Football
Steve Maltepes, known as “The Philly Godfather,” will impart his gambling wisdom on the Eagles and where the smart money is going on various pro football games each weekend this season. Maltepes is one of the nation’s hottest sports betting experts who appears weekly on national radio and has his own website, www.thephillygodfather.com [thephillygodfather.com].
New York Giants (3-13) at Philadelphia Eagles (13-3), 1:00 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Eagles minus-3/Total: 38
What is the line telling you:
The Philadelphia Eagles are three-point favorites at home, with the total set at 38 for their final regular season matchup against the New York Giants. But let’s be honest: This one feels more like a preseason game. Tanner McKee will likely get the start for the Birds as Jalen Hurts is sidelined, and Kenny Pickett won’t get the nod vs. Giants either. Drew Lock will be under center for New York, bringing more NFL experience and consistency as a starter than Tanner McKee.
Bottom line:
Here’s the deal: Neither team has much to play for. The Eagles are resting their starters, locking in on a healthy playoff push. The Giants? Well, they have no business winning this game—just like they had no business beating the Colts last week. That win hurt their draft position, so it appears the Giants organization would instead finish strong to end the season. But the Giants feel like the right side at the current line of Eagles minus-3. The Birds are simply in cruise control, trying to avoid unnecessary injuries. Take the Giants plus-3 to win what’s shaping up to be a meaningless game.
Prop bets for the game
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) anytime touchdown, plus-125
Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) anytime touchdown, plus-150
Grant Calcaterra (PHI) anytime touchdown, plus-265
Malik Nabers (NYG) anytime touchdown, plus-180
AROUND THE NFL
Minnesota Vikingss (14-2) at Detroit Lions (14-2), 8:20 p.m. Sunday
The Line: Lions minus-3/Total: 51.5
What is the line telling you:
Lock in the Minnesota Vikings plus-3 against a Lions squad limping into this matchup with the most banged-up defensive backfield in the NFC. The Vikings are in a prime position to exploit this weakness, and don’t be shocked if they come away with the outright win. Minnesota’s path to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs starts here. Grab them on the money line at +130 and sprinkle a little on +400 for them to win the NFC conference. This team is built to make a serious run.
Bottom line: Take the Vikings plus three, on the moneyline plus-130 and the Vikings to win the NFC at plus-400. Add a seven-point teaser, with the Cincinnati Bengals for Vikings plus-10 and the Bengals plus-5.5.
(Betting lines are subject to change.)
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