Category: Betting
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The stakes are massive for both teams in this matchup. For Cincinnati, it’s a must-win scenario to keep their playoff hopes alive. With the Bengals playing on Saturday, they can put pressure on the Broncos and Dolphins, who take the field on Sunday. Their path is clear: win and hope both those teams lose to punch their ticket to the postseason.
As for Pittsburgh, while their AFC North title hopes hinge on a Ravens loss earlier in the day, their focus remains sharp. A win locks up the No. 5 seed and sets up a favorable wild-card matchup with the Texans, rather than a daunting rematch against the Ravens. Mike Tomlin has already signaled that his team will give full effort, regardless of Baltimore’s result.
The first meeting between these teams in Cincinnati was a high-scoring thriller that Pittsburgh won, piling up a season-high 520 yards of offense. While Cincinnati has won four straight since then, they’ve faced a string of underwhelming offenses, and their defense remains suspect. Adding George Pickens back into the mix makes Pittsburgh’s offense even more dangerous in this rematch.
The Steelers have been a reliable play as home underdogs under Tomlin, boasting a 19-11 straight-up record and an even better 20-9-1 ATS in this spot. They’ve also excelled this season on extended rest, going 3-0 both SU and ATS, a situation they find themselves in after playing on Christmas. Tomlin’s divisional underdog trends remain elite: 26-10-2 ATS (72%), with a 22-16 SU mark in those games. He hasn’t finished a season under .500 ATS in this spot since 2014 and is 2-1 ATS in 2024.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s struggles in road primetime games are well-documented, with a dismal 10-43 all-time record. Their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the previous matchup, and it’s hard to see them holding up any better this time around.
🏈AFC North rematches where the home team won the last matchup between each other while being on the road are 21-2 SU since 2007 as long as the home team winning percentage is above .250 and the total is set between 41.0 & 49.0
📝The Pittsburgh Steelers (0.625) will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday having won the last matchup 44-38 in Cincinnati on December 1st. The total is currently set at 48.0
🕢8:00 PM EST
📈Pittsburgh are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati.
📉Cincinnati are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference North division.
📊The Steelers are 6-1 SU when scoring 22 or more points this season. The Bengals have allowed 26.1 PPG this season – 4th worst
📊The Steelers are 6-1 SU when allowing less than 3 sacks this season. The Bengals have averaged 2.0 sacks per game over that time span – 6th worst
📊The Bengals are 1-4 against the spread vs top 10 run offenses this season – T-7th-worst in NFL. The Steelers are ranked 10th run offense in the league.
📊The Bengals are 2-11 SU when intercepting no passes since the 2023 season – 4th-worst in NFL. The Steelers have only been intercepted 6 times this season – 6th best in NFL.
🩹Tee Higgins (WR) and Chase Brown (RB) are currently questionable for Saturday’s game.
🎯Najee Harris has a TD in 5 straight games vs CIN
🎯Najee Harris has 53+ receiving yards in 5 straight home games.
🎯Najee Harris has over 11.5 rushing attempts – over 45.5 rushing yards – over 12.5 yards longest rush in 10 straight home games.
🔑With Pittsburgh playing for critical playoff seeding and carrying a strong track record at home, this line feels mispriced. The wrong team might be favored here.
✅Active on Pittsburgh Steelers ML
The Denver Nuggets face the San Antonio Spurs tonight in a matchup that offers plenty of intrigue for basketball fans and bettors alike. Denver is laying 3.5 points on the road, and there’s strong reason to believe they’ll cover that number convincingly.
The Nuggets, sitting atop the Western Conference standings, are a team built on consistency and led by the two-time MVP Nikola Jokić. Despite a narrow 113-110 loss to the Spurs just days ago, this game sets up as a prime bounce-back opportunity for Denver. Jokić, averaging a stunning 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, remains the engine of this offense, capable of exploiting mismatches at every position. Against the Spurs’ porous defense, ranked near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency, Jokić is likely to dominate the paint and control the pace of the game.
Another reason to lean toward Denver is their strong record after a loss. The Nuggets have thrived in situations requiring adjustments, thanks to head coach Michael Malone’s strategic prowess. Under his guidance, Denver has covered the spread in 62% of their games following a defeat over the past two seasons. The recent loss to San Antonio also came under atypical circumstances, with Denver shooting just 29% from three-point range, well below their season average of 37%. A return to form from beyond the arc should tilt the scales heavily in their favor tonight.
