One of the best matchups of the year is upon us but US online sportsbook players will have to cross the southern border if they’re looking to catch this one. The New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders will be making the trip to Ciudad de Mexico to face off in the Estadio Azteca. It’s pretty obvious who will be pegged as the betting favorite, with the Patriots returning back to Super Bowl form these last couple of weeks and whatnot. However, they’ll be playing on a pitch catered for soccer, which are known for featuring a slight curve and noticeably longer grass. Will this convince good sportsbook players to back the Raiders this Sunday? Probably not, considering just how inconsistent Derek Carr and Co. has been so far in 2017.
Betting New England
The Patriots come into this Week 11 contest sporting a 7-2 record that ranks them 1st in the AFC East ahead of the 5-4 Buffalo Bills, who have been falling apart as of late. New England had a rough start to the 2017 season, losing their debut against the Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, the Pats would go on to post an extremely disappointing defensive performance through the first half of the season. But leave it to Bill Belichick to take a unit that was ubiquitously considered the worst in pro football and turn it into a unit that Tom Brady can take to the Super Bowl. Speaking of, the 40-year old quarterback is playing at his best – which is a pretty high standard. Brady enters this weekend’s Mexico matchup with 19 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 2,807 yards, and a 108.3 passer rating to his name. Considering that Brady’s career best is a 117.2 passer rating, accomplished back in New England’s infamous 2007 season, so it’s safe to say that the dotard is playing near his best. Fans placing sportsbook bets on this weekend’s action will want to refrain from betting against Brady, even if he’ll be playing in Mexico.
Betting Oakland
The Black & Silver come into this Mexican-based matchup flaunting a 4-5 record that does not reflect the type of season the Raiders were hoping to have in 2017. Oakland was robbed of a shot to compete in last year’s postseason due to Carr pulling a Mike Tyson and breaking his back. However, most US online sportsbook bettors shared a sentiment that the Raiders would be a shoo-in for this year’s playoffs. After all, this is a team with Derek Carr under center and who had just upgraded their running game by acquiring Oakland’s own Marshawn Lynch. While Lynch has been making headlines week in and week out, the Raiders have not been securing their spot in this year’s postseason. Instead, they’re vying to remain above .500.
Having said all this, some NFL bettors might be lead to contemplate picking the Raiders on the upset this weekend, especially when looking at just how lucrative the odds are for Oakland. However, players will want to refrain from doing so. The Raiders have shone at times throughout the season, completing massive passes down the field or Lynch even ripping one to daylight. But they’ll be going up against the Patriots this Sunday: the most well-coached team in the NFL.
US Online Sportsbooks:
New England Patriots -7 (-105) 54 ½ (-110) -335
Oakland Raiders +7 (-115) 54 ½ (-110) +271
