Following an exciting Week 14, there is plenty to cover in Week 15 as we are only four games away from the playoffs.
With bye weeks over, we get 16 NFL games this week – including two games on Saturday. One of our favourite picks this week is on the Browns-Raiders Saturday game, while the rest of our NFL Week 15 betting preview focuses on Sunday.
The Browns and Raiders Game Total is Down to 40.0. Is it Time to Bet the Over?
When looking at the best NFL betting odds on Week 15 – one line pops out quickly – the 40.0 game total on the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders. One reason this line is interesting is that it opened at 43.5 and has since dropped 3.5 points.
Both teams this season have a 7-6 over/under record. If every game this season had a game total of 40.0 the Raiders over/under record would be 10-3, while the Browns would still have a 7-6 over/under record.
While betting over 40.0 points seems tempting, there are a few reasons to bet on the under. For one, the Browns could be without multiple players for the game on Saturday. The Browns have 11 players on the COVID reserve list, including wide receiver Jarvis Landry, guard Wyatt Teller, and both their tight ends. They could also be without Kareem Hunt – who suffered an injury in Week 14.
For the Raiders, their offence has been struggling since their bye week. In their last six games, the Raiders have topped 16 points only once – compared to five times in their first seven games.
The forecast is also questionable for Saturday. While the wind will not be as strong as it was in that Buffalo game, there is still a chance for 30-40 kph gusts and rain/wet snow. Since the Raiders cannot run the ball and Browns may miss half their starting offence, we expect both teams to have a hard time scoring.
Buffalo Bills – even with an Injured Allen – will Beat the Carolina Panthers
If you think the Buffalo Bills are going through a bit of a rough patch – what do you call what is transpiring in Carolina? The Panthers started promising this season at 3-0 but have gone 2-8 since and have serious issues at quarterback.
The Panthers have topped 200 passing yards only once in their last nine games. That was last week against the Atlanta Falcons, and it took two quarterbacks to get the job done. The Panthers’ offence simply is not the same without running back Christian McCaffrey.
The Bills – even with some problems this season – have Josh Allen. Allen was stellar late against the Bucs in Week 14, leading the team back and forcing overtime. Even if he is a bit hobbled against the Panthers – he is ten times better than anything the Panthers have. Bet the Bills to win.
Dolphins should Roll Through the Jets to Move to .500
It is wild this season that the Dolphins – following a seven-game losing streak – have won five straight games. And with a win against the Jets on Sunday, the Dolphins move to .500 for the season. Of course, the Dolphins have to beat the Jets – which they should with ease on Sunday.
The Dolphins rise from worst in the AFC to Wild Card hopeful starts with the defence. The Dolphins have held four of their last five opponents to ten points or fewer. The only opponent who topped ten points was the Jets in Week 11.
That game the Jets gone a surprising performance from Joe Flacco (two TDs, no picks, and 291 passing yards). This week the Dolphins face Zach Wilson, who has yet to have a game in his career with a passing touchdown and no interceptions.
The Dolphins offence is also playing well. Tua Tagovailoa is completing 70.9% of his passes this season, while Jaylen Waddle is only 15 receptions away from tying the rookie reception record and someone who could win 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Take the Dolphins to win the game.
With Injury Concerns around Lamar Jackson, the Packers are the Play
So, the options in this game are an injured Lamar Jackson or backup Tyler Huntley. With four games left, it is probably best to rest Lamar (especially in a non-conference game), leaving Huntley to start. While Tyler Huntley has exceeded expectations as Lamar Jackson’s backup this season – we do not think he can get it done versus the Packers.
Huntley beat the Bears 16-13 and nearly led the Ravens back against the Browns in Week 14. While the performance against the Browns was impressive, you cannot overlook the fact the Browns did not score any offensive points in that game after the 8:15 mark in the second quarter.
We are assuming Aaron Rodgers plays in this game. He is dealing with a broken toe – which did not hurt his production against the Bears in Week 14 (341 yards and four passing touchdowns). Even if it is backups for both teams, the Ravens have more injuries elsewhere, while the Packers are getting healthy as we get closer to the postseason. Bet the Packers.
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