An early look at the opening point spreads and intriguing spots in Week 6

So far, Week 5 has been entertaining from start (Thursday night) to finish (Sunday night.) The Seattle Seahawks hung on to a 30-29 victory over the Los Angeles Rams to kick things off, and the Indianapolis Colts overcame a double-digit underdog spread to beat the Kansas City Chiefs to wrap it up. We still have Monday Night Football left to play, which also has a lot of implications unlike previous MNF matchups. If the Cleveland Browns pull out a win in San Francisco, the New England Patriots will be the only undefeated team remaining heading into Week 6. That’s every non-Patriots fan’s nightmare. Maybe that will change in Week 6, though? They do play the Giants, after all.

The betting odds may change as each game approaches its kickoff time. When that time is near, we’ll break down each matchup in more detail. In the meantime, here are a couple of the games that I have my eyes on as Week 6 lines open.

After taking its first loss of the season last night, Kansas City will stay at home to host the other top AFC South team. The Houston Texans hammered Atlanta’s defense, putting up 53 points to rebound from its 10-point performance in Week 4. Both offenses have shown their ability to score at will, which is why this opens as the highest over/under of the week, currently at 55 points. The line is set at 7.5 points, favoring the home-field Chiefs. But that L from Indy will certainly sprinkle some doubt in bettors’ minds. Patrick Mahomes also tweaked his ankle a bit, and though I wouldn’t expect him to miss any games, it’s definitely something to monitor. On top of that, Sammy Watkins (quad) left the game and his status for Week 6 is up in the air. Needless to say, there are a lot of question marks that will need to be answered, but I’d anticipate this line shrinking as the week goes on (which it already has to 6.5 points.) Unless, of course, Tyreek Hill is ready to roll, which may very well be the case.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the game of the week: the Miami Dolphins vs. the Washington. Arguably the two worst teams in the league square off in Florida, and it will be VERY difficult trying to predict this one. While Washington is a 3.5-point favorite, I don’t think they’re necessarily the better team. And now we have word they have fired head coach Jay Gruden and replaced him with Bill Callahan. Washington might be beating the Dolphins in most stat categories, but they’re getting progressively worse, and it is no surprise Gruden got the axe. Through its first four games, Miami has been losing by fewer and fewer points each week. On the flip side, Washington’s deficits have been consistently growing in its five losses. Now Washington have to travel down south with a shaky quarterback situation and a coach on the hot seat to face a team that is coming off of its bye week. This may be the Dolphins best shot at a win. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m going with Miami this week.

All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

Thursday Night

Giants (+16) at Patriots

Sunday, 9:30am ET (London)

Panthers (+1) at Buccaneers

Sunday, 1pm ET

Texans (+6.5) at Chiefs
Eagles (+2.5) at Vikings
Bengals (+10.5) at Ravens
Seahawks (+2.5) at Browns
Saints at Jaguars (+1)
Redskins at Dolphins (+3.5)

Sunday, 4pm ET

49ers (+3.5) at Rams
Falcons at Cardinals (+2)
Titans (+2.5) at Broncos
Cowboys at Jets (+8.5)

Sunday Night

Steelers (+6) at Chargers

Monday Night

Lions (+5.5) at Packers

Bye Week Teams: Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts and Oakland Raiders

Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
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