The NFL season heads into late November and teams are realizing what targets they will need to hit in order to either make the playoffs or at least stay alive with a chance to play for something meaningful in the final weeks of the season. There is plenty on the line this week, so let’s dive right in to our NFL Week 11 Parlay:
The Favorite
Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Odds: Panthers -4
Related: NFL Betting Guide | How to Bet Parlays
The Detroit Lions just can’t solve NFC teams. The Lions have won twice against the AFC East in three games, but they are 1-5 against the NFC. This does not bode well against the Panthers, who are 4-2 against NFC teams this season. Carolina is coming off a tough game in which it got blown out by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Panthers were exposed at all of their weakest points in a game which got out of control very early on. That splash of cold water should get Carolina’s attention and focus the Panthers’ attention in yet another road game. People will talk about Carolina’s 1-3 road record, and that is true, but the Lions are a mediocre 2-2 at home and lost decisively to Seattle in their most recent home game. There is not enough reason to take the Lions here. The Panthers also won the last time they played a road game in Detroit.
Pick: Panthers -4
The Underdog
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Odds: Bears -3
This is a must-win game for the Vikings, who know they have to start performing like one of the best teams in the NFC, something they haven’t yet been this season. The Vikings and head coach Mike Zimmer have a wealth of defensive talent and expertise. That talent hasn’t dominated the NFC as it did for much of last season, but it is still capable. More particularly, the Vikings should relish being able to go against second-year Chicago quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who will be tested in ways he hasn’t been before. This is a situation in which the Vikings can make a statement and change the balance of power in the NFC North.
Pick: Vikings +3
The Total
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Odds: 47.5
The Jaguars simply don’t give up a lot of points at home. Jacksonville hasn’t given up more than 20 points in any home game this season. The Jaguars have allowed 58 total points in four home contests in 2018, under 15 points per game. The Steelers are a hot team, but they are running into a situation where their opponent will be highly motivated to play. Jacksonville beat the New England Patriots at home earlier this season. That does not mean the Jags are a good team, but it does mean that Jacksonville gets motivated to play the top teams in the AFC. That points to a game which should go under the number.
Pick: Under 47.5
The Point Spread
Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks
Odds: Seahawks -2.5
The Packers have Aaron Rodgers and the Seahawks don’t. That’s one way of looking at this game. Another way of looking at this game is that the Packers lost at the Los Angeles Rams by only two points, and the Rams just completed a two-game season series sweep of the Seahawks this past Sunday. The Packers have actually played well on the road this season, but it hasn’t translated into wins and losses. Green Bay’s defense has been very good against the Rams and the New England Patriots on the road. That defense can contain Seattle’s offense, in which case Green Bay’s odds look really good here.
Pick: Packers +2.5