On the defensive side, the Nuggets have the personnel to limit San Antonio’s offensive focal point, Victor Wembanyama. While the rookie phenom has been sensational, averaging nearly 26 points per game, he’s faced struggles against elite defenders. Denver’s Aaron Gordon, should he play tonight, offers the physicality and agility needed to challenge Wembanyama’s shot creation. Even if Gordon remains sidelined, the Nuggets’ defensive schemes have been effective at neutralizing opposing big men, relying on rotations that force the ball out of their hands.
The Spurs, for all their excitement around Wembanyama, remain a rebuilding team prone to inconsistency. With a 7-14 record as moneyline underdogs this season, they’ve struggled to perform against elite competition. Their defense has been a glaring weakness, allowing 118.7 points per game, and they’ve failed to contain dynamic offenses like Denver’s. While San Antonio’s young roster is undoubtedly improving, they remain outmatched against the discipline and execution of the Nuggets.
Finally, there’s a psychological edge in Denver’s favor. The Nuggets, as defending NBA champions, thrive under the spotlight and rarely drop back-to-back games against inferior competition. Their veteran experience contrasts sharply with the youthful Spurs, who are still finding their identity in high-pressure moments.
🏀In conference back-to-back games when the now away team lost the last game by 2 to 17 points margin facing an opponent with a winning percentage below .660 are a stellar 43-0 ATS since 2007 when the spread is between -3.5 & 7.0
📝The Denver Nuggets visits the San Antonio Spurs (.529) having lost yesterday by 3 points to the same Spurs. They are now favored by -2.5 points.
🕢8:00 PM EST
📈Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in the 2nd game of a back-to-back.
📊The Nuggets have averaged 54.9 points in the paint per game since the start of the 2023-24 season – 2nd-highest in the NBA.
📊The Spurs have allowed 52.7 points in the paint per game since the start of the 2023-24 season – 4th-worst in the NBA.
🎯Russell Westbrook has over 14.5 points in his last 5 games on the road (18.2 avg) and San Antonio allowed over 14.5 points to starting PGs in 4 of last 5 at home.
🎯Jeremy Sochan has under 1.5 blocks+steals in his last 5 games. Denver held starting PFs to under 1.5 blocks+steals in their last 5 games.
🗑️1st basket: Victor Wembanyama +425
🔪Sharp money is on San Antonio ML (29% of the public vs 65% of the money)
🔑Denver’s ability to rebound, both figuratively and literally, sets them up to not only win but to comfortably cover the -3.5 spread. With Jokić at the helm, a refined shooting performance, and a more cohesive defensive effort, the Nuggets are primed to reassert their dominance in San Antonio tonight.
✅Active on Denver Nuggets -3.0 (ATS)
The Edmonton Oilers and Seattle Kraken meet tonight in what could be a lower-scoring affair, with several underlying trends pointing toward the total staying under 6.5 goals. Both teams have shown tendencies in recent weeks that lean toward controlled, defensive hockey rather than high-scoring shootouts.
The Oilers have displayed a renewed focus on defensive structure, climbing into the league’s top ten in goals against over their past ten games. This shift has helped them limit opponents’ scoring opportunities and has resulted in fewer high-scoring contests. Coupled with their inconsistent offensive output, especially against disciplined defensive teams like the Kraken, Edmonton’s games have often struggled to reach inflated goal totals.
The Kraken, known for their methodical, grind-it-out style of play, complement this narrative. Their system emphasizes limiting high-danger chances, and while their scoring has been opportunistic, they rarely engage in wide-open games. Over their recent stretch, Seattle has been involved in several matchups where pace and shot quality have been tightly controlled, contributing to games that trend under the projected totals.
Fatigue could also play a role tonight. Edmonton is coming off a game just two days ago, and the quick turnaround often forces teams to prioritize a more cautious and defensive style. This approach is likely to slow the tempo, reducing transition opportunities and overall scoring chances. The Kraken, who thrive in low-event hockey, are adept at capitalizing on this scenario, further tipping the scales toward a lower total.
🏒Home teams priced between -120 & +200 when the total is set at 6.5 are 12-0 to the UNDER when playing vs a team in the same division.
📝The Seattle Kraken hosts the Edmonton Oilers being priced at +140 with a total at 6.5
🕢10:00 PM EST
📈The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton’s last 7 games.
🥅Calvin Pickard (66) / Philipp Grubauer (12)
🎯Zach Hyman has a point in 8 straight divisional games.
