NFL Best Bets for Monday, December 20, 2021

The schedule has been thrown off quite a bit but there is still football today (and even a couple of games tomorrow). Nonetheless, we've had a shocking upset of the Buccaneers, a thrilling victory for the Packers, and some pretty much expected results otherwise. Let's get to the games for tonight.

Raiders at Browns

I'm not really sure what to expect in this game. The Browns won't have Baker Mayfield starting for them. They also won't have their backup quarterback. So, now they are on their third-string QB. And, actually, that's not terrible. Nick Mullens isn't a great quarterback - obviously, that's why he is third string - but he does have recent experience having played a handful of games for the 49ers last year. There are so many injuries or question marks on this game and the players, I think you have to take the Raiders +3 points. I am going to also play them on the moneyline at +130. The Raiders have more of their team available and have been at practice. Frankly, I'm a bit surprised at the line.

Vikings at Bears

The Bears played arguably their best game of the season last week and still lost by 15. The offense looked good, the defense was strong for a quarter or two. The special teams was making plays, but ultimately Aaron Rodgers was too much for the Bears to deal with. This week they have Kirk Cousins, who isn't as good as Rodgers, but is having a good season. Personally, I think Justin Jefferson should have a field day against the Bears. I'll put some money on him to score the first touchdown of the game again at +460. As far as the actual game, I do think the Bears could cover the spread, but I'd also be sitting there nervously throughout the entire game if I played that. So instead I'll play the total over 45. The Vikings defense isn't very intimidating and the Bears should be able to put up some points on them. We know the Vikings can score, too and with the injuries on defense, the Bears are just a shell of what they were.