NFL Week 7 Home Underdogs Preview

What’s better than a home team getting points? Legendary announcer (and godfather to gamblers everywhere) Brent Musberger used to utter that phrase when making not-so-veiled references to the football betting odds, and that sentiment has carried on to this day. Although you might have to hold your nose, betting on home underdogs is a tried and true way to make money in sports betting, so let’s examine this week’s home dogs and see who’s ready to bark.

DENVER BRONCOS +3 VS. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Kansas City Chiefs are suddenly vulnerable. Patrick Mahomes II is mortal now that he isn’t 100 percent due to an ankle injury, and Kansas City faces a tricky road test in Mile High Stadium on Thursday. Road games on short weeks are usually not recipes for success, but the Mahomes’ mystique is sure to enrapture many bettors and could lead to this line moving to Denver +3.5 before kickoff.

The Broncos have seemingly fixed their problems on defense after an 0-4 start. Denver held the Chargers to just 3.8 yards per play in a 20-13 victory two weeks ago, and the Broncos allowed Tennessee to pick up just 3.3 yards per play last week. A fully healthy Mahomes could light up Denver’s defense, but a hampered Mahomes might have some real trouble against this secondary.

DETROIT LIONS +2 VS. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

This is the most enticing home underdog of the bunch. Detroit nearly upset Green Bay on the road last week, and the Lions are one of the NFL’s most underrated teams. They are strong in the front seven, and this team has the bodies up front to stall Minnesota’s formidable running game.

We’ve seen the Vikings’ offense sputter when Kirk Cousins is asked to do too much. Cousins had an excellent outing against Philadelphia last week, but the general rule of thumb with Cousins is that he alternates good and bad performances.

CINCINNATI BENGALS +3.5 VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Minshew Mania has taken over Jacksonville, but Gardner Minshew II’s numbers haven’t matched the hype. After doing great in a fill-in role against Kansas City in the season opener, Minshew has thrown for 6.8 yards per pass or less in four of his five starts.

Jacksonville is 1-2 on the road this year with the one win coming against Denver by just two points. The Bengals are winless on the season, but they have shown signs of life by staying within six points of four of their six opponents.

ATLANTA FALCONS +3 VS. LOS ANGELES RAMS

The Rams have lost three in a row, and they no longer look like the team to beat in the NFC. The secondary has been atrocious, leading to the franchise trading away two first-round picks for Jalen Ramsey, and the offensive line hasn’t been good. That has put pressure on Jared Goff to produce without much of a ground game, and he has been hit or miss in this regard.

Atlanta can put up points. Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones are top 20 receivers, and Mohamed Sanu is a fantastic slot receiver. Matt Ryan leads the NFL in completions, pass attempts, and touchdown passes, and this game could be a shootout.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS +10 VS. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Hold your nose when betting this one. Washington is the worst team in the NFC, and the Redskins are facing the only undefeated team in the conference. The Redskins had to survive a late two-point conversion attempt to beat Miami last week, and Bill Callahan doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Four of San Francisco’s five wins have been by 13 points or more this season as the defense has been excellent. It’s usually not easy for West Coast teams to play East Coast teams in early afternoon games, but the Niners have already won two of those games this year.

NEW YORK JETS +10 VS. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Jets have already covered one massive spread against the Patriots this season. Gang Green lost by 16 points as a three-touchdown underdog to New England back in Week 3, and there is more reason for optimism this time. Sam Darnold was excellent in his return to the field, leading the Jets to an upset win over Dallas last week, and this team is getting healthy.

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