In a 16-game season, playoff spots can often be decided by one or two close outcomes. When underdogs are able to pull out a win, it greatly increases their chance at making a postseason push. The NFL is known for its parity and this year is no exception, as underdogs have come away with surprising wins every week of the year.
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As the NFL slate heads into Week 10, there will be plenty of underdogs who cover and a few who win outright to pay off well on the moneyline. Here is a look at some of the best underdog plays.
Carolina Panthers (+172) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Carolina Panthers will be on the road this week in a tough matchup against a talented Pittsburgh Steelers team. The Panthers are the +172 underdogs on the moneyline but their offense is really clicking. The Steelers have played better lately but look more vulnerable this season than in past years. These are good odds, so jump on Carolina to pull off the upset.
Tennessee Titans vs New England Patriots (+6.5)
The Tennessee Titans are 6.5-point home underdogs in a matchup against the New England Patriots. Tennessee isn’t a great team but plays the right type of style to keep this one close. If the Titans can run the ball well and quarterback Marcus Mariota avoids turnovers, they could actually put a scare into the Patriots. New England should squeak out the win but the Titans are the choice to cover as the underdogs.
San Francisco 49ers vs New York Giants (+127)
The San Francisco 49ers looked great last time out against the Raiders, and will be favored by three points against the New York Giants. The 49ers are at home and third-string quarterback Nick Mullens will start again after a fantastic debut against Oakland. The Giants’ defense is better than Oakland’s and a game’s worth of tape to study will bring Mullens back to earth. New York is the pick to cover the spread and is also a logical choice as the +127 underdog on the moneyline.
Miami Dolphins (+10) vs Green Bay Packers
The Miami Dolphins don’t have a great team but they are decent enough. They are 10-point underdogs on the road against the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is tough to beat at home and the presence of Aaron Rodgers is the reason why this spread is so large. However, the Packers have some holes and this spread is high. Take the Dolphins to get a late score to earn the backdoor cover in Green Bay.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+125) vs Indianapolis Colts
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a disappointing season after making it to the AFC Championship game a year ago. They will aim to get back on track this week in a road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Indy has a star quarterback in Andrew Luck but he could get neutralized by Jacksonville’s talented defense.
The Jaguars have stumbled lately but they are 3-point underdogs and that spread is entirely too high. Quarterback Blake Bortles has had some serious issues of late but look for him to bounce back against a soft Indianapolis defense. The Jaguars are the choice to not just cover but pull off the upset at +125 odds.
Check out the latest NFL Week 10 betting odds.
