If you’re an NFL pigskin betting aficionado that is looking for some value – and expert assistance – on the quickly approaching slate of Week 13 games that are about to go down, then you’re in luck!
I’ve got a trio of value-packed picks on three favorites that you just shouldn’t let pass in Week 13. Now, let’s find out who these three faves are and why they’re looking good heading into their respective week 13 matchups.
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
Game Information
What: Los Angeles Rams (10-1) at Detroit Lions (4-7)
When: Sunday, December 2, 2018, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
TV: FOX, DTV: 711
Weather Forecast
Slight Chance Moderate Rain: 7°C | 45°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 10 MPH W
Stadium Type: Dome
Detroit continued their season-long act of underachieving and never really out up that much of an effort in their 23-16 home loss against NFC North rival Chicago last weekend while failing to cover the chalk as a 3-point home underdog. The Rams are well-rested after getting a bye this past weekend. L.A. has won two straight including their unforgettable 54-51 Week 11 home win over Kansas City on Monday night. The Rams are ranked third in scoring (35.4 ppg) and 21st in points allowed (25.6 ppg).
Lions fans are wondering if Matt Stafford (and Matt Patricia) are the answers for the most beleaguered franchise as they move forward. Detroit is ranked an uninspiring 21st in scoring (21.6 ppg) and 24th in points allowed (26.0 ppg). While the Lions are completely lost, things have been great for the Rams since the start if the 2017 season where Los Angeles is now one of the most exciting teams in the entire league.
With this game being played inside in perfect conditions, I’m expecting Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and the rest of the Rams’ potent offense to have their way against a Detroit team that is struggling on both sides of the ball in getting limited to 20 points or less in four of their last five games while giving up 24 or more three times during the span and 28 or more twice.
Not only are the Rams 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a bye week, but the Lions are an awful 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games against a team with a winning record, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Predicted Score: Los Angeles Rams 35 | Detroit Lions 20
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game Information
What: Carolina Panthers (6-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
When: Sunday, December 2, 2018, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
TV: FOX, DTV: 714
Weather Forecast
Sunny: 27°C | 80°F
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 7 MPH SW
Stadium Type: Open Air
Carolina has lost three straight and two consecutive close affairs in falling at Detroit 20-19 two weeks ago and then falling to Seattle 30-27 at home on Sunday. The Panthers are ranked 10th in scoring (26.1 ppg) and 20th in points allowed (25.6 ppg), but they’ve given up 30 or more in two of their last three games while getting held to 21 points or less two times as well.
Tampa Bay snapped a four-game losing streak with Jameis Winston under center in Sunday’s 27-9 beatdown of San Francisco to cover the chalk as a 1.5-point home favorite as Winston tossed two TD passes and no picks. The Buccaneers are ranked a solid ninth in scoring (26.7 ppg) but an awful 31st in points allowed (30.7 ppg).
For this Week 13 NFC South divisional showdown, I don’t think there’s any doubt that Carolina wins and covers the chalk with room to spare. The Panthers are quite desperate to give their fading playoff hopes a boost and Tampa Bay is virtually defenseless on Most Sundays.
Carolina has gone 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games following an SU loss while Tampa Bay has gone 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games against their NFC counterparts. With Carolina going 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings against Tampa Bay, I say back the Panthers to win by at least a touchdown to cover the spread.
Predicted Score: Carolina Panthers 35 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24
Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans
Game Information
What: Cleveland Browns (4-6-1) at Houston Texans (8-3)
When: Sunday, December 2, 2018, 1:00 PM ET
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
TV: CBS, DTV: 707
Weather Forecast
Slight Chance Light Rain Showers: 21°C | 70°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 7 MPH S
Stadium Type: Retractable Roof
Cleveland has been quite impressive in winning two straight heading into Week 13. First, the Browns stunned Atlanta two weeks ago and then they smacked Cincinnati around 35-20 to cash in as a 1-point road favorite. The Browns are ranked 18th in scoring (23.0 ppg) and 22nd in points allowed (25.7 ppg) and they’ve clearly got a future with Baker Mayfield and now, Nick Chubb in their backfield together.
Houston is still flying somewhat under the national radar as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, but maybe they shouldn’t be. The Texans have won eight straight games including their convincing 34-17 beatdown of AFC South rival Tennessee on Sunday as a 3.5-point home favorite. The Texans are ranked 14th in scoring (24.8 ppg) and a stellar fifth in points allowed (20.2 ppg).
Cleveland has gone 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 road games while Houston has gone 4-0 ATS in their last four games against their AFC counterparts and 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall. While Houston has a pair of three-point wins and a pair of two-point wins among their eight-game winning streak, I’m going to advise you to back the Texans to narrowly cover the spread.
Predicted Score: Houston Texans 31 | Cleveland Browns 21
