As NFL fans gear up for Week 13, a standout feature is the Thanksgiving Day matchups. The games promise not just exciting football but also significant betting trends that could influence wagers across the board. According to CBS Sportsline handicapper Bruce Marshall, various trends are emerging that bettors should consider as they make their predictions.
Thanksgiving Day Matchups
The first game on Thursday features the Green Bay Packers visiting the Detroit Lions, with the Lions favored by 3 points and the over/under set at 48 points. The Packers have struggled this season, posting a 1-4 record against the spread on the road and suffering a 2-8-1 ATS skid away from home. In contrast, the Lions have been solid at home, boasting a 9-4 record on the over. This matchup leans slightly toward the over and favors the Lions.
Next, the Kansas City Chiefs travel to face the Dallas Cowboys, with the Chiefs also favored by 3 points and a total set at 52.5 points. The Chiefs have not covered in their last three games, and six of their past outings have gone under the total. The Cowboys, however, have covered three of their last four home games, suggesting a slight lean towards the under.
The final Thanksgiving game features the Cincinnati Bengals visiting the Baltimore Ravens, who are heavily favored at 7 points with a total of 51.5 points. Historical data shows that the last six meetings between these teams have gone over the total. The Bengals have struggled on the road, with a 1-4 ATS record this season, while the Ravens come in strong, having won five straight games and covering 3-2 ATS in that span. This matchup appears to lean towards the over.
Weekend Matchups and Trends
On Friday, the Chicago Bears will take on the Philadelphia Eagles, with the Eagles favored by 7 points and a total of 44.5 points. The Bears are on a roll, winning four straight and eight of their last nine games, while they have also averaged 5-1-1 on the over in road games. The Eagles had previously won and covered four games before suffering a loss against the Dallas Cowboys. This game shows a slight edge towards the Bears and the over.
As the weekend unfolds, several critical matchups will continue to shape the betting landscape. The Los Angeles Chargers are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders, with the Chargers favored by 10 points. The Chargers have dominated the Raiders recently, winning and covering in the last three meetings, including a 20-9 victory earlier this season. The Raiders are struggling with a 3-7 ATS record, giving the Chargers a slight edge.
In a closely watched game, the San Francisco 49ers will visit the Cleveland Browns, favored by 5.5 points with a total of 36 points. The 49ers have shown resilience, winning and covering in their last two games since quarterback Brock Purdy returned. They maintain a 5-2 ATS record on the road. The Browns have also shown scoring ability, going over the total in four of their last five games, pointing towards a potential over outcome.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, favored by 7 points against the Tennessee Titans, have won five of their last six games while maintaining a 4-2 ATS record. Their performance on the road has also leaned towards the over. Conversely, the Titans have covered three straight, suggesting a competitive game ahead.
The Indianapolis Colts will host the Houston Texans, with the Colts favored by 4 points. The Texans have seen nine of their past twelve games go under the total, while the Colts maintain an impressive home record of 5-0 straight up and 4-1 ATS. This matchup suggests a potential edge for the Colts and a lean towards the under.
As the week wraps up, other notable games include the New Orleans Saints at the Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons visiting the New York Jets. The Saints are struggling, having lost five of their last six, while the Dolphins aim to capitalize on this momentum. The Falcons have a solid ATS record on the road, while the Jets have also been underperforming, indicating a slight edge for the Falcons and an under outcome.
With the NFL season heating up, these insights will help bettors navigate the complexities of Week 13. As trends continue to evolve, staying informed will be key to making strategic wagers.
