NFL Online Betting – Week 6 Preview – Oct. 15-19
Before taking a look at Bovada’s NFL odds for Week 6, NFL betting fans may want to double check the schedule as COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact on how (and when) this season is played. The league has already been forced to juggle the schedule; last Sunday’s Bills-Titans matchup was moved to Tuesday, and the Patriots-Broncos game had to be pushed all the way into the following week. In spite of these challenges, there is still plenty of great football slated for Week 6 of the NFL betting season. There are some epic quarterback matchups scheduled, as well as a few divisional battles that just may influence Super Bowl betting for the remainder of the season. Let’s preview a few of the best NFL betting matchups and look for some value in Bovada’s NFL Week 6 odds.
Chicago Bears (+1.5) vs. Carolina Panthers (-1.5) – October 18
Not many people would have predicted the Bears starting the year an impressive 4-1, yet that is the case as Chicago heads into Week 6 of the NFL betting season. While Chicago’s defense is coming off a solid performance, QB Nick Foles is still getting acclimated with the offense since taking over the starting job. Foles will get help from WR Allen Robinson, who’s managed an impressive 27 receptions and 314 yards in the air over his last three games. Throw in RB David Montgomery and a resurgent Jimmy Graham at TE, and Foles has several options with which to attack a vulnerable Carolina secondary.
Most NFL betting circles had written off the Panthers after start beginning the year 0-2, but Carolina responded with three straight wins. With the Panthers back in contention for the NFC South, this game could influence Super Bowl odds as the season progresses. Although RB Christian McCaffrey remains out, the Panthers have plenty of weapons including RB Mike Davis and WRs DJ Moore and Robbie Anderson. Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater will need to keep up his strong play, as the Bears defense will be the toughest Carolina has faced all season.
This matchup provides NFL betting fans with two football teams on the rise. The Panthers have played much better lately, but it’s still surprising to see the 4-1 Bears as underdogs. Bridgewater has struggled at times this year against pressure, and how he handles Chicago’s imposing defense will go a long way in determining the winner of this game.
Cleveland Browns (+3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) – October 18
To put Cleveland’s hot start in perspective; the last time the Browns started 4-1, Vinny Testaverde was their QB and Bill Belichick was their head coach! The key to the Browns’ success has been their rushing attack, which currently leads the league with 188 yards per game. With the running game going, QB Baker Mayfield has had an easier time leading the offense and sustaining drives with WRs Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. The Browns offense will need to keep that going as they face one of the league’s best defensive units in the Steelers.
Pittsburgh is off to a hot start of their own at 4-0, and there has been a noticeable spike in their Super Bowl odds as a result. QB Ben Roethlisberger continues an impressive comeback season, and may have just found a new offensive weapon in rookie WR Chase Claypool, who had an incredible 4 TD performance in last week’s matchup with the Eagles. The Steelers will need to keep their aging QB safe from Browns DE Myles Garrett, but should have the tools needed to move the ball effectively versus Cleveland.
It’s been a long time but we finally have a meaningful matchup between the Browns and Steelers. Both teams are determined to supplant the Ravens as AFC North champions, and this matchup will go a long way in determining their NFL odds moving forward. Divisional games are often emotional, close-scoring affairs, which makes Cleveland an intriguing option heading into Sunday.
Green Bay Packers (-1) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1) – October 18
In a showdown between two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady will take center stage as the Packers and Bucs faceoff this Sunday. At 4-0, Green Bay has been nearly unstoppable on offense with Rodgers and RB Aaron Jones, averaging a league-best 38 points per game. The Packers face a stiffer challenge this time around against Tampa’s solid pass rush and run defense, but should benefit from the return of WR Davante Adams.
At 3-2, the Bucs are still in the thick of the playoff hunt and will be looking to make up for a disappointing loss to the Bears last Thursday. Brady should have WR Chris Godwin back in the lineup for this contest, adding to an already explosive offense featuring WR Mike Evans and RB Ronald Jones. Tampa has the league’s best run defense, allowing just 58 yards per game on the ground, but the Bucs will need help from their secondary if they plan on keeping Aaron Rodgers in check.
This is the type of game NFL odds makers dream of; two strong teams, a couple of legendary quarterbacks and an NFL betting line that is almost a pick ‘em! Make sure to watch this game if you plan on doing any Super Bowl betting, as both of these teams have valuable Super Bowl odds and could pay off well if you get in at the right time.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) vs. Buffalo Bills (+3.5) – October 19
Patrick Mahomes does not lose very often, so you can bet the 4-1 Chiefs will be focused for this matchup after the team’s surprising loss to the Raiders. Mahomes is sure to put up points with his usual playmakers like WR Tyreke Hill and TE Travis Kelce, but the Chiefs defense will need to improve after getting lit up for 40 points in their last game. KC has allowed the 6th fewest passing yards in the league so far, but will be tested by a team like Buffalo, who isn’t shy to air it out.
After beginning the year 4-0, the Bills came crashing back down to reality last week as they suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Titans. Buffalo will need a big game from strong-armed QB Josh Allen if they want to keep pace with quick-hitting offense of the Chiefs. Defense should be the Bills biggest concern in this contest; Buffalo is one of the heaviest blitzing teams in the league, which could spell trouble against Mahomes’ 110 career QBR against the blitz.
Featuring two of the best teams in the AFC, this matchup was originally scheduled for Thursday Night Football but has been moved to Monday night as the NFL attempts to reschedule around COVID-related issues. Be sure to keep an eye on the NFL odds throughout the week, as there could be some noticeable movement leading up to game time.
