While the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys have all lived up to expectations and in many ways exceeded them in the NFC this season, the same cannot be said about a handful of teams that were expected to contend but have struggled through the first 12 weeks. Then Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were all expected to challenge for a title in their respective divisions this season, but as we enter the final sports betting stretch, neither of the three are on track to even make the postseason.Philadelphia Eagles (-3) @ Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
A season that many projected would finish with the Eagles fighting for a spot in the NFC Championship game has turned in to a year where Philadelphia is not only destined to miss the playoffs, but where fans are already calling for head coach Andy Reid to be fired. In fairness to Reid, the Eagles’ defensive front seven has been an absolute mess, and it doesn’t help that Michael Vick has missed the passed two games with broken ribs. As slim as their playoff chances are the Eagles will still be expected to win on the road this week against a Seattle team that has played just as poorly minus the lofty expectations, and unlike the way things have gone for most of this NFL season Philadelphia should be able to deliver.
NFL Betting Pick: Philadelphia Eagles - 3
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (- 3.5)
Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
The Buccaneers have lost five straight and at 4-7 won’t be competing for a playoff spot this year, yet they are still 3.5-point favorites at home against a Carolina team that has proven they have the offense to win games this pay head season. Panthers’ rookie quarterback Cam Newton has been incredible both with his legs and with his arm, and there is no reason to think that he won’t be pumped up for a divisional game as he looks for his best chance to win against an NFC South opponent in his rookie year. The Buccaneers have looked sloppy and undisciplined for most of this season, and that won’t change suddenly this week against a determined Carolina squad.
NFL Betting Pick: Carolina Panthers + 3.5
Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints (-8.5)
Sunday, 8:30 PM ET
The 5 Dimes reviews changed this game to Sunday night after it was originally scheduled for the afternoon, so they won’t be happy when the Saints run away with it in a blowout. Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense proved against the New York Giants that they can score at will on Monday Night Football, and it’s scary to think of what they will now to do the Lions, who will be without their best defensive player as Ndamakong Suh serves the first of a two-game suspension. Matt Stafford and the offense have been inconsistent all year, and while they may go through solid stretches, they won’t be able to keep pace with the Saints for four quarters.
NFL Betting Picks : New Orleans Saints – 8.5
