That was one of the greatest sports Sundays any of us have ever experienced. Our morning saw the greatest football player of all time take home his forever. Our afternoon saw the greatest American football player of all time turn the ball over four times in a heartbreaking loss. An overtime stunner, barely avoided upsets, and the dumbest play ever rounded out a rowdy #NFLWeek15.
The dust has settled. It’s time to check the carnage.
Jacksonville Jaguars 40 – Dallas Cowboys 34
It’s the same thing every year. Maybe I’m calling a play out of Steven A. Smith’s book, but that collapse, if you’re willing to call it that, was utterly predictable. Shame on me for thinking the Dallas Cowboys defense would let them cover. 🤡
Sidenote: Trevor Lawrence is the guy we thought he was when the Jacksonville Jaguars took him first overall.
Anywho, this loss is not on Dak Prescott, and I recommend arguing with the wall closest to you if you blame him for the pick-six that ended the game. I don’t trust this team to win the Super Bowl, but it’s not because of their quarterback. They continue to rack up injuries, their offensive line scares me a little bit, and they’re prone to doing things like giving away a game to a now six-win Jaguars team.
Detroit Lions 20 – New York Jets 17
Well, that sucked. My New York Jets shot their playoff dreams in the foot in an amalgamation of injuries, poor quarterbacking, and questionable time management. When a 58-yard field goal holds your playoff hopes, expect them to shatter.
The story of this game, though, is the Detroit Lions. Caesars is now offering +120 odds on the hottest team east of the Mississippi to make the playoffs. Sure, it’s not as lucrative as it once was, but Vegas’ vote of confidence is encouraging. Three wins all but guarantees a spot, two keeps it a coin flip, and one ends their season. They’ll have to beat Aaron Rodgers to do it.
A few years ago, this would’ve been deemed impossible. But the Green Bay Packers are as vulnerable as ever. If they can pass next week’s test against the Carolina Panthers’ defense, there’s a very viable path to the playoffs.
Trust those knee-biting Lions? Take advantage of Caesars’ promotion for Bet Basics readers: GET YOUR FIRST BET BACK UP TO $1,000.
New Orleans Saints 21 – Atlanta Falcons 18
The Desmond Ridder era has begun. It didn’t go swimmingly, with only a 50% completion percentage and 97 passing yards on 26 attempts. That doesn’t mean it was the wrong move. It was inevitable given the incumbent starter’s injury and the state of affairs, but Ridder should have been the lead man for some time.
A rookie struggled against a well-coached, talented defense. There are easier places to debut than New Orleans. I wouldn’t draw any grand conclusions about him, good or bad, until this season wraps up. His arrival is very good for Drake London, though. Keep your eye on him to finish this season strong. 👀
Regardless, it seems like a lock for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the division. They’re the only team in the division with no real quarterbacks left on the schedule. Even amidst their struggles, they still have the best passer in the division, by far. A one-game lead with three to play is more difficult to lose than it’s been made out to be. There’s a reason the Buccaneers are still -360 to win the South (DraftKings). Neither team from this game has better than +1200 odds. 🔒
It’s a frightening sight for innocent eyes, but Tom Brady will find himself hosting yet another playoff game.
New York Giants 20 – Washington 12
After nine quarters of questionable quarterbacking and even more confounding officiating, we finally have a winner. The New York Giants have won the season series over the Washington Commanders with a record of 1-0-1.
The Giants are somehow a near lock for the playoffs, where they are destined to play either the Minnesota Vikings or the Brock Purdy-led San Francisco 49ers. Dare I say New York can find itself in the divisional round? 😲
I personally won’t be putting money on it, but it’s clear that Kayvon Thibodeaux is the key in getting there. He had likely the best game of his young career on Sunday Night Football. His strip sack, scoop-and-score extravaganza was perhaps the game’s biggest play and an announcement to the rest of the NFC that he had arrived.
The Giants have had a bottom five defense in football this year, but performed at an elite level on Sunday. Their best pass rusher blossoming was the biggest difference. A late push for Defensive Rookie of the Year may be fruitless for his trophy case, but would make New York dangerous in a win-or-go-home setting.
BASIC TIPS
This article refers to futures bets, which are wagers placed on events in the distant future. These includes things like whether a team will make the playoffs or win the Super Bowl. Who will win the MVP award? Who will lead the league in rushing touchdowns? The key to futures betting is timing. Too early, and you may be operating without enough information. Too late, and you could miss out on value when the line moves.