Dave Carney 12/20/2021
What’s on the table today?: Week 15: Monday Night NFL betting preview
Yup, COVID-19 has once again begun to wreak havoc on professional sports with postponements and cancellations for the NFL, NBA and NHL. The NFL, while inclined to move games, isn’t inclined to cancel or postpone past the current week, which means they are the only league currently operating that hasn’t shut down this season from the new COVID outbreaks.
This is good news for NFL fans, bad news for bettors IF you bet a side that’s now taking on major water thanks to health & safety protocols. The Washington Football Team were underdogs by 4.5 points (+4.5) before the game got pushed from Sunday to Tuesday, and now see themselves as dogs to the tune of (+7). If you took the WFT (+4.5) like we did in our Jon Denton Special….this is no bueno.
While it’s understandable that having action on NFL games is just a fun way to enjoy the sport, my personal feeling is to be very careful betting on tonight’s MNF double-header, or tomorrow’s Tuesday Night doubleheader as all the team involved will be dealing with lack of players, potentially coaches, and a whole slew of issues that make betting on these games more difficult.
That said, you could still find some value if you do your research and find an angle. Before you make your plays however, sign up with the OFFICIAL sports book partner of the WKTY Morning Show (BetUS) and claim your 125% deposit match when you use the promo code WKTY on sign up.
Vikings (-7) @ Bears / total 45.5
Tonight in what was supposed to be the only MNF game the Minnesota Vikings are playing for their Playoff lives in Chicago against a Bears team that will get it’s Defensive Coordinator back from the COVID protocols, but still faces a lot of uncertainty. The Vikings will (seemingly) have most of their team on the field, but as Vikings fans know, have the propensity to come up SHORT in some very big spots.
To that end I have no real feel for the spread. I think playing the total is the way to go in this one. The teams combined have an O/U record of 13-13 on the season. Recent history between these two teams point to the under and I have to agree with that. I do not think Minnesota’s offense will be as explosive as we’ve seen and Chicago doesn’t score the ball much in general. Taking the under 45.5 in this one.
Bettors interested in this game need to keep a sharp eye on the status of players. Just because they are on the COVID list today does not mean they will not play on Monday. Also, keep a look out for both Montgomery and Cook total rushing yards. Both backs should have big games and could be good bets in this matchup.
Raiders (+2.5) @ Browns / total 40.5
This contest was slated for Sunday but also got moved due to an outbreak of COVID for the Browns with QB Baker Mayfield and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski both in the protocol this week. That wasn’t where the bad news stopped for the Browns either with backup Case Keenum having to enter protocols due to close contact.
With the COVID issues for the Browns, especially in the pass game, one thing is certain, the Raiders are going to see plenty of Chubb, and Kareem Hunt, if the latter is available. He was also added to the COVID list late in the week. If not, D’Ernest Johnson will have his number called frequently. Don’t be surprised to see the Browns attempt to run 40 or more times, if need be. UNDER bettors like the sound of that.
One reason for the ground-based attack is out of necessity, due to personnel absences. The other is the weather, as the forecast calls for temperatures at or around freezing, with winds gusting off of Lake Erie at 13-16 mph, with a slight chance of precipitation. That will wreak havoc on the pass game, doing Keenum no favors as he tries to settle in, and it will throw the kicking game off, too. The Raiders might keep it on the ground with Josh Jacobs a little more than usual, too, if the weather is unsavory. That’s music to the ears of UNDER bettors, and that bet might be the only sure thing in town.
**For more info on TOTAL plays, OVER/UNDER, and PLUS/MINUS plays, TEASER cards and more, check back through some previous columns for detailed information**
REMEMBER – don’t bet based upon our recommendations. Do your research. Stay in your lane
