NFL Week 13 Preview
Week 13 opens with a special trifecta of Turkey Day games on Thursday, starting with what will surely be a barnburner between Tennessee and Detroit (+11, 44.5). Take the opportunity to sit down at the table and eat while that gongshow transpires at Ford Field.
Later on, Dallas (-12.5, 46.5) hosts Seattle with the Cowboys continuing their push for the playoffs, while the closer features Arizona and Philadelphia (-3, 46.5).
We still have our usual slate of Sunday games to handicap, with plenty of value on the board. For the latest lines on Week 13, be sure to check back at sports.bodog.com before kickoff.
NY Giants at Washington (+3.5, 41.5)
FedExField, Washington DC
Sunday, 1 PM ET, FOX
Partly cloudy, 48 degrees, light winds
NY Giants: 10-1 SU, 9-2 ATS, 7-3-1 O/U
Washington: 7-4 SU, 5-5-1 ATS, 2-8-1 O/U
The Redskins look to return the favor after the Giants’ 15-6 win on September 4. Brandon Jacobs ran for 116 yards on 21 carries, while Plaxico Burress caught 10 balls for 133 yards to lead New York, winners as 4.5-point home favorites. The good news for Washington bettors is both Jacobs (knee) and Burress (hamstring, general bad attitude) are questionable for the Giants.
The fave is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings between the NFC East rivals, although New York is in tough without its two best offensive weapons. The Redskins are betting on defensive end Jason Taylor bringing some heat on Eli Manning, even if he is still dealing with a lingering calf injury that has him listed as day-to-day. Washington is coming off a hard-fought 20-17 victory at Seattle, a game in which the Redskins couldn’t cover the 3-point spread imposed by oddsmakers.
New York is 13-3 against the number over its last 16 games against teams with winning (SU) records, and is an impressive 21-6 ATS over its last 27 road contests.
NFL betting in the Bodog Sportsbook.
Pittsburgh at New England (-1, 40)
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro
Sunday, 4:15 PM ET, CBS
Partly cloudy, 46 degrees, 30% chance of rain
Pittsburgh: 8-3 SU, 5-6 ATS, 6-5 O/U
New England: 7-4 SU, 6-5 ATS, 4-6-1 O/U
If Pittsburgh is to overcome their chronic disability against New England, it will likely be without starting running back Willie Parker, who is questionable (knee). The Steelers have covered in only one of their last eight games against the Patriots, who defeated the Steelers 34-13 last December 9 as 10.5-point home favorites – with Tom Brady at the wheel.
It’s not as if Matt Cassel has been mediocre over the past two weeks, as the career backup has thrown for over 400 yards in both games. Cassel went 30-of-43 for 415 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in New England’s 48-28 waxing of Miami last Sunday. 
Cassel made friends with Randy Moss (eight receptions, 125 yards, three TDs), and Pats backers need the duo to click once again. Pittsburgh has the best all-around defense in the league and is particularly stifling against the run.
Chicago at Minnesota (-3.5, 42.5)
The Metrodome, Minneapolis
Sunday, 8:15 PM ET, NBC
68 degrees (Dome)
Chicago: 6-5, 5-5-1 ATS, 4-7 O/U
Minnesota: 6-5, 4-7 ATS, 7-4 O/U
The Bears go for their second win of the season against the Vikings in the Sunday nighter, while Gus Frerotte and Minnesota have other ideas.
The only idea I’m having a hard time with is Frerotte’s current status as a starting quarterback for a potential playoff team. The veteran has been steady if unspectacular under center for the Vikes, who fell in a 48-41 shootout to the Bears just over a month ago.
Chicago took home the payday as 3-point home faves in that one, and it was the last time the Bears covered ATS. The Bears are dealing with some key injuries to their secondary, as safety Mike Brown (leg) and cornerback Nathan Vasher (thumb) are both questionable against Minny.
Both teams rolled last week, with the Bears winning 27-3 (-7) at St. Louis and the Vikings cashing 30-12 at Jacksonville (+1). Chicago is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games between the teams, although the home team has earned money in nine of the last 12 showdowns between the clubs.
