The Indianapolis Colts may have the strangest split between actual results and results against the spread this season.
We don’t think about the Colts that much. This season they are 4-5. But despite the spread, they were one of the NFL’s best teams, going an impressive 7-2. According to Action Network, only two teams, the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, have a better record against the spread this season. They are the only team in the NFL with a losing record that is also at least two games above .500 against the spread. It’s a weird Colts season, from a gambling standpoint. They may not be very good, but gamblers should like them.
Here’s a look at Week 10 in the NFL from a betting perspective, with all the odds from BetMGM:
Thursday night: Bengals season on the line?
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow walked the sideline last Sunday angry after throwing five touchdowns in a win, and there had to be a reason for it. He understands that Thursday night at the Baltimore Ravens could be a crossroads game for the Bengals’ season. The 4-5 Bengals will need an upset or two to make the playoffs, and they are a six-point underdog in Baltimore.
There are reasons to believe the Bengals can at least keep it close. Burrow is playing well, and the Ravens’ weakness is their pass defense. Cincinnati should have won the first meeting in perhaps the best game of the first half of this NFL season in Week 5, but a failed field goal attempt in overtime led to a 41-38 Ravens victory. Baltimore is hard to slow down, but the Bengals can score with them.
Early Sunday match: Not a great match for Germany
The NFL is pushing its international games, but needs to offer better matchups to other countries. Does anyone think they will attract new fans on Sunday morning with New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers in German? Weft. The Giants are 6.5-point early-game favorites, which seems a bit high considering neither team is good. If Daniel Jones can’t make a big play against this Panthers defense, maybe it really is time for the Giants to make a QB change. Football fanatics will be watching two teams, but this game will test that.
Scheduling spot: 49ers get a big advantage
The NFL needs to pay a little more attention when scheduling some games. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t be satisfied. They played on the road Monday night and then came home to take on a San Francisco 49ers team that had a bye last week. That’s simply not good enough according to the NFL schedule makers. The 49ers, who may have Christian McCaffrey back, are six-point favorites. That relatively large line indicates that oddsmakers have taken into account the residual inequality for the Bucs in this game. It’s a difficult place for them to be in.
Player Prop of the Week: Russell Wilson passing yards
A month ago you wouldn’t have thought a Wilson would look good, but things are changing quickly. Wilson has 264 and 278 yards in his first two Steelers starts and is looking pretty good. The Commanders defense is improving, but has still been average at best this season. Wilson’s total passing yardage is just 216.5. Do we believe his career revival will carry over to another game?
Interesting underdog: Pittsburgh Steelers
Every NFL team should take every game equally seriously, but that’s not realistic. And the Washington Commanders have a great outlook on Sunday.
They face the Pittsburgh Steelers, but their thoughts may be focused on a Week 11 matchup. Thursday night in Week 11, the Commanders will play the Philadelphia Eagles in a huge NFC East game. Maybe that’s good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who play the Commanders on Sunday and are a three-point underdog. The Commanders are a good team, but so are the Steelers. Don’t be surprised if the commanders look a little flat.
Sunday evening: Letdown for Lions?
The Detroit Lions are the best team in the NFL right now. That doesn’t mean they are unbeatable. This is a tough game for the Lions, who are heading to the Houston Texans for the second time in a row. The Lions are favorites with 3.5 points and that seems a bit high. The Lions are coming off a huge win against the Green Bay Packers, while the Texans got some extra rest after a tough loss to the New York Jets. Keep an eye on Nico Collins’ availability as the Texans hope to get their No. 1 receiver back soon. Let’s not forget that the Texans are a pretty good team too.
Monday evening: Aries coming on strong
The Los Angeles Rams are on the rise and everyone will be focused on getting the offense healthy. That helps, of course. But it is the defense that has taken a huge step forward in recent weeks. Los Angeles seems like the type of team that could be a big story in the second half of the season. First, they have to beat the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. They are a slight one-point favorite. Miami is a better team with Tua Tagovailoa back, and even though they have lost both games since his return, they were both very close and heartbreaking losses. This should be a fun game, and a good test of whether the Rams’ hot streak can continue.
