NFL Week 12 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread
By Brad Rowland
San Francisco 49ers (+10.5) over Arizona Cardinals
The Niners finally burned me last week, failing to cover as a double-digit underdog against the Seahawks. Still, I’m going back to the well again with San Francisco, simply because I can’t resist a 10.5-point home underdog in the NFL. I’m just wired to take them at all costs.
Blaine Gabbert has been shockingly competent as the starter in San Francisco, but I would be lying if I did not tell you that this was a system play. Everything about Arizona terrifies me in this spot, but the line has already fallen by a full point as the sharps take the points and I’m jumping on board with them and the massive spread.
Cleveland Browns (-2.5) over Baltimore Ravens
I’m not convinced that Josh McCown is better than Johnny Manziel, but I definitely know that Matt Schaub isn’t better than Joe Flacco.
To be honest, this is a pure play against Schaub on the road, as Baltimore has been woeful even with Flacco in the lineup this season. The Ravens have no healthy weapons, Schaub has not shown anything in the last handful of seasons, and Cleveland is capable of playing a B-minus football game at home in order to take care of business.
The sharp guys have already pounded this line up from the opening “pick’em” spread, so get it early if you can. The Browns are the play at less than a field goal.