In the eyes of Las Vegas sportsbooks, there are two types of bettors: the public, and the sharps.
The sharps are generally considered to be professional gamblers. And their betting action almost always has a major effect on point spread and point total movement leading up to game time, particularly when it comes to the National Football League.
Before going on, it’s important to point out that the sharps look for specific numbers (point spreads or point totals) when betting. Once that number moves, the sharps back off. Whereas public bettors tend to simply look at individual teams (often times their favorite team), and base their decisions off of the previous week and nothing more.
With that being said, here’s a look at who the sharps are betting on in Week 7 of the NFL season.
Information courtesy of Jay Kornegay, VP of the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, NV.
Tennessee Titans (-2)
Opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
The Titans officially made the switch to Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, and the sharps seem confident it will give them the spark they need to snap their two-game losing streak. It doesn’t hurt that the Chargers are a flat-out mess right now, either.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.5)
Opponent: @ Cincinnati Bengals
Jalen Ramsey is officially gone, but the sharps don’t seem to mind. They are all over the Jags here, despite them having an early Sunday road game in Week 7.
In all honesty, this pick likely has more to do with the Bengals’ issues than the Jaguars playing well. Nonetheless, this game still looks great for Jacksonville backers.
New York Jets (+10)
Opponent: New England Patriots
The Patriots look like the team to beat when it comes to Super Bowl 54, but it’s hard to overlook their recent offensive struggles. Couple that with the Jets’ performance in Sam Darnold’s first game back from his battle with mononucleosis, and the sharps’ decision to back the Gang Green at home (where the Jets have traditionally given the Pats fits) on Monday night suddenly becomes understandable.
Oakland Raiders (+5.5)
Opponent: @ Green Bay Packers
The Raiders have played surprisingly well as of late beating the Indianapolis Colts on the road and the Chicago Bears in London in their last two games.
While the Packers are tough to beat at Lambeau Field, they have been decimated by injuries — particularly at wide receiver. So, it’s easy to see why the sharps jumped on the points here.
Philadelphia Eagles (+3)
Opponent: @ Dallas Cowboys
This one is simple: the sharps clearly believe the Cowboys, particularly quarterback Das Prescott, haven’t worked through their ongoing slump.
