In Between the Lines: Chapter 11
Time flies when you’re having fun. The NFL is going into Week 16 and NCAA Football is heading into Bowl season. In addition to college basketball on the hardwood, the NBA is back in action with a few rip-roaring Christmas Day matchups.
With a stacked sports schedule comes fervent sports bettors. “In Between the Lines” gives avid fans and sports bettors exactly what they want. Looking ahead to the upcoming week in sports, “In Between the Lines” offers inside analysis on line movements and key stats.
Here’s what you absolutely can’t miss this upcoming week in sports:
1. NFL – Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers (12/27/20 at 8:20pm)
The Green Bay Packers have the potential to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC. In order to do so, the Packers need to defeat the Tennessee Titans, and the Seattle Seahawks need to lose to the Los Angeles Rams. The Packers will still have the chance to clinch in Week 17 if they are unable to get a win over the Titans. In order to clinch in Week 17, they would need to defeat the Chicago Bears.
This marks only the second ever primetime game between the Packers and Titans. The first one was back in 2004. The Packers historically play very well at home. They have won 16 of the last 19 games they have played against an AFC team at Lambeau Field.
The Packers are currently 3.5-point favorites and -170 on the moneyline. I like the Packers on the moneyline in this one. The Packers know how to play during primetime. In fact, this will be their sixth primetime matchup this season. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown 16 touchdowns, which is No. 1 in the NFL, and zero interceptions in this season’s primetime games. At 11-3, the Packers are the only team in the NFL to win 11 of their first 14 games in both 2019 and 2020.
2. NBA – Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets (12/25/20 at 10:30pm)
This will certainly be a thrilling Christmas night matchup. Last season, the Denver Nuggets eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers from the bubble, advancing to the Western Conference finals. The Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead. After the Clippers opening-night victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, a win against the Nuggets seems very feasible. Paul George contributed greatly to the Clippers 116-109 win over the Lakers on Tuesday, finishing with 33 points. And of course, Kawhi Leonard also played well, finishing with 26 points.
The Clippers are a 3.5-point favorite, and -160 on the moneyline. I like the Clippers on the moneyline in this one. I think after that historic comeback by the Nuggets, the Clippers will be out for blood.
3. College Basketball – No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs at No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers (12/26/20 at 4pm)
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are No. 1 and defeated at 6-0 for a good reason. Some of Gonzaga’s key players consist of Corey Kispert, Drew Timme and freshman Jalen Suggs. They average 20.8, 20.3 and 16.3 points per game, respectively.
Virginia is 4-1 so far this season after defeating William & Mary on Tuesday. However, the Cavaliers have not yet played another ranked team. Now, their first ranked-on-ranked game will take place against the No. 1 Zags.
Gonzaga is currently a 6.5-point favorite and -320 on the moneyline. I like the Gonzaga on moneyline and the Zags at -6.5 in this one.
4. English Premier League – Arsenal vs. Chelsea (12/26/20 at 12:30pm)
The Arsenal-Chelsea rivalry, also known as the North West London derby, is a matchup you won’t want to miss. This will be the 202nd meeting between the two teams. Arsenal has won 77 times to Chelsea’s 65. Boxing Day is a huge day in the EPL, especially with this kind of afternoon matchup.
Arsenal has won only one of their last 10 EPL matches (seven losses). Chelsea, on the other hand, defeated West Ham 3-0 on Monday. Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech is ruled out for this one. Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi will play, although there have been transfer rumors swirling
Arsenal will host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal is at +280 on the moneyline while Chelsea is at +100. However, I like this game ending in a draw at +250.
