1 week Ago By Kristopher Knox
The NFL playoff picture became just a little clearer in Week 10. The Pittsburgh Steelers outlasted the Washington Commanders to establish themselves as legitimate postseason threats. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions overcame a five-interception performance to establish themselves, quite possibly, as a team of destiny.
Oh, and the Kansas City Chiefs blocked a last-second field goal to remain undefeated in the most improbable of fashions. Great teams find a way to win, while teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears typically find ways to blow it. Surprises still happen, of course, but we're getting an idea of which teams are good and which are not.
With this in mind, let's dive into the early Week 11 odds and examine a few lines we like early in the week. *Lines via DraftKings Sportsbook Quarterback Jared Goff had an uncharacteristically bad outing against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. It ultimately didn't matter, as Detroit's defense and kicker Jake Bates did enough to deliver the victory.
The Lions mounted a memorable comeback—they were down 23-7 at halftime—against a good, and desperate, Houston Texans team. The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't particularly good, and their desperation involves their search for a functional quarterback. Trevor Lawrence is dealing with an AC joint sprain, and the Jags turned to Mac Jones in Week 10.
Jones struggled against an inconsistent Minnesota Vikings defense and failed to capitalize on Minnesota's three red-zone turnovers. This is a massive line but an even bigger mismatch. Detroit's defense is fantastic against the run and will force Jacksonville to try winning through the air.
If C.J. Stroud couldn't pull off that feat—albeit with an undermanned receiving corps—Jones has little hope.
Expect Detroit to pour on the points as it looks to make Goff's rare bad outing a distant memory. A two-touchdown line isn't big enough. Divisional matchups are always difficult, but a touchdown line isn't egregious for the San Francisco 49ers at home.
The Seattle Seahawks have been good at times, but their defense has frequently been problematic. San Francisco, meanwhile, got running back Christian McCaffrey back in the lineup on Sunday. He helped the 49ers outlast the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game that probably shouldn't have been close.
Kicker Jake Moody missed three field goals, which left receiver Deebo Samuel visibly frustrated on the sideline. "Just frustrated in the heat of battle, a close game and I kind of got out of character a little bit," Samuel said, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner . Expect the 49ers to focus on better execution, chemistry and results in their return to San Francisco.
With McCaffrey, Samuel, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall all serving as legitimate threats, Seattle's 24th-ranked defense will struggle to make this a close game. Detroit's comeback occurred largely because Houston couldn't corral running backs JAhmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Texans shouldn't have similar issues against the Dallas Cowboys and arguably the worst rushing attack in the NFL.
Dallas ranks 29th in yards per carry and 31st in rushing yards. With Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) on injured reserve, Dallas has little hope of keeping pace with the Texans. Houston can lean heavily on running back Joe Mixon while smothering a Cowboys passing attack led by Cooper Rush and/or Trey Lance.
Dallas completed just 17 passes for 66 yards on 29 attempts against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The one concern for Houston here is the team's lackluster level of pass protection. If Dallas makes this a game, it'll be because Micah Parsons and Co.
force Stroud into mistakes. However, with Nico Collins likely to return to Houston's lineup—he was activated from injured reserve last week but didn't play—the Texans should have the pieces needed to win big. Gambling problem? Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visiting ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), visiting OPGR.org (OR), or calling/texting TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
Odds and lines subject to change. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only.
Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.
.
