Fansided

NFL Week 5 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread

By Brad Rowland

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) consoles wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) after he fumbled the football giving Seattle a touchback during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) consoles wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) after he fumbled the football giving Seattle a touchback during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions (+3) over Arizona Cardinals

We faded the Cardinals last week to strong results (hello, Rams!), and Arizona is the wrong side again this week.

Yes, the Cardinals are better than the Lions and we all know that, but Detroit played much better football defensively a week ago, and I love a good home underdog. Throw in the fact that the Lions will be playing with a sense of utter desperation in this spot and the overwhelming public support (more than 90% of the action) on the Cardinals, and this is a recipe that screams for us to take Detroit.

San Francisco 49ers (+7) over New York Giants

Speaking of teams that are playing with desperation, the 49ers are another loss away from being completely buried in the NFC West. San Francisco has been miserable offensively in back to back weeks, but this Giants defense can be beaten at times, and Colin Kaepernick has more talent than he has shown recently.

To be honest, though, this is a pure “fade the public” pick (as we do) given that 80% of the early action is on New York, and it is very tough for the casual handicapper to back a team like San Francisco after what we’ve seen. I am fairly confident that the smart guys will come in late on the Niners, and we want to join them whenever possible.

It may not be pretty and the Giants will probably win this game outright, but I’m expecting a battle and I’ll take the points.

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