🔑Considering these factors, the teams’ tendencies toward lower-scoring games, the Oilers’ recent defensive performance, and potential fatigue from back-to-back games, it is plausible to be confident that the total goals scored in tonight’s matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Seattle Kraken will stay below 6.5.
✅Active on Edmonton Oilers @ Seattle Kraken UNDER 6.5
Neither team has played since late November, but Liberty comes into this matchup at a major disadvantage. Five starters, including quarterback Kaidon Salter, arguably the engine of their offense, have entered the transfer portal.
Buffalo, on the other hand, is in a far better position. The Bulls have had minimal roster turnover, with only two players in the portal, one of whom is the kicker, who still plans to finish the season. Being at full strength gives Buffalo a clear edge in this game.
If everything fell perfectly into place for Liberty, they’d have a shot at winning. But that’s a big “if.” Asking a quarterback with no career starts to succeed behind a backup-heavy offensive line is a tall order.
Buffalo isn’t without flaws, but they’ve got the tools to handle this matchup. Players like Dolac, Stewart, and linebacker Dion Crawford provide a solid defensive foundation. And while defensive back Marquis Cooper’s status is uncertain after missing the season finale, the Bulls’ defensive unit is still capable of dictating this game.
🏈Winning record teams averaging less than 43.5 points/game on a 2+ games winning streak are 19-1-1 ATS since 2014 when their spread is >-10.0 and the total more than 46.0
📝Buffalo Bulls receives the Liberty Flames being on a 2 games winning streak, favored by 3 points and a total set at 50.5
🕢11:00 AM EST
📈Bulls are 2-0 ATS vs teams allowing less than 25 points/game.
📉Liberty has failed to cover the spread in 4 of the last 5 non-conference games they played.
🎯Ryan Burger has under 152.5 passing yards & under 1.5 TD passes in his last 6 games.
🔑The game will likely be controlled on the ground, especially with Liberty’s offensive limitations. In the end, I see Buffalo covering the -4.5 spread comfortably.
✅Active on Buffalo Bulls -4.5 (ATS)
📊04/01/2025 SYSTEMS RECAP⬇️
🏈21-2 NFL ML • 8 wins streak🔥 | Pittsburgh Steelers ML
🏀43-0 NBA ATS • WHAT ?🤯🔥🔥 | Denver Nuggets -3.5
🏒12-0 NHL O/U 🔥 | Edmonton Oilers @ Seattle Kraken U6.5
🏈19-1-1 NCAAF ATS • Active since 2014 | Buffalo Bulls -4.5
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Money Baller NBA Report – New Years Day – Jan 1 2025
Welcome to the FIRST Money Baller Report for 2025! Thank you all for a wonderful 2024. We are thankful for your support and business and look forward to a successful 2025. We are working on developing some back-end tools aimed at increasing speed and performance, while bringing additional data and features.
We ended 2024 poorly, with a 1-4 on the featured trends from Friday’s report – let’s bounce back on today’s New Year slate!
Published: Wednesday, January 1- 12:33 PM CST
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New Years Day Angles
Small sample size, but home teams are 9-2 ATS and 2-8-1 O/U in previous 2 seasons
Dating back to the 2013-2014 season, on New Years Day, road teams off a home win are 2-17 SU and 3-16 ATS. This is active to fade the Magic.
Magic @ Pistons
- Magic: 11-23 1H ATS
- Baller System active to play on the Pistons: Conference home favorite with revenge
- Situational Spots: Rest advantage and revenge favor the Pistons.
- New Years Day angle shared above fading the Magic.
TMB Thoughts: We like the Pistons in this spot, but the best angle is Pistons 1H -1. The Pistons’ offense has been clicking in the last 10 days (10th in Offensive Rating) and we have no interest in playing them full game as the scrappy Magic have a tendency for 2nd half comebacks.
Bulls @ Wizards
- 1 Baller System favoring Wizards (fading team off OT win)
- 2 Baller Systems on the Over
TMB Thoughts: Situational angles point to the Wizards, but we don’t trust them enough. Passing on this one.
Pelicans @ Heat
- Heat: 0-6 1H ATS and 1-5 full game ATS on the first game of a B2B
- Heat: 1-5 1H Team Total O/U on first game of B2B
- Heat: 1-5 1H Team Total O/U with more rest than opponent
- Pelicans: 3-12 ATS on the road
TMB Thoughts: The Heat 1H trends are interesting – I don’t think it’s enough to be actionable, especially with the Pelicans’ horrid defense. We’ll pass on it.
