NFL Week 15 - My Best 5 Bets

Green Bay Packers (7-6) @ Carolina Panthers (9-4) - U.S Bank Stadium
 
BET - Carolina Panthers +2.5
 
Yes I know the "bad Man" Aaron Rodgers is back, however this is as tough a first up assignment as he could wish for. Returning from a broken collarbone is not easy, and this Carolina defence is one that can really rush the quarterback, so I'm expecting a tough outing for the great quarterback on his return. Carolina are a side, for me, that are emerging as a true NFC contender and, playing in front of their home fans here, they can end the Packers’ season and put themselves right back in contention for the NFC South Division crown. 
 
Dallas Cowboys (7-6) @ Oakland Raiders (6-7) - Oakland Coliseum
 
BET = Oakland Raiders +3
 
The Raiders have been awful at times this year, however in a Prime Time game at home, off the back of an ugly loss, they are dangerous. Derek Carr and his offense have been given a pummelling in the media this week for some of their conservative play calling, and I expect them to really cut loose, with their season all but over, on Sunday night. The Cowboys have won their last 3 straight, however they have been playing some really bad teams like the Giants on that run. Without Ezekiel Elliott this game will be tight, as the Cowboys’ offense is nowhere near as explosive without their star running back. I’m not convinced the Raiders can win, but we have to take the 3 points in the black hole here for the home side. 
 
Atlanta Falcons (8-5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-10) - Raymond James Stadium
 
BET = Tampa Bay Buccaneers +6.5
 
It's been a truly miserable season for the Bucs as they have been defeated in a number of close games throughout the year. This is a Divisional rivalry game, on a Monday night at home, so I’m expecting them to have some pep in their step even if essentially they have nothing to play for. The Falcons have struggled against lowly sides in the rankings this year, losing to the Dolphins and squeaking past teams like the Jets. Again, I'm not convinced the Bucs can win, however 6.5 seems a big enough start as Atlanta have not been blowing away sides this year like this did back in 2016. 
 
Los Angeles Rams (8-5) @ Seattle Seahawks (8-5)
 
BET = Over 47.5 Total Match Points
 
It's a huge divisional matchup here at the top of the NFC West, as the Rams go into the zoo which is Seattle, with their 12th man crowd likely to crank up the pressure here on the faltering Rams. I just think both these sides’ defences have fallen apart a bit over the last couple of weeks, with Seattle coughing up 30 to Jacksonville last week, whilst the Rams conceded 43 at home against the Eagles. These teams have been involved in defensive battles in the past, however I see this game being a shoot out with Jarrod Goff and Russell Wilson throwing for big yards in a track meet, with both teams capable of scoring close to 30 points. 
 
Miami Dolphins (6-7) @ Buffalo Bills (8-5) - Ralph Wilson Stadium
 
BET = Over 37.5 Total Match Points
 
A brave bet you might suggest given the violent snowstorm that engulfed the Bills 13-7 overtime victory over the Colts last week. However, I have checked the forecast and, whilst it will be bitterly cold in Buffalo, it could be clear, which will allow both sides to move the football a lot easier. Jay Cutler had his best game in Dolphins colours last week, outplaying Tom Brady as the Dolphins stunned the Patriots 27-17 at home. For the Bills, their offense should be more high powered, with starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor back in the line up at the expense of Nathan Peterman.