NFL Week 16: Mike Kern picks Dolphins vs Bengals, Redskins vs Giants, Packers vs Vikings and two three-team teasers
Last week wasn’t too good to us. Good thing there’s always another week straight ahead to try and make it right.
Dolphins (+1) over Bengals
Miami has been playing well the last month, even though the Fish came up light a week ago. It happens. And they’ve been especially good at home, especially for a team that was supposedly tanking. Now they’re basically a pick-em at their place, against a team that’s won only once. Maybe I’m missing something, but I’ll take my chances with the coach who’s done as good a job as just about anyone with his guys lately. And this line has come down from Miami being favored, for whatever you care to read into it. This just in: the public isn’t right all the time. Or even necessarily a lot of the time.
Three-team teaser
Ravens (-.5) over Browns, with Seahawks (-.5) over Cardinals and Falcons (+1.5) over Jaguars
All I’m looking for, as usual, is three wins by faves. Only the Ravens are on the road, but this is a big revenge spot for them as the Browns somehow beat them real early on. Don’t think Cleveland will be able to do it again, even in Cleveland this time. Seahawks might not cover against the Cards, but I don’t see them losing at their place, especially with a possible home field at stake for the NFC playoffs. And the Falcons, while out of the playoff picture, have been playing a lot better the last month, particularly Matty Ice. The Jags, despite that late comeback last week at Oakland, haven’t done much recently.
Three-team teaser
Broncos (+2) over Lions, with Chiefs (+3) over Bears and 49ers (+2.5) over Rams
Again, much the same logic. Don’t think Broncs are losing to the dreadful Lions at home. Same with Chiefs at Bears, although that is on the road. So don’t get carried away. And while I’m not sure if the Niners will cover the near-touchdown, I’m pretty sure they will win. Playoff positioning is in play here, in at least the last two games.
But remember, they call them teasers for a reason.
Redskins (-1) over Giants
Giants won first meeting in late September at home, 24-3. And they won last week, in Eli Manning’s maybe final appearance in North Jersey. But the Redskins have been getting better, and last week their young QB looked real good against the Eagles, for whatever that’s worth. This line has actually come down, so money is going on the visitors. I’m taking a shot on the revenge factor, even though the Skins have no homefield advantage in suburban D.C. But I would go light. Nothing more than a hunch. It could just turn out to be a stomach virus.
Packers (+5.5) over Vikings
Not sure Pack will win, even though they took the first meeting at Lambeau way back when, 21-16. But I do think Aaron Rodgers, who has taken some criticism lately for not being his old self anymore, will find a way to make it a suspenseful final Monday Nighter of the season. His Vikings counterpart has been really good the second half of the season, but I just think it’ll go down to the wire and so I’ll take the points and keep my whatever crossed.
WANNA BET THE NFL?
In New Jersey: PointsBet.com, Promo code: BETTORS (You can get two risk-free bets up to $1,000 if you qualify.) William Hill NJ (Deposit $50, get $50 cash) SugarHouse NJ* (First deposit match up to $250)
In Pennsylvania: SugarHouse PA* (First deposit match up to $250); Rivers Casino Pittsburgh* (First deposit match up to $250). Only 1x Wager Applies, Playable in PA Only
In most of Europe: William Hill UK; Pinnacle (No UK or Portugal); Asian Odds (No UK or Portugal)
In Asia: Pinnacle/Asian Odds
In parts of South America: Pinnacle/Asian Odds
In parts of Africa: Pinnacle/Asian Odds
*Note: First Deposit Bonus may only be claimed once per person across all Rivers and SugarHouse websites
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER