A Monday Night Football Doubleheader Closes Out Week 3
As the NFL gears up for another thrilling week, fans are treated to a special Monday Night Football (MNF) doubleheader that promises to deliver excitement and drama. This week, two intriguing matchups will take center stage, with the winless Jacksonville Jaguars heading to Buffalo to face the unbeaten Bills, followed by the Washington Commanders taking on the desperate Cincinnati Bengals. With the public heavily favoring the home teams in both games, let’s dive into the betting splits and what they mean for each matchup.
Jaguars vs. Bills Public Betting Splits
The first game of the evening features the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) visiting the Buffalo Bills (2-0) at Orchard Park, kicking off at 7:30 PM ET. The betting splits reveal a significant lean towards the Bills, who are favored by 5.5 points.
- Spread: Jaguars +5.5, Bills -5.5
- ATS Handle: Jaguars 36%, Bills 64%
- ATS Bet: Jaguars 45%, Bills 55%
- Moneyline: Jaguars +205, Bills -275
- ML Handle: Jaguars 8%, Bills 92%
- Total Points: O/U 46.0
- O/U Handle: Over 55%, Under 45%
The public is overwhelmingly backing the Bills, with a staggering 92% of the moneyline handle placed on Buffalo. This comes as no surprise, considering the Jaguars have struggled significantly, losing their first two games of the season. After a promising start to the 2023 campaign, where they finished 8-3, the Jaguars have faltered, blowing a halftime lead against Miami and falling to Cleveland in a narrow 18-13 defeat.
On the other hand, the Bills have shown resilience, overcoming a slow start to defeat Arizona and then dominating Miami in a 31-10 victory. With quarterback Josh Allen leading the charge, the Bills appear poised to continue their winning streak against a Jaguars team searching for answers.
Commanders vs. Bengals Public Betting Splits
The second game of the doubleheader features the Washington Commanders (1-1) and the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) at Paycom Stadium, kicking off at 8:15 PM ET. The Bengals, who are favored by 7.5 points, find themselves in a must-win situation as they look to avoid falling further behind in the competitive AFC North.
- Spread: Commanders +7.5, Bengals -7.5
- ATS Handle: Commanders 29%, Bengals 71%
- ATS Bet: Commanders 36%, Bengals 64%
- Moneyline: Commanders +275, Bengals -375
- ML Handle: Commanders 8%, Bengals 92%
- Total Points: O/U 47.0
- O/U Handle: Over 45%, Under 55%
Similar to the first game, the public is heavily favoring the Bengals, with 92% of the moneyline handle backing Cincinnati. After two disappointing losses, the Bengals cannot afford another defeat, especially at home. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who has yet to find his rhythm this season, will be looking to turn things around against a Commanders team that has shown flashes of potential under rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Daniels has been impressive in his first two games, completing 75% of his passes and showcasing his mobility with 134 rushing yards. However, he is still searching for his first touchdown pass and has faced pressure, taking seven sacks so far. The Commanders will need to find a way to protect him and establish a balanced offensive attack if they hope to compete against a desperate Bengals squad.
Betting Trends and Insights
As we approach kickoff, the betting trends indicate a strong public sentiment towards the home teams in both matchups. The Bills and Bengals are not only favored to win but also to cover the spread, with the public placing a significant amount of money on both teams. This trend highlights the confidence bettors have in the home-field advantage and the current form of both the Bills and Bengals.
For those looking to place bets, it’s essential to consider the implications of these betting splits. The Jaguars and Commanders will need to defy the odds and prove their worth against formidable opponents. As the NFL season progresses, these games will be crucial in shaping the playoff picture, making every point and every play count.
With the excitement of Monday Night Football on the horizon, fans and bettors alike are in for a thrilling night of action. Whether you’re rooting for the home teams or hoping for an upset, the stakes are high, and the drama is sure to unfold.