NFL hot tix and picks: Packers, Raiders attract high betting volume despite off-field drama
LAS VEGAS — Logic would call for both casual and hardcore bettors to flee from the Green Bay Packers and Las Vegas Raiders after a week of high drama surrounding the teams.
Instead, the public has clamored to bet on the Raiders despite the death resulting from the high-speed crash involving now-cut receiver Henry Ruggs III.
And the Packers have attracted strong support for a game that won't feature Aaron Rodgers, who tested positive for COVID-19.
Call it money logic, when nothing but the spread drives the decision.
In this week’s NFL “Hot Tix and Picks,” that point is made evident by the exodus from the Tennessee Titans following their loss of Derrick Henry to a season-ending foot injury.
ANALYSIS: Can Raiders move forward after Ruggs arrest, Gruden emails? 'There’s no blueprint for this'
OPINION: Arrogant, entitled Aaron Rodgers thinks he's untouchable. NFL must prove he's not.
Here’s the “Hot Tix and Picks” for Week 9:
Green Bay Packers +7 at Kansas City Chiefs
With Jordan Love starting at quarterback, the Packers are a consensus top choice of fans.
“The Packers are still a huge public team and there’s also public uncertainty whether the Chiefs (4-4) are even good … they barely beat the Giants,” said Adam Pullen, Caesars Sportsbook’s assistant director of trading “Jordan Love making his first start in a tough environment isn’t optimal, but the Chiefs really haven’t proven much this year.”
The Packers on the money line is also a top wager at Tipico Sportsbook.
PACKERS: Jordan Love tries to keep focus on first start amid Rodgers firestorm
RODGERS: Cites Martin Luther King Jr. to defend criticism of NFL protocols
Las Vegas Raiders -3 at New York Giants
On the heels of former coach Jon Gruden’s ouster over his offensive emails, the Ruggs crash that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor has certainly shaken the Raiders locker room.
Las Vegas has won two straight to grab first place in the AFC West and the Giants lost a rest day by playing Monday night. The Raiders also reunite with All-Pro tight end Darren Waller after he missed a game with an ankle injury.
RUGGS: Driving 156 mph at the time of fatal crash, prosecutor says
SABAN: Alabama coach addresses Henry Ruggs' fatal car crash
Los Angeles Chargers -1.5 at Philadelphia Eagles
Unlike the Raiders, the Chargers are spared the inconvenience of a 10 a.m. PT game on the East Coast.
Coming off two losses, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert hurt his hand during last week’s road setback versus the Patriots. He’s deemed healthy now and seeks to recapture the touch he displayed in the Chargers’ 4-1 start.
“It’s all about coming back and handling adversity,” Herbert said.
INJURY UPDATE: Herbert listed as full participant during Chargers' practice
INSIDER TAKE: Chargers have 'a lot of things to fix' after losing again
Los Angeles Rams -7.5 vs. Tennessee Titans
Now void of Henry and aligned with ancient warrior Adrian Peterson, the Titans confront Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and a home team on the brink of overtaking the Arizona Cardinals atop the NFC West.
Caesars’ Pullen counters the Titans’ insertion of running back Jeremy McNichols is not as disturbing as Aaron Rodgers’ absence.
“If you have a good offensive line, you can make those holes,” he said. “The Titans have been on a roll and it’s a lot of points.”
At BetMGM, however, sharp players jumped on betting the game’s under 52.5.
PREDICTIONS: A Hollywood ending to a crazy week for Titans without Derrick Henry?
INJURIES: Titans' Brown, Lewan questionable for Rams game; Jones expected to play
New England Patriots -3.5 at Carolina Panthers
Bill Belichick’s formula for success seems to be humming again following the road win at the Chargers.
The Panthers’ running struggles without Christian McCaffrey are fertile ground for Belichick to shorten the game and restrict Carolina’s offense, hence the second-lowest over-under total of the week (41).
PREDICTIONS: New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers
GILMORE: 'I just didn't like' how Patriots handled injury situation
As for this week’s “Hot Picks,” the attention on similar games remains:
Patriots -3.5 at Panthers
Pursuing their first three-game win streak since 2019, the Patriots meet a quarterback in Sam Darnold with a stat line (seven touchdowns, eight interceptions) reserved for a rookie. Except that New England’s Mac Jones is a rookie playing with confidence and his defense is performing stoutly.
Chiefs -7 vs. Packers
While the overall ticket action has been heavy on Green Bay, Caesars Sportsbook reports that 66% of the total dollars wagered by its bettors has been on the Chiefs.
One Nevada bettor wagered $520,000 to win $472,727.25 on the Chiefs minus the seven points.
RODGERS: QB blasts 'woke mob' over COVID-19 news, rips NFL's 'draconian' protocols
OPINION: Rodgers completely destroyed his public image in three days
Houston Texans +5.5 at Miami Dolphins
Amid their seven-game skid, the Dolphins (1-7) are reeling through shaken confidence epitomized by the pursuit of Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson, a slap in the face of remaining quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Houston is switching back to Tyrod Taylor as its quarterback, not exactly a boon for those who enjoy watching quality NFL football.
ATTORNEY: Watson trade to Dolphins hinged on lawsuit settlements, NDAs
OPINION: Dolphins' pursuit of Watson was a cold-business reality check for Tagovailoa
Dallas Cowboys -10 vs. Denver Broncos
How can you not back the only perfect team against the spread?
The Cowboys meet an unimpressive offense on the week Denver parted with its best defensive player, Von Miller.
It’s an ideal week, then, for Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott to return.
SUPER STAT?: Dallas Cowboys stand alone in perfection against the point spread
INJURIES: After week of 'emotions,' Prescott expected to play vs. Broncos
San Francisco 49ers -2.5 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is operating on a sprained left ankle as Arizona confronts its increasingly desperate division foe. The line has moved sharply on the news with the Cardinals dropping to 2.5-point favorites.
“When you’re a game-time decision, you’re clearly not 100%,” Caesars’ Pullen said.
Home field hasn’t served San Francisco well – they're 0-3 there – but running back Elijah Mitchell has been effective upon his insertion, coming off a 137-yard rushing game with a touchdown against the Bears.
INJURIES: Status of Murray, Hopkins for looks like game-time decision for Cardinals
DAILY SMILE: Zach Ertz provides 5,000 meals to local food banks for every Arizona Cardinals touchdown scored
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