NFL Week 15 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread
By Brad Rowland
Cleveland Browns (+14.5) over Seattle Seahawks
Every long-time reader knew this pick was coming. There are two massive spreads on the board this week, but I couldn’t pull the trigger on both. With all due respect to Marcus Mariota and the Titans I’m not fading the Patriots, though I’m happy to do so with the Browns in Seattle.
Don’t worry, Seahawks fans. You aren’t losing this game. However, the sharp side is clearly the underdog here, as Seattle is receiving more than two-thirds of the action even as the number dwindles from an opener of 16 points. Johnny Manziel is Cleveland’s best quarterback (as he proved in a win in Week 14) and he is capable of engineering a drive or two to keep the deficit manageable. Still, this is a blind system play more than anything, even if picking against Russell Wilson right now makes my stomach churn a bit.
Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5) over Arizona Cardinals
This is the pure “fade the public” special of the week.
More than 80% (!) of the action is on Arizona right now, but the line isn’t budging from the opening mark of 3.5, and this is a sharp public versus professional debate. I’m riding with the pros and a home underdog, even when it makes sense that most folks would favor the better team with a short number.
Philly has been quietly competent in recent weeks, and while Arizona is better, this spread indicates that the Cardinals would be nearly double-digit favorites at home. I would take the Eagles in that spot, and I’m taking the Eagles at home. Prayers up.