Top Betting Odds and Picks for 2016 NFL Week 13

Without delving into unnecessary chitter-chatter and time-wasting intros, let’s jump straight to real business and take a look at our top betting odds and picks for 2016 NFL Week 13:

Top Betting Odds and Picks for 2016 NFL Week 13

   

Kansas City at Atlanta (PK), Sunday, December 4

NFL Week 13 Pick: Kansas City (PK) Historically speaking, the Falcons have dominated the all-time series against Kansas City, winning 5 of their 8 overall meetings, including three of the last four dating back to 2000. This game is, however, likely to be different, given that the Chiefs have been the better side over the last couple of seasons, including a solid finish to their 2015 season. Matt Ryan and the Falcons will be a competitive side, probably more improved than they were last season, but after seeing how the Chiefs compounded a solid second half of the 2015 season (to finish on a 10-game regular-season winning streak) while the Falcons fizzled out after a hot start to the year; I’d be willing to trust more in Kansas City to win this Week 13 clash.

Los Angeles at New England (-9), Sunday, December 4

NFL Week 13 Picks: New England for SU, Los Angeles (+9)* Considerable for ATS The Rams have been cheap fodder to the Patriots since Tom Brady became a full starter for New England in 2001, so the question here isn’t if the Bill Belichick’s squad will win this game but by how many points will they clinch the victory. Now, usually, I’d be the first to pencil a blowout win for New England in this game, given that Los Angeles is mismatched in pretty much every skill position, on top of the fact that the Pats are the definition of dominant winners when playing in Foxboro. My worry, however, is that in Week 12, the Pats will be traveling to the MetLife Stadium, a place that harbors some of the worst memories for the New England team in recent history; with losses, physically draining OT encounters and key injuries resulting from the meetings against the Jets in their own backyard. Assuming history holds true, the Pats are thus likely to come into this fixture drained of energy and some key personnel due to injuries and all, which could open an opportunity for the Rams to at least cover the spread here. It is a Big IF, I know, but one worthy of keeping in mind when picking the point spread winner in this game.

Dallas at Minnesota (-4.5), Sunday, December 4

NFL Week 13 Picks: Dallas (-4) for ATS, Minnesota for SU Frankly, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the Vikings are a much-improved unit since Teddy Bridgewater was drafted into the team. Last year’s performance was particularly one of the best years for the Vikings in recent hisort, as Bridgewater got tons of support from running back extraordinaire Adrian Peterson. The problem, however, is that the Bridgewater is never a consistent passer. And for the majority of their offensive possessions, the Vikings often rely too much on Peterson to be the workhorse in the team, which often puts Minnesota in problems against teams that can close down Bridgewater and limit Peterson. Against a Dallas team that has solid defensive pieces to shut down both the running and passing game of its opponents, the Vikings will certainly have their work cut out for them. Not to forget, Tony Romo is a more established and reliable QB, which could easily lead to an upset or a cover of the spread by Dallas in this game. But then again, the Cowboys have lost their last five straight trips to Minneapolis dating back to 1999, so the best I see Dallas getting from this game is the points and not the win.

Buffalo at Oakland (-1.5), Sunday, December 4

NFL Week 13 Pick: Buffalo (-1.5) Improved as I expect Buffalo’s offense to be in the coming season, I also expect Oakland’s defense to be improved enough to keep the Bills at bay well enough. Meanwhile, Derek Carr and his loaded offensive weapons have sufficient talent to outwit Buffalo’s defense. Don’t, however, expect a high-scoring affair, as Buffalo’s defense will keep the scores muted while Oakland’s improved defense also limits the Bills’ attack from putting up solid numbers.

Tampa Bay at San Diego (-2), Sunday, December 4

NFL Week 13 Pick: San Diego (-2) Going by last season’s performance and the offseason dealings across the NFL, the Bucs look to be a team on the rise while the Chargers are seemingly taking a step back from the elitist club. This sets up a potential toss-up matchup when these two teams meet in the upcoming season. On paper, I really like the possibility of an upset by Tampa Bay, largely based on the fact that Jameis Winston proved in his rookie season that he could hang with the best of the best in the pro world. In reality, though, San Diego has dominated this series, winning 8 of their all-time 10 meetings against the Bucs, with 5 of those victories coming by double-digits. So, do we trust Tampa Bay’s projected improvements or do we bank on San Diego’s excellent history against Tampa Bay? Feel free to go whichever way you feel best, but personally, my gut tells me that QB Philip Rivers and San Diego’s talented running game—led by standout 2015 rookie RB Melvin Gordon—will better the performance of the pass-reliant Buccaneers for both the win and cover.

Carolina at Seattle (-3), Sunday, December 4

NFL Week 13 Pick: Carolina (+3) After winning all the five straight meetings against the Panthers from December 2010 to January 2015 in the NFC Playoffs, the Seahawks have seen the last two straight meetings against Carolina go in favor of the Panthers (27-23 at Seattle in November 2015, 31-24 at Carolina in January 2016). As such, it thus seems like the momentum of this series has shifted in Carolina’s favor, so you should not underestimate the Panther when they travel to CenturyLink Field in Week 13. Needless to say, beating Seattle at home is big ask for Carolina, but after answering all questions asked by the Seahawks at home last year, I’d be willing to trust a sizeable early NFL stake on the Panthers to win this game narrowly. After all, this game is likely to be decided by the prowess of QBs Russell Wilson and Cam Newton, and last time I checked, Newton is a more proficient dual-threat quarterback than Wilson.