Alvin Kamara just obliterated the Minnesota Vikings last night, rushing for six TDs en route to a dominating 52-33 victory. You read that right, SIX TDs, tying Ernie Nevers in 1929 for the most in a single game all-time. The Vikings’ defensive line may need to reevaluate their lives giving up that type of performance on Christmas Day. It also eliminated Minnesota from playoff contention, which is always something to savor as a Bears fan. The game was the last number in bingo, as this is now the first time ever that we have had an NFL game on every day of the week. Crazy the type of year that 2020 has brought us. We now look ahead to today and tomorrow, as there are games throughout the entire weekend to take in and enjoy. The penultimate week will feature several games that will have major playoff implications and must-win scenarios for many teams, which means that we as viewers and bettors are in for an amazing weekend of high stakes and intensity. There are a ton of games this week to discuss that I think are valuable bets, so let us get into it. DraftKings wants you to take advantage of these matchups by offering an amazing deal for new users to take advantage of this weekend.
NFL Week 16 Best Bets
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5) at Detroit Lions (5-9)
Spread: TB -9.5, DET +9.5
Total: 54
The Bucs are one win away from clinching the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2007 and look to secure that spot when they travel to Detroit today to take on the Lions. Tampa Bay had to rally late against the Atlanta Falcons last week, overcoming a 17-point deficit to win their fourth straight road game. The Lions meanwhile, got demolished in Nashville by the Tennessee Titans and simply cannot wait to be put out of their misery with another last-place finish in the NFC North. QB Matt Stafford has proven he is tough, playing through a rib injury for most of that game before being replaced by Chase Daniel. I’ll give him that, but he is in serious doubt to play this game, as is offensive lineman Tyrell Crosby and Frank Ragnow. Kenny Golladay may miss yet another game, which would pretty much sum up his disappointing injury-riddled season. Tom Brady should be able to absolutely dismantle this horrific Lions defense, which allows the most points in the league on average. If Daniel plays, look for a massive Tampa blowout that will hand Detroit another double-digit losing season.
Official Play: TB -9.5, teased down to -2.5
Chicago Bears (7-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-13)
Spread: CHI -7.5, JAX +7.5
Total: 47
The Bears will be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive this Sunday in a favorable matchup when they take on the Jaguars. After last week’s huge win over their division rival Vikings, the Bears remain in contention for one of the three NFC wild-card playoff spots. RB David Montgomery has been a revelation in the backfield that they desperately needed, and last week racked up 146 rushing yards and 2 TDs. With 32 carries, the Bears seem to finally realize that they need a running game to be successful. The Jags will be Chicago’s late Christmas present, as they are third-worst in the league guarding against the run. While it’s true that Jacksonville has lost 13 straight games, don’t count them completely out of covering this number. What business do the Bears have being over TD favorites to anyone in the NFL? They closed as a dog to Minnesota last week, and have only been favored in a couple of games all season long. The narrative will be that the Jags will tank for Trevor Lawrence, as they now are in a position to draft the special QB out of Clemson after the New York Jets won last week. But this is just too big of a number to be laying with the Bears, who I simply cannot fully trust yet.
Official Play: JAX +7.5, teased to +14.5
San Francisco 49ers (5-9) at Arizona Cardinals (8-6)
Spread: ARI -5, SF +5
Total: 48.5
The Cardinals will be looking to further secure their spot in the NFC playoffs after winning two straight games. They currently are in the last spot in the NFC playoff picture, the coveted 7-seed that has never been a thing before this season. On the other side, the reigning NFC champion 49ers have been eliminated from the postseason after a very aggravating season which saw the injury bug rear its ugly head on the team. Cards QB Kyler Murray has personified the definition of “duel-threat” at the position with 11 rushing TDs this season while also being in the top-12 for passing TDs and yards. Murray had one of his best rushing performances against San Fran in Week 1, with 91 yards and a score on the ground, helping the Cards claim a 24-20 upset victory. TE George Kittle will make his return from injury for the Niners, but we aren’t sure how much he will actually play with the season already over for them. Either way, C.J. Beathard will be tossing the pigskin after Nick Mullens played his way out of a job. I think the 49ers manage to keep this game close with their ability to run the ball and the fact Mullens won’t be throwing picks all over the field.
Official Play: SF +5, teased to +10.5
Denver Broncos (5-9) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)
Spread: LAC -3, DEN +3
Total: 49
Is this a game that involves Anthony Lynn as a favorite? Check. Are we getting a full field goal against him? Check. Can we tease the game up to +8.5 and win with a one-score game? Check. The checklist is complete, and we now have the green light to lay down the house against Lynn. It’s really quite incredible the kind of consistency you get winning bets with the man. Fade him every single time as a favorite, and back him every single time as an underdog. Lynn is also virtually a lock for all teaser bets, as he plays almost 100% of his games to one possession. The Chargers have won two straight games, which makes this the perfect time to fade them and their coach. The last time these two teams met, the Broncos came out with a 31-30 victory at mile-high. I know it is very hard to back Denver after their shellacking at the hands of the Buffalo Bills, but trust me, you will not regret fading Lynn as a favorite.
Official Play: DEN +3, teased to +8.5
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