NFL Week 13 Odds

Oddsmakers were holding their collective breath when it came to this Thursday’s NFL odds.

The Houston Texans, who visit the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13, were waiting on the league’s decision after star receiver Andre Johnson was involved in a fight during the Texans’ 20-0 win over Tennessee on Sunday.

Johnson, who was ejected from Sunday’s game after pummeling Titans corner Courtland Finnegan, was fined a beefy $25,000 but avoided suspension and will be on the wing in Philadelphia on Thursday night.

Books including Bodog opened with Houston as an 8-point road underdog, which was quickly bumped to 9.5 with early action on Philly. Then bettors bought back the road side at just under the key number of 10, settling the line at its current stand of -9 in favor of the Eagles.

The Texans’ defense – or lack thereof - is the biggest reason for the hefty spread. They haven’t been able to stop the pass and face an energetic Philadelphia offense trying to bounce back from a bad loss on the road in Chicago.

The total for Thursday’s game has also moved a lot since opening at 49.5 points. Bettors have driven the number to 51.5 with two of the better scoring attacks in the league stepping to the plate. The Eagles and Texans both boast 7-4 over/under records this season.

Here are a couple more Week 13 lines to keep an eye on:

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2, 44 at Bodog)

Another week goes by and the Atlanta Falcons get little respect from oddsmakers. The Falcons are coming off a huge win over the Green Bay Packers, so maybe a letdown spot could be on the horizon.

However, Atlanta was in a similar situation two weeks ago, facing St. Louis as a 3.5-point home favorite after defeating Baltimore in Week 10. The Falcons didn’t let up for their lesser foes, blowing the Rams away 34-17 and covering easily. Expect more of the same in Week 13.

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5, 42.5)

A little bad blood can go a long way at the sportsbook. These two teams, more notably the two coaches, do not like each other.

The Broncos handed the Chiefs a 49-29 waxing in Denver back in Week 10, topped with “handshake-gate” when Kansas City head coach Todd Haley snubbed Denver coach Josh McDaniels when the game was over, believing McDaniels had left his starters in too long and ran up the score.

Haley has since apologized to save face but you can trust his pregame speech will involve McDaniels as well as a few colorful adjectives. Regardless of the motivation, this AFC West battle will be much closer than the spread indicates. Bettors have pushed the line from a touchdown to 9.5. If this spread hits 10, take all your Christmas savings and buy the Broncos like it’s Black Friday.

Other Week 13 odds at Bodog Sportsbook:

Jacksonville at Tennessee (N/A)
Washington at N.Y. Giants (-7.5, 44)
Cleveland at Miami (-4.5, 42.5)
Chicago at Detroit (+3.5, 44.5)
San Francisco at Green Bay (N/A)
Buffalo at Minnesota (-6.5, 45)
New Orleans at Cincinnati (+7, 47)
Oakland at San Diego (-13, 46.5)
Carolina at Seattle (-6, 39.5)
Dallas at Indianapolis (-5, 48)
St. Louis at Arizona (N/A)
Pittsburgh at Baltimore (-3, 40)
N.Y. Jets at New England (-3.5, 46.5)