Week 11 of the NFL season was filled with a ton of exciting action along with some brutal heartbreak for bettors. If you are one of the many bettors who had their heart broken by last weekend’s action, you are not alone.
Below we are sharing the worst three beats of the weekend, giving you the details needed to help you feel better about your own weekend losses.
Losing Odds from BetMGM Sportsbook: Bears ML +305 | Under 48 (-110)
The return of Justin Fields had the Bears looking like an entirely different team on Sunday. They seemed to be in control of their game against the Lions, leading 26-14 with 4:15 remaining in the game. Just Fields connected well with DJ Moore (96 yards, 1 TD) and made up for a struggling Bears run game by rushing for 104 yards.
Everything seemed set for the Bears to secure the upset win, but things fell apart with just over four minutes to go. It started when the Bears were stopped on the Lions’ 21-yard line, having to settle for a field goal with 4:15 remaining in the fourth quarter. It seemed Chicago had all but locked up the win, but that is when everything changed.
The Lions got the ball back and managed to score a touchdown on just six plays. The drive only took 1:16 off the clock, meaning they would have a chance to potentially get the ball back. Detroit did just that by forcing a three-and-out from Chicago on the following drive, forcing a quick point and giving Detroit the ball back with 2:33 left in the game.
The Lions took the ball and drove 73 yards for a touchdown and succeeded in their two-point conversion. They would punt to the Bears with 29 second, only to force a safety on the first play. It was a brutal loss for both the Bears and bettors who had taken the Chicago moneyline or bet on the under.
Losing Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook: Cardinals +4 (-110) | Over 48 (-110)
There were two groups of bettors who were counting their money before having their hearts broken on Sunday. The first were those that took the Cardinals +4. While Arizona trailed 21-10 at halftime but scored on their first possession of the second half. However, a missed two-point conversion led put the deficit at five, leaving bettors just one point shy of covering.
Arizona’s decision to go for two would come back to haunt bettors as they failed to score again while shutting the Texans out. Their failure is made worse when you consider Arizona turned the ball over on down in Houston territory three times. Their failure led to the five-point loss and heartbreak for bettors.
The other group who was burned by this game were those who took the over (48). The teams had scored a combined 31 points by halftime but managed just six in the second half. Bettors were crushed as they watched Arizona turn the ball over on down three times in Houston territory, while the Texans had three interceptions within 30-yards of the Cardinals end zone.
Losing Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook: Broncos -2.5 (-115) | Vikings ML +122
This Sunday Night Football matchup was a great one, except for those who took the Broncos with the spread or the Vikings moneyline. While the Vikings looked to be on control for most of the game, that changed in the fourth quarter. It started when Minnesota threw an interception at the beginning of the quarter that set up a Denver field goal.
Minnesota was able to answer with a field goal of their own, but their defense then allowed the Broncos to drive 75 yards for a touchdown that would seal the game. Minnesota got the ball back with just over a minute yet, but failed to move the ball as they turned it over on downs.
While the late Broncos touchdown burned bettors who took the Vikings, it also did so to those that took the Broncos -2.5. That was thanks to a failed two-point conversion attempt, which keep their lead at one instead of bumping it up to three.
Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
