For the first time since Week 2, both Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers won on the same day. The Minnesota Vikings won the game of the year of the Super Bowl favorites, while the Seattle Seahawks faltered outside of American borders. #NFLWeek10 was more fun than anyone anticipated and has helped set up an intense stretch run. What should we take away from the NFC’s slate of games heading into #NFLWeek11?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21 – Seattle Seahawks 16
It’s about time we’ve reconciled with the notion that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite their outstanding struggles, will host a playoff game. It seems more than likely that they’ll host the Dallas Cowboys and, if this season continues on this trend, beat them. They’ve hit their stride at the perfect time. Their remaining schedule consists of bad teams, more bad teams, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the San Francisco 49ers. Brady will get his double-digit wins and soon enough we’ll forget the few rounds that Father Time had him on the ropes.
On the Seattle side of things, it’s not time to push the panic button. The clock has not yet struck midnight 🕰 on Geno Smith, who is playing himself into one of the most intriguing free agent situations in recent memory. They lost the battles in the trenches and struggled to move the ball, but this is not an indictment on the roster. They simply aren’t perfect. The loss opens the door for a San Francisco push for the division, but the Seahawks should very much expect to play big games this January.
They are now +200 to win the NFC West on FanDuel, with the 49ers at -220. The former would net $200 with a win, while the latter would take a $220 wager in order to win $100. If you’d like to get in on that futures action, check out the Basic Tips section below this piece and enjoy FanDuel’s promotion for BetBasics readers: UP TO $1,000 BACK IN BONUS BETS.
Green Bay Packers 31 – Dallas Cowboys 28
The Green Bay Packers played perhaps their most complete game of the season on Sunday, culminating in the spoiling of Mike McCarthy’s return. Their exotic defensive looks stunted an explosive Dallas offense and the offense came through when it needed to, even if they were ultimately aided by some friendly men in striped shirts 🦓. There’s a half-decent chance Christian Watson is here to stay and the offense is clicking as they’d hoped coming into the year. If Matt LaFleur and his quarterback can stay on the same page, a late-season playoff push is possible. At +300, there’s some value 🧀 in hoping the Giants, Seahawks, or 49ers fall off.
Detroit Lions 31 – Chicago Bears 30
I’m not sure the Justin Fields situation has changed much since last week. His development should be celebrated and has given Chicago Bears fans hope that he’s their guy. Still, there is a fairly long road before we consider Fields that great of a passer. Now, passer and player are two different things, and it should be acknowledged that he’s keeping the Bears in games. Perhaps we should cool it on the superstardom talk 😨 (for now).
Chicago, unfortunately for Fields, stinks 💩. Despite his transcendent rushing ability and tendency to extend plays past his offensive linemen’s best efforts, Chicago continues to come up short. Fields has certainly taken steps in the right direction, but for the time being, we shouldn’t be using his development as a convincing reason for them to win. They open as three-point underdogs against a struggling Atlanta Falcons team.
Pittsburgh Steelers 20 – New Orleans Saints 10
That’s enough of Andy Dalton. He had me fooled enough to take the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football last week, and burned me again on Sunday. He’s turned back into the orange 🎃 pumpkin that he always was, and the Saints are headed for a top draft pick. A selection that belongs to the Eagles, by the way. Just save us the boredom and put Jameis Winston back in already.
BASIC TIPS
Earlier, I mentioned a futures bet, which is a bet placed on an event or condition that is weeks away from occurring. Examples are awards, divisional winners, and season-long player props. It’s important to play futures at the right time. Too early, and you may not be operating with enough information. Too late, and you’ll leave value on the table. For the 49ers and Seahawks, there’s a reason Vegas thinks San Francisco is a heavy favorite. Seattle has two dates with Sean McVay and a contest against both the 49ers and Chiefs. The red and gold get Miami and Tampa Bay as their toughest tasks (aside from Seattle). Is the difference in schedule worth more than the half-game deficit?