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Post sports gambling editor/producer and digital sports editor Matt Ehalt is in his first season in the NFL Bettor’s Guide.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+3) over WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
As Stringer Bell said in “The Wire,” “Put the word out there that we back up.”
After a slow start, two underdogs delivered us a 2-0 week.
We’re going with another underdog here in a matchup that should be tight.
Pittsburgh is coming off its bye week, which should help, while Washington has had some close calls recently against the Bears and Giants.
You can run on the Commanders and their 30th-ranked rushing defense, and expect Pittsburgh to take advantage of that deficiency behind the rejuvenated Najee Harris.
Russell Wilson has been solid throwing the ball, and Marshon Lattimore is not going to change that secondary in less than a week.
The Commanders certainly can win this game, but we like the chance of an outright upset while getting the field goal.
Minnesota Vikings (-7) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
We’re jumping on this spread with the assumption Trevor Lawrence does not play and Mac Jones will be under center.
Jones is a bad quarterback, and Brian Flores’ defense has been fantastic for most of the season.
Flores should scheme some looks that will show the world why Jones is now a backup quarterback.
The Jaguars’ defense is also awful, and their 31st-ranked pass defense will be helpless against Justin Jefferson.
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Though the big favorites have burned us, it feels like we’re getting a fair price here.
We’re also buying into the idea that the Jaguars may begin mailing it in knowing Lawrence’s season could be in doubt.
Minnesota can’t afford a slip-up against an inferior opponent and should cruise to a road win.
Last week: 2-0. Patriots (W), Buccaneers (W)
Season: 6-12.