Matthew Ross
Now that was a week of chalk! The favorites were 9-3 on Sunday, making it a rough day for the sportsbooks. That said, it was a fun weekend. You even had some drama related to the point spreads. For example, how about the Panthers kicking a field goal to go up by 8 with 21 seconds left against the Jets? Was it necessary? Maybe. But it definitely helped a few football betting enthusiasts who had favorite Carolina.
2017 NFL Week 12 Betting Recap
-The Vikings defense is for real. It wasn’t that unit that almost blew it against the Lions, it was Kase Keenum taking his foot off the gas. As for the Lions, that was a tough loss. I’m afraid that their spirit might be broken moving forward.
-San Diego is 5-2 since they began 0-4, and are a wonderful NFL betting option, especially as underdog to teams with a better record. They’re buying in on both sides of the ball. As for Dallas, they are average at best without Zeke.
-Washington still believes that it can contend for a playoff spot. Kirk Cousins is making the best of his offensive weapons, even thought he continues to lose them to injury. I like their fight and I expect them to play a few more one-possession games from here on in. For the Giants, well, they suck. Hah.
-The Bengals did what they had to do against a bad Browns team. At 5-6, I don’t know if it’s too late to save their season or not. They need to continue to win out. Better teams than Cleveland will be able to score against them, I believe.
-The Panthers are rolling and the Jets were the latest victim. Carolina is now winning games a variety of ways. As long as Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly are healthy, they have a shot at the conference championship.
-Another week and another ugly Titans game. But they got the win and that’s all that matters. As a favorite I just can’t trust them on the wagering side, particularly versus more competent teams. The Colts did what they could to hang in there, but lack of talent is really holding them back right now.
-The Falcons have kicked it into high gear. Where was this team at the beginning of the season? Look out, NFC.
-Imagine being favored by 17 points and still covering. Welcome to the world of the best-run organization in football. Man, the Dolphins stink right now. How did they win four games, anyway?
-The Eagles are the best team in football right now. But have they peaked too early? We’ll sound find out. It’s hard to imagine them playing any better. Meanwhile, the Bears are sliding towards another good draft pick.
-The Chiefs simply don’t want to win their division. They’ve let both the Raiders and the Chargers back into the mix. K.C. lost their ability to run the ball and that’s really impacted Alex Smith and the passing game as well. The Bills stuffed the run and looked good with Tyrod Talor back at the helm. But Buffalo still has to play the Pats twice more, so is 9-7 their ceiling, perhaps?
-Seattle did what they had to do versus the Niners, but it was hard at times. I am worried about the Seahawks. This could be the year that they don’t make the playoffs, finally.
-Oakland is still rather sloppy on defense, but the offense is slowly waking up. I’m not sure they can outclass the Chiefs, but they sure can be a safe bet versus bottom feeders like the Broncos.
-Wow, now that was an impressive win by the Rams. They rebounded from a couple of losses and punched a good Saints team in the mouth. New Orleans was competitive on the road, which is a good sign for them as well. Both of these teams should be in the postseason.
-Blaine Gabbert won a game! Wow, the Jags really hurt their playoff chances with this one. The Cardinals are a middling team, so I’m not sure this win really matters. But Jacksonville really couldn’t afford to blow this game.
-Nice comeback by the Steelers. They usually play down to their opponent and the Packers without ARod are certainly down. Pittsburgh can’t afford to lose home field advantage to New England, so expect them to try and win out from here on in.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.
