NFL On Christmas Day Betting Odds: Packers vs. Dolphins, Broncos vs. Rams, Bucs vs. Cardinals

The NBA usually has Christmas Day to itself, but that’s not the case in 2022. With Christmas falling on a Sunday this year, the NFL plans on featuring a three-game slate for bettors to enjoy. The day starts with the Packers visiting Miami, followed by the Broncos taking on the Rams, and then the Buccaneers facing the Cardinals in the nightcap.

Here are betting odds and analysis for the Christmas Day card.

🎄🚨 CHRISTMAS GAME ANNOUNCEMENT🎄🚨@Broncos vs. @RamsNFL on Christmas Day at 4:30pm ET on CBS/Nickelodeon!

📺: 2022 NFL Schedule Release — Thursday at 8pm ET on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/NH5Zmev8s0

— NFL (@NFL) May 10, 2022

Packers vs. Dolphins Odds

It would have been nice if the Packers had taken a wide receiver in the first round to make up for the loss of Davante Adams. But instead, the Pack beefed up the defense and waited until the second, where they took a guy from a run-heavy offense (Christian Watson, North Dakota State) with just 88 catches in four seasons (39 games).

Of course, if anyone can make him look like an All-Pro, it’s Aaron Rodgers. He has done more with less, but when you consider the team’s investment in Rodgers, the Pack may have been better served using one of those first-round picks on a receiver.

As for Miami, there will be no excuses for Tua Tagovailoa and the offense in 2022. During what ended up being a hectic offseason, the Dolphins improved the offensive line, run game, and depth at wide receiver. The Dolphins offense has tremendous potential on paper, but only if Tua can up his game.

Broncos vs. Rams Odds

There is not a lengthy history between the Rams and Broncos. They faced off for the first time in 1972 but have played each other a total of only 14 times, with the Rams leading the all-time series, 9-5. These teams last met during the 2018 season in Week 6, a game won by the Rams, 23-20.

Each franchise has undergone quite a few changes since then, the most significant being at quarterback. Both have moved on from the QBs in that game (Jared Goff and Case Keenum) and now have perennial superstars behind center in Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson.

Denver Broncos (7-10 SU, 8-9 ATS last season)

Denver has tried to develop a quarterback ever since Peyton Manning decided to retire. But they have not been able to turn anyone into a viable starter at the NFL level. This year, however, quarterback play will not be the issue. The Broncos opted to go the proven-veteran route in the offseason and traded for Wilson.

While acquiring Wilson has turned the Broncos into potential contenders, he may not be enough against the Rams. Wilson did not fare too well when he played the Rams during his time with the Seahawks. His Seahawks had an 8-12 record in the series. He averaged just 215 yards passing a game with 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions and got sacked 3.9 times per game (StatMuse).

Also read: Russell Wilson trade shakes up NFL futures odds

Los Angeles Rams (16-5 SU, 10-11 ATS)

The Rams believed they were a quarterback away from winning a Super Bowl, so they went out and got Stafford and won one. Now comes the harder part — defending it. No team has successfully done so since the Patriots won back-to-back titles in Super Bowl 38 and 39.

While the Rams lost a couple of key contributors during the offseason (Robert Woods was traded and Von Miller signed with the Bills), they picked up former Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson and longtime Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner in free agency.

Buccaneers vs. Cardinals Odds

This game could be pivotal in more ways than one for the Arizona Cardinals. The team has become infamous for late-season swoons under head coach Kliff Kingsbury. If the Cardinals are to have a shot against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, they will need to bring their ‘A-game and not the C- minus version fans have seen in the last couple of Decembers.

Another disappointing finish could mean the end of the Kingsbury Era and throw a wrench in contract negotiations for Kyler Murray.

Health will be a significant factor. Murray has been hampered with injuries down the stretch the last two years. But his health is not the only concern. He’ll need all of his weapons on the field, i.e., James Conner, DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, and A.J. Green.

As for Brady and the Buccaneers, there is no reason to think they can’t run it back and be in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation. Brady has shown no signs of slowing down and the Buccaneers roster is stacked with talent. However, it is also fair to wonder if this is the season where Father Time finally catches up with Tom Brady.

More Betting Lines For 2022 NFL Season

Sportsbooks have posted odds for Week 1 and several key games during the season, and DraftKings has point spreads, totals, and moneylines posted for games through Week 17. Check back here at Gaming Today for plenty more betting content around the 2022 NFL schedule.

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