AFC, the Dolphins and Jets, both 5-5, are tied for the sixth and final playoff seed, and a gaggle of six teams sits a game behind. In the NFC, meanwhile, two divisions – the East and North – remain wide open, with three teams having realistic chances to claim either title.

Here’s a look at the opening point spreads for next week’s slate. Lines are from the LVH SuperBook, with numbers from the Wynn and William Hill noted when notable.

Saints (-7) at Falcons

Atlanta’s miserable season continued with an uncompetitive showing in Tampa, as the Bucs earned just their second win of the season. New Orleans survived at home against San Francisco, but, for our purposes, the game pushed. William Hill hung the Saints -7 (-120) for the Thursday nighter.

Bucs at Lions (-9)

The Wynn and William Hill both came a tick higher here, hanging Detroit -9.5. The win over Atlanta marked Tampa’s second a row, but things get tougher next week with a trip to Detroit. The Lions battled in Pittsburgh, but ultimately succumbed, 37-27.

Jaguars at Texans (-11)

The Wynn and William Hill both came a tick lower here, hanging Houston -10.5. One win separates these AFC South also-rans, and both were dealt home defeats on Sunday.

Vikings at Packers (no line)

The Scott Tolzien-led Packers went down to the Giants, while Minnesota became the latest in a long list of teams to lose in Seattle. This will be the second meeting of the season between these division rivals, Green Bay winning the first, 44-31, as 7.5-point road favorites.

Chargers at Chiefs (-4.5)

San Diego, 20-16 losers in Miami, is the meat in Kansas City’s Broncos sandwich. The Chiefs were in Denver Sunday night and host Peyton Manning & Co. in Week 13.

Panthers (-4) at Dolphins

Miami got its second home win in three weeks, while Carolina looks for its sixth win in a row at home Monday against the Patriots. William Hill opened the Panthers -3.5 for next week's trip south.

Steelers at Browns (-2)

Pitt has started to put some wins together, outlasting Detroit for their the fourth in six tries. But that's not enough for bookmakers to have made them favorites against the Browns, who – if this line doesn’t flip – will lay points against Pitt for the first time since 2003. Cleveland opened an even bigger favorite at the Wynn, which hung 2.5 as its opening number.

Bears at Rams (-1)

Chicago pushed in its 23-20, weather-delayed, overtime win at home game against the Ravens, while St. Louis had the week off. The Wynn opened this game a pick ‘em.

Jets at Ravens (-3/-120)

The Jets’ win-one/lose-one pattern continued with a flat performance in Buffalo, while Baltimore came up just short in Chicago. The LVH, shortly after opening lines were posted, moved off the key number to Baltimore -3.5. That’s where the Wynn opened the game, and William Hill hung -4.

Titans (-1) at Oakland

This game bounced between its opening price of Tennessee -1, to a pick ‘em, back to Tennessee -1. William Hill opened Oakland the 1-point favorite. The Raiders won in Houston and got the cash for the third time in four weeks. The Titans are 4-0 ATS on the road this season.

Colts at Cardinals (-2)

Arizona ran its record to 6-4 and has evidently gained some respect in the betting marketplace. The Cards opened -2.5 at the Wynn. Indy is 7-3, gets a few days extra rest this week and is a stout 4-1 SU and ATS on the road.

Cowboys at Giants (-2.5)

There was a good amount of early movement at the LVH for this big game in the scrum that is the NFC East. New York, winners of four straight, opened -2.5, dipped as low as -1.5 about 20 minutes later, and were bet back up to the original price. The Wynn opened 1.5 and was also pushed to 2.5.

Broncos (-2.5) at Patriots

Denver makes its second straight Sunday night appearance next week and is the early road favorite against Peyton Manning’s longtime nemeses. In last season’s meeting, New England beat the Broncos, 31-21, as 5.5-point favorites in Foxborough. The Pats will be dogs for the second week in a row – that's a rare occurrence – as they’re +2.5 at the Panthers Monday night.

49ers (-5) and Redskins

San Francisco’s struggles against playoff-caliber opponents continued with a near-miss in New Orleans. The Niners step down in class next Monday night, though. Washington’s comeback attempt in Philly fell short, and the Skins sit at 3-7 on the year. The LVH opened San Fran -5 and moved to -4.5 about a half-hour later, while the Wynn opened -5.5 and moved to -5.

