The NFC and AFC standings are about to undergo some shakeups starting in Week 11, given the large number of teams in the AFC with at least six wins — and the failure of an NFC team to take charge of the conference. The rib and lung injuries to New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees makes the NFC race even more chaotic.
As you make your NFL betting plans for the coming weekend, take a look at our top three wagering games.
NFL News: Top Betting Games for This Weekend
Sunday, November 22
Tennessee Titans (+5.5) at Baltimore Ravens (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Both of these teams got off to strong starts, as the Titans were 5-0 and the Ravens were 5-1. However, both teams have slid to 6-3 records, joining a logjam in the AFC that currently has two 6-3 standings outside the seven playoff positions. The Titans have done well in the running game, as Derrick Henry has 946 rushing yards in nine games. Ryan Tannehill has managed ball security very well, putting up a 20:3 TD:INT ratio, but opposing defenses have found ways to catch up to the Tennessee offense. Special teams have also been a concern, as the Titans missed a key field goal and had a punt blocked for a touchdown in their loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Ravens are showing problems similar to the ones that plagued them in their playoff loss to Tennessee last year. When they can build an early lead, they use their running game to grind the opposition down and chew up clock. Their pass rush is terrific, with Calais Campbell and Matthew Judon combining for seven sacks so far. However, when they get behind, Lamar Jackson has not shown that he can consistently lead drives in the passing game. Given the motivation that the Ravens should have after last year’s playoff loss, though, it’s hard to see them failing to take advantage of this opportunity. Ravens to win and cover.
Green Bay Packers (+1.5) at Indianapolis Colts (4:25 pm ET, FOX)
Green Bay has won four of their last five on the road, but given that they were 13-3 last year and are 7-2 so far this year, they’ve done well both at home and away. Aaron Rodgers has thrown 13 touchdown passes in the last four games, as the Packers have done well moving the ball. Wide receiver Davante Adams remains questionable for Sunday, so you’ll want to review his status before locking in any wagers. The Packers rush the passer well behind eight sacks from Za’Darius Smith. One question is the ease of the Green Bay schedule, as they have only won once against a team over .500.
The Colts have done very well to move into first place in the AFC South, but quarterback Philip Rivers could still improve in terms of ball security. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes — but also seven picks, most of them coming in the second half of games. The strength of the Colts is their defense, as they permit under 20 points per game. Denico Autry leads the team with six sacks. Indy is 3-1 at home this season, winning those three games by a combined 50 points. But can Rivers outduel Aaron Rodgers? That’s hard to argue. I’m taking Green Bay to cover.
Kansas City (-8) at Las Vegas (8:20 pm ET, NBC)
This is the second meeting between these AFC West rivals; the Raiders won the game in Kansas City, giving the Chiefs their only loss on the season. In that game, the Chiefs could not muster a pass rush, and Patrick Mahomes threw his only interception of the season in the late going. He has 25 touchdown passes in a season when, in several games, the Chiefs have leaned heavily on the running game. The Kansas City defense only permits 20.3 points per game — but they allowed 40 to the Raiders.
Las Vegas is getting a terrific season out of Derek Carr, showing the most confidence he has since the 2016 season. Tailback Josh Jacobs has taken the pressure off Carr, picking up over 700 yards in nine games and scoring eight touchdowns. The defense allows almost 27 points per game, but that number has come down during their recent three-game winning streak. I think the Chiefs pull this one out, but this is a big line given where these teams are in the standings. Raiders to cover.
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