- Week 4 of the NFL season is upon us. I provide the spreads and my predictions for this upcoming week. It was bound to happen, but COVID-19 has officially altered the NFL’s weekly schedule.
- NFL Picks on SB Nation. Kevin Garnett’s beef with the Minnesota Timberwolves owner includes a mini-beef with Wally Szczerbiak When your boss sucks, you might not love your coworkers, either.
- Get our top NFL picks for every game of the 2020/21 season including our NFL picks against the spread. We dive into the data, betting trends, team news, and a lot more to bring you the best expert NFL picks each week. Check out our NFL predictions and NFL best bets pages for our top plays on today’s NFL.
- Nfl Picks Prediction Scores
- Excel Nfl Football Predictions Spreadsheet
NFL Expert Picks — Super Bowl Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 Week 17.
- Where to Bet:
How to read Super Bowl 56 Odds
The Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55. However, the Chiefs remain the favorites to win Super Bowl 56 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The Chiefs are listed at 6/1 odds (Bet $100 to win $600), while the defending champion Buccaneers are the third-betting choice at 10/1.
In between Kansas City and Tampa Bay are the Green Bay Packers, who are currently at 9/1 odds.
Here is a quick reference on Super Bowl odds for the upcoming 2021 NFL season.
How to read NFL Las Vegas Odds
The point-spread was developed to provide a balance for both teams involved in a contest to entice bettors to potentially back the weaker team and receive points. The two squads in a game are listed with a title, either a favorite or an underdog. The favorite is usually the perceived better team in the game, as backing them means giving up several points.
The favorite is always listed with a minus (-) sign before the point-spread while the underdog is labeled with a plus (+) label.
Ex. Favorite -10, Underdog +10
On the VegasInsider.com odds page, there is another number associated with the favorite and its listed as -10. This number is simply defined as “vig” or what many in the sports betting industry call vigorish. Another common term is called “juice” and it’s technically the price the bettor has to pay on a straight wager.
Ex. Bet $110 to win $100 (10% juice)
Ex. Bet $100 to win $90.91 (10% juice)
It’s not uncommon to see other values posted other than -10. Examples seen on the NFL Vegas Odds pages could include -08, -12, -15 and -20. The -10 price is the most common value in the industry while many books offer reduced ‘juice odds’ and that would fall into the -08 category.
The lower-juice sportsbooks are normally found outside of the state Nevada. If you are in a state where sports betting is legal, please check out our online sportsbook directory to find the best and most secure places to make NFL bets.
Another number that’s posted on the NFL Las Vegas is the total or ‘over/under’ for the specific matchup. If the favorite is designated as the home team, then the total will be listed above and vice versa if the visitors are favorites.
All of the above numbers are listed next to the teams, and before each matchup is a Rotation number. The NFL Las Vegas Odds are listed in order of rotation and those numbers are generated and produced by the sportsbooks. Above each matchup and rotation is the Time of the game, which is subject to change. All game times are Eastern Standard Time.
NFL Open Line
One of the best features on the NFL Vegas Odds is the Open Line. This numbers consists of the first betting line received from one of our Las Vegas or Global Sportsbooks. The opening line varies depending on the sportsbook but it provides a clear-cut rating that the oddsmakers use. If you’re betting on the NFL or any other sport, it’s a great idea to view the open line first.
VI Consensus NFL Line
The VegasInsider.com Consensus NFL Line is just as important as the Open Line and also a key resource on odds platform. The Consensus column could be called a “Median Line” since it shows the most consistent number provided by the sportsbooks on VegasInsider.com. The consensus line will be the same as the open line but once the wagers start coming in, this number is often different than the openers.
How do I bet on the Super Bowl?
We know that you can bet on the Super Bowl and all of NFL Futures or bet on the NFL Draft at any time of the year, but what’s the process? The future wager or the “Odds to Win” bet on the Super Bowl is correctly selecting a team to win an event that takes place at a later time. A bettor will have his wagered money tied up until there is an outcome and bettors will receive fixed odds when they place the wager. In the case of the Super Bowl, you’re not a winner or loser until you see zeros on the clock in the final game.
Most sportsbooks offer different ways to read to Super Bowl Odds. In the fractional NFL Futures Odds format below, you simply take the odds and multiply by the amount wagered.