NFL Week 8 Picks: Opening Lines for All the Games

Broncos, Niners, Seahawks, Saints All Open as Double Digit Favorites

Good morning TSZ Community. It's Monday again, and as we approach the midpoint of the season, teams and lines are starting to make a little more sense - I think. As always, we borrow the following lines and comments from our good friends/complete strangers at Linemakers.sportingnews.com. If you haven't checked them out, they're pretty cool with games stats and what-not, too. Thank you, Linemakers.

Panthers (-6.5) at Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have failed to cover in four consecutive games. Meanwhile, the Panthers have won and covered in two straight games. Carolina opened as a seven-point favorite, but there's been some play on the underdog.

49ers (-16.5) vs. Jaguars (London)

This game opened at San Francisco -15.5 — and it has gone up a point. The Jaguars have lost all six games by double-digits and have covered just once. The 49ers, by contrast, are on four-game straight-up and against the spread winning streaks. This is the second and final NFL game to be played in London in 2013.

Browns at Chiefs (-7)

The Browns are 0-4 straight-up and against the number in Brandon Weeden's starts. The unbeaten Chiefs are 5-2 against the spread but failed to cover in a 17-16 win vs. Houston on Sunday.

Dolphins at Patriots (-6.5)

Neither club has covered against a divisional opponent this season, with New England 0-3 vs. the spread against the AFC East and Miami 0-1 vs. the number. The Patriots' division lead is down to one game after a 30-27 loss at the Jets on Sunday. The Dolphins, meanwhile, have faltered after a fast start. They are in the midst of three-game straight-up and against the spread losing streaks.

Bills at Saints (-12.5)

New Orleans has won and covered in all three games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Buffalo (+6) upset host Miami on Sunday for its first straight-up and point spread win on the road in 2013. The Bills' defense was sharp in the second half, allowing just 84 yards. Now, Buffalo must build upon that against powerful New Orleans.

Cowboys at Lions (-3)

The Cowboys' defense came up big in their Week 7 victory at Philadelphia, holding the Eagles without a touchdown. But can Dallas muster another strong effort against a formidable opponent? Detroit converted 13-of-19 third downs against a very good Cincinnati defense in Week 7. Also, Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson hauled in nine passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Giants at Eagles (no line)

The game is currently off the board with the statuses of Eagles quarterbacks Michael Vick (hamstring) and Nick Foles (head) unclear for Week 8. Rookie quarterback Matt Barkley threw three interceptions in relief of Foles in Sunday's loss to Dallas.

Handicapping tools: ATS standings | Matchup analysis | Power ratings

Steelers (-3 EVEN) at Raiders

These teams met a season ago, with the Raiders upsetting the Steelers in Oakland. The Raiders, who had their bye in Week 7, are 4-2 against the number in 2013. The Steelers have won and covered in two straight after starting 0-4 straight-up and against the spread. The SuperBook has adjusted the vigorish on this game, which suggests there may have been some play on the underdog.

Jets at Bengals (-6.5)

The Bengals are looking to add to perfect straight-up and spread marks at Paul Brown Stadium in their fourth home game of the season. The Jets upset nemesis New England on Sunday but must quickly refocus as they prepare for a tough opponent. Of note: the Jets are 3-0 straight-up and against the spread vs. the Bengals in Rex Ryan's tenure.

Falcons at Cardinals (-2.5)

The Cardinals looked overmatched in a Thursday-night loss to Seattle. Can they rebound against banged-up Atlanta? The Falcons are 0-2 against the number on the road this season, but they were able to win and cover at home against hapless Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Redskins at Broncos (-13.5)

The Broncos return home after a pressure- and emotion-packed game in Indianapolis. Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has rushed for a combined 161 yards in the first two games back from the bye. The question is can Washington's defense offer some resistance against Denver?

David Steele: Peyton Manning takes back seat | Patriots choke

Packers (-6) at Vikings

Can the Vikings rally behind new starting quarterback Josh Freeman? And how many more injuries can the Packers take? The Packers lost tight end Jermichael Finley to a neck injury in Sunday's win vs. Cleveland, another potential blow to the passing game. That said, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrived even with a thinned out pass-catching corps. Also, Green Bay's defense has thrived during the club's three-game winning streak, too.