Nets @ Raptors
- Nets: 21-11 1H ATS
- Nets: 5-1 1H ATS on the first game of a B2B
- Nets: 6-1 1H ATS with more rest than opponent
- 2 Baller Systems active on the Nets
TMB Thoughts: Trends point to Nets 1H, but they’ve shifted from favorites to underdogs. With D’Angelo Russell’s debut, this game feels unpredictable. We are passing, for now.
Mavericks @ Rockets
- Rockets: 10-22 1H O/U
- Mavericks: Luka Doncic out
- Mavericks: Travel fatigue (4th straight game on the road)
- Rockets short-handed (Amen Thompson suspended)
TMB Thoughts: With both teams facing key absences and 2 Baller Systems favoring the under, the play is the under. We are playing the 1H Under 114.
Hawks @ Nuggets
- Nuggets: 20-11 O/U
- Hawks: 21-11-1 O/U
- 2 Baller Systems on the Over
TMB Thoughts: Two over-leaning teams and system plays point to Over 246.5. High total, but we trust the pace and defensive issues to push it over.
76ers @ Kings
- Kings: 12-21 ATS (6-13 ATS at home)
- Kings: 2-12 ATS as favorites of 2.5-7 points
- 76ers: 9-21 1H O/U
TMB Thoughts: Neither team has been trustworthy this season. We will sit this one out.
Money Baller NBA Report – Sunday, Dec. 29
NFL Week 17 Newsletter: Stats, Trends, and Expert Picks
Money Baller NBA Report – Friday, Dec. 27
Money Baller Christmas Day Report, Dec. 25
🎄 Welcome to the Christmas Edition of The Money Baller Report! 🎄
We hope you’re having a joyful holiday season filled with family, friends, and relaxation. As we wrap up the year, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and trust. Your engagement and enthusiasm have made 2024 a fantastic year, and we look forward to bringing you even more success and prosperity in 2025.
Happy Holidays from all of us at The Money Baller – let’s close out the year strong!
Published: Wednesday, December 25, 2024 – 8:30 AM CST
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NFL: Ravens @ Texans
- Texans: 12-3 1H ATS, 6-9 ATS overall
- Texans: 5-10 Team Total O/U
- Ravens: 12-3 O/U
- Baller System: Playoff rematch unders are in play.
TMB Thoughts: With playoff rematch trends favoring lower scores and the Texans have really struggled with their offense as of late, we’re playing the Under 47 here.
We have nothing meaningful on the Chiefs/Steelers game.
NBA: Spurs @ Knicks
- Spurs: 10-18-1 1H ATS – Slow starts continue to plague San Antonio, struggling to cover early.
- Knicks: 9-4 1H ATS as home favorites – Consistently strong out of the gate at Madison Square Garden.
- TMB Thoughts: Knicks have been a reliable 1H team, and the Spurs’ trends suggest this continues. We like Knicks 1H -5 to take advantage of this early edge.
NBA: Timberwolves @ Mavericks
- Mavericks: 1-11 O/U holding opponents’ team total as home favorites – Dallas locks down at home, keeping opposing scores low.
- Timberwolves: 7-21 Team Total O/U – Minnesota has been unreliable offensively all season long.
- TMB Thoughts: The numbers overwhelmingly point toward the Timberwolves struggling to hit their mark. We’re backing Timberwolves Team Total Under 108, expecting Dallas’ defense to dictate the pace.
NBA: 76ers @ Celtics
- Sixers: 7-20 1H O/U | 9-21 Team Total O/U – Philadelphia trends heavily towards low-scoring starts and full-game team total unders.
- TMB Thoughts: While the trends are clear, the line feels sharp. We’re not seeing enough value to confidently back any angle, so this is a stay-away for now.
NBA: Lakers @ Warriors
- Warriors: 7-21 1H Team Total O/U – Golden State has struggled to find offensive rhythm early in games.
- TMB Thoughts: Despite the trend, there’s not enough conviction to place a bet. We’re passing on this one.
NBA: Nuggets @ Suns
- Nuggets: 1-7 ATS as road favorites – Denver has struggled to cover this season, especially as road favorites.
- Suns: 9-19 ATS | 4-11 ATS at home – Phoenix has been consistently underperformed against market expectations, especially at home.
- TMB Thoughts: We’re leaning Nuggets -2.5, with a Baller System active on the Nuggets and Devin Booker out for the Suns.
