NFL Odds Week 15: Betting Tips after Friday's Injury Reports and Practice News
Thursday night's game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders was a perfect example of how injuries can heavily impact NFL games.
The Raiders and Chargers both came into the contest with 5-8 records. The Chargers, though, played without starting quarterback Justin Herbert (finger) and No. 1 receiver Austin Ekeler (heel). The remaining players produced a poor effort, and Los Angeles lost 63-21.
Injuries are sure to impact other games this weekend, and below, you'll find a few wagering tips based on the latest injury intel and practice reports.
Check the latest lines at DraftKings.
Bears and Browns over 38 Points
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Star Chicago Bears receiver D.J. Moore missed practice early in the week with an ankle injury, but he returned on Thursday. This is part of the reason why we like the Bears and Cleveland Browns matchup to hit the over.
Quarterback Justin Fields has shown a lot of growth during the season, and his connection with Moore is running extremely hot. The Bears have won two in a row, and they've also scored 26 or more points in two of their last three games.
The Browns defense, meanwhile, has started to fall apart. What appeared to be a shut-down unit early in the season has surrendered 92 points over the last three weeks. Fields' dual-threat ability will be an issue for Cleveland, and with pass-rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (pectoral), defensive tackle Maurice Hurts (pectoral) and safety Grant Deplit (groin) all likely done for the year, Chicago should put up points.
The Browns offense may have issues with an improving Bears secondary, but it has shown progress with veteran Joe Flacco under center. Don't expect a one-sided contest here, or a low-scoring defensive battle.
Bengals -3.5 Versus Vikings
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When the Cincinnati Bengals lost Joe Burrow (thumb) for the season a few weeks ago, their being favored against a 7-6 squad in December seemed unlikely. However, the steady play of backup Jake Browning has Cincinnati eyeing a playoff run.
This week, the Bengals host the Minnesota Vikings, who have a far less stable quarterback situation. Spot starter Joshua Dobbs was benched during the week, and Nick Mullens is expected to start for Minnesota.
That's a potential problem for the Vikings because they might not be able to support Mullens with a strong rushing attack. Starting back Alexander Mattison has already been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Start Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson is questionable with a chest injury.
The Bengals just routed a very good Indianapolis Colts team in Week 14, and they're equipped to handle Minnesota here. While the Vikings have a strong defense, the Bengals are loaded with offensive playmakers and largely healthy.
Expect Cincinnati to move to 8-6 on the season.
Titans -4 Versus Texans
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The Tennessee Titans upset the Miami Dolphins last Monday, which should give the team and rookie quarterback Will Levis plenty of confidence heading into Week 15.
However, injuries provide the biggest reason to back Tennessee at home. The Houston Texans are dealing with several of them and could struggle to put a competitive team on the field.
The Texans lost 30-6 to the New York Jets last week.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, quarterback C.J. Stroud (concussion) will miss this week's game, along with receiver Nico Collins (calf), pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr., linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring) and tackle George Fant (hip).
Officially, Stroud is doubtful.
Davis Mills is expected to start at quarterback for Houston, and he's going to have his hands full against a powerful and aggressive Tennessee defensive front. A Texans defense that ranks 30th in net yards per pass attempt, meanwhile, should struggle against the budding connection between Levis and DeAndre Hopkins.
Expect this line to creep further in Tennessee's direction as the weekend progresses.
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