Can the defending Super Bowl Champions lose two in a row? Can a Bear beat a Lion? Stranger issues have occurred, however upsets in these video games wouldn’t be bizarre in any respect. (For the newest odds, go to oddschecker.)
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears (+3)
The Bears gave the Lions all they may deal with in a 31-26 loss three weeks in the past, intercepting Jared Goff thrice. Quarterback Justin Fields threw for 169 yards and a landing and ran for 104 yards towards the Lions’ fifth-ranked speeding protection. Two weeks in the past he led Chicago to a 12-10 victory over Minnesota earlier than the crew’s bye.
But a rested Fields alone can’t beat a Lions crew that’s given up 26 or extra factors in 4 straight video games. If Chicago needs to win this recreation, their protection should proceed to play properly. The Bears protection had two sacks, two compelled fumbles and 4 interceptions towards the Vikings.
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff performed properly towards the Saints however misplaced three fumbles towards division rival Green Bay on Thanksgiving. If the Bears get to Goff, he’ll give them the ball. The Lions want to lean on David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and their fourth-ranked working recreation this week, however no crew provides up much less yards per recreation than the Bears.
Expect a decent, low scoring and presumably ugly recreation that Chicago can simply win with a number of good breaks.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5)
Don’t look now, however the Chiefs have misplaced three of their final 5 video games. After averaging a league-best 413.6 yards and 29.2 factors per recreation in 2022, Kansas City ranks eighth and eleventh in these classes in 2023.
So what’s the issue? Reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes stays the NFL’s eighth-leading passer, however the crew barely cracks the top-10 in yardage this season. Tight finish Travis Kelce has simply two touchdowns in his final seven video games and whereas vast receiver Rashee Rice has proven regular enchancment, he’s solely the NFL’s Fortieth-ranked receiver.
The Bills offense has been better. After 13 weeks they rank fourth in yardage and fifth in factors scored. Quarterback Josh Allen had 420 whole yards and 4 touchdowns towards Philadelphia heading into final week’s bye.
That week off may very well be the distinction for Bills. Buffalo is 6-0 coming off a bye beneath head coach Sean McDermott. More importantly, with the Dolphins virtually a lock to win the AFC East, Buffalo can’t afford to go 6-7.
According to the New York Times playoff simulator, the Bills have a 15% likelihood of creating the playoffs. On the opposite hand, Kansas City’s probabilities of reaching the postseason are 99%. Buffalo could also be 1-3 in its final 4 video games, nevertheless it has sufficient expertise to beat the Chiefs in a recreation it desperately wants.
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