Money Baller NBA Report – Saturday, Dec. 21
NFL Week 16 Newsletter: Stats, Trends, and Expert Picks
Welcome to the NFL Week 16 Newsletter! Each week, we’ll provide you with valuable insights, covering key trends, stats, and in-depth analysis of game totals, along with detailed write-ups on our picks. Our Week 15 Newsletter picks went 2-1, which brings our season record on released picks to 25-19-2.
NFL Week 16 Newsletter Table of Contents:
- I. Team Trends
- II. Totals Analysis
- III. Baller System: Road favorites off a loss as a home favorite
- IV. Baller System: Fade home favorites off a loss
- V. Double-Digit Favorites
- Write-ups and picks
Click here for NFL Week 16 Matchup Pages
I. NFL Week 16 Newsletter – Team Trends
These aren’t always actionable trends to base a play off, but they highlight interesting tendencies to note that may be telling:
- Titans: 2-12 ATS this season
- Ravens: 11-3 O/U this season
- Panthers: 10-3-1 1H O/U this season
- Dolphins: 2-12 1H Team Total O/U this season
- Texans: 12-2 1H ATS this season (but only 6-8 full game ATS)
- Steelers: 5-1 ATS as an underdog this season
- Lions: 11-3 1H ATS this season
- Bears: 4-10 1H ATS this season
- Browns: 3-11 Team Total O/U this season
- Bills: 12-2 Team Total O/U this season
- Bengals: 10-4 O/U this season.
- Cowboys: 4-13 ATS in L17 games as underdogs.
- Cowboys: 1-8 ATS in L9 home games.
Not active this week or already passed:
- Seahawks: 1-6-1 ATS in L8 games as favorites.
- Bengals: 5-0 ATS as road favorites
- Giants: 0-8 1H ATS as home underdogs
- Broncos: 10-3-2 1H O/U
- Chargers: 11-2-2 1H ATS this season
- Chargers: held opponents 1H Team Total 3-12 O/U this season.
- Bears: 0-7 1H ATS on the road this season.
- Patriots: 2-12-2 ATS in L16 home games.
II. NFL Week 16 Newsletter – Totals Analysis
Scoring Trends and Week 15 Recap
Scoring took another dip in Week 15, with games averaging 44.9 points per game (PPG). This marks a noticeable drop from the 47.3 PPG seen in Week 14, reinforcing the downward trajectory as the season heads into its final stretch. The median scoring also reflected this shift, landing at 43.5 points. The season-long scoring average remains at 45.6 PPG, while totals betting for Week 15 ended 7-8-1 O/U, showing a slightly under-leaning trend.
Season Trends and Outlook
- Season-long totals record: 114-106-4 to the over.
- Week 16 average total: 44.5, slightly below the season-long scoring average of 45.6 PPG.
While the over has held a slight edge throughout the season, recent weeks indicate a gradual shift toward lower-scoring games, aligning with historical late-season patterns.
Key Late-Season Factors Supporting Unders
- Divisional Familiarity
As teams meet for the second time in a season, defenses are more prepared for offensive schemes, limiting explosive plays. This often leads to more conservative play-calling and defensive adjustments, keeping scores in check. - Playoff Contenders Tightening Up
With playoff spots at stake, contenders shift focus to minimizing mistakes. Strategies emphasize ball security and field position over aggressive, high-risk plays, which can naturally lead to lower-scoring affairs. - Weather Conditions
December football in outdoor stadiums introduces unpredictable weather variables. Cold temperatures, wind, and precipitation can disrupt passing and kicking efficiency, forcing teams to lean on their run games and drain the clock.
Week 16 Takeaways
The combination of reduced scoring and a slightly lower average total for Week 16 signals that oddsmakers are starting to price in these late-season dynamics. Nevertheless, this environment creates opportunities for sharp bettors to identify value, particularly in divisional matchups and games with playoff implications.
Staying ahead of market shifts and recognizing situational factors will be crucial for success in totals betting as the regular season winds down. Focus on weather reports, divisional rivalries, and teams in playoff contention to pinpoint the best under opportunities.
III. Baller System: Road favorites after a loss as a home favorite
Since the 2018 season, road favorites of 2.5 points or more, coming off a loss as home favorites, have posted a strong 53-22-4 ATS record. This system has gone 9-3 ATS this season.
Teams that suffer an unexpected home loss as a favorite often respond with a bounce-back performance in their next outing. The fact that they are favored on the road following such a setback suggests confidence from oddsmakers, signaling potential for a solid rebound.
This is active to play on the Lions (vs. Bears) in Week 16.
