Bierman’s Best Bets – NFL Week 16
Well Sandman Nation, we’re keeping the momentum going with our NFL best bets! After another winning 2-1 performance last week, we’re now sitting at a very solid 26-18-1 for the season. This week, we’re focusing on three classic divisional matchups, backing two favorites and one home underdog. Good luck and enjoy all the action on the gridiron!
Browns at Bengals (-7) (*All lines are from DraftKings Sportsbook)
The Bengals are coming off a chaotic game against Tennessee that featured 10 turnovers – the most in an NFL game since 2007 – and 26 penalties, the most in the league this season. Despite the sloppiness, the Bengals managed to secure a 10-point road win. At 6-8, their playoff hopes are still alive, but they’ll need help from other teams and must win out to keep their dreams alive. Since being pushed to the brink, the Bengals have played with urgency, and Joe Burrow has quietly led the offense to a top-5 ranking in points scored, averaging over 28 per game.
The glaring issue for Cincinnati, however, is its defense, which has struggled all season, allowing over 360 yards per game.
Fortunately for the Bengals, the struggling Browns come to Paycor Stadium this week. While Cleveland’s stats are better than expected on both sides of the ball, they’ve won only three games this season. The Browns are on a three-game losing streak, and each of their last six losses has been by at least 7 points, including a 21-14 defeat to Cincinnati in October.
While neither team is exceptional, I like the Bengals to cover the spread at home in this must-win matchup against one of the league’s most struggling teams.
The Pick: Bengals -7
Lions (-7) at Bears
Although the Lions only lost by six points to the Bills at home, 48-42, the game felt lopsided from the start, with Detroit looking uncharacteristically outmatched. Despite the setback, the Lions remain one of the league’s elite teams, boasting the #1 scoring offense and a top-10 defense.
Next, the Lions travel to Chicago to take on the struggling Bears, who have dropped seven straight games (pending their MNF matchup against Minnesota). Since their coaching change following the Thanksgiving debacle against these same Lions, the Bears seem to have taken a step backward. They enter this matchup with significant concerns, including how to generate offense as the league’s lowest-ranked unit.
With an angry Lions squad looking to bounce back, I’ll confidently take Detroit to cover the touchdown spread in what should be a one-sided affair.
The Pick: Lions -7
Eagles at Commanders (+3.5)
This matchup features two divisional rivals and two of the top teams in the NFC. The Eagles are riding a 10-game winning streak and boast the league’s #1 defense, allowing just 275 yards per game. However, Washington is no pushover, showcasing strong balance on both sides of the ball. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to impress, putting up veteran-level performances and eye-popping stats.
After enduring a three-game losing streak, the Commanders have bounced back with two straight wins and seem to be hitting their stride as they gear up for a playoff push. With home-field advantage and getting more than a field goal, the Commanders look like the smart pick in what should be a closely contested game. Take Washington and the points.
The Pick: Commanders +3.5
