Sports Handicapping Central: Bucs @ Colts, Browns @ Broncos, More
Plenty of decent enough games on tap this weekend in the NFL. A lot of the matchups are those only a bettor and the most hardcore fans can enjoy. We're looking at you Panthers vs. Titans.
Bucs @ Colts
Indianapolis opened as the -1 favorite here and that line has climbed to -2.5. We got a number of 1.38 and even with the line move, this one is still pretty much on the money. An accurate line in the 2/2.5 range without going over the 3 has been fruitful for the favorite according to our system.
Winners and Whiners observes: "Both teams are still in the thick of their respective playoff races. Tampa Bay is in it more because of how poor the NFC South has been while the Colts have been a pleasant surprise to this point of the year."
They add: "Tampa Bay has struggled against the pass, ranking 31st in that department, while allowing five quarterbacks to throw for at least 300 yards against them.
"The Colts also have the ability to run the ball to set up the pass, which is bad news for Tampa Bay defensively.
"With the bye, Indianapolis is healthier and rested."
Dustin Lewis of Bucs Game Day is NOT on the Bucs here.
"This is certainly an opportunity for Tampa Bay to bounce but it can't be overlooked that this is the second straight road game for the franchise after having to travel to California last weekend.
"Add in the fact that the status of multiple starters is uncertain entering the contest with injuries beginning to pile up for the Buccaneers and this one looks tougher than what it did on paper. The Colts have momentum entering this game after winning two straight games. Plus, Jonathan Taylor is coming off a season-high 23 carries and he's scored a touchdown in three of his last four appearances."
It's also been noted that the Bucs have lost five of their last six road trips.
The public likes Tampa here as they were seeing around 75% of the action.
Browns @ Broncos
The betting public also liked Cleveland (7-3 Straight Up and Against The Spread) Sunday in their game against the surging Broncos.
Denver looked left for dead early in the season but they just won four straight, three against teams above the .500 mark. Cleveland is playing really well of late too, especially considering all the chaos at quarterback. They are 5-1 in their last six.
Denver has an opportunity to climb above the .500 mark with a win and thrust themselves into the playoff talk. They are just 3-6-1 Against The Spread.
This one has mostly been -1 Denver.
Bills @ Eagles
One of the better games on this weekend's schedule. The line is -3/-3.5. Our number is 3.98, pretty much on the money.
Buffalo is just 4-7 coming into this one. They've only won against the Eagles once in four, though these dated between 2007 and 2019. They haven't face one another in four years.
- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com