Elijah Southwick
@ecsouthwick
Detroit Lions (-3) @ Chicago Bears
I’ve picked the Lions against the spread for three straight weeks. So far, those picks are 1-1, but it still feels to me like the team’s Thanksgiving home loss to the Packers is being overvalued. Games in the NFL are often decided by razor-thin margins, and a single loss on a short week doesn’t mean too much in my opinion. That’s without mentioning that the Packers are playing great football right now, and their road win in Detroit is now part of a three-game winning streak.
The Bears are a lowly 4-8, and although they’ve won close games and kept their losses close recently, they’re still a poor football team. I expect the Lions to continue scoring points and easily cover the spread, even on the road in Chicago.
Denver Broncos (+124) @ Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season. They’ve lost three of their last four games and looked awful in their 6-0 win against the Patriots. Meanwhile, the Broncos are surging. Their narrow loss to the Texans in Week 13 snapped a five-game winning streak. Although the Broncos are traveling in this matchup, SoFi Stadium has proven time and time again to not really be a home field advantage. With its climate-controlled field and road fans consistently showing up well for their teams, it’s a very cushy road atmosphere.
One of these teams is showing that they are capable of playing above their talent level this year, and one is regularly underperforming. It wouldn’t be crazy to say the Broncos and quarterback Russell Wilson should be the favorites this week.
Philadelphia Eagles (+150) @ Dallas Cowboys
I’ve been very high on the Eagles for quite some time now. They’re one of the class organizations in today’s NFL, and Jalen Hurts hasn’t lost to the Cowboys since early 2021. The Cowboys are obviously playing at a high level on both sides of the ball. But the Eagles matchup with almost any team in the league. Had they have performed better in their loss to the 49ers, you’d be getting a worse price here. I’m buying low on the Eagles to get back on track and hold on to the NFC East lead.
Buffalo Bills (+120) @ Kansas City Chiefs
My third underdog pick and fourth road team of the week is also my second buy low opportunity. I’ve been calling for a Bills bounce back for several weeks. The Bills are coming off their bye, and with the Chiefs coming off a tough road loss, the Bills are in a favorable position to pull off an upset. The Chiefs have been inconsistent this season, looking like Super Bowl favorites at times, and looking like pretenders at other points. I’d be surprised if the Bills lay an egg at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs are capable of beating any team in the league, but given that they’ve played down to their competition this year, I’ll roll the dice on the Bills.