X-Files, thanks for contributing this information"New York Giants (+4.5) at Green Bay Packers
In this weekend's most heavily bet game, the Packers opened as 4-point home favorites at the Westgate Superbook. The line dropped from Green Bay -4 to -3.5 shortly after opening, but it had jumped to -4.5 by Tuesday night. These teams previously played in Week 5, with Green Bay (closed -7) beating New York by the final score of 23-16.
In an interesting twist, Green Bay has received the majority of spread tickets (57 percent) in Sunday's game, but New York has received the majority of spread dollars (60 percent). That type of split indicates that several large bets, probably placed by sharp bettors or syndicates, have taken the road underdog.
There's clearly value on the Giants as a large contrarian underdog, but there's also value based on the public's tendency to overvalue offense and undervalue defense. This season, New York boasted the league's second-best scoring defense, allowing just 17.8 points per game. On the other hand, Green Bay's offense ranked fourth in scoring with 27.0 points per game.
We always recommend selling on good news in order to capitalize on market overreactions, and Green Bay has won six consecutive games, including a big road win over Detroit on national television. This is the perfect opportunity to sell high on the Packers.
My research also found that 10-win teams have gone 50-37 ATS (57.5 percent) when they're underdogs during the playoffs. When we look at underdogs of at least 4.5 points, that record improves to 31-14 ATS (68.9 percent). That's another reason to like the Giants plus the points.
Weather is always an important factor to consider when handicapping a game, and forecasts call for single-digit temperatures at Lambeau Field this weekend. Although bettors typically think road teams are adversely affected by inclement weather, that's simply not the case. Since 2003, road teams have actually gone 24-16 ATS (60 percent) in playoff games played at freezing temperatures.
Moreover, Eli Manning has been very successful on the road during his 13-year career. Since being drafted in 2004, Manning has gone 56-41 ATS (57.7 percent) as a visitor, including a 6-0 ATS record during the playoffs. That trails only Tom Brady (57-40 ATS) among active quarterbacks.
There's no questioning Aaron Rodgers' talent, but this New York defense still hasn't received its proper due. Olivier Vernon is a premier pass-rusher, Janoris Jenkins is a lockdown cornerback and Landon Collins has emerged as one of the best safeties in football. Teams who lost their previous head-to-head matchup have gone 75-60 ATS (55.6 percent) during the playoffs, so I like the Giants to bounce back from their Week 5 loss this weekend.
The pick: New York Giants +4.5
Note: These lines are always subject to change, so make sure to check ESPN Chalk's Live Odds page throughout the week for updated lines and betting trends."
X-Files, thanks for contributing this information
Miami is a darn good Dog mostly. At 10.5 i would bite for action money, not sure about more than that.
Not surprised if Steelers lose outright. Just need the right turnovers, but the Fish have a nice
run game and better than average defense. Suh could cause some trouble.
Key will be if Miami Offense can do enough to keep Steeler Offense off the field.
They got a shot!
Plus the Public will be all over Pitt.
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