NFL hot tix and picks: Dak Prescott vs. Patrick Mahomes all the betting rage

America’s Team is positioned to fully reunite with its glorious reputation Sunday with Dak Prescott and Co. headed to the heartland to confront Patrick Mahomes.

A narrow line – Kansas City is a tight 2.5-point home favorite – combined with the late-afternoon game’s visibility to encourage a rush of wagers. 

Several of the nation’s sportsbooks surveyed by USA Today Sports+ report staunch support of both the Cowboys and Chiefs for the week’s most popular game. 

This week’s version of NFL “Hot Tix and Picks” looks at where the bettors are gravitating and why – while also assessing the games that have sharp players slapping down their wads of cash.

All odds furnished by Tipico Sportsbook.

Dallas Cowboys +2.5 at Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback Dak Prescott could direct the Cowboys (7-2) and the NFL's most potent offense to the NFC lead by weekend’s end, but both the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals would have to slip. 

The enthusiasm attached to the Cowboys comes after their rout of the slumping Atlanta Falcons last week, confirming Dallas’ offensive prowess. 

Running back Ezekiel Elliott and receiver CeeDee Lamb have paced the Cowboys to a league-best 31.6 points per game and 433.9 yards per game, and Tipico lists the over/under at 55.5, the highest total of the week. 

Now comes Mahomes, whose Chiefs won at Las Vegas last week to extend their win streak to three while taking over first place in the AFC West. 

At the Las Vegas Superbook and Caesars Sportsbook, the Cowboys have drawn the most betting tickets, while Caesars reports 76% of the total dollars wagered on the game are on the Chiefs. 

“Even with the Chiefs struggling (in the season’s early going), you look and see less than a field goal — that can be very tempting for some people,” said Adam Pullen, Caesars’ assistant director of trading. “They’re getting the majority of the money because of the perceived value of them laying such a low number at home. 

“I wouldn’t doubt if this game ended up having the highest handle of the week … over the prime-time games.” 

RELATED:Chiefs to pay expenses for girl hurt in crash involving former assistant Britt Reid

Green Bay Packers -1.5 at Minnesota Vikings

This is a curious matchup given the Vikings’ urgency to pile up victories and the resolve they displayed – particularly by receiver Justin Jefferson – winning Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Yet, the Packers’ brand equals undying allegiance at the betting window. BetMGM lists the Packers as its top bet. Caesars said it has taken the most combined game tickets on Packers-Vikings. And the Las Vegas Superbook ranks the Packers No. 2. 

Tipico reports its bettors also sought out the Packers-Vikings' over-under at 46.5 points. 

Houston Texans +9.5 at Tennessee Titans

The rash of upsets the past two weeks is clearly lodged in the minds of public bettors for this matchup, which appears to be an impending blowout considering the Titans’ front-running AFC position and Houston’s 1-8 record. 

The Titans were somewhat flat last week while edging the Trevor Siemian-led New Orleans Saints 23-21, and there is a look-ahead factor with the surging New England Patriots awaiting next week.

Cleveland Browns -12.5 vs. Detroit Lions

Licking wounds from a blowout loss to the Patriots last week, the Browns are Tipico’s most popular bet against the still-winless Lions. 

With quarterback Baker Mayfield confronting a variety of nagging injuries, Cleveland’s hope is to reestablish its success running the ball as Nick Chubb returns from the COVID-19 reserve list. 

The Browns are gearing up for a pivotal back-to-back series with the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens next week. 

MORE:Lions, Browns both desperate for wins entering Sunday's game

Los Angeles Chargers -6 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

There’s been substantial line movement favoring the Chargers, who sorely need the win amid their 1-3 skid. 

The primary reason is the Steelers’ rash of injuries. 

Linebacker T.J. Watt and cornerback Joe Haden are out for the Steelers following their tie against Detroit last week with Mason Rudolph at quarterback. Whether COVID-stricken Ben Roethlisberger and All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary play will likely remain a mystery until Sunday. 

The insider action we rely on to suggest our “Hot Picks” has been plagued by a two-week downturn connected with a series of NFL upsets. Going 3-7 is unacceptable, so the focus narrows to more sure bets, safer systems and better scenarios. 

Here are this week’s “Hot Picks”: 

Philadelphia Eagles -3 vs. New Orleans Saints

We’re going exclusively with home teams this week, starting by backing the progress we’ve seen from Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. 

Philadelphia’s defense thrived last week against Denver, and should again with Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) sidelined.  

Los Angeles Chargers -6 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

There’s an uncomfortable reminder coming for the Chargers, who two years ago were clearly shaken to see their former stadium in Carson, California overtaken by the Black and Gold brigade. The Chargers would lose to a third-string quarterback. 

Pittsburgh is again banged up. This time, a more unaffected Chargers quarterback, Justin Herbert, should capitalize on Watt’s absence and will likely employ a return to the deep ball. 

REPORTERS' ROUNDTABLE:Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Minnesota Vikings +1.5 vs. Green Bay Packers

A line move favoring the Vikings is rooted in their progress and their greater need for a division victory while playing at home. 

“The Vikings seem to be getting a lot of sharp money every week,” Caesars’ Pullen said. 

Carolina Panthers -3 vs. Washington Football Team

The successful return of quarterback Cam Newton has Carolina listed as the No. 3 sharp play at WynnBET. 

The Panthers (5-5) – also lifted by running back Christian McCaffrey – confront former coach Ron Rivera, who is missing his injured standout defensive end Chase Young.   

Chicago Bears +5.5 vs. Baltimore Ravens

Although there are far more tickets on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, Caesars reports its sharps have banked heavily on the Bears, with 87% of the total dollars wagered on this game on Chicago. 

Coming off a bye week, the Bears nearly beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh two weeks ago, and that’s inspired a theory rookie quarterback Justin Fields has turned a corner, while the Ravens return from their dud of a loss to Miami.

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