Which games look worth betting early? Four analysts — Matt Bowen, Pamela Maldonado, Ben Solak and Seth Walder — examined Week 11 lines and flagged spots they like before lines move later in the week.
Note: Odds at time of publication, courtesy of ESPN BET Sportsbook.
Cincinnati Bengals +5.5 (-115) at Pittsburgh Steelers — Matt Bowen Bowen points to Cincinnati’s Week 7 win over Pittsburgh, when Joe Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns and Ja’Marr Chase dominated the perimeter (16 catches, 161 yards, 1 TD). With the Bengals’ defense still below average, this game projects to force Cincinnati into pass-heavy, high-volume situations where perimeter matchups favor them. Bowen prefers the points and the Bengals’ ability to keep it competitive in a game that could require chasing by Pittsburgh.
Last week (Bowen): Browns +2.5 at Jets (Jets won, 27-20)
Chicago Bears–Minnesota Vikings UNDER 48.5 (-115) — Pamela Maldonado Maldonado emphasizes Minnesota’s offensive inefficiency on third downs — converting roughly 32% — which makes sustained drives and consistent scoring difficult. Chicago’s offense operates in a methodical, controlled manner rather than with quick-strike downfie
