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Let's make some serious cash with FantasySP's Week 9 edition of NFL best bets!

Week 9 started with a bang as Jonathan Taylor and Carson Wentz led the Indianapolis Colts to a convincing 45-30 victory over the injury-riddled New York Jets. The standings are beginning to shape up across the NFL and no team in the AFC has pulled away. The 4-5 Colts are very much still in the picture, although the 2-6 Jets should begin thinking about next season. As the postseason picture begins to become more clear, it's time to gear up for this week's edition of NFL best bets. It takes a lot of energy and research to have success over the course of a season when it comes to sports betting. Over the last three weeks, we are 9-6 with our picks. Let's make some real money in Week 9. Here at FantasySP, we are committed to helping you cash. Remember, if you win 55% of your bets, you are a really good gambler. We are looking at some eye-opening odds this week and will help you decipher the best games to place your money on, whether it's moneylines, over-unders, or prop bets. With that, let's dive in.

WEEK 9 NFL BEST BETS

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-6)

Although the Saints lost Jameis Winston for the season, third-stringer Trevor Siemian filled in admirably during last week's upset victory over Tom Brady and the reigning Super Bowl champs. Despite the fact that Taysom Hill is expected to suit up this week after dealing with concussion symptoms, Sean Payton has named Siemian the starter. Still, Hill is expected to see some snaps and will be rotated in depending on the game flow. New Orleans' strength isn't their passing game anyway, so the starting quarterback doesn't make an enormous difference to me. Siemian proved that he can manage a game enough to get a victory. The Saints' strengths are the running game, featuring Alvin Kamara and the newly acquired Mark Ingram, as well as their defense. Marcus Lattimore is going to shut down whoever he lines up against. But it won't be Calvin Ridley.

The Atlanta Falcons will be without their superstar wideout, who has stepped away from the game to focus on personal problems. The Falcons have been pretty atrocious on both sides of the football, but I do expect this game to be closer than one might expect given each team's respective records. Nonetheless, I'm comfortable placing my money on the Saints in this clash of NFC South rivals. The Saints play very well on their home field and the Falcons are 4-6 as underdogs against the spread over their last 10 contests. The Saints should have no problem covering the six-point spread.

The Pick: Saints (-6)

Prediction: 24-14 Saints

Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys (-10)

This game's spread has sky-rocketed since opening at 4.5 points. Dallas is coming off an impressive primetime victory over the Minnesota Vikings with Cooper Rush under center. Now, they get superstar quarterback Dak Prescott back into a loaded offense featuring Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, and CeeDee Lamb. Plus, Dallas should expect Michael Gallup back from Injured Reserve after a several-week absence.

On the other side of the ball, the Denver Broncos may have given up on their season by trading away pass rusher Von Miller. And even though Denver has Jerry Jeudy back in the lineup, second-year tight end Noah Fant will be inactive after testing positive for COVID-19. It's hard to imagine Denver's dink-and-dump offense keeping up with the high-powered Cowboys. Although the spread if a bit loft, Dallas should have no problem taking care of business in Jerry World. They are 9-1 in their last 10 contests against the spread.

The Pick: Cowboys (-10)

Prediction: 37-24 Cowboys

New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers (+3.5)

This game's spread has been changing throughout the week due to the uncertainty of Sam Darnold's availability for the Panthers. Darnold is highly questionable due to a shoulder injury and concussion symptoms. Even if he is able to play, he has been on a massive downward spiral since Carolina's miraculous 3-0 start to the season. The Panthers have lost four of their last five games and even though they might get Christian McCaffrey back, it's doubtful that CMC will be at full strength. And nobody wants to see P.J. Walker starting at quarterback for the Panthers if Darnold is unable to suit up.

Meanwhile, the Patriots have been playing quite well despite the fact that rookie quarterback Mac Jones is coming off his worst performance of the season. After eclipsing 300 yards and tossing two touchdowns without turning the ball over in Week 7 against the Jets, Jones only managed 218 scoreless passing yards against the Chargers last week. Although it was ugly, New England escaped with their second consecutive victory and have salvaged their season. This is a must-win for both teams and it's hard to envision Bill Belichick not finding a way to defeat the undermanned Panthers.

