Steve Maltepes, known as “The Philly Godfather,” is one of the nation’s hottest sports betting experts who appears weekly on national radio, including Jakib Media. Each week, he will impart his gambling wisdom on the Eagles and where the smart money is going.
NFL Week 15
Philadelphia Eagles (12-1) at Chicago Bears (3-10), 1:00 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Eagles minus-9.5/Total: 48.5
What is the line telling you:
The Eagles opened up as 9-point road favorites and we’ve seen this line reach as high as minus-10 this week, before there was resistance in the market and pushed this line back to its original opening of Philly minus-9. The total is painted at 48.5. The Eagles are flying high after that blowout win against the Giants and could be looking ahead past the Bears here to the big division game against the Cowboys next week. Sharp money took the plus-10 on the home team with the Bears here. The Bears have a few healed-up defensive backs who will be key to slowing down the Eagles passing game on a cold, windy day in Chicago. Cornerback Kyler Gordon and Kindle Vildor along with safety Jaquan Brisker are ready to roll for Chicago.
Bottom line: The cold, windy weather combined with Justin Fields’ athletic ability could have the Bears staying within the Vegas number at plus-10.
Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7), 4:25 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Bengals minus-3.5/Total: 45
What is the line telling you:
The Bucs are on the ropes as they continue to play poor football, and the rest of the division creeps up on them. On Sunday, they play a Bengals team that has looked dominant and trying to make a second consecutive run to the Super Bowl. Last Week, Tampa got demolished by the Niners, and the Bengals took care of business against Cleveland. This is a game where the public is to be playing the Bengals like they have tomorrow’s newspaper. But in the NFL, it is all about matchups.
The Bengals aren’t a great running team, so as they have all year, they will be leaning on their pass game. Despite the injuries, the Bucs have suffered in their secondary. They are eighth in opponent yards per pass attempt. Now you consider that Tee Higgins re-aggravated a hamstring injury and left the last game, combined with Boyd being ruled out with a dislocated finger. That Tampa secondary can put all eyes on Jamarr Chase, without having to stack the box against a below-average running game.
Bottom line: The Bucs are getting plus-3.5 points at home, with this matchup is too good to pass up.
Tennessee Titans (7-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (7-6), 4:25 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Chargers minus-2.5/Total: 46.5
What is the line telling you:
The Titans head to Los Angeles to play the Chargers, having lost three consecutive games, something we’re not accustomed to seeing in the Mike Vrabel era. Meanwhile, the Chargers continue to be hot and cold. Ten of their 13 games this season have been decided by one score or less despite them being arguably the most injured team in football. They are finally looking healthier and that showed in the Miami game on Sunday Night.
Going against a one-dimensional Titans team, whose passing game has taken a hit without AJ Brown this season, the Chargers are in a great position to stack the box to slow Derrick Henry, while they let their corners go one-on-one on Tennessee’s unproven receivers. If the Chargers’ secondary plays like it did against Miami, they should have no trouble against the Titans’ skill position players.
Bottom line: Take the minus-2.5 on this game is the best move.
The Philly Godfather can be followed on Twitter @Phillygodfather & his website is www.thephillygodfather.com.
