Mahomes’ ankle sprain flips Chiefs from favorites to dogs vs. Texans
Some NFL Week 15 injuries will make handicapping this week just a little bit harder.
>Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a high-ankle sprain in a 21-7 victory over the Browns and his status is “week-to-week.” KC was a 4-point favorite Saturday vs. the Texans on the lookahead line, but now is a 2-point underdog (+2.5 at Circa).
>The Lions, who already had 12 defensive players on the injured reserve, lost three more in a 48-42 loss to the Bills. The lookahead line was at -8 and reopened at -7.5 for Detroit’s game Sunday vs. the Bears.
>Seahawks QB Geno Smith injured his knee and couldn’t return to a 30-13 loss to the Packers, throwing the NFC West open. Seattle has the Vikings (-2.5) up next on MNF. Post-game report: Smith’s knee injury isn’t structural, but more tests today. If backup Sam Howell is the answer, I’m not sure what the question is.
>Steelers LB T.J. Watt rolled his ankle in a 27-13 loss to the Eagles. Watt said he wasn’t sure yet if he would be ready for the Ravens (-6 from the -4 lookahead) on Saturday.
VSiN.com managing editor Adam Burke covers the early line moves for Week 16.
The most serious injury of the day: Dolphins WR Grant DuBose remained in a Houston hospital in stable condition after suffering a head injury in a 20-12 loss to the Texans.
Predictions and Best Bets for MNF doubleheader
VSiN.com senior editor Zach Cohen previews the MNF doubleheader:
On the Bears-Vikings (8 p.m. ET, ABC):
Minnesota is simply a much better team on both sides of the ball. The Vikings are also playing for something, as they still have a shot at winning the NFC North — and finishing the regular season with the best record in the NFC. The Bears are just trying to get Caleb Williams some confidence heading into next year, but they hardly need a win.
On the Falcons-Raiders (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN):
The Falcons have looked like a much better team than the Raiders over the course of this season, but that hasn’t been the case over the last five weeks. Atlanta is falling apart with Kirk Cousins struggling to find a rhythm, and I’m not sure a straightforward win can be expected on the road. So, I’m taking Vegas with the points, even though I absolutely hate watching this Raiders offense.
Steve Makinen likes one favorite and one underdog tonight, based on his trends and systems.
Mike Somich has a play on the Bears-Vikings game.
Matt Youmans has a Best Bet on the game here in Las Vegas.
More MNF resources
>Look for Josh Appelbaum‘s Sharp Report later this morning.
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits: At the top of this email, the chart shows a comparison of the betting splits from DraftKings and Circa Sports. Keep an eye on them for late action.
Contest Corner: There are 50 live entries — all 35 in play on Sunday advanced — with 15 pending on the Vikings.
Steak your claim: Submit your best bowl bets
We have a lot going on these days here at VSiN, so I’m looking for a little extra help — and I will pay you with steak.
There are 12 college football bowl and playoff games between tomorrow and Christmas Eve.
I would like to feature your Best Bets in The VSiN Daily over the next week. Write up a paragraph explaining your pick. Send it my way. If I use it, you will get an Omaha Steaks Gourmet Certificate valued at over $275.
(If you don’t want to submit your pick but Omaha Steaks sound good, you can get $30 off your next order and 50% off sitewide. Visit omahasteaks.com/VSIN and enter the code VSIN30 to get this limited-time offer. Minimum purchase may apply.)
Otherwise, the Frisco Bowl is up first, tomorrow. (The lesser the bowl, the better your chance, I would think.) Here is Adam Burke’s preview if you want to see what he wrote.
The deadline is Thursday for the VSiN Road to Jansanity Contest. It’s free to play and $5,000 goes to the winner. Read the contest rules and then register at VSiN.com/Jansanity.
Get your VSiN College Football Playoff Betting Guide. There are 27 pages of previews, picks and predictions. Plus Brent Musburger and Steve Makinen pick a side and total for every bowl game. Download the PDF here.
Today in college basketball
Greg Peterson has posted his Best Bets for today’s menu.
>Adam Burke‘s top plays will be up later today.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen will post his Best Bets by mid-morning.
NHL: Look for Jonathan Davis‘ picks by mid-day on our NHL page.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Monday, December 16. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
