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Football Bets: Indianapolis Colts to beat Detroit Lions, Raiders and Dolphins to Cover

By Matt Snyder

Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view as Indianapolis Colts players take the field before the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view as Indianapolis Colts players take the field before the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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This week’s best football bets takes the under on Michigan vs. UCF, looks for covers out of Penn State, the Raiders, and Dolphins, and takes the Indianapolis Colts to beat the Detroit Lions.

Last week’s edition of best football bets went 2-2-1. That’s not a completely horrible result but it still ends as a slight loser (because the house always wins). If I put down one unit on each game I’d be down 0.18 units overall.

All pick odds should be considered -110 unless otherwise noted. As a reminder, we’re doing this just for fun as an entree to upcoming weekend in football. Don’t actually put money on games — you’ll lose.

Michigan vs. UCF under 54.5 points

The line on this one favors Michigan by 35.5 points. Combine that with the over/under and we get an implied final score of 45-9.5. That feels legitimate, but seems likely that either (or both) teams miss low rather than high. Particularly when it comes to UCF’s offense versus Michigan’s defense.

There’s also a decent chance of rain in Ann Arbor on Saturday which could dampen offensive production on both sides.

Penn State +5.5 at Pittsburgh

Neither the Nittany Lions nor Panthers covered the spread last week but both came away with wins versus inferior opponents. Pittsburgh has the home field advantage but 5.5 is a fairly big line. Big enough that I’m comfortable simply taking the points in a game Penn State could win outright.

Oakland Raiders +1.5 at New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints own one of the worst defenses in the NFL while the Oakland Raiders could find their way into the AFC playoff conversation.

Miami Dolphins +10.5 at Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks look like one of the best teams in the NFL — and they’re always tough to beat at home — but we don’t need the Dolphins to win here (or even really come close). This one has backdoor cover possibility written all over it.

Indianapolis Colts moneyline over Detroit Lions (-192)

I’m a sucker for a good hedge bet. I like to take my team to lose with the hope of getting a “good” result either way. Obviously I’d like the Detroit Lions to win the game but if they don’t at least I’m consoled with a winning wager.

Also, I’m always wary of a big-name quarterback throwing for a million yards against the Lions. Andrew Luck was limited in practice on Wednesday with a balky shoulder, but he’s still expected to start on Sunday.

Next: NFL Power Rankings Week 1

All betting lines come from SportsPlays.com, a free faux sports betting site for fans who want to be entertained but don’t want to sink actual money into their bets. All lines accurate as of Thursday but are susceptible to move.

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