Elijah Southwick
@ecsouthwick
Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) vs. Cleveland Browns
The Rams offense fired on all systems in their Week 12 blowout win against the Arizona Cardinals. QB Matthew Stafford threw four passing touchdowns and didn’t really even get WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua involved. With the offense fully healthy after the return of RB Kyren Williams, I expect a good offensive showing, even against a very tough Browns defense.
The Browns are traveling to SoFi Stadium after suffering a 29-12 loss to the surging Denver Broncos. Rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a concussion in the loss. DE Myles Garrett and WR Amari Cooper also picked up injuries. The Browns are vulnerable, and the Rams are in great position for a convincing home win.
Philadelphia Eagles (+130) vs. San Francisco 49ers
This weekend’s Eagles vs. 49ers matchup is one of the best games on paper of the entire NFL season. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and QB Brock Purdy have their team operating at an elite level after a midseason three-game losing streak. But the Eagles are the home team, sit as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and are coming off incredible back-to-back wins against the Chiefs on the road and the Bills at home.
It’s rare to be able to bet arguably the top team in the NFL as a home underdog. The 49ers are one of the few teams along with the Eagles in that discussion, but I’ll take my chances with Jalen Hurts and bet the plus odds here with the Eagles.
Kansas City Chiefs (-6) @ Green Bay Packers
The Packers pulled off a nice road win on Thanksgiving against the roaring Lions, so I think they have a decent chance to give the Chiefs a run for their money at Lambeau Field. But the Chiefs just covered on Sunday in a road win against the Raiders in which they scored 17 second half points. The Chiefs boast one of the league’s top defenses, and their lagging offense looked sharp in Las Vegas. If the Chiefs are able to produce consistently on offense, they have the formula to comfortably win games by more than a touchdown.
Detroit Lions (-4) @ New Orleans Saints The Lions would be much bigger favorites in New Orleans had they put up a better Thanksgiving performance. They were receiving high praise from the media and fans alike heading into Week 12, and I think we’d be wise to not overreact to a division loss on a short week. Detroit has been incredible this season, and the Saints have lost two in a row, despite having a bye week between those games. The Saints are a competitive football team, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this pick becomes a bit of a sweat. But I’m looking forward to a nice bounceback week for the Lions to remind everyone that they’re legitimate Super Bowl contenders.