There really aren’t too many games left in the NFL season that matter, at least not in terms of postseason or a Super Bowl appearance.  However, this doesn’t mean that teams can let up, as those destined for a longer break can use the last remaining contests to try new plays and ideas in preparation of a better performance next year.  This means that there are still a number of good bet opportunities for football fans as we take an early look at NFL Week 14 as the oddsmakers are still busy keeping up with the opening lines.

Week 14 Early Look Bet Options

The Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears will face off this Thursday.  Both teams are 6-6 and still in the picture for a postseason appearance.  The Cowboys are on top of the NFC East standings and the Bears are hanging on by their claws.  This week’s game is going to be a tough one, but the Bears are coming off an important win on Thanksgiving that they want to repeat.

Playing in Chicago, where the temperature is expected to be around 37 degrees, might prove difficult for the Cowboys, who have been anything but consistent this season.  While Dallas is favored to win at -3, no one should be surprised when the underdog Bears rise up and snatch away the victory.

The Minnesota Vikings are going to host the Detroit Lions this Sunday, and everyone can see where this game is going.  The Vikings are 4-0 against the Lions in their last four contests and are the only team that has been able to stay undefeated when playing at home this season.  Detroit is one of the teams that needs to reevaluate its playbook in the last couple of games of the season and, hopefully, the Vikings won’t be too hard on them.  Looking at what oddsmakers think, though, the -14 difference says otherwise so looks to be the bet for Week 14 in this game.

A crucial game between the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers means the difference between who has what position going into the postseason.  Playing in New Orleans is going to give the Saints a little bit of a boost and Drew Brees under center is going to help, as well.  The Saints have had a lot of strength on defense also, which is going to come in handy against the Niners.  Even though San Francisco hopes it can avenge its recent loss against the Baltimore Ravens, no one should get their hopes up.  The Saints are favored to win, -3.5, and will walk away on top.

The Tennessee Titans are going to be in Oakland to take on the Raiders on Sunday in a game that could them a step forward toward the playoffs.  If bets were to be placed solely on past performances, the Raiders would have to be given the advantage.  However, the Titans are playing tough ball lately and are going to do the same this weekend.  Tennessee is favored at -3 and there shouldn’t be anything else expected.

The LA Rams are going to receive the Seattle Seahawks this weekend and it’s not looking too good for the home team.  The Seahawks have a better record against the Rams, as well as a better record in primetime games.  They already proved their capabilities when they beat the 49ers last month and are ready for a playoff appearance.  At -2.5, everyone agrees that Seattle looks a good bet for Week 14 and are going to be a difficult team to beat.