The Pick: Patriots -3.5

Prediction: 26-20 Patriots

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Las Vegas Raiders at New York Giants (+3)

The G-Men have played well this season despite their 2-6 record. They were an offsides penalty away from upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football last week. They also have very close losses to Washington and Philly this season. Daniel Jones has played well despite the lack of Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay for much of the season. The G-Men will again be without Barkley, who is on the COVID-19 list, and Sterling Shepard will also be out, but the Giants will get Golladay back, and rookie Kadarius Toney has emerged as a significant threat whenever he touches the ball. Plus, this is a revenge game for Devontae Booker. With Barkley inactive, Booker will be the featured back and should do some damage in both the running and passing game.

The Raiders are probably the weakest 5-2 team in the National Football League. Emotions have to be high after the recent news regarding Henry Ruggs. Derek Carr's top wideout won't be on the field so it will be up to Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow, and Bryan Edwards to carry the Vegas pass catchers. Vegas is only 4-6 against the spread as favorites and I don't think they are nearly as good as their record suggests. Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham did an excellent job slowing down Patrick Mahomes in Week 8, and I think he'll do the same against Carr in Week 9. However, I think the Raiders will narrowly avoid the upset loss. But they won't cover the spread.

The Pick: Giants +3

Prediction: 28-26 Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers at Philadelphia Eagles (+1.5)

After suffering a backbreaking defeat to New England last week, now is the time to place your wagers on Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Yes, the Chargers have not looked quite as dominant as of late and the Eagles are coming off a 44-6 thrashing of the winless Detroit Lions. However, you aren't going to get many opportunities to bet on the superior team while laying less than a field goal. I'm placing multiple units on this one. I think the Chargers emerge victorious fairly easily in this one.

The Pick: Chargers (-1.5)

Prediction: 31-23 Chargers

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Week 7 kicked off as the Cleveland Browns somehow escaped a matchup with the Denver Broncos with a 17-14 victory despite the absence of Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt.

I truly thought the Broncos' defense would stymie backup quarterback Case Keenum, but Keenum held his own as the Brown moved to 4-2 on the season.

As we approach the weekend, it's time to prepare for this week's edition of NFL best bets.

It takes a lot of energy and research to have success over the course of a season when it comes to sports betting. We went 4-1 in Week 5 but struggled in Week 6, converting just two of five picks. Let's do better in Week 7. Here at FantasySP, we are committed to helping you cash. Remember, if you win 55% of your bets, you are a really good gambler. We are looking at some eye-opening odds this week and will help you decipher the best games to place your money on, whether it's money lines, over-unders, or prop bets. With that, let's dive in.

WEEK 7 NFL BEST BETS 2021

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens (-6.5)

Heading into their Week 8 bye, the Ravens get their third consecutive home game after looking absolutely unstoppable in their 34-6 drubbing of the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Lamar Jackson barely had to throw the ball because Baltimore has such a commanding lead. In fact, the Ravens ran the ball a whopping 36 times and all three veteran running backs found the end zone: Devonta Freeman, Le'Veon Bell, and Latavius Murray. It's not going to be quite as easy this week against a division rival that is trending in the right direction. Cincinnati has one of the best trios of receivers in the game and Joe Burrow's chemistry with Ja'Marr Chase is undeniable. That said, Baltimore should have no problem winning this game by a touchdown.

The Pick: Ravens -6.5

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Washington Football Team at Green Bay Packers (-7.5)

Just like the 5-1 Ravens, Green Bay is another team that nobody wants to play right now. The Packers looked absolutely atrocious in their Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints, but since then, they have dominated each and every contest. Aaron Rodgers is performing like an MVP, Davante Adams looks like the best receiver in the league, and Aaron Jones continues to shine in this backfield. This group has won five in a row and Rodgers should be able to feast on a Washington defense that is proving itself to be nowhere close to what we saw last season. Considering this game is at home at Lambeau Field, I think Rodgers has no problem throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns. I'm expecting a blowout as Taylor Heinicke and Terry McLaurin struggled to put up points against the subpar Chiefs defense in Week 6.