Seahawks (-10.5) at Rams

This line has gone up a half-point since it was posted Sunday evening. Rams quarterback Sam Bradford departed Sunday's loss to Carolina with a knee injury, which means Kellen Clemens could get the call against Seattle — and perhaps for an extended stretch thereafter. The Seahawks got back to their covering ways at Arizona on Thursday night, easily handling their division rival.

NFL Lines: Week 6 Opening Lines, Movement, Thoughts

Brought to you by: Linemakers.sportingnews.com

Here’s a look at the opening point spreads for Week 6 of the 2013 NFL season.

Lines are from the LVH SuperBook.

Giants at Bears (-8)

Winless through five weeks? No one saw thiscoming for the Giants. New York has also failed to cover single spread this season. Chicago is on its own sudden bad run, dropping its second straight game, 26-18, at home to the thriving Saints on Sunday. The line dropped to 7.5 at the LVH Monday morning.

Raiders at Chiefs (-10.5)

Kansas City won and covered in Tennessee to remain undefeated (they are 4-1 ATS). The SuperBoook reopened K.C. at -9.5 Monday morning, following Oakland's win over San Diego in Sunday's late-late game.

Eagles (-1.5) at Bucs

Michael Vick left Sunday’s game against the Giants with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Nick Foles. That didn’t stop the LVH from opening Philly as a favorite on the road against the embattled Bucs.

Packers (-3) at Ravens

Both squads tallied wins Sunday, Green Bay at home vs. a Megatron-less Lions squad, Baltimore on the road against the Dolphins.

Lions (-2.5) at Browns

The Wynn opened Detroit -2.5, and William Hill hung -3 (even). Sans Calvin Johnson, Detroit was listless offensively and fell to 3-2 at Green Bay. Cleveland lost Brian Hoyer for the season Thursday night and has reverted to Brandon Weeden at quarterback.

Panthers at Vikings (-2.5)

Carolina continues to disappoint, falling 22-6 as a field-goal favorite in Arizona, and rumors are circulating about a coaching change. Minnesota was off this week. The Wynn opened the Vikes -2.

Rams at Texans (-7)

St. Louis got a visit from the right team – Jacksonville – and got its first win since Week 1. Houston was in San Francisco.

Steelers (-2.5) at Jets

The LVH and William Hill opened Pitt -2.5. The Wynn opened at -2, took immediate favorite money, and was up to -3 within about 15 minutes. The LVH was showing -3 (even) Monday morning.

Bengals (-7.5) at Bills

The Bengals are 3-0 at home after getting past New England Sunday afternoon. They’re also 0-2 on the road, with losses in Chicago and Cleveland. William Hill opened Cincy at a less-expensive -7.

Titans at Seahawks (-13.5)

Seattle was dealt its first loss of the season in Indy on Sunday. Tennessee, with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, fell to 3-2 at home vs. K.C. The Seahawks don’t lose much at home but will be laying a chunky price at CenturyLink Field next week.

Jaguars at Broncos (-28)

By most accounts, this is biggest point spread in NFL history. The LVH actually opened this game at 26.5 in early wagering last week, took Jags money at that price, and then wrote some Denver tickets at -26. Denver won but failed to cover in Dallas Sunday, while Jacksonville sunk further into the abyss, losing 34-20 as 12-point dogs in St. Louis. The Jags are 0-5 SU and ATS.

Arizona at 49ers (-10.5)

The Cards won an ugly contest at home vs. the Panthers and opened as double-digit dogs for their visit to a rejuvenated San Francisco group, who registered a convincing win Sunday night over Houston. The line was reposted at 11 Monday morning

Saints at Patriots (-2)

Easily one of the most intriguing games of the Week 6 slate. Both teams had tough road games Sunday, but New Orleans was the only one of the two able to maintain its undefeated record. The Wynn opened New England -2.5 but took favorite money and was up to -3 (-120) shortly thereafter. The line was also nudged upward, to -2.5, at the SuperBook.

Redskins at Cowboys (-4.5)

Dallas was certainly game in their loss at home to Denver that saw the teams combine for 99 points. They get a Washington team off bye whose lone win of the season is against the Raiders. The Cowboys opened -5 at the Wynn. They were reopened at that price Monday morning at the SuperBook, and the price was adjusted even further, to -5.5, about an hour later.

