NFL Picks 2018: 5 Best Bets Against The Spread For Week 16 Include Chargers, Seahawks, Texans

A few teams are simply getting too many points in pivotal games that could have major playoff implications. The Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks have a good chance to win outright, despite being underdogs, according to the Las Vegas betting odds. Even the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals could be competitive as heavy underdogs Sunday after being eliminated from contention.

There’s no such thing as a “sure thing” when it comes to gambling, but here are the five best bets against the spread for Week 16 of the 2018 NFL season:

Los Angeles Chargers (-4.5)

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have climbed their way back into the AFC North race by defeating some of the NFL’s worst teams. The AFC’s No.6 seed could be in for a rude awakening Saturday night against arguably the best team in the conference.

The Chargers have won 10 of their last 11 games, and they’ve defeated the Steelers and Chiefs in two of the last three weeks. L.A. is second in yards per play, and they can move the ball on anyone, even Baltimore’s top-ranked defense. Jackson hasn’t thrown more than 178 yards in a game, and the Ravens won’t be able to keep pace with one of the league’s top Super Bowl contenders.

Houston Texans (+2.5)

Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles are being overvalued after one big win against the Rams. Houston has proven to be the better team over the course of 14 games, and they’ve got a good chance to steal a win on the road.

Philadelphia has been inconsistent all year. Foles sometimes looks like an elite quarterback, but he also has games in which he looks like he can’t be a starter. Maybe Houston is a little overrated as the AFC’s No.2 seed, but they’ve taken care of business against mediocre teams all season long. With the No.17 offense and the No.27 defense, the Eagles are the very definition of mediocre.

New York Giants (+9.5)

Even without Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants shouldn’t be getting nearly 10 points against the Indianapolis Colts. New York is being slightly undervalued after getting shut out a week ago, and Indianapolis is being overvalued after pitching a shutout of their own.

The Giants have been very competitive on the road this season, defeating the Texans and the Redskins and losing to the Eagles and Panthers on last-second field goals. New York hasn’t been defeated by more than a touchdown away from MetLife Stadium, and Saquon Barkley can make plays against any defense. Andrew Luck is tied for fourth with 13 interceptions, and the Giants are tied for fifth with 15 picks on defense.

Arizona Cardinals (+14)

Betting on the worst team in football is never fun, but it’s a smart decision when the betting line is this high. There’s no way the Los Angeles Rams should be favored by two touchdowns on the road with the way they are playing.

L.A. hasn’t been the dominant team they were in the first half of the season. Their only double-digit win over the last seven games was a 30-16 victory in Detroit when the Rams scored a meaningless touchdown in the final two minutes. Todd Gurley is dealing with a knee injury and might sit much of the game. Jared Goff hasn’t posted a passer rating above 75.9 in any of his last three games. The Rams should beat the Cardinals, but don’t look for them to pour it on and win by several scores.

Seattle Seahawks (+2.5)

Just as the Rams no longer look borderline unbeatable, the same can be said for the Chiefs. They could lose their second straight game and for the third time in five games when they visit Seattle.

The Seahawks still have a significant home-field advantage, and they came just short of beating the Rams and Chargers in Seattle. Maybe Russell Wilson and Co. will finally get over that hump against an elite team Sunday night when they play one of the NFL’s worst defenses. The Chiefs are 28th in points allowed and 31st in total defense. Kansas City has allowed the most explosive plays this season, and Seattle ranks fifth with 12 passing plays of 40 yards or more. Wilson has 13 touchdown passes and two interceptions at home.

Season Record: 37-34-4