There are some brutal primetime games on the schedule in Week 6. Commanders vs. Bears? Seriously? What did we do to deserve this?
The NFL schedulers may have left us all hanging, but don't worry, dear sports fan. Gaming Society is here to lift you back up and make the most unwatchable NFL teams watchable once more... by having some skin in the game!
We'll kick off the week with a bet for each team in Thursday night's dreadful matchup.
Washington Commanders
The bet: Brian Robinson OVER 48.5 rushing yards
In his first game returning from injury, Robinson immediately took over the role everyone thought he'd have this year. He led the team with nine carries (though he didn't do much with them) and now, we've seen teammate Antonio Gibson's snap share decline in four-straight weeks.
The Bears are allowing an average of 170 rushing yards per game to opposing offenses for 4.9 yards per rush attempt! His comeback story? Excellent. The matchup? Also excellent. All-in, baby.
You win if: Robinson has 49 or more rushing yards! | Bet $11.30 to win $10
Chicago Bears
The bet: Darnell Mooney OVER 46.5 receiving yards
Betting on the Bears hasn't been pretty this season, but they're arguably coming off their best offensive outing and facing a bad defense. So, no time like the present, eh?
The Commanders are allowing an average of 190 receiving yards per game to wide receivers — fourth-most among NFL defenses! Even disregarding preseason expectations for Mooney and low pass volume, his 24% target share paired with a plus matchup has us with plenty of faith that Mooney can get it done in Week 6.
You win if: Mooney has 47 or more receiving yards! | Bet $11.30 to win $10
Fret not, friends. It's not all about TNF this week. We've got a few more bets to keep you interested in Sunday's action, too.
Carolina Panthers (vs. Rams)
The bet: Panthers +10.5 (-115)
The Panthers fired former head coach Matt Rhule this week after a 1-4 start to the 2022 season. Rhule went 11-27 in his tenure with the team and they were in huuuuuge need of a change. Now, I'm wondering if a new head coach might give this unit back some of the energy they've been missing... at least for a week or two.
On paper, the Rams are about 30x a better team than the Panthers. However, the Rams are managing their own struggles right now, especially on offense. This unit has scored 10 or fewer points in three of five games this season, struggling to establish the run and force the ball downfield. Given LA's current state, I'll take the Panthers to rally and keep it at least kinda close with that fresh new-coach-on-the-way energy.
You win if: The Panthers win or lose by 10 or fewer points! | Bet $11.50 to win $10
Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Bucs)
The bet: Kenny Pickett OVER 225.5 passing yards
The Steelers' offense is struggling. Their defense is totally dismantled by injury. That may not be a recipe for winning football games, but it can be a recipe for passing volume. In Pickett's first career start in Week 5, he posted 327 passing yards on a stunning 52 attempts.
Going toe-to-toe with Tom Brady, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin? Yes, there will need to be more pass attempts where that came from. Will they be efficient pass attempts? Probably not. But they don't need to be for the sake of our bet — as long as the volume is there! Given the Steelers' sheer inability to run the ball, give me Pickett to take the charge here. Just don't be surprised if he surpasses that yardage total in the ugliest way possible.
You win if: Pickett throws for 226 or yards! | Bet $10 to win $11
Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Colts)
The bet: Travis Etienne OVER 63.5 rushing + yards
James Robinson might be the Jags' guy on the ground, but Etienne's Week 6 breakout was the real deal. He posted a casual 114 scrimmage yards on 13 touches while his teammate struggled with efficiency, totaling 39 yards on just one fewer touch. This also marked Robinson's fourth-straight week of seeing his offensive snap rate decrease — indicating that the tide is indeed turning.
Despite a pretty solid rushing defense, the Colts are allowing 54.8 receiving yards per game to opposing running backs — the third-most among NFL teams. Given the efficiency we're seeing from Etienne paired with his increased playing time, 64 scrimmage yards feels like an easy grab, even against a solid defense.
You win if: Etienne has 64 or more rushing and receiving yards COMBINED! | Bet $10 to win $11