Ex. Green Bay (8/1) to win the Super Bowl
The Packers are listed as an 8/1 betting choice to win the Super Bowl. If you wager $100 on Green Bay to win the NFC and they capture the championship, then you would win $800 (8 ÷ 1 x 100). Your online betting account would then credit your account $900, which includes your win and stake ($100).
The American Format would see Green Bay listed at +800 and for the Decimal Format, the Packers would be 9.00.
If you are in a state where online betting is legal, we encourage you to check out our sportsbook directory to find the most trustworthy and reputable sites and mobile apps to place your Super Bowl bets.
© Provided by Fansided© Provided by Fansided spreads
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — SEPTEMBER 27: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at CenturyLink Field on September 27, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Week 4 of the NFL season is upon us. I provide the spreads and my predictions for this upcoming week.
It was bound to happen, but COVID-19 has officially altered the NFL’s weekly schedule. With several Tennessee Titans players testing positive, the league has postponed the Titans-Steelers until later this season. The Vikings-Texans game is still scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Hopefully, this is the last ‘outbreak’ of the season, but it is encouraging to see how quickly the NFL has reacted to the situation in hopes to contain it and go on with the season with as few hiccups as possible.
As always, this is a weekly article posted every Friday morning where I give my predictions for the upcoming week as well as the spreads that I will be choosing. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
© Provided by Fansided spreads
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — SEPTEMBER 28: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rolls out to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 28, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Ravens(-13.5) at Washington
Pick: Ravens-13.5
Prediction: Ravens 38 — Washington 17
Analysis: No offense to Dwayne Haskins, but I’m pretty sure my grandpa (who’s 82 years young, turning 83 later this month (Happy early Birthday!)) could’ve played better than Haskins last week. This is a get right game for the Ravens as they steamroll the Washington Football Team. This game is similar to last week when the Colts laid 11 to 12 points against the Jets and ended up beating them by 29. This game will not be close. Ravens by a million.
Saints (-4.5) at Lions
Pick: Saints-4.5
Prediction: Saints 31 Lions 21
Analysis: The Saints need to win this game, and they are the better team. With the likely return of Michael Thomas, the Saints will steamroll the Lions. The Saints can’t afford falling to 1–3 and Drew Brees won’t let em. If the Saints were their usual selves this year, this spread would be 6–7 points. Take the Saints and don’t think twice.
Chargers at Buccaneers (-7)
Pick: Buccaneers-7
Prediction: Buccaneers 28 Chargers 17
Analysis: For a team that came into the season as hyped as the Buccaneers, it is crazy to think that they are underrated right now. Sure, Chris Godwin (and potentially Leonard Fournette) will miss this game, but I don’t even want to begin listing all the Chargers’ injuries. Half their defensive starters are out this game. This should be an easy cover and win for the Bucs. Their underrated defense will give Justin Herbert the same problems that the Panthers did in Week 3.
© Provided by Fansided spreads
PHILADELPHIA, PA — SEPTEMBER 27: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles talks to Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals after the game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 27, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Jaguars at Bengals(-3)
Pick: Bengals-3
Prediction: Bengals 27- Jaguars 20
Analysis: This game is a true toss-up. Both of these teams are not good. I have more faith when the game is on the line to put the ball in Joe Burrow’s hands than I do Gardner Minshew. The Jaguars were demolished in Week 3 by the lowly Dolphins, while the Bengals squeaked away with a tie with the Eagles. I will not watch a minute of this game, but the box score should show a Bengals victory by 3+.
Vikings at Texans(-4.5)
Pick: Vikings+4.5
Prediction: Texans 28 — Vikings 24.
Analysis: This is assuming the game is played on Sunday, which it is trending in that direction. The Texans and Vikings can’t stop a nosebleed. Both of these defenses (and teams in general) are not good. I can’t lay 4.5 points to the Texans just to see them lose by 10. I still believe the Texans win in a close game, but certainly they aren’t blowing out the Vikings.
Seahawks (-7) at Dolphins
Pick: Seahawks-7
Prediction: Seahawks 31-Dolphins 17
Analysis: Can’t overthink this one. The Seahawks are clearly the better team. Even with injuries to Chris Carson and Jamal Adams, the Seahawks are far more talented. Russell Wilson has lit up the entire league through 3 weeks to the tune of 14 touchdowns and 1 interception. He will have his way with the Dolphins defense as the Seahawks win big.
