Throughout the 2021 season, a panel of Sportsnet’s NFL contributors will preview each week’s slate of games from a gambling perspective. Staff writer/host Donnovan Bennett, staff writers Emily Sadler and Mike Johnston, plus fantasy writers Andy McNamara and Matt Marchese will pick one FAVOURITE, one UNDERDOG, one OVER, one UNDER, including their personal LOCK, as they attempt to beat the odds
The dogs were barking loudly once again in Week 9 with seven winning outright, no result more shocking than Jacksonville’s 9-6 upset of Buffalo.
Week 10 kicks off Thursday with the Ravens visiting the Dolphins and concludes with the Rams looking to bounce back against the 49ers in an NFC West showdown.
In between those two contests we’ve got exciting AFC matchups with Browns-Patriots and Chiefs-Raiders, plus an NFC meeting between the Seahawks and Packers where a pair of star quarterbacks are expected to return to the field.
Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston and the Giants are off this week as Tampa Bay, Seattle, Washington and Detroit return from byes.
Here are the panel’s Week 10 picks.
Donnovan Bennett, staff writer/host
2021 record: 20-16-0
Last week: 1-3-0
Locks: 5-4-0
🏈 Panthers at Cardinals OVER 44.5
🏈 Seahawks at Packers UNDER 49.5
🏈 Falcons (+9) at Cowboys
🔒 Patriots (-1.5) vs. Browns
Don’t look now but Matt Ryan has completed 71 per cent of his passes and thrown for seven TDs in the last four games. During that stretch the Falcons are 4-1. Meanwhile, Dallas is allowing six yards per play this season, which is fifth-worst in the NFL. In what will be an offensive shootout, Atlanta will keep it close.
Emily Sadler, staff writer
2021 record: 20-15-1
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 4-5-0
🏈 Vikings at Chargers OVER 52.5
🏈 Saints at Titans UNDER 44.5
🏈 Seahawks (+3) at Packers
🔒 Ravens (-7.5) at Dolphins
Do I think Russell Wilson’s Succession-themed hype video documenting his four-week recovery from finger surgery was hilariously over the top? Absolutely. But did I watch it multiple times just to hear that sweet masterpiece of a song again? Maybe. And you know what? I gotta say, I respect the confidence the QB is bringing into Green Bay this Sunday enough to bet on him for the victory. Of course, I’m now also expecting a perfectly dramatic, incredibly entertaining show dripping with style and substance and featuring just the right plot twist to keep things tense until the end.
Mike Johnston, staff writer
2021 record: 16-20-0
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 4-5-0
🏈 Rams (-4) at 49ers
🏈 Panthers (+10) at Cardinals
🏈 Lions at Steelers OVER 42.5
🔒 Falcons at Cowboys UNDER 54.5
Oddsmakers and advanced computer models are clearly predicting a shootout between the Falcons and Cowboys but whenever I begin getting my hopes up about the Falcons offence they inevitably blow it – usually in spectacular fashion. The Cowboys defence is allowing 24 points per game but I expect them to bounce back against Atlanta after a terrible performance against the Broncos and that’ll keep the total low enough to cover.
Andy McNamara, analyst/fantasy sports writer
2021 record: 21-15-0
Last week: 3-1-0
Locks: 3-6-0
🏈 Rams at 49ers OVER 49
🏈 Buccaneers at Football Team UNDER 51.5
🏈 Browns (+1.5) at Patriots
🔒 Ravens (-7.5) at Dolphins
The spread is 7.5 points and I would've been more than comfortable taking Baltimore by at least 10.0 versus Miami. As we've seen over the years, weird things can happen in Thursday night matchups, but this one should be automatic. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is an unlikely start as a true game-time decision meaning Jacoby Brissett should be under centre. The Ravens defence is apt to give up big plays, and of course can score in bunches. Miami's stalling offence won't be able to keep pace, and I feel we're in for a blowout.
Matt Marchese, radio host/producer/fantasy football writer
2021 record: 14-22-0
Last week: 3-1-0
Locks: 3-6-0
🏈 Eagles at Broncos OVER 44
🏈 Chiefs at Raiders UNDER 52
🏈 Raiders (+2.5) vs. Chiefs
🔒 Ravens (-7.5) at Dolphins
The Dolphins defence has certainly had its issues over the course of the year and they take on a Baltimore offence that is really clicking right now. Couple that with the fact that the Ravens are 9-0 in their last nine games against the spread versus Miami and it’s a real recipe for disaster for the Dolphins.
BONUS STAT: The Raiders are 3-1 ATS against the Chiefs at home in their last four games.