Colts at Chargers (pick ‘em)

Indy stared down the Seahawks and is now a nifty 4-1 SU on the season. San Diego turned the ball over five times in its loss at Oakland Sunday night, and the Colts reopened at -1 Monday for the Week 6 Monday nighter.

NFL Picks Week 5: Vegas's Early Lines for Week 5 in the NFL

NFL Picks Week 5: Vegas's Early Lines for Week 5 in the NFL: As usual, the following lines were borrowed from the www.linemakers.sportingnews.com

NFL Picks Week 5: Vegas's Early Lines for Week 5 in the NFLHere’s an early peek at the point spreads and totals for the Week 5 NFL slate. Lines are from the Wynn, unless noted with an asterisk. 

Thursday, October 3

Bills vs. Browns (-4, 42)

The Brian Hoyer-led Browns may have won some people over with their second straight win, at home Sunday over Cincinnati, as they opened as bigger than field-goal favorites next week against the Bills. Buffalo won Sunday, too, at home against Baltimore. The LVH SuperBook opened Cleveland -3.5 for this Thursday night tilt, but moved to -4 soon after.

Sunday, October 6

Chiefs vs. Titans (no line)

Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker was knocked out of Sunday’s game against the Jets, and with his status uncertain, Vegas books hesitated to hang a number on this game. No matter who is under center for the Titans, this game is a big one in the early going in the AFC. Kansas City remained unbeaten after dismissing the Giants, and the Titans are sitting at 3-1 after breezing past the Jets. Tennessee was the 1-point favorite when the LVH posted Week 5 lines last week.

Ravens vs. Dolphins (-3)*

Baltimore went down, 23-20, in Buffalo to fall back to .500. Miami is a touchdown underdog in New OrleansMonday night.

Jaguars vs. Rams (-13, 42)

Books just can’t make spreads against Jacksonville high enough. A 13-point dog in St. Louis? The Rams are 1-3 and looked pretty inept themselves in a home loss to the 49ers Thursday night.

Patriots vs. Bengals (-2)*

Cincy, after a fortunate win against Green Bay in Week 3, was sandwiched by the Browns on Sunday. They step back up in class next week.

Seahawks (-3/-120, 43) vs. Colts

Indy, a nifty 3-1, marks the second consecutive playoff-caliber AFC team Seattle has to face on the road. Down 20-3 at halftime, Seattle came back to beat the Texans in overtime to remain undefeated.

Lions vs. Packers (-6.5, 52.5)

Detroit rolled over Chicago Sunday. Green Bay had the benefit of a bye week. The LVH and William Hill both opened this game Packers -7.

Saints vs. Bears (pick ‘em)*

The LVH moved to Chicago -1 shortly after opening.

Eagles vs. Giants (-3, 55)

A battle of two disappointing NFC East clubs with a combined record of 1-7. Early bettors backed the dog, and both the Wynn and LVH moved to New York -2.5.

Panthers (-2, 41.5) vs. Cardinals

Arizona is back home after back-to-back trips to the Southeast. The Cards are 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS and get a Carolina team off a bye.

Chargers (-5.5)* vs. Raiders

William Hill was the first out with this one, as other books await news on Terrelle Pryor. In his absence, Matt Flynn did not impress in Sunday’s home loss to Washington.

Broncos (-6) vs. Cowboys

Denver’s another team that has to have books a bit nervous. They just keep covering big numbers. Bettors laid the 6 at the Wynn and LVH for next week’s game at Dallas, moving the line to 6.5 Sunday night at both shops.

Texans vs. 49ers (-7 even, 43)

Houston’s Super Bowl aspirations took another hit with an overtime loss at home to Seattle, but they’ll get another crack at a top-tier foe next week. San Francisco pulled itself to .500 with a win in St. Louis Thursday night. The LVH opened the 49ers -6.5, but adjusted to -7 about 15 minutes later.

Monday, October 7

Jets vs. Falcons (-9)*

The Jets came back down to earth in Tennessee Sunday. Atlanta will be in the primetime lights for the second week in a row. The Falcons re-opened at -8 Monday morning after dropping to 1-3 with their loss to the Patriots.