NFL Week 16 Odds

The NFL is such a war of attrition and Lions fans are certainly aware of that first hand.

Dan Campbell’s squad looked unstoppable through most of the season, but has been decimated with injuries over the last couple weeks – especially on the defensive side of the ball.

This is not ideal as the playoff picture begins to take shape.

That scenario led to quite a high-scoring affair in Detroit’s 48-42 loss to the Bills in Week 14. The Lions can certainly score, but can that overcome the team’s growing defensive shortcomings?

That remains to be seen, but overcoming adversity is what separates great teams from the also-rans.

Speaking of injuries, Chiefs fans will be watching quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ ankle injury, sustained last week against the Browns.

Kansas City faces a tough Texans team this week and also has the Steelers and the Broncos to close out the season.

“You don’t want to go out there and put yourself in harm’s way,” Mahomes said. “It’s football. You’re going to take hits, but you want to be able to protect yourself.”

Considering the team’s numerous close wins this season and the “Mahomes magic” to finish out games, bettors may be considering the Chiefs’ opponents if he’s not able to go. Here’s a look at the week ahead.

Also, check out our week 16 props and parlay picks to get you even more expert analysis.

Matchups to Watch

Some nice action awaits NFL fans with another bruising contest expected in Baltimore with the Steelers (10-4) coming to town for the latest AFC North tilt.

Pittsburgh sits atop the division, a game ahead of the Ravens (9-5) and won the last matchup earlier this season.

The Ravens can certainly put up points and Lamar Jackon is fifth in the league in passing with 3,580 yards and 34 touchdowns.

He also has the fewest interceptions among QBs with 12 or more starts at just three. Derrick Henry also continues to blast defenses and is second in the league in rushing yardage with 1,474 and 13 TDs.

That success has equated to the league’s top offense, averaging 424 yards a game.

Pittsburgh has a much more workmanlike offense, fitting for the Steel City, but a solid defense that falls within the top 10 in the league with opponents averaging just under 19 points per game.

This one should be worth tuning in for. Here’s a look at some other games to keep an eye on.

• Broncos (9-5) at Chargers (8-6) – The Chargers currently sit in the seventh playoff spot and the Broncos are in the sixth. The nearest contenders are 6-8 (Colts, Dolphins, Bengals), but the Chargers can’t afford to go on a losing streak now.
• Texans (9-5) at Chiefs (13-1) – Will Mahomes start? That’s not yet known. If not, look for Carson Wentz at QB. Both have clinched their divisions, but the Texans may be looking for a statement game.
• Eagles (12-2) at Commanders (9-5) – The Eagles may not be getting along, but just keep winning, including an impressive 27-13 victory over the Steelers last week. This should be an interesting NFC East clash after Philadelphia won the first matchup.

Week 16 NFL Odds

Ready to make those selections for this week? Here’s a look at this week’s odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

Matchup	Betting Line	Moneyline	Total
Broncos at Chargers	Chargers -2.5	Broncos +124 Chargers -146	42.5
Texans at Chiefs	Chiefs -3	Texans +132 Chiefs -156	41.5
Steelers at Ravens	Ravens -6.5	Steelers +235 Ravens -290	45.5
Browns at Bengals	Bengals -7.5	Browns +310 Bengals -390	46.5
Cardinals at Panthers	Cardinals -4.5	Cardinals -205 Panthers _172	46.5
Eagles at Commanders	Eagles -3.5	Eagles -180 Commanders +152	45.5
Giants at Falcons	Falcons -7.5	Giants +330 Falcons -420	42.5
Titans at Colts	Colts -3.5	Titans +160 Colts -198	42.5
Lions at Bears	Lions -6.5	Lions -300 Bears +240	47.5
Rams at Jets	Rams -3	Rams -178 Jets +150	46.5
Vikings at Seahawks	Vikings -3.5	Vikings -168 Seahawks +142	42.5
Patriots at Bills	Bills -14.5	Patriots +640 Bills -950	46.5
49ers at Dolphins	Dolphins -1.5	49ers +100 Dolphins -118	44.5
Jaguars at Raiders	Raiders -1.5	Jaguars -104 Raiders -112	39.5
Buccaneers at Cowboys	Buccaneers -3.5	Buccaneers -198 Cowboys +168	48.5
Saints at Packers	Packers -14.5	Saints +700 Packers -1100	42.5

Interesting Prop Bets

Lamar Jackson showed up big last week to easily top 214.5 yards for a payout of -115 in a 35-14 win over the Giants.

The Ravens QB ended the game with 290 passing yards and five touchdowns and chipped in with 65 rushing yards as well.

This week, look for Lions QB Jared Goff to top score two or more passing TDs at -175 (DraftKings) against what has been a pretty shoddy Bears defense.

Picks for the People

We delivered another 6-2 record last week, including the Lamar Jackson prop bet. That brings our overall season record to  61-45 after five winning weeks in a row.

So far this season, we’ve had eight winning weeks, three even weeks, and four losing weeks. That includes an 8-2 record over the last 10 weeks – not too bad. Let’s keep that mojo going.

• Broncos (9-5) at Chargers (8-6) – Look for just enough scoring to get over the 42.5 total.
• Steelers (10-4) at Ravens (9-5) – The Ravens seem motivated and can put up plenty of points. Look for Lamar and the boys to continue that trend and the total going over 45.5.
• Eagles (12-2) at Commanders (9-5) – This one may be yet another high-scoring affair. Both teams sit inside the top 10 in the league in scoring, with Philly averaging 26.4 points per game and Washington at an even better 28.3. Take the over 45.5.
• Titans (3-1) at Colts (6-8) – There is no room for error if the Colts hope to have any chance at a playoff appearance. The Titans look like a JV team and Indy should have enough scoring to get over the 3.5. Hopefully Jonathan Taylor can hold on to the football until he crosses the goal line this week.
• Lions (12-2) at Bears (3-10) – The Bears are in disarray and Dan Campbell may be looking to take out some frustrations here after a tough loss to the Bills last week, definitely trouncing the lowly Bears by more than a touchdown (or two).
• Vikings (12-2) at Seahawks (8-6) – The Vikings are 9-4-1 against the spread and continue delivering for bettors. Minnesota is now tied with the Lions in the NFC North and can win the division if Detroit falters. Look for max effort here and a win by more than the 3.5.
• Patriots (3-11) at Bills (11-3) – Josh Allen looks to have the inside track as league MVP and the Bills have become an offensive juggernaut. This is a steep line of 14.5 but look for Buffalo to continue ramping up the firepower and a crushing defeat for the lowly Patriots, who rank 31st in average points per game and in the bottom half of the league in defense.
• Buccaneers (8-5) at Cowboys (6-8) – Despite the three-game winning streak, Dallas still has major issues – including plenty of injuries. The Bucs have turned their season around by winning four in a row, three of those by 15 or more. The Bucs have punished bad teams and should do that again in this one to win by (much) more than 3.5.

Good luck with our own picks this week!