Throughout the 2021 season, a panel of Sportsnet’s NFL contributors will preview each week’s slate of games from a gambling perspective. Staff writer/host Donnovan Bennett, staff writers Emily Sadler and Mike Johnston, plus fantasy writers Andy McNamara and Matt Marchese will pick one FAVOURITE, one UNDERDOG, one OVER, one UNDER, including their personal LOCK, as they attempt to beat the odds
Week 8 was another slate of games that saw favourable results for those who leaned towards unders and underdogs. With injuries and other absences affecting many teams and the weather getting colder, will that trend continue throughout November?
This week’s anticipated Packers-Chiefs game has been in the spotlight with Aaron Rodgers unavailable after testing positive for COVID. That means we’ll see 2020 first-round draft pick Jordan Love get the start against a Kansas City team looking to win consecutive games and get above .500 for the first time this season.
The QB change resulted in the line jumping from a field goal to a touchdown and the total fall from 55.5 to 48.
This week’s schedule also features Cleveland at Cincinnati in the Battle of Ohio, an NFC West matchup between Arizona and San Francisco, plus the Titans visiting the Rams without star running back Derrick Henry. Tampa Bay, Seattle, Washington and Detroit are the teams on bye with week.
Here are the panel’s Week 9 picks.
Donnovan Bennett, staff writer/host
2021 record: 17-15-0
Last week: 4-0-0
Locks: 5-3-0
🏈 Patriots at Panthers OVER 41
🏈 Packers at Chiefs UNDER 48
🏈 Chiefs (-7) vs. Packers
🔒 Jets (+10.5) at Colts
The Packers offence takes a hit as the total dropped as soon as it was revealed Rodgers wouldn’t be playing and Jordan Love would be getting his first meaningful snaps of the season. The real concern should be Kansas City’s offence. In the last two games the Chiefs have had 20 drives culminating in just two touchdowns and three field goals. Don’t be surprised if this is a ball control, pragmatic football game.
Love becomes the Packers eighth different starting QB since they traded for Brett Favre in 1992. Unfortunately, they haven’t fared well unless they were Hall of Famers. The Packers are just 6-11-1 when Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been able to start. Expect that trend to continue going up against Patrick Mahomes.
Emily Sadler, staff writer
2021 record: 18-13-1
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 4-4-0
🏈 Vikings at Ravens OVER 49.5
🏈 Texans at Dolphins UNDER 46
🏈 Texans (+6.5) at Dolphins
🔒 Chiefs (-7) vs. Packers
Sigh. What could’ve been. Without Aaron Rodgers, I feel like the Packers don’t have a, ahem, shot against Kansas City — no matter how out-of-sorts the Chiefs have looked of late.
Mike Johnston, staff writer
2021 record: 14-18-0
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 3-5-0
🏈 Bengals (-2.5) vs. Browns
🏈 Texans (+6.5) at Dolphins
🏈 Titans at Rams UNDER 53.5
🔒 Vikings at Ravens OVER 49.5
OK, hear me out. The Vikings are playing the Ravens in the most purple matchup possible in today’s NFL. Purple is the colour often associated with royalty. Prince (RIP) often wore purple. Prince’s Super Bowl XLI halftime show is one of the best and the over hit in that game. Therefore: purple means take the over. That’s unassailable logic, folks.
Andy McNamara, analyst/fantasy sports writer
2021 record: 18-14-0
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 3-5-0
🏈 Chargers (-1) at Eagles
🏈 Packers (+7) at Chiefs
🏈 Browns at Bengals OVER 47
🔒 Jets at Colts UNDER 46.5
Until I see it happen again, I’m chalking up the Mike White-led Jets offensive explosion as a fun, one-off story. This is the same team that’s been held to 20 or fewer points (including being shut out) in five of their seven games. On the Colts side, they are averaging 25.0-points in 2021 with a healthier Carson Wentz making that side of the ball run smoother. I believe New York comes back down to earth so I’m locking in the under.
Matt Marchese, radio host/producer/fantasy football writer
2021 record: 11-21-0
Last week: 1-3-0
Locks: 2-6-0
🏈 Bears at Steelers OVER 40
🏈 Packers at Chiefs UNDER 48
🏈 Texans (+6.5) at Dolphins
🔒 Patriots (-4) at Panthers
Doesn’t matter who starts for Carolina, it really does feel like a week that Bill Belichick is going to have his way with the opposing quarterback. New England has looked better than expected this season, especially following an impressive win against the Chargers last week.
BONUS STAT: Houston is 4-1 in their last five ATS versus Miami, who for a second straight week has had to confirm to media that Tua Tagovailoa is their guy. Nothing like a tryout game for Tua against the team he will be probably making plays for next season. What could go wrong?
[relatedlinks]
4:10