The new year has begun as we have reached the final week of the 2015 NFL season and plenty of teams still have plenty to play for. Hopefully we can bag a few winners before the playoffs as we look at some key games being played this Monday in our NFL Week 17 betting tips.
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Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – Monday 5:00am
This game will mean so much more to the Cincinnati Bengals. A win today coupled with a Denver loss would secure the Bengals a first round bye in the playoffs. A bye for the Bengals is extra significant because of the injury to quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton is not available until week two of the playoffs.
Baltimore has had the worst run of injuries in the league. I just can’t see them travelling into Ohio with any purpose. Back-up quarterback Ryan Mallett is going to face a jacked up Cincinnati defense and I wouldn’t be surprised if he finished the day with three or more interceptions.
The line opened at -7.0 (CIN) and it has climbed to -9.5. It is still under that key number of -10.0 and I sense a blowout.
Tip: Cincinnati Bengals at the line (-9.5) - $1.95 at William Hill
St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Monday 8:25am
This line is confusing me. St. Louis is only favoured by a field goal against a 49ers team that has lost three games in a row and five of their last six. Back in November the Rams beat the 49ers 27-6 and the Rams have also won their last three games. So why is this line just -3.0?
Listen to the odds makers!
At this late stage of the season teams such as the St Louis Rams and San Francisco are not playing for anything but pride and the 49ers are a very proud team. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin will most likely be playing his final game for the 49ers and a home win would be a fitting send off. The 49ers have been far more competitive at home and it would not surprise me if the St Louis Rams just took the night off.
If it is possible to get +3.5 for the 49ers then I would recommend a play on the 49ers otherwise I will probably be sitting this one out.
Tip: San Francisco at the line (+3.5) - $1.95 at William Hill
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals – Monday 8:25am
This is first versus second in the NFC West which sounds like a tantalizing matchup however I believe this game means more to the Arizona Cardinals.
The Seahawks have secured a wildcard playoff spot and I have a feeling they could rest a few key players including Kam Chancellor and Marshawn Lynch. The initial line for this game was -3.5(ARI) now it’s climbed to -6.5 and I think this number will keep going up.
Arizona coach Bruce Arians is coach of the year in my opinion and he is known for his aggressive game planning. The cardinals have already secured a playoff spot and a first round bye. However a win today coupled with a Carolina loss would mean the Cardinals finish number one in the NFC and would secure a home game.
The Cardinals have won nine straight. They are the real deal. I believe they can go all the way.
Tip: Arizona Cardinals at the line (-6.5) - $1.95 at William Hill
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Monday 12:30pm
Sunday night footballs prime time game looks bigger on paper than in reality. The winner will walk away with the NFC North crown but unfortunately neither team can secure a first round playoff bye. Otherwise this game would have meant so much more. These two teams played each other just five weeks ago with Green Bay dominating that game 30-13.
Green Bay was embarrassed last week losing 8-38 against a very sharp Arizona team. I expect the Packers to bounce back big time today. Aaron Rodgers was sacked a whopping eight times against Arizona. This is embarrassing for the Packers offensive line and they should come out and make a statement today and hopefully give Rodgers much more time to throw from the pocket.
Interestingly if Minnesota loses this game and Seattle beats Arizona then the Vikings will be travelling straight back to Lambeau Field for the first week of the playoffs.
Tip: Green Bay at the line (-3.5) - $1.95 at William Hill
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
