Shufflin’ into Black Friday
Reporting from Chicago, I can say that I have spent more time talking with family about the ‘85 Bears than the ‘25 Bears.
Hopefully that will change today as the Bears (+7) head to Philadelphia to play the defending Super Bowl champions (3 ET, Amazon Prime).
Of course, in Philly, I’m sure the talk is why the ‘25 Eagles are not more like the ‘24 Eagles.
Here are three opinions on the NFL Black Friday game:
Zach Cohen: I’m just not sure Philadelphia should be favored by a touchdown. I have been a bit higher than most on the Eagles throughout the course of this season, but it’s pretty clear there’s something wrong with this offense.
Steve Makinen: My post-Thanksgiving article produced three different systems for this game that show the Bears could be in some trouble: 1) There have been a couple of sweet line range spots in which to bet late regular-season home favorites in post-Thanksgiving action recently. When they’ve been -1 to -2.5, they’ve gone 54-38 SU and 52-39 ATS (57.1%) since 2015. When they’ve been in the -3.5 to -7 line range, they’ve gone 137-77 SU and 107-66 ATS (61.8%), since New Year’s 2017.
👉 Steve’s other betting systems that go against the Bears — and his Best Bet.
Dave Tuley: The Eagles aren’t as consistent as they were in their Super Bowl-winning season. I was hoping to get at least the hook at +7.5, but the Bears’ success has kept this at 7, and I still believe they’re the right side in what should be a one-score game (in fact, while not including as official play in my Tuley’s Teaser Portfolio, I still expect Philly to win straight-up and wouldn’t talk anyone out of teasing the Eagles down to -1 and shooting for a middle with them hopefully winning by a field goal).
More Black Friday NFL resources
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits
>Opta AI prop projections for Bears-Eagles.
>Fantasy Points WR/CB Matchup Tool
>VSiN Pro subscribers have access to our NFL picks page with plays from hosts and guests.
Thanksgiving recap: Underdogs went 3-0 SU and ATS. Upsets by the Packers (+3) in 31-24 win at Detroit (went Over 48); Cowboys (+3.5) in 31-28 home win vs. Chiefs (Over 53.5); Bengals (+7.5) with 32-14 victory at Baltimore (Under 52).
Other news you can use: Daniel Jones has a fractured fibula, but will play Sunday vs. the Texans. The line moved from Colts -4.5 to -3.5. . . . Giants QB Jaxson Dart (concussion) has been cleared to return vs. Patriots (-7.5).
Everything we do on Week 13 is posted here.
Contest Corner: Grandissimo’s end?
In Circa Survivor, we’re down to 538 live entries with 489 pending on the Eagles and 28 on the Bears. The Ravens’ loss eliminated 269.
But Circa Grandissimo, with $6.9 million on the line, could end today. There are 3 live picks on the Eagles after the other 3 were eliminated on the Ravens. If the Eagles lose, the pot would be split six ways. 👉 Concensus and individual team picks.
And don’t forget to join Matt Youmans for the Circa Friday Football Invitational show tonight (7-10 ET). Matt will announce 119 picks from 17 contestants. 👉 Standings.
Rivalry Weekend is here
We have 13 college football games today — and Steve Makinen has Best Bets on six of them.
Additional suggested reading: Steve’s betting systems for regular-season finales.
Other CFB resources
Having trouble finding a game on TV? Try the VSiN Game Finder.
Everything we post on CFB Week 14 will be here.
Thanksgiving week hoops
Greg Peterson has 15 Best Bets as the holiday hoops continue.
Adam Burke will offer his college basketball Best Bets Monday-Saturday. You can find them on our college basketball page mid-morning.
Get real-time steam alerts from the DonBest Screen. Sign up now for a 7-day free trial at go.donbest.com. Use the promo code VSIN10 for 10% off your initial subscription.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen‘s Best Bets column and Steve Makinen‘s Analytics Report will hit around mid-morning on our NBA page. Our Opta AI NBA player props projections are here.
NHL: VSiN hockey analyst Jonathan Davis will post his Best Bets around mid-day, but he already has filed a piece on his success betting the player to score a team’s first goal.
Horse Racing: ICYMI — The VSiN At The Track podcast with Mike Somich and Aaron Halterman preview the first weekend of racing at Gulfstream. 👉 Listen / Watch.
1/ST BET is built for bettors who demand more. Their AI-powered handicapping tools deliver Win, Place, and Show probabilities for every runner—helping you find value and bet smarter. Right now, new users can get up to a $250 sign-up bonus. Use promo code VSIN250 and sign up today.
Soccer: Nigel Seeley offers his Best Bets for the EPL weekend menu.
