December in the NFL means Sunday games, and we have another double header to look forward to this Sunday, kicking off at 8.30am. Check out our preview and betting tips for both games below.
NFL Week 16 Sunday Betting Tips
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
8.30am (AEDT)
The Bengals and Steelers both sit in the mix for a wildcard place in the AFC, so this clash is of utmost importance to the playoff hopes of the divisional rivals. The Bengals looked down and out when quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season ending injury last month. However, under backup Jake Browning, they have won their last three games and have surged to 8-6 on the season. They are 6-7-1 against the spread but are 2-0-1 against the spread over their last three with Browning at the helm.
On the other side of the coin, the Steelers had a hot patch through the middle of the season but have lost their last three games in a row with starting quarterback Kenny PIckett on the sidelines. They have failed to cover the spread in all three of those games, scoring just 13.6 points per game.
I think the new look Bengals under Browning aren’t getting quite enough respect from the bookmakers here. Their offence has looked completely revitalised over the last few weeks, putting up 31.6 points per game over the last three. I think they win this one on the road comfortably.
Betting Stats
- Five of the past six Bengals games have gone over the total points, including their last three in a row.
- The Steelers are 0-3 in their last three games against the spread as well as being 0-3 ATS in their last three as underdogs.
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers
12.00pm (AEDT)
While this clash doesnt have the same playoff implications for both combatants, it’s certainly a big one for the traveling side, as the Bills sit at 8-6 and can draw within one game of the AFC East leading Dolphins with a win here. Even if they can’t close the distance in the division, a win here would solidify their chances of securing a wildcard in the AFC, a race which currently sees no less than six teams in the hunt.
The Bills have won their last two in a row, both fantastic wins over the Chiefs and Cowboys to catapult themselves back into the conversation for Super Bowl contenders. They are the 6th ranked offence in the league, averaging 27.1 points per game and the 4th ranked defence, allowing just 18.1 points per game.
The Chargers have nothing to play for this season and the Bills have everything on the line here. They should continue on their winning ways with a comfortable victory here. Back them to cover the 12.5 point spread.
Betting Stats
- In prime time games this season, the total is 32-17 in favour of the under and 155-102-4 over the past five seasons.
- The Chargers haven’t been double digit underdogs since Week 13 all the way back in 1998, the only time they have been in a whopping 45 seasons.
