Top Betting Odds and Picks for NFL Week 13

My Expert Betting Picks for NFL Week 13

Written by on June 1, 2016

The most important month in the NFL regular season is of course December, and Week 13 of the coming season signals the start of that month and the playoff stretch drive. Here are three game results I would recommend as things currently stand with teams along with early NFL betting lines. The Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans, two teams I might bet against, are on bye weeks. They have the latest byes of any team in 2016.

Taking a Look at My Expert Betting Picks for NFL Week 13

San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears (-4)

Yes, San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime in Chicago in Week 13 last season, but these 49ers got much worse in the offseason — despite the solid hiring of Chip Kelly as their new head coach — and the Bears look much improved, especially on defense. In last year’s game, Blaine Gabbert threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith in overtime after running for the tying TD late in regulation. The Bears’ Robbie Gould missed a field goal at the end of regulation; Gould is usually one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL/ Gould, who missed a 40-yard attempt in the third quarter, booted a 36-yarder wide left as time expired. Gabbert, who took over for Colin Kaepernick as the starter during last season, completed 18 of 32 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 75 yards and his score. Chicago’s Jay Cutler was 18-of-31 for 202 yards with an interception. I don’t expect the 49ers to win a single road game in 2016.

Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens (-3)

No team had more injuries or worse luck than Baltimore in 206, which led to a 4-12 record. But the Ravens will be back as a Super Bowl contender in 2016 assuming good healthy. Miami beat visiting Baltimore 15-13 in Week 13 last year. The Dolphins intercepted a pair of deflected Matt Schaub passes to score two touchdowns 20 seconds apart late in the first half and held on. The Ravens had the ball in Miami territory twice in the final six minutes, but the Dolphins turned them away. Miami had no right winning with just eight first downs. Baltimore lost despite outgaining Miami 375-219 and controlling the ball for nearly 38 minutes. Schaub threw for 308 yards — and the two interceptions. Schaub was in there for an injured Joe Flacco, who should be ready for training camp off knee surgery.

Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks (-3)

I don’t recommend going against reigning NFC champion Carolina often on NFL betting lines this season and the Panthers won’t be underdogs very often. But the Seahawks want major payback here. In Week 6 at home last season, the Seahawks were stunned by Carolina 27-23. Down 23-14, Carolina went 80 yards on each of its final two possessions for touchdowns. Cam Newton capped Carolina’s fourth-quarter rally with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Greg Olsen with 32 seconds left. Newton was 12-of-15 for 162 yards in the fourth quarter and threw for 269 yards overall. The Seahawks lost at home for just the second time in the past two seasons. In the NFC divisional playoffs, Carolina jumped out to a 31-0 halftime lead and held off Seattle 31-24. The Seahawks who returned for the second half were an entirely different team, energetic and efficient. Russell Wilson went 31-for-48 for 366 yards, but the early turnovers were too much to overcome.