Dave Tuley, senior reporter at VSiN.com, is in his fourth season with The Post’s Bettor’s Guide. His handicapping pieces appear in VSiN’s online magazine, Point Spread Weekly.
Detroit Lions (+10) over DENVER BRONCOS
The Lions picked up their first win of the season, beating the Vikings 29-27 on the game’s final play. If you’ve followed me for long, you know they’re in a classic “swagger” spot with a team regaining its pride after snapping a long losing streak (or, in this case, a winless streak as the Lions did have that tie against the Steelers in Week 10).
The Lions have been surprisingly competitive all year and have been good to us as they’re 8-4 ATS despite the 1-10-1 SU record. The Broncos have been up and down all year (6-6 SU and ATS) but shouldn’t be favored by more than a touchdown. If the Lions could avoid being blown out as big ’dogs by the Vikings (twice), Browns, Rams and Ravens, they can stick with the Broncos.
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (+4) over Dallas Cowboys
On Sunday, Washington just beat the Raiders, 17-15, after the Raiders were coming off a 36-33 overtime win at the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, so there’s no reason this shouldn’t come down to the wire, too.
The Cowboys still have the No. 1 offense in the league at 416.3 yards per game, but the Washington defense has stepped up since losing Chase Young, allowing just 15 points the past two weeks (and don’t forget it held the Buccaneers to just 19 in its upset four weeks ago). Meanwhile, Washington’s offense isn’t flashy, but Taylor Heinicke and Antonio Gibson are proving a balanced attack that should keep the Football Team right in this game with a shot at the outright upset.
Last week: 1-1. Lions (W), Giants (L).
Season: 16-10.