© Provided by Fansided spreads
CLEVELAND, OHIO — SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates on the sidelines after his teammates snagged an interception during the first half against the Washington Football Team at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Browns at Cowboys(-5)
Pick: Cowboys-5
Prediction: Cowboys 34 — Browns 24
Analysis: If the Cowboys aren’t covering 5 points, they are losing outright. The Cowboys offense is explosive, and the Browns rely too much on the ground and pound. If the Cowboys score early and force the Browns to play from behind, I don’t have faith in Baker to keep up the scoring efforts. Cowboys win by a touchdown+ as they get back on track and take the division lead.
Cardinals(-3.5) at Panthers
Pick: Cardinals-3.5
Prediction: Cardinals 34 Panthers 20
Analysis: Similar to the Seahawks-Dolphins Game, we can’t overthink this one. The Panthers had their best game of the season beating the injured Chargers. Kyler Murray and Kenyan Drake have a field day against the porous Panthers defense. This game isn’t even close like the spread suggests.
Colts(-2.5) at Bears
Pick: Bears+2.5
Prediction: Bears 20 — Colts 17
Analysis: The Bears are arguably the worst 3–0 team in the history of the NFL, and that’s why we have to take them. The Bears have finally benched Trubisky, so this is the game that puts Mitch in the coffin. I can’t trust Philip Rivers to win on the road while he’s constantly under pressure from Khalil Mack. This will be a close game, but the Bears pull out the win on a late Philip Rivers interception….it’s what he does!
© Provided by Fansided spreads
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — SEPTEMBER 28: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 hand the ball off to running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 28, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Giants at Rams(-13)
Pick: Rams -13
Prediction: Rams 31 — Giants 10
Analysis: Have you seen the Giants play? If yes, you’d take the Rams in a heartbeat. The Giants are terrible. The only thing holding their season up is the fact that the team they share their stadium with, the Jets, is that much worse than they are. Daniel Jones will constantly be running for his life from Aaron Donald. You just can’t take the Giants with any sort of confidence. Rams win big, like the spread suggests.
Patriots at Chiefs (-6.5)
Pick: Chiefs -6.5
Prediction: Chiefs 34 — Patriots 20
Analysis: Vegas got cute last week making the Chiefs underdogs only to see them run wild against the Ravens. This line is giving the Patriots too much respect. The Chiefs are clearly the better team, and I am not convinced Cam Newton can keep up the scoring against this Chiefs Offense. Sure, he was able to do it against the Seahawks, but your local high school team has a better defense than Seattle. The Chiefs defense is underrated. It is not great, but it doesn’t have to be when they have Patrick Mahomes on the other side of the ball. Chiefs win by 10+.
Bills(-3) at Raiders
Pick: Bills-3
Prediction: Bills 24 — Raiders 17
Analysis: I’ll be the first to admit, I was wrong about the Bills. They look legit this year, yet they are only laying 3 points to the Raiders who just lost by 16 to the Patriots. This feels like a trap game, but I am not going to sleep well at night knowing I picked Raiders+3 and they got spanked by Josh Allen and Co. Take the Bills and go on with your weekend.
© Provided by Fansided spreads
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — SEPTEMBER 27: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 27, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Eagles at 49ers(-7)
Pick: 49ers -7
Prediction: 49ers 30 — Eagles 17
Analysis: This might be the least-watched Sunday Night Football in recent memory. The Eagles are atrocious. Carson Wentz is miserable. I’ll cut him some slack as his WR core is equivalent to throwing me out there, but still. Despite also being banged up, the 49ers are still rolling. They have a dynamic offense and defensive scheme. The Eagles couldn’t even beat the Bengals, so what makes me think they can keep this game close. I see another two interceptions from Wentz and people start calling for his job. Jalen Hurts season? We shall see. The Eagles didn’t waste a second round pick on him for nothing.
Falcons at Packers(-7.5)
Pick: Falcons+7.5
Prediction: Packers 31 — Falcons 28
Nfl Picks Prediction Scores
Analysis: This is the perfect game for the Falcons to win/cover. They should never have a lead that they can choke away, so it bodes well for them. The Falcons will keep this game closer than it should be. There’s no denying the Packers, as I am sure they want to enter their bye week 4–0. The Falcons try to spoil their plans and win outright or lose by a late field goal or touchdown.
Excel Nfl Football Predictions Spreadsheet
Here’s to hoping we make some money in Week 4! Be back next week same time, Friday morning.
