THE BEST GAMES TO BET
PANTHERS at JETS
1 p.m., Panthers favored by 1 ½, Over/Under 42
HANK’S HONEYS: While the Jets are undeniably struggling, labeling them as entirely hopeless might be a stretch. There’s still some potential on their roster, and a winless season seems unlikely. The Panthers, considered a team on the upswing, haven’t yet secured a victory on the road. Scratch that thought, as the Panthers outshine them in almost every aspect. The Jets’ defense has faltered against the run, and Rico Dowdle might just be this year’s breakout sensation. With Garrett Wilson injured, the Jets’ offensive capabilities take another hit, and it’s better to steer clear of discussing Justin Fields’ performance.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: I’d go with the Panthers and take the over.
GIANTS at BRONCOS
4:05 p.m., Broncos favored by 7, Over/Under 40
HANK’S HONEYS: Let’s hold off on getting too excited about the Giants, especially with Jaxson Dart heading into his second road game. Dart is agile, but he’ll need to be exceptionally quick to evade the Broncos, who top the league in pressures and sacks. This matchup presents the toughest defensive challenge the Giants have faced yet. The Giants do have a travel edge; they’ll be well-rested after a 10-day break since their surprise victory over the Eagles. Meanwhile, the Broncos return from a taxing trip to London, following an unsightly win against the Jets.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: I’d choose the Broncos and lean towards the over.
RAMS vs. JAGUARS in LONDON
9:30 a.m., Rams by 3, 45
HANK’S HONEYS: Both teams rely on their defensive units, and with Euro games mainly low scoring, it’s an easy under pick. The Rams’ offense will be further hobbled by Puka Nacua’s absence. Nacua had been leading the league in targets so Matthew Stafford will need other options. London is the Jags’ second home and the Rams haven’t been across the pond since 2019 and they’ll be playing the game at 6:30 a.m., PT.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Jaguars and the under.
RAIDERS at CHIEFS
1 p.m., Chiefs by 11 ½, 45 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: Careful laying lots of points with the Chiefs, as last year showed. But they do own the matchups in this one. K.C.’s offense has been heating up and will be getting an extra boost with the return of Rashee Rice. Geno Smith has been an interception machine and with OT Kolton Miller sidelined, he’s going to see a lot of pressure from Steve Spagnuolo’s front. The Chiefs’ schedule has been brutal until now. They should coast.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Chiefs and the under.
PATRIOTS at TITANS
1 p.m., Pats by 7, 42
HANK’S HONEYS: Mike Vrabel returns to Nashville, finding the Titans worse than he left them. Tennessee just fired his successor, Brian Callahan, and there’s little chance an interim coach is going to be able to turn the tide with a bunch of Titans wishing Vrabel was still in charge. Drake Maye has put himself in the MVP category and while we love Jeffery Simmons, he’ll be taking aim at a threadbare defense that just made Geno Smith look good. It’s a big line but this has rout written all over it.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Patriots and the under.
DOLPHINS at BROWNS
1 p.m., Browns by 2 1/2, 40
HANK’S HONEYS: Things are spiraling out of control in Miami and while the Browns may not be anybody’s idea of a model franchise, they should take advantage of all the chaos. Four things are clear going into the game. The Dolphins can’t block for Tua Tagovailoa. Myles Garrett and the Browns can be a nightmare for QBs. The Dolphins can’t stop anybody on the ground. Quinshon Judkins is very capable and was underused against the Steelers. That’s enough for us.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Browns and the under.
SAINTS at BEARS
1 p.m., Bears by 5 ½, 47
HANK’S HONEYS: The Bears are turning it around under new head coach Ben Johnson, although some of it is smoke and mirrors. Their defense isn’t very good but has been thriving on turnovers, which isn’t sustainable. If Alvin Kamara can get untracked against a meh Bears run defense, the Saints can stay in the game given what feels like an inflated line. Granted, the Saints were double-digit losers in their previous two road games but with the Bears coming off an emotional win on a short week, these points are very tempting.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Saints and the under.
EAGLES at VIKINGS
1 p.m., Eagles by 2 ½, 43
HANK’S HONEYS: The Eagles’ loss to the Giants was a shocker. They simply did not show up. To us, that indicates that the Super Bowl hangover is real and there is no reason to think that will change against a very good team at home. In fact, the Vikings should be favored here. They are coming off a bye and have the defense to continue to frustrate the Eagles. Saquon Barkley has people wondering how hurt he might be and Jalen Hurts can’t renew the chemistry with his receiving corps.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Vikings and the over.
FALCONS at 49ERS
8:20 p.m., Niners by 3, 47 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: The Falcons have been undervalued all year. Michael Penix is better than anyone anticipated and he runs an offense full of playmakers. The 49ers D has taken two big hits with the losses of DE Nick Bosa and LB Fred Warner. But this might be where the young team learns a lesson. They’re coming off a huge prime time win on MNF and traveling across the country on a short week to face one of the proudest franchises in the NFL. There’s a chance Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle all suit up this week.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: 49ers and the under.
LIONS at BUCS
Monday, 7 p.m., Lions by 5 1/2, 53
HANK’S HONEYS: The Lions laid an egg in Kansas City and now have a chance to make amends at home. We love Baker Mayfield but the Bucs have been the beneficiaries of some good fortune. We think that may run out this week with Detroit needing a big bounce back. Mayfield is missing most of his receiving weapons and the Lions’ pass rush could cause problems for him. Bet the over, as usual, and count on the Lions’ offense getting back on-track under the prime time lights.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Lions and the over.
* * *
LOOK BUT DON’T TOUCH
COMMANDERS at COWBOYS
4:25 p.m., Commanders by 2 ½, 53 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: Jayden Daniels hasn’t been the sensation he was last year but he has a chance to take advantage of a weak Cowboys defense. Ditto Dak Prescott, who is playing at an NFL MVP level, against the Commanders secondary. Still, the Cowboys have owned this rivalry lately and are 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings with Washington. This is a true tossup game.
CAN’T HELP YOURSELF?: Cowboys and the over.
* * *
BEST OF THE REST
COLTS at CHARGERS
4:05 p.m., Chargers by 1 ½, 48 ½
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Chargers and the under.
PACKERS at CARDINALS
4:25 p.m., Packers by 6 ½, 44
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Cardinals and the over.
TEXANS at SEAHAWKS
Monday, 10 p.m., Seahawks by 3 ½, 41
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Seahawks and the over.
* * *
WEEK’S BEST BET: Browns. Yes, we said it.
LAST WEEK: 6-9; OVER/UNDER: 9-5
OVERALL: 45-47-1; OVER/UNDER: 45-47-1
BEST BETS: 5-1
