It’s common knowledge that the betting public prefers to bet the favorite, because it’s always easier to root for the superior team. However, the oddsmakers like factoring this in to their spreads, so when in doubt a gambler should often choose the underdog.
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There are a host of interesting lines in Week 13 of the NFL regular season. The underdogs are often the correct call in these matchups and there are certain spreads among this slate of games that really stand out.
Dallas Cowboys (+7.5) vs New Orleans Saints
The pick: Cowboys +7.5
The Dallas Cowboys are at home this week but they are facing off against a buzzsaw in the New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys are 7.5-point underdogs as the Saints have been dominating any and all comers recently. Despite all of the recent success, the Saints sometimes have some issues on the road. The Cowboys have played better of late and should cover this spread.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+4.5) vs Indianapolis Colts
The pick: Jaguars +4.5
The Jacksonville Jaguars have gone through a lot of strife of late, and it has led to some changes. Jacksonville fired its offensive coordinator after Sunday’s loss to the Bills and benched Blake Bortles. Running back Leonard Fournette was also suspended for a game so a lot of things are going against Jacksonville. However, the team is at home this week against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars are 4.5-point underdogs and that number is too big. Jacksonville may even pull off the upset behind a strong defensive performance.
Los Angeles Chargers (+3.5) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The pick: Chargers +3.5
The Los Angeles Chargers have been very impressive this season and are hitting the road for a key game against fellow AFC contender the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chargers are 3.5-point underdogs but quarterback Philip Rivers and a strong defense means that spread is too big. Los Angeles is a worthy play on the moneyline, and the spread is very intriguing because even a loss by a field goal would result in a cover.
Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers (+10)
The pick: 49ers +10
The Seattle Seahawks have played well of late and are pushing for a playoff spot. They are the favorites at home this week against the reeling 49ers, but the spread is all the way up to 10 points. That seems awfully high. San Francisco doesn’t have a good quarterback as Nick Mullens will start again but the team should be able to hang tough. The Seahawks will win but it won’t be easy, and the 49ers are the easy pick to cover.
Minnesota Vikings (+5) vs New England Patriots
The pick: Vikings +5
The Minnesota Vikings are hitting the road to face the New England Patriots. It’s a tough situation, but Minnesota has good talent on both sides of the ball and seems to be putting things together. The Patriots are 5-point favorites, but if the Vikings’ pass rush can get revved up, the Vikings should be able to remain competitive and possibly even steal a key road win. Either way, Minnesota is the choice to cover as the underdog.
Oakland Raiders (+15) vs Kansas City Chiefs
The pick: Raiders +15
The Oakland Raiders are one of the worst teams in the NFL, but they are the best underdog bet of Week 13. They are at home this week against the high-flying Kansas City Chiefs. Only a fool would choose Oakland to win this game on the moneyline as it simply is not happening.
However, the spread is all the way up to 15 points, and that is something the Raiders should be able to cover. Even if the Chiefs dominate this game, the Raiders can get a late score for the backdoor cover of the spread.
Check out the latest NFL Week 13 betting odds.
