NFL Best Bets for Christmas Day
Keeping track of who is playing and who is not playing is probably more difficult right now than actually capping the games. We get two games this Saturday, Christmas Day to enjoy. Let’s see if we can make some Christmas cash.
Browns at Packers
It appears that Baker Mayfield should be playing in the matchup, so that is my assumption. Even with Mayfield playing, though, do they have enough to take on the Packers? Not in my estimation. The Packers are one of the best teams in the NFL and have the MVP favorite, Aaron Rodgers (I still am not convinced he will win it). I can’t imagine the Packers will have much of a struggle on defense against the Browns. I am going to start with a play on the Packers over 27.5 points at +104. The Packers have gone over that total in all of their last four games. The last game they didn’t was a home game against the Seahawks that they won 17-0. The Packers did struggle against the Ravens last week, but returning to Lambeau Field should help. I’m going to play the Packers to cover this game as well. I’ll likely buy down to the -7, even though I think they should cover 7.5.
Colts at Cardinals
Don’t look now, but the Colts are one of the best teams in the NFL currently and are rolling. Frankly, I was a bit surprised they beat the Patriots, but after a certain point, you need to tip your cap rather than keep doubting a team. The Cardinals started with the best record in the NFL and are now on a two-game losing streak (they also have lost three of their last five. The Lions beat them last week – and I’ve said this before, the Lions do play hard, so it is possible the Cardinals just overlooked them and couldn’t get it going. I can’t lay points with the Cardinals right now so I’m taking the Colts with the points. I’ll also likely play some on the moneyline as I think right now they are the better team. I’d like it at plus money, but -102 will have to do. Jonathan Taylor is +220 to score two touchdowns, I think it is realistic, but I’ll play him to score the first touchdown at +380. I could see him scoring one in both halves, too (+440).