Last week was a bit of a stumble with a 1-3 record, but every time we’ve faced adversity this season, we’ve come back stronger. So, let’s dive into this week’s NFL matchups and get back to our winning ways.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Seattle Seahawks: A Battle of Resurgence
This matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks has been a head-scratcher. It’s a game where the spread could go either way. Despite initial leanings towards the Seahawks, I’ll be attending the game and can’t bring myself to bet against the Ravens, so I’m predicting a close win for Baltimore.
An intriguing name in this game is Rashod Bateman. He had a tough start to the season, and through the first six games, he struggled to showcase the talent we saw from him before his injury. With fewer targets and looks, his presence waned. However, I believe Bateman has the potential to be a significant part of the Ravens offense down the stretch.
Bateman’s receiving yards are set at a modest 19.5 on Fanduel. That seems unusually low for a player of his caliber. While he’s gone over this number only three times this season, the past two games have shown glimpses of his true potential. Lamar Jackson himself vouched for Bateman, saying, “We know what ‘Bate’ is capable of. He just needs more opportunities, I believe.” Coach John Harbaugh also expressed confidence in Bateman, indicating that the second half of the season will be pivotal for him. Bateman himself stated, “It feels good. I feel I’m getting back to my old self, maybe even better than I was before.”
With Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews attracting attention from the Seahawks’ defense, Bateman could shine in this game.
My Bet: Rashod Bateman Over 19.5 Receiving Yards
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins: A Contrarian Play
In the highly anticipated matchup in Germany between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, many expect a high-scoring game with Tyreek Hill facing his former team for the first time. I see things differently.
The public’s sentiment strongly leans towards the over, with 73% of bets on the over. However, the sharps, the experienced bettors with substantial resources, are backing the under, as evident from the 81% of money on the under. This discrepancy raises questions.
The Chiefs’ offense hasn’t been firing on all cylinders this season. Beyond Travis Kelce, they lack true receiving threats. The Dolphins, despite their historic offensive performance, have struggled against tough opponents. Intriguingly, all NFL games played overseas this season have gone under 51.5 points. Therefore, I’m inclined to bet on the under.
My Bet: Chiefs/Dolphins Total Under 51.5 Points
New England Patriots vs. Washington Commanders: A Hidden Gem
The New England Patriots and Washington Commanders tilt isn’t a game will capture the attention of most fans. However, it presents an excellent opportunity to find value in the over/under.
The over/under is set at 40.5 points, and it’s poised to rise. The public consensus suggests that both quarterbacks aren’t strong, and that two struggling teams won’t be able to put up many points. I beg to differ.
The Patriots are likely to score a significant number of points, relying heavily on their passing game. The Commanders’ defense ranks 29th in passing yards allowed, giving up an average of 28.5 points per game. On the other hand, the Patriots give up the 18th most passing yards in the NFL and concede an average of 26 points per game.
At home this season, the Patriots have gone over this number in 70% of their games. The Commanders have gone over this number on the road 75% of the time. While bets overwhelmingly favor the under, the money is backing the over.
My Bet: Commanders/Patriots Over 40.5 Total Points
So, we’re set for another thrilling week of NFL action, aiming to bounce back from last week’s tough outing. With these well-researched picks, we’re striving to make the most of the opportunities the NFL season offers. Stay tuned for more primetime game picks, available exclusively on my Twitter (@BetWithMatt_), and let’s continue this exhilarating journey through the NFL season.
