Week 14 NFL Betting Report, Line Movements and Odds

Line movements, with totals and point spreads, often go on roller-coaster rides over the course of several days leading up to Sunday kickoffs. This week is no exception, as sportsbooks have adjusted odds for multiple games in an effort to balance the action. Let’s take a look at some of the Week 14 showdowns that have been impacted by line movements and break down what it all means in our NFL Betting Report.

NYG @ WAS

The Redskins opened as -1 favorites and now find themselves as +3.5 home underdogs in this NFC East battle. It is not hard to figure out why. With quarterback Alex Smith already shelved by a broken leg, it has been confirmed that backup Colt McCoy suffered a broken leg of his own during Monday night’s 28-13 loss to Philadelphia. That means it is Mark Sanchez time in Washington. In turn, the total for this one has taken a minor dive from 42.5 to 41. Bettors may continue to hammer the total downward, as the under is 4-1 in New York’s last five against the NFC East, 11-5 in Washington’s last 16 overall, and 4-0 in the last four head-to-head matchups.

BAL @ KC

Kansas City opened as a -8.5 home favorite, good for the third biggest spread of the week behind Cincinnati (+14.5) at the Chargers and Pittsburgh (-11) at Oakland. The line has since come down to -6.5. It sounds like Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco is not yet ready to return and may remain on the sidelines even when healthy. Bettors probably have just as much faith in rookie Lamar Jackson as does the coaching staff. Jackson has led the Ravens to three straight wins while rushing for a total of 265 yards and two touchdowns during this stretch.

ATL @ GB

The total for this contest between two reeling franchises has ballooned from 47.5 to 50. Both Atlanta (4-8) and Green Bay (4-7-1) are basically out of it and each team’s desire—especially that of the Packers—has been called into question. Where does a lack of effort most often show up? On the defensive side of the ball, of course. These squads are already dreadful at stopping the run, with the Packers 25th in the NFL in that department and the Falcons 27th. Bettors probably recognized, too, that the over is 4-0 in the last four head-to-head meetings. It is also worth noting that Atlanta (0-4 ATS in its last four overall) is now a +5 road underdog instead of +4.

LAR @ CHI

This Sunday night tilt has fluctuated in similar fashion to Atlanta vs. Green Bay, with the total moving 2.5 points (from 54 to 51.5) and the spread moving one point (Rams from -4 favorites to -3). With perhaps the two best defensive players in the game opposing each other in this one, points may come at a premium. Los Angeles tackle Aaron Donald is getting MVP consideration and Chicago linebacker Khalil Mack has revitalized his team’s unit. The Bears were 10th in total defense last year and are now fourth, improving from 11th against the run to second.