The NFC playoff picture has changed dramatically over the past four weeks, and while teams like the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have really struggled at times this season, they still have the time to turn things around just as quickly as they fell in to their current slumps. With so much power at the top there is little room for error the rest of the way for the true contenders, and if a team like Detroit is going to be classified in that group, they simply have to break out of their sports betting funk this weekend.Carolina Panthers @ Detroit Lions (-7)
Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
The Lions were battered and bruised by a physical Bears’ team last weekend, ironically in a similar fashion to the way that their defense had beaten up some of the opposing teams earlier in the year. At 6-3, the Lions are technically still the frontrunners for an NFC Wild Card position, but after losing three of their last four betonline games they cannot afford to slide any further, especially with how tough their upcoming schedule is. Detroit will host the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers before making the trip south to face Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, so this Sunday’s home date against the 2-7 Panthers is a must-win situation. Carolina’s offense can score a ton, so it will be up to Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson to make sure that they win what should be an offensive battle.
NFL Betting Pick: Detroit Lions -7
Dallas Cowboys (-7.5) @ Washington Redskins
Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
The Cowboys and Redskins are two teams heading in opposite directions at this point in the season, as Washington has lost five straight while Dallas has put together consecutive wins to climb above the .500 mark and to within reach of the division-leading New York Giants. The Cowboys will look to extend their winning streak to three after blowing away the Buffalo Bills in their strongest performance of the year, and this one could provide a similar NFL result considering how poorly the Redskins have played.
NFL Betting Pick: Dallas Cowboys – 7.5
Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams (-2)
Sunday, 4:05 PM ET
In a division that features three teams with three wins or less, it’s hard to figure out how all four teams are coming off wins. That will change this week for at least one as the Seahawks look to extend their string of consecutive wins against St. Louis, who overcame the Cleveland Browns 13-12 for a hard-earned road win. Many feel that the Rams are better than their record indicates, and while injuries and inconsistent play have hurt them this season, they have the chance to prove they can still compete with consecutive home dates against the Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals. While Seattle has somehow managed to put together consecutive pay head wins, they have never been a great team away from home.
BSNblog Pick: St. Louis Rams - 2
