It’s a beautiful time to be a sports fan! The NFL is in full swing, and we just celebrated the sports equinox. Best yet, the Sporting News’ betting team has been rolling with best bets all season.
Coming off a full Week 8 slate, we enjoyed another winning weekend. After finishing 5-3 — including a clean sweep of over/under wagers — our weekly best bets column is now 52-37-1 on the season.
That’s a winning percentage of .584, for anyone who likes percentages. Not too shabby for a season filled with upsets, injuries, and even freak Hail Mary finishes!
MORE NFL: Week 9 odds, lines | Power rankings
Here’s the top moneyline, spread, over/under and player prop wagers on BetMGM and Caesars for Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season. Here’s hoping Halloween week provides more treats than tricks!
JUMP TO: Spreads | Moneylines | Over/unders | Player props
All odds courtesy of BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook.
Minnesota just took a tough L to the Rams in L.A., and the Vikings have now dropped two in a row while allowing 61 points in the process. This week presents a ‘get-right’ opportunity for Kevin O’Connell’s squad, and we expect the home squad to seize the moment.
Indianapolis has been a total mess. Anthony Richardson has terrible instincts, he’s not reading his progressions well, and he’s missing open receivers. It’s a tall order to ask AR and the Colts to outscore Sam Darnold, Justin Jefferson and a hungry Vikings squad in Minneapolis.
Indy has gone 7-1 ATS this season, but some trends were made to be broken. The Colts have averaged just 18.6 points per game over the past three weeks, while Minnesota averages 28.7 PPG at home this season. Go with the purple.
SCORE PREDICTION: Vikings 30, Colts 20
Other Week 9 spreads worth a look: Packers +4.5 vs. Lions (-110 on BetMGM); Jaguars +7.5 at Eagles (-115 on BetMGM)
Lock this one in while you can still get plus odds because Los Angeles is already a coin-flip on Caesars (-105/-115). Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and the Rams are back, Kyren Williams is as dependable as ever, and all the Matthew Stafford and Kupp trade talk went right out the window with L.A.’s big win over the Vikings.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, looked lost against the Bills last weekend. Seattle has now dropped four of its past five games, surrendering 30.4 points per game during that rough stretch. Geno Smith can’t establish any rhythm, Kenneth Walker III is dying behind the ‘hawks o-line, and DK Metcalf is hurt.
Let’s also not forget that the Rams are coming off a mini-bye since their win over Minnesota was on Thursday Night Football. Sean McVay with a rest advantage is 3-0 over the past two seasons. Back Los Angeles to bag the road victory this weekend.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Rams 24, Seahawks 20
Other Week 9 moneylines to consider: Cowboys +120 at Falcons (BetMGM); Chargers -125 at Browns (Caesars)
The central storylines around the Commanders and Giants have been their stud rookies — QB and Rookie of the Year favorite Jayden Daniels for Washington and elite wideout Malik Nabers for New York — but both teams have enjoyed pretty good defensive stretches, too.
These teams scored a total of 39 points when they met last month, and New York has allowed 21 points or fewer five times this season. The Commanders, meanwhile, have held five different opponents to 18 or fewer. Don’t let storylines hype you into an OVER — follow the trends.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Commanders 20, Giants 16
Other strong Week 9 over/under bets: Saints at Panthers: UNDER 44 (-110 on Caesars); Buccaneers team total UNDER 18.5 at Chiefs (shop around)
As always, player and game props will be added once the sportsbooks post them. Be sure to check back!