IV. Baller System: Fading Home Favorites off a Loss
Since the 2015 season, fading home favorites off a loss playing an opponent off a win has gone 162-108-3 ATS (59.9%). Backing this has gone 11-5 ATS this season.
By fading home favorites coming off a loss, the system capitalizes on momentum favoring the road underdog. After a loss, home favorites may feel increased pressure to perform, which can lead to mistakes or overestimation by the market. Conversely, their opponents—coming off a win—often carry a morale boost and are less likely to be weighed down by expectations. This psychological edge can allow road underdogs to cover the spread more effectively than anticipated.
This is active to play on the Broncos (fade the Chargers) in Week 16. (This lost on Thursday Night Football)
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V. Betting Analysis: Double-digit Favorites
When it comes to betting on the NFL, taking a double-digit favorite can feel risky, especially with the potential for backdoor covers and unpredictable late-game scoring. However, data shows that large spreads are more favorable to bettors than one might expect. Since the 2015 season, favorites with spreads of 10 or more points have covered at an impressive 56.6% clip, going 155-119-10 ATS. (6-4 ATS this season)
Notably, success rates increase as the line grows larger.
Lines of 14 points or greater: Favorites have gone 46-31-4 ATS (59.7%) since 2015.
Lines of 17 points or greater: These heavy favorites have covered 73.3% of the time, going 11-4 ATS.
Betting big favorites might seem daunting, but history suggests they have a strong chance of rewarding bold bettors.
This is active to play on the Bills -14 this week against the Patriots and Packers -14 against the Saints.
NFL Week 16 Newsletter – Breakdowns
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears
Game Breakdown:
The Detroit Lions are in prime position for a bounce-back performance as they face the struggling Chicago Bears. The Bears are facing a challenging set of circumstances, coming off a short week after their Monday Night Football game and already looking ahead to a Thursday Night Football contest. This situational disadvantage is compounded by their return home after three consecutive road games, often a spot associated with letdown performances.
For the Lions, the injury report earlier in the week painted a concerning picture, but the reality has turned out to be less severe. While David Montgomery will sit this game out, Jahmyr Gibbs is more than ready to take on the primary rushing duties. On the other hand, the Bears continue to spiral downward, having lost eight straight games.
Historical Trends Favor the Lions:
Since 2018, road favorites of 2.5 points or more who are coming off a loss as home favorites have delivered an impressive 53-22-4 ATS record.
Teams that unexpectedly lose at home as favorites often rebound with focused and dominant performances in their following game. Being listed as road favorites after such a loss indicates confidence from oddsmakers and suggests the potential for a commanding response.
Key Betting Trends:
- Lions: 11-3 1H ATS (First Half Against the Spread)
- Bears: 4-10 1H ATS
The Lions’ first-half dominance this season, coupled with the Bears’ struggles, makes this a strong play. Expect Detroit to come out aggressive and build an early lead against a weary Chicago team.
Pick: Lions 1H -3.5
Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks
Two Baller Systems are active on the under for this matchup, highlighting favorable conditions for a low-scoring affair. One system triggers when the market total is substantially lower than average scoring trends, while the other activates for home underdogs who have a Thursday game ahead.
Geno Smith is likely to be less than 100% as he faces a stout Vikings defense (#2 in Defensive DVOA). Both teams are in challenging situational spots – the Vikings are coming off short rest after a Monday Night Football game and have key divisional matchups looming against the Packers and Lions. Similarly, the Seahawks have a Thursday Night Football game on the horizon.
Seattle has consistently hit the under when playing as home underdogs, posting a 4-1 record to the under in those situations. With two strong defensive teams squaring off and situational angles aligning, this game leans heavily towards a lower total.
Pick: Under 42.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
The Buccaneers have consistently exceeded expectations this season with a 10-4 ATS record. Baker Mayfield continues to lead the charge effectively, and the offense benefits from strong contributions by Bucky Irving, who is confirmed to be available for this matchup. With the Atlanta Falcons close behind in the divisional race, the Buccaneers must maintain their winning momentum.
Conversely, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a less urgent position, as their season is effectively over. Cooper Rush steps in at quarterback, but there is little confidence in his ability to steer the team, especially following an outright win as underdogs. This creates a classic letdown scenario.
Key Betting Trends:
- Cowboys: 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games as underdogs.
- Cowboys: 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games.
Expect Tampa Bay to continue their strong form and cover the spread against a Cowboys team with little left to play for.
Pick: Buccaneers -4