Matt Ehalt, the esteemed Post sports gambling editor and producer, as well as a digital sports editor, returns for another season to guide readers through the NFL Bettor’s Guide.
Chargers (-3) over JAGUARS
The narratives of the Chargers and the Jaguars seem to be on contrasting paths. The Chargers are riding a wave of success with three consecutive wins, two of which came against formidable playoff-bound teams like the Vikings and the Steelers.
On the flip side, the Jaguars have hit a rough patch, managing only one victory in their last four outings. That win came after a grueling overtime battle against the struggling Raiders. Last week’s crushing defeat to the Texans, led by Davis Mills, may very well have dampened Jacksonville’s prospects for this season.
Meanwhile, the Chargers have a golden opportunity this week to seize the top spot in the AFC West, provided they win and the Broncos stumble against the Chiefs. Los Angeles boasts a defense capable of causing significant trouble for Trevor Lawrence, especially with Jacksonville’s receiving corps in a state of disarray.
It’s possible that last week’s devastating choke against the Davis Mills-led Texans may spell doom for Jacksonville’s season, while the Chargers can move into first place in the AFC West this week with a win and a Broncos loss to the Chiefs.
Los Angeles has a defense that can give Trevor Lawrence fits, especially considering Jacksonville’s receiving room being in a state of flux.
Let’s back the better team with the better quarterback and the better coach that’s playing a better brand of football.
49ers (-2.5) over CARDINALS
The 49ers burned us last week against the Rams, but this seems like a must-win game for a team in the NFC playoff picture.
The Cardinals have played better with Jacoby Brissett as their quarterback compared to Kyler Murray, but they have lost six of seven, including last week’s 44-22 beatdown served by the Seahawks.
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They will now have to try to find a way to win without their top two running backs and star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who just underwent surgery.
San Francisco’s injury-riddled defense isn’t great, as shown last week when it allowed 42 points, but Robert Saleh can attempt to neutralize star tight end Trey McBridge on each play.
We’re going to back the team that has much more at stake versus the franchise already dealing with headlines about whether its pricey quarterback will still be on the roster in 2026.
2025 record: 5-14-1
Last week: 0-2; 49ers (L); Panthers (L)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Matt Ehalt has been picking against the spread since his childhood days when he entered his father’s newspaper pool and even took the top prize on more than one occasion. He specializes in NFL wagers and is quite successful with NCAA brackets.
