Betting NFL Football – The Game Plans
Betting NFL Football – The Game Plans
We are down to the last quarter of the season and for the playoff contenders, every play matters. For those making NFL picks and studying the betting odds, here are what you can expect each team to do to win and hopefully this sends you to the winner’s circle.
(139) INDIANAPOLIS at (140) CINCINNATI CBS
SUNDAY DEC. 8 / 1:00 E
Colts Game Plan: It would start with being ready for the opening whistle. Indianapolis has been unbelievably sluggish in the first half over four games and Cincinnati is too good a club to fall behind to on the road, especially if the inclement weather moves in as expected. The Colts are going to have to run the ball and move the chains and try and force Andy Dalton into bad throws which could go the other way for points.
Bengals Game Plan: With cold, wind and snow forecasted, this is what Cincinnati signed
BenJarvus Green-Ellis for, run straight ahead, hit the whole and gain 3.9 yards a carry for first downs. I’ve been preaching for weeks for the Bengals to use tight ends Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham; the conditions might make it mandatory. With the struggles the Colts are having passing, Cincy can make their life miserable by stuffing the run.
Key sports betting number: Indianapolis is 9-1 ATS in December the past three years.
(141) CAROLINA at (142) NEW ORLEANS NBC
SUNDAY DEC. 8 / 8:30 E
Panthers Game Plan: Carolina will be confident coming to New Orleans with their eight-game winning streak, but they better keep that ego in check, because Drew Brees seldom plays two poor games in a row. As we have witnessed, the Saints offensive line is not as good as the group that won the Super Bowl a few years back and this is what the Panthers have to exploit. Cam Newton has been awesome in playing under control, but will he do so in a huge game in a rugged environment?
Saints Game Plan: If New Orleans comes out throwing early against the Panthers, don’t be shocked, with Carolina’s No. 2 ranked run defense. Expect a great deal of quick intermediate throws to tight end Jimmy Graham, running back Darren Sproles and wide receiver Marques Colston. From here, the Saints will go vertical and try and whip a fair ‘Cats secondary down the field. The New Orleans has to force the Panthers into third and long and do a much better job keeping Newton in the pocket.
Key sports betting number: New Orleans is 8-1 ATS in home games off a road loss the last three seasons.
(143) DETROIT at (144) PHILADELPHIA FOX
SUNDAY DEC. 8 / 1:00 E
Lions Game Plan: Huge key in this matchup is between the Eagles No. 2 rush offense and the Lions No. 3 run defense. It will be imperative for Detroit to contain LeSean McCoy. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has to have more discipline and prevent all the turnovers he’s committed of late. If Stafford cuts the sidearm garbage, Megatron or the Detroit tight ends could have huge days.
Eagles Game Plan: All of the sudden, Philadelphia has nine sacks in their last two games. This could go a long way in making Stafford uncomfortable and having him toss up 50-50 balls. The big rush helps cover up a mediocre secondary and Stafford has 10 picks in his the last five games. Philly will try and play even faster to wear down the legs of the Lions front four, who has some large fellows in the trenches. If successful, McCoy could have an impressive second half and Nick Foles would add on to his outstanding numbers.
Key sports betting number: Philadelphia is 1-12 ATS at home since last season.
(155) SEATTLE at (156) SAN FRANCISCO FOX
SUNDAY, DEC. 8 / 4:25 E
Seahawks Game Plan: Seattle had a nice change of pace game plan for New Orleans, using read-option early and play-action passing off of it to discombobulate the Saints on Monday. The Seahawks will have their regular offensive line together for a third straight contest and they have to move the pile and a tough bunch of Niners in the trenches. Seattle is about running, Russell Wilson passing and defense, simple. Speaking of simple, Pete Carroll will setup his defense to force Colin Kaepernick to beat his stop troops by throwing.
49ers Game Plan: When looking at these two teams all season, one aspect is clear; San Francisco is a second banana to Seattle. In order to emerge with a W, the 49ers have to generate turnovers and not give any away themselves. It has been good to see Kaepernick regaining his confidence throwing, but it should never be at the expense of lower numbers in the running game. Defensive mission – Stop Marshawn Lynch and keep Russell Wilson in the pocket.
Key sports betting number: Seattle is 16-4 OVER after allowing 200 or less total yards in their previous outing.
(159) DALLAS at (160) CHICAGO ESPN
MONDAY, DEC. 9 / 8:40 E
Cowboys Game Plan: Presently, weather is expected to play a role with chilly temps and various kinds of precipitation. This leads to Dallas leaning on the run game against Chicago’s worst-rated run defense. Defensively, the Cowboys must stop the run and force Bears backup quarterback Josh McCown to try to make plays down field in what should be frigid conditions.
Bears Game Plan: Chicago will try and utilize their big-bodied receivers against a Dallas secondary which is very beatable. Dallas has the worst overall defense and gives up the second-most yards through the air in the league. The Cowboys are also not great against the run unless they walk up a safety, setting up Matt Forte for a good night. Defensively, there will be more emphasis on playing zone and going with four-man rush and use the nickel to cover Jason Witten, because the Chicago linebackers will not be able to.
Key sports betting number: Chicago is 2-11 ATS in games when the line is +3 to -3 the last two seasons.
