It’s week 11 in the NFL and that means we’re back with another weekly column outlining three games to watch across the NFL this Sunday.
As always, these odds, previews, and predictions are powered by our exclusive wagering partners at FanDuel Sportsbook. So head over there to make every moment more.
This week, we’re breaking it up by conference. Here are three NFC games to watch:
Odds – Cowboys @ Panthers
Spread: Cowboys -10.5
Moneyline: Cowboys -590/Panthers +430
Total: O/U 41.5
Storylines, Predictions, and Pick
For the second week in a row, the Dallas Cowboys are double-digit favorites against an NFC opponent. After beating the Giants 49-17 last weekend, they’ll now head to Carolina to take on the 1-8 Panthers.
Signal-caller Bryce Young has taken plenty of lumps during his rookie campaign behind a lackluster offensive line. The former Alabama QB and 2023 No. 1 overall pick has thrown 8 TDs to 7 interceptions this season while also being sacked 29 times. With rumors of a potential reunion with Bill O’Brien next season (read here), Carolina may already be looking ahead to 2024.
That’s why I’m taking the Cowboys. Behind the stellar play of Dak Prescott, Dallas once again blows out a formidable opponent.
Score: Cowboys 31 – Panthers 13
Side: Cowboys -10.5
Total: OVER 41.5
Odds – Bears @ Lions
Spread: Lions -7.5
Moneyline: Lions -400/Bears +315
Total: O/U 47.5
Storylines, Predictions, and Pick
Quarterback Justin Fields returns to the lineup this weekend for the Bears after missing the last several weeks due to a thumb injury. With backup Tyson Bagent at the help, Chicago has actually won two of his five starts after an 0-4 beginning to 2023. Still, sitting at 3-7, the wins and losses don’t really matter to Bears. But what does? Finding out if you have a franchise signal caller in Fields.
The wins do, however, matter for the Detroit Lions. Sitting at 7-2 atop the NFC North, Dan Campbell’s football team is looking for their first playoff berth since 2016 and with Ben Johnson and Jared Goff running the offense, they look like that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
Don’t overthink it. Detroit wins (and covers) this one at home with Fields still getting back into a groove.
Score: Lions 21 – Bears 10
Side: Lions -7.5
Total: UNDER 47.5
Odds – Buccaneers @ 49ers
Spread: 49ers -11.5
Moneyline: 49ers -670/Buccaneers +490
Total: O/U 41.5
Storylines, Predictions, and Pick
The Buccaneers are headed west this weekend to try and take down the 49ers but after Shanahan’s squad just blew the doors off the Jaguars 34-3 in Jacksonville, this will be no easy task. Following three straight losses and a bye-week, Brock Purdy got his Niners back to their winning ways while throwing for 296 yards and three touchdowns against a normally solid Jags defense.
As for Baker Mayfield’s Bucs, they started the season 3-1 but have since dropped four of their last five. Mayfield himself looks solid, throwing 14 touchdowns to just 5 INT on the campaign, but following the shadow of Tom Brady, as both Cam Newton and Mac Jones know from Foxborough, can be harder than escaping Alcatraz.
I like the Bucs on the spread here, but ultimately San Francisco wins it. Tampa +11.5 and the over.
Score: 49ers 28 – Buccaneers 24
Side: Buccaneers +11.5
Total: OVER 41.5
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick and head to FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook, for all of your sports wagering.
