More than three-quarters of the 2021 Bookies Battle field got off to a fine start in Week 12, as the Lions covered the 3.5-point spread in a 16-14 loss to the Bears on Thanksgiving Day. The line closed Chicago -2.5, per the betting market consensus, so Detroit represented solid closing line value for the week’s most popular pick.
While fans of the still-winless Lions aren’t feeling any better after Chicago whittled down the clock and kicked the game-winning field goal in the waning seconds, it’s a different matter for underdog backers. Detroit, in fact, has covered the spread three games in a row and in four of its last five, and is a handsome 7-4 ATS on the season.
Two-thirds of the contest field also were winners in the Thanksgiving nightcap, laying 4 points with the Bills at the Saints, as Josh Allen and Co. coasted to a 31-6 victory. Again, with the line moving on oddsboards to Buffalo -7 by kickoff, the majority of contestants picked off an obvious stale number.
The same percentage of contestants, however, laid the touchdown with the Cowboys, who lost outright to the Raiders in overtime, 36-33.
Panthers -2 (at Dolphins) are tied with the Cowboys and Bills as the second most popular Week 12 plays, while a pair of bottom feeders — Texans (-2.5 vs. Jets) and Jaguars (+1 vs. Falcons) – are the next consensus picks.
| Team | Percentage of picks | Contest line (Tuesday) | Market line (Friday morning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 76.67% | +3.5 | +2.5 |
| Bills | 63.33% | -4 | -7 |
| Cowboys | 63.33% | -7 | -7 |
| Panthers | 63.33% | -2 | -2 |
| Texans | 60% | -2.5 | -2.5 |
| Jaguars | 60% | +1 | +2 |
Tie At The Top
On board with the majority of the field’s Lions and Bills winners Thursday, Max Schmerin (Rivers Pittsburgh) pulled even at the top of the standings with Mike Lewis (Suncoast Hotel & Casino). Mike went 0-3 to start Week 12, and he and Max each have 95 winners on the season.
Nick Smith (Snoqualmie Casino Sportsbook) is a close second with 94 winners, followed by Bert Cirincione (Golden Valley Ranch) with 92 and Robert Kowalski (Baldini’s) with 91.
Check out the full leaderboard here.
Also read: NFL Week 12 odds and early moves | Week 12 totals
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