Dave Tuley, senior reporter at VSiN.com, is in his third season with the Post’s Bettor’s Guide. His handicapping pieces appear in VSiN’s online magazine, Point Spread Weekly. Home teams in CAPS.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+13) over GREEN BAY PACKERS
Let’s see, Jake Luton vs. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers at Lambeau Field: Of course, everyone’s loading up to bet the Packers. Just like this past Sunday with the Steelers over the Cowboys, right? That was yet another lesson that “the point spread is the great equalizer,” and, in fact, early sharp action already came in on the Jaguars +14 this week. Double-digit underdogs are 6-4-1 ATS this season after the Giants, Panthers and Cowboys all covered since a week ago Monday vs. the heavily favored Buccaneers, Chiefs and Steelers. Parity still exists in today’s NFL, so I’m taking the huge head start with the Jaguars. Besides, Luton played well — though against a weak Houston defense — so it gives hope that he could lead another drive for a backdoor cover if needed.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (+5) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I feel I’ve had a good handle on the NFC South lately, backing the Panthers on Sunday against the Chiefs and fading the Bucs with the Saints on Sunday night, and I don’t see a reason not to do the same with these two facing each other. The Bucs did win this year’s first meeting 31-17 at Tampa Bay, but the Panthers offense is playing better now (with or without Christian McCaffrey). If Matt Ruhle can come up with a similar game plan to the one that almost beat the Chiefs, they have a great chance to turn the tables in this rematch.
Last week: 1-1, Panthers (W), Broncos (L).
2020 season: 8-9-1.
Source: NY Post
