For as long as Aaron Rodgers has been quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, they’ve been a contender in the NFC. They’ve made the playoffs in seven straight seasons, but if the postseason began today, they’d be on the outside looking in. Can Rodgers and company get back on track and extend their playoff streak? That’s where we start our weekly round-up of the best NFL bets.
Will the Green Bay Packers make the playoffs?
A lot of people keep waiting for the Packers to flip the switch and be the Super Bowl contenders we’ve known them to be in the past. Will that happen, or has this team lost their competitive edge? They’ve lost three of their last four games, including a 31-26 home loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week.
Now the Packers will play three straight road games against the Tennessee Titans (3-point underdogs for Sunday’s game), Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. The good news for the Packers is that the Minnesota Vikings, who lead the NFC North, have dropped three straight games, so the Packers aren’t far behind.
Will the Detroit Lions make the playoffs?
The Lions are often overlooked in the NFC North, but they’re 5-4 SU and ATS going into Week 10 and are in the thick of the playoff race. Experts are skeptical because each of their wins this season have come by narrow margins.
The Lions are on a bye this week, but if they can pick up some wins through a soft schedule over the next month (Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears), they could get back to the playoffs this year.
Will the Indianapolis Colts make the playoffs?
The Colts are just 4-5 on the season (4-4-1 ATS), but given that they’re chasing the 5-3 Houston Texans, they aren’t far away from a playoff spot. The issue is that the Colts haven’t beat a team that currently has a winning record. It’ll be an uphill battle, as three of their final seven games are against division leaders. The Colts are on their bye this week and will host the Tennessee Titans when they return in Week 11.
Will the Miami Dolphins make the playoffs?
The Dolphins started the season by losing four of their first five games, but they’ve turned things around to the point that they could become playoff contenders. They’ve won three straight games, bolstered by an emerging running game. Running back Jay Ajayi posted back-to-back 200+ rushing yard games before piling up 111 against the New York Jets last week.
The challenge for Miami is that five of their last eight games are on the road, and so far they’re winless (0-3) away from home.
*Odds as of November 11, 2016