There is a lot of love for the spread each week in NFL gambling, as bettors focus on which team is going to cover in a particular game. However, an underrated way to pad the bankroll is by correctly pegging the scoring total in a matchup.
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The bookmakers are smart and know where to put over/under numbers in order to get close to even action on each side. However, bettors who study a contest close enough can often deduce if a game is going to be higher or lower-scoring than expected.
Here are some of the best scoring total plays in Week 14 of the NFL regular season. Odds provided by Bookmaker.eu.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Baltimore Ravens (O/U 51.5)
Our pick: UNDER 51.5
The Kansas City Chiefs are the highest-scoring team in the NFL and the release of standout running back Kareem Hunt isn’t likely to change that. Kansas City hosts the Baltimore Ravens this week and the oddsmakers have pitted the total at 51.5 points. That may seem a little low at first glance, but gamblers have to remember that Baltimore is now very run-oriented on offense with the addition of dual threat quarterback Lamar Jackson to the lineup. Baltimore is going to run clock and try to keep the ball away from the Chiefs as much as possible. With that in mind, the “under” is the correct choice in this showdown.
New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (O/U 55.5)
Our pick: OVER 55.5
The New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a scoring total listed at 55.5 points. Even though it is the highest total of any game this week, it still seems low. The Saints have one of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL and it is aiming to get back on track after a poor performance last week against the Cowboys. The Buccaneers always put up a ton of yards and can score points in bunches. They also turn the ball over a lot and allow other teams to have good scoring opportunities. This one should have a bunch of points and the “over” is the pick.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals (O/U 47.5)
Our pick: OVER 47.5
The Los Angeles Chargers are big home favorites against the Cincinnati Bengals and there seems to be a good chance they roll up the points early on. The worry is that the Chargers get so far ahead and take their foot off the gas late. The scoring total us 47.5 points, and look for Los Angeles to pull its weight early on and then the Bengals to get a late score to push this “over” the total. The Bengals’ defense is pretty awful and it is going to give up points in bunches until the Chargers decide to throttle it down in this one.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders (O/U 51.5)
Our pick: UNDER 51.5
The most intriguing game on the scoring total in Week 14 of the NFL season features the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have a solid quarterback in Derek Carr but not much talent around him. Even though the team scored at a nice pace last week against the Chiefs, don’t let that fool you. Oakland could have a rough time moving the ball consistently against Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have an impressive passing game but they won’t have much balance in this one as star running back James Conner is injured and won’t play. The Raiders are likely going to play conservatively and make sure wide receivers Antonio Brown and Juju Smith Schuster don’t beat them.
The scoring total is listed at 51.5 points but that number seems too high. Pittsburgh seems likely to win this game pretty easily but it is not going to be the shootout and the “under” is the easy pick here. This is the best call of the week.
Check out the latest NFL Week 14 betting odds.