The Pick: Packers -7.5

Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans (+4.5)

As mentioned above, Washington was unable to score points against Kansas City's bottom-third defense in Week 6, but the Tennessee Titans have a lot more weapons than Washington. Ryan Tannehill got A.J. Brown and Julio Jones back from injuries and the Titans are coming off an emotional win in which they defeated Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills as time expired on a fourth-down stop. Despite the fact that Tannehill will surely have success with Brown and Jones, the Titans' offense obviously runs through MVP frontrunner Derrick Henry. In fact, Henry's MVP odds are currently +4000 at DraftKings. If you are into future bets, I would lock that in.

Henry has eclipsed 100 yards in five consecutive games. Over that span, he is averaging 145 rushing yards per game and five yards per carry with a whopping 10 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Kansas City's defense is yielding 5.2 yards per carry and more than one rushing touchdown per game. The Chiefs rank dead last in rushing defense, which means Henry could very well go off in Week 7. In his last regular-season matchup with the Chiefs, King Henry capitalized, producing 8.2 yards per carry.

All that said, the Titans have been almost as bad as the Chiefs on the defensive side of the ball. They rank 27th in total DVOA defense and are allowing the sixth-most yards per catch and 28.8 points per game. Considering the Chiefs have the most high-powered offense in the league, nobody would be shocked if Kansas City put a 40 burger on the scoreboard. Tennessee has allowed a league-high 10 receiving touchdowns to wideouts and the Titans' secondary has no chance at stopping Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman due to their speed. Plus, you've got to watch out for Travis Kelce over the middle of the field. 2020 MVP Patrick Mahomes is averaging 335.7 passing yards per game and is completing 74.9% of his passes despite a 3-3 record. Not to mention, Kansas City is converting third downs at a 63.6% clip on the road this season.

This game has all the makings for an absolute shootout. If you are playing Daily Fantasy Sports, this is the game to double and triple stack.

The Pick: Over 56.5 points

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Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (+3)

Big Blue has been incredibly unlucky this season. Their offensive skill players have been absolutely decimated by injuries. Saquon Barkley is unlikely to suit up after twisting his ankle in Week 5 after stepping on a Cowboys defender's foot. Plus, Kenny Golladay and rookie sensation Kadarius Toney have already been ruled out. It looks like Sterling Shepard will play but Darius Slayton is looking like a true game-time decision. Daniel Jones was atrocious last week with so few offensive weapons at his disposal as he committed four turnovers (he only had one interception prior to Week 6, which was the biggest knock on him from critics prior to the season). Carolina ranks second in the NFL in DVOA pass defense and second in total DVOA defense, so it's going to be tough for the Giants to find the end zone. Kicker Graham Gano could be their high scorer!

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers are also shorthanded as Christian McCaffrey will not be back. Chubba Hubbard has filled in admirably, but he is definitely not CMC. Hubbard is averaging 4.5 yards per carry on the road this season and former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold has exceeded expectations in his first season in Carolina. Darnold is averaging 302.5 passing yards per game, as the Panthers have averaged 26 points per game on the road. After a tough overtime loss to the Vikings in Week 6, look for the Panthers to win this game fairly easily. It also doesn't help that Giants fans have been booing their home squad every chance they get. You can confidently place your money on the Panthers in this one.

The Pick: Panthers -3

Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams (-14.5)

We've got a revenge narrative here as Matthew Stafford was traded for Jared Goff during the offseason. Clearly, things have not panned out for the Lions, who are 0-6 heading into this tough matchup. Something tells me that Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd are not going to take it easy on their former quarterback. The Detroit Lions have already allowed 14 sacks this season and are only averaging 16 points per game on the road. In fact, they were shut out through three quarters last Sunday and kicked a late field goal just to avoid a bagel.

Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford has been playing lights out and Cooper Kupp is looking like one of the best receivers in the NFL. Yes, this is a very large spread but I wouldn't be surprised if the Rams won this game by 20+ points.

The Pick: Rams -14.5

MY TWO FAVORITE WEEK 7 PROP BETS

Aaron Rodgers Over 251.5 Passing Yards:

Rodgers is averaging 260.6 passing YPG with 12 TDs and 1 pick over his last 5 games and has a 122.7 passer rating in 2 home games this season. He'll face a Washington team that is posting a disappointing 5.8% adjusted sack rate and ranks 28th in DVOA pass defense. Washington is yielding the second-most total YPG (431) and the most passing YPG (309.5) this year, so this is an extremely low prop for one of the best QBs in the game. As long as Taylor Heinicke keeps this contest moderately close – and he should be able to with Jaire Alexander (shoulder) out – Rodgers should top 260 passing yards easily.

Derrick Henry Under 126.5 Rushing Yards:

This is a bold call given how historically awful the Chiefs have been in rush defense this season. Yet the number is so high for Henry that he could fall well short of this total through no fault of his own if the Titans fall behind early. Tennessee's defense is equally terrible and this could be treated as a playoff game for a desperate KC squad. The Chiefs held Henry to 69 rushing yards and -8 receiving yards in the 2020 AFC Championship. They will have Chris Jones back to set the edge and should sell out to stop Henry.

Check out our Start / Sit tool to see which players to start in Week 7 at FantasySP!

Julio Jones is trying to force his way out of Atlanta

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The NFL's all-time leader in receiving yardage per game is looking for a new home.

Five time all-pro, Julio Jones, stated on FS1's Undisputed earlier this week that he was "out" of Atlanta and that his only focus on where he wants to play next year includes winning. This corroborates with reports back in April as Ian Rapoport indicated the Falcons were receiving calls for their star receiver prior to the NFL Draft.

It's no surprise that Jones wants out considering the Falcons have only made the playoffs once since their Super Bowl appearance in 2016. Jones is 32 now and coming off a season where nagging injuries kept him off the field for all but nine games in 2020. In those games Jones caught 51 balls for 771 yards while adding three touchdowns. Having only reached double-digit touchdowns once in his career in 2012, the volume and yardage have always been Julio's strengths. A lack of availability would certainly hurt his chances to be a major contributor for any title-contender.

According to SportsLine, the teams with the best odds to land Jones are as follows as of May 28, 2021.

  • Patriots +200
  • 49ers +300
  • Titans +400
  • Raiders +600
  • Ravens +700
  • Chargers +900
  • Colts +1000
  • Packers +1200
  • Dolphins +1400
  • Jaguars +1500
  • Cowboys +2000

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While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have come away with the Lombardi, there was so much greatness displayed in 2020, we believe the players with the flyest kicks, the smoothest flow and the craftiest Twitter fingers deserve shout-outs as well.

So to honor the 2020 NFL season, the FindBet staff came together to develop, nominate and elect the biggest winners from the NFL season in twelve distinct categories.

Categories

People's Champion: Deshaun Watson, Larry Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzpatrick

There are some men who transcend fanning the flames of rivalry, enjoying an elite status known to few athletes: a player who is beloved by every fan. We believe that Larry Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Deshaun Watson are fan faves not just in their cities, but in all the NFL kingdom, which is what makes them champions of the people.

Winner: Deshaun Watson

Despite covering the Seahawks and Raiders respectively, Aryanna and Ashmere have professed their admiration for Watson's talent and tenacity time and time again on Findbet broadcasts.

The rest of the staff agrees: for a historic campaign as the best losing quarterback we've ever seen, Deshaun Watson is a fantastic guy with a can-do attitude that brought this team to the playoffs before and is sure to do it again, no matter who it's with.


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