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NFL Basic Strategy Teasers: Best Betting Options for Week 5

by - 10/7/2015

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan

A basic strategy teaser is perhaps the smartest and most profitable way to make a NFL teaser bet. Teasers in general are considered "suckers bets" because most gamblers end up going "crazy" by adding the most points and teams possible into the bet ,and any time you create a situation where a large number of teams have to cover a bet, you are fighting an uphill battle. Basic strategy teasers, however, are two-team, six-point teasers that take advantage of the NFL key numbers of three and seven and anchor spreads around those markers.

A basic strategy teaser involves moving favorites of 7.5, 8.0, and 8.5 down past the three-point mark and underdogs of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 up past the seven-point mark. For Week 5 of the NFL season there are three basic strategy teaser games on the board. Let's take a closer look at each situation and figure out the best way to wager on the teasers.

Atlanta Falcons versus Washington Redskins

Spread : Falcons -8

Six-point teaser : Falcons -2

Atlanta hasn't faced any difficult matchups, but the team has still produced a 4-0 record and perfect ATS mark throughout four games nevertheless. Not many people expected much out of the Falcons, so this hot start is a bit surprising for many experts. At the moment, the team is ranked fifth in total yards gained and passing yards and third in points scored with an average of 34.2. The production on the defensive end will probably be what hurts Atlanta going forward as the squad is currently ranked 28th in total yards allowed and 30th in passing yards allowed. Those issues, however, shouldn't matter against a Washington team that is limited on offense. Prognosis: this is a solid teaser that Atlanta should cover.

Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions

Spread : Lions +2.5

Six-point teaser : Lions +8.5

Detroit is coming off a controversial no call at the end of a solid performance against Seattle on Monday night. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is stilling with injuries, Calvin Johnson isn't being targeted, and the team's season is probably over before it ever really begin. A 0-4 start for the Lions almost certainly eliminates them from division and wild card contention unless a lot of teams start losing games right away. Detroit, however, will be desperate for its first win of the season this week. And even if the squad doesn't actually get it, chances are the team will fight until the final seconds of the game. Prognosis: 8.5 points is large line for a team that is talented and desperate to get a win in the record books. Expect a cover at the very least from Detroit.

New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys

Spread : Patriots -8.5

Six-point teaser : Patriots -2.5

Is there any number that New England could be favored by that wouldn't scare bettors away? Expect this line to only get bigger come Sunday and probably fall out of basic strategy teaser range, so now is the time bet it. The Patriots seem to be on a "Deflategate" revenge tour, and more than a few experts are beginning to whisper about the possibility of another undefeated regular season. Tom Brady and company are currently ranked first in total yards gained, total passing yards and points scored with an average of 39.7. There really isn't much more than needs to be said. New England is a juggernaut, and Dallas is a wounded horse. Prognosis: This situation is as solid as basic strategy teasers come.

Last Week's Record : 1-2

Overall Record : 5-7

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