‘Tis the season for backup QBs.
The Packers ruled out Jordan Love (concussion) for tonight’s game vs. the Ravens (8 ET, Peacock). The line moved from Green Bay -5.5 to -3.5 at Circa. Malik Willis (right shoulder) is expected to start.
The Ravens already were headed toward backup Tyler Huntley with Lamar Jackson (back) listed as doubtful earlier in the week.
To make the playoffs, the Ravens need a win today, a Steelers loss to the Browns on Sunday and then a victory over Pittsburgh in Week 18. With the Lions’ loss on Christmas, the Packers already have clinched a playoff berth.
Here’s a Steve Makinen nugget to consider: The Packers are 11-1 SU and 8-4 ATS in the month of December at home under head coach Matt Lafleur.
I’m happy to report that both C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert will start in the first game of the day — Texans (+1.5) at Chargers, 4:30 ET (NFL Network).
Steve, though, is focused on the defenses:
One of the keys to Houston’s seven-game winning streak has been its defense, which has allowed 18.3 PPG during the streak. Lesser known is that the Chargers’ defense has allowed 17.3 PPG in its last eight, 14.7 PPG in the seven wins. In my opinion, LA playing in the shadows recently gives them value here.
Zach Cohen offers his analysis and top plays for today’s doubleheader.
Other Best Bets columns
👉 Pauly Howard (kicking props)
Josh Appelbaum will post his NFL Sharp Report this morning.
Everything we do on Week 17 will be posted here.
Other NFL resources
>Fantasy Points WR/CB Matchup Tool
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits
VSiN Pro subscribers have access to the plays from hosts and guests on our NFL picks page.
Today’s Bowl Best Bets
Adam Burke and Zach Cohen offer their Best Bets for today’s bowl games:
>Military Bowl: Pitt vs. East Carolina, 11 a.m. ET
>Pinstripe Bowl: Penn State vs. Clemson, Noon ET
>Fenway Bowl: UConn vs. Army, 2:15 p.m. ET
>Pop-Tarts Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. BYU, 3:30 p.m. ET
>Arizona Bowl: Miami (OH) vs. Fresno State, 4:30 p.m. ET
>New Mexico Bowl: North Texas vs. San Diego State, 5:45 p.m. ET
>Gator Bowl: Virginia vs. Missouri, 7:30 p.m. ET
>Texas Bowl: LSU vs. Houston, 9:15 p.m. ET
More top plays from . . .
Others CFB resources
VSiN Pro subscribers have access to the CFB Picks page.
Everything else we do during bowl season is posted here.
Circa Friday Football selections
Matt Youmans announced 56 picks from 8 contestants on the Circa Friday Football Invitational show.
The picks are posted on VSiN.com.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen‘s Best Bets and Steve Makinen‘s Analytics Report will hit around mid-morning on our NBA page. Our Opta AI NBA player props projections are here.
College Basketball: Greg “Hoops” Peterson has his Best Bets for today’s menu. Adam Burke offers his college basketball Best Bets Monday-Saturday. You can find them on our college basketball page mid-morning.
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NHL: VSiN hockey analyst Jonathan Davis will post his Best Bets around mid-day.
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