Week 11 of NFL action is usually about securing playoff spots and keeping star players at their peak. This season is no exception, although there are a few differences from this season when looking at prior seasons. Either way, again, you will find some great betting opportunities this week if you keep your eye open. Let’s look at the games that stand out from the others.
All lines are from sportsbook.ag.
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have home field advantage, but are currently slated to be the dogs here by 1 point. The interesting thing about this game, though, is that even though both teams have only won 3 games each, they are both trying to get into the playoffs still. That creates an extra layer of excitement for this game, and it should be a given that both will step up their games. The Falcons are the better team, with Matt Ryan being a far superior to Cam Newton at this point in the season. Ryan has a 93.4 QB Rating, while Newton only has an 80.1. Ryan’s completion percentage is also much higher, a bit more than 6 points total. That gives Ryan the edge offensively. Newton is renowned as an athletic quarterback, but that skill is only helpful in the short game. With the Falcon’s defense, they have a clear advantage having given up fewer points per game than the Panthers. The 1 point cushion that the Panthers have will likely be overcome by the Falcons, even if they are on the road.
New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts
This is probably the biggest game of the weekend, and the Colts are 2.5 point favorites according to the books. That’s pretty much only because they have the home field on their side, though. All eyes will be on Andrew Luck for this game as he goes up against future Hall of Famer, Tom Brady. The Patriots are leading their division, but not by much. Winning this game would be huge for them, effectively making the division title a race between them and the Dolphins. The Colts also could use a win here, but they have a pretty secure lead within their division now and do not need a win as badly. Stat-wise, Brady is slightly ahead of Luck with a 103.5 QB Rating compared to Luck’s 100.3. Luck has a better aerial game with more passing yards than Brady this season, but the fact is, Brady has a higher completion rate. The Patriots are a slightly better team, but while away, this could actually go either way. The correct play would be to bet on the Patriots covering their 2.5 points, but this will be an exciting game either way.
Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers
There’s no question here that the Packers are the better team, but are they 6 points better as the books believe? Yes, is the only answer that seems right. Aaron Rodgers is by far the best QB out there this season with a 120.1 QB Rating. Compare that to the current starter for the Eagles, Mark Sanchez. His QB Rating is only 97.7, but over the course of a small part of the season. The main starter for the Eagles, Nick Foles, is out with a broken clavicle. Sanchez has potential, but he’s not in the same class as Rodgers. This game goes to the Packers, most likely by much more than the 6 points currently being given.