NFL Best Bets: Week 6
The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Parker Silverman.
Cincinnati Bengals at New Orleans Saints
Spread: CIN -2 -105
ML: CIN -130
The Super Bowl runner-up Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) travel south Sunday to take on the New Orleans Saints (2-3). Both of these teams have underperformed so far in 2022, falling below .500 despite sporting talented rosters.
The main matchup to keep an eye on in this one is how the Bengals offense, which was so dominant a year ago, will fare against a talented Saints defense. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has struggled to start the 2022 campaign, throwing for nine touchdowns and five interceptions in five games played. He’s averaging 263.2 yards per game, the lowest mark of his career.
The Saints defense rank 20th in the league in points allowed per game so far this year. They’ll hope to rely on star pass rusher Cameron Jordan and cornerback Marshon Lattimore, both who must have big games to deliver the victory at home.
It will be a challenge on the outside however, as the Bengals sport reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year JaMarr Chase. Chase was held in check last week, only averaging seven yards per catch. A tough task however, as Chase always has a chance to break one loose.
I think the Bengals bounce back this week against an underperforming defense, and show some explosiveness they had a season ago.
Pick: CIN -2 -105
New York Jets at Green Bay Packers
Spread: GB -7.5 -105
ML: GB ML -345
The Jets (3-2) head to Lambeau Field to face off against the Green Bay Packers (3-2), primed to bounce back after a stunning loss in London. Green Bay is a heavy favorites once again — but as they say, anything can happen on any given Sunday.
Reigning league MVP, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, hasn’t been his usual self so far this year. He’s tossed eight touchdown passes to three interceptions, but at times the Packers offense has looked anemic. With the loss of top receiver Davante Adams in the offseason, the lack of chemistry with young wideouts Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson has hurt the green and gold.
While the Pack have fallen short of expectations, New York has done the opposite.
Gang Green is excited for what they’ve got going on offense, scoring 40 points on a division rival a week ago. Rookie running back Breece Hall exploded for 197 scrimmage yards and propelled the Jets to their third victory of the year.
The Jets are 2-0 against the spread on the road this season, and I think they’ll continue that streak on Sunday. While Green Bay falls the Jets are on the rise, and could make this a competitive showdown.
Pick: NYJ +7.5 -105
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: PHI -6.5 -105
ML: PHI ML -270
The Eagles (5-0) enter this Sunday night contest as the only team left unbeaten. Dallas (4-1), on the other hand, has shocked the football community — winning their last four straight with backup quarterback Cooper Rush who remains undefeated in his NFL career. Two very hot teams, divisional matchup on primetime - something’s got to give.
The key matchup in this one will be how the Eagles offense can fare against the Cowboys defense, particularly the league’s top pass rush. Dallas sports a dynamic pass rushing tandem with second-year sensation Micah Parsons and veteran Demarcus Lawrence.
The two have nine combined sacks through five games, adding to a Dallas defense that has the most sacks in the league.
On the other side, second year quarterback Jalen Hurts has been nothing short of phenomenal. The dual threat Hurts has thrown for 1,359 yards and notched 10 touchdowns so far (four passing, six rushing).
He’ll look for newly acquired wideout AJ Brown to make some plays on the outside, who already has 436 receiving yards in 2022. The tandem of Brown and second year receiver DeVonta Smith will pose a tough test for the Cowboys secondary.
Despite their undefeated record, the Eagles are only 3-2 against the spread this season. Thec Cowoys, on the other hand, are 4-1 ATS this year as well as 2-0 ATS on the road. Seven points is too big of a margin for me in a divisional primetime matchup, so I’ll take the Cowboys to cover.
Pick: Dallas +6.5 -105
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Parker Silverman is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email pws5405@psu.edu.
