NFL Odds Week 16: Betting Tips after Friday's Injury Reports and Practice News
The NFL playoff race is in full stride, and Thursday's game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints was a great way to get Week 16 started. The Rams survived in a 30-22 contest, putting them in prime position to secure a wild-card berth over the final two weeks.
The rest of the schedule will feature several playoff-relevant contests, and depending on how things unfold, a few more teams could secure postseason berths by Monday night.
Here, we'll dive into some of the top matchups, latest injury information and practice reports to target three prime wagering opportunities based on the latest odds.
Check the latest lines at DraftKings.
Avoid the Bills -12.5 at Chargers
1 of 3
The Buffalo Bills were a much more enticing pick early in the week, when the line was -10.5. While the shift may be slight, it's significant enough to consider avoiding the line entirely.
The Bills are playing as well as any team in football right now, and Josh Allen should thrive against a bad Los Angeles Chargers pass defense. However, There's no telling how L.A. responds to the firing of head coach Brandon Staley.
If the Chargers find motivation under interim coach Giff Smith, they could keep this one relatively close. Easton Stick threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns last week, albeit in a blowout loss, and Los Angeles should put some points on the board without Keenan Allen.
Safety Micah Hyde (neck) has already been ruled out for Buffalo, which is big. The daunting trip from New York to Los Angeles could also impact the Bills' ability to dominate this game.
We'd still expect Buffalo to win here—the Bills' playoff lives depend on winning out—but the over (44 points) has become a far more favorable pick.
Trust the Buccaneers -2 Versus Jaguars
2 of 3
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were initially underdogs against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the line has shifted in their favor throughout the week. The impetus? Jags QB Trevor Lawrence remains in the concussion protocol.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jacksonville will likely start C.J. Beathard in Lawrence's stead.
That means we're likely to see a Beathard-Baker Mayfield matchup on Sunday. Tampa has the advantage there.
The Buccaneers also have a big advantage with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and a talented group of pass-catchers against a poor Jaguars pass defense. Jacksonville ranks 29th in passing yards allowed and 26th in passing touchdowns allowed.
Mayfield may not replicate his Week 15 numbers (381 yards, 4 TDs), but he should have another strong outing. Without Lawrence, Jacksonville will find it difficult to keep pace.
Tampa has also been the scrappier team as of late. The NFC South title is within reach, and the Bucs are going to treat this like a playoff game. Expect them to win their fourth straight and to do it by more than a field goal.
Take the Seahawks -3.5 at Titans
3 of 3
The Seattle Seahawks upended the Philadelphia Eagles last Monday with backup quarterback Drew Lock. They're set to get Geno Smith back under center this week, while the Tennessee Titans are expected to be without Will Levis (ankle).
While Seattle faces a tough cross-country trip for this one, it also has plenty to play for. At 7-7, the Seahawks are still alive in the wild-card race. The 5-9 Titans are not.
Expect the Seahawks to play with a sense of urgency in Tennessee, which is part of the reason to like them as road favorites. The other is Seattle's stellar receiving corps and its matchup with an underwhelming secondary.
As long as Smith hits the ground running, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should surge through a Titans defense ranked 24th in net yards per pass attempt.
The big question here is whether Seattle can contain Derrick Henry and perhaps the occasional big play from veteran Ryan Tannehill. That will be a challenge, but Seattle is at a win-or-go-home stage of the season.
Pete Carroll generally has his team ready to go when its back is against the wall. He'll do it again in Week 16.
*Injury information from NFL.com unless otherwise noted.
Gambling problem? Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visiting ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), visiting OPGR.org (OR), or calling/texting TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
