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NFL Basic Strategy Teasers: Best Betting Options for Week 7

by - 10/21/2015

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Basic strategy teasers are finally starting to gain some traction after struggling through the first third of the season. The wager, which is a two-team, six-point teaser, went 4-1 last week, and every team but the Buffalo Bills managed to cover their adjusted spreads. Basic strategy teasers only use certain lines that involve favorites of 7.5 to 8.5 points and underdogs of 1.5 to 2.5 points and move those lines past the strongest NFL key numbers of three and seven.

For Week 7 of NFL action there are three teaser wagers on the board, with two underdogs being moved up to the 8.5-point mark and one favorite being teased down to 1.5 points. Let's take a closer look at lines and figure out which are the best bets to make heading into Sunday.

Detroit Lions versus Minnesota Vikings

Spread : Lions +2.5

Six-point teaser: Lions +8.5

The Lions have been horrendous to start the season. They were the last winless team left in the entire NFL while also producing one of the worst point differentials in the league. Detroit, however, was able to pull off a solid overtime victory over Chicago last Sunday that saw quarterback Matthew Stafford throw for 405 yards and four touchdowns. Stafford was even able to connect with his star wide receiver Calvin Johnson to set up the winning field goal in overtime.

Minnesota has been surprisingly solid both SU and ATS, where the team currently has a 3-2 and 4-1 record in each category, respectively. The jury is still out, however, on whether or not the Vikings are actually a good team, because they have completed most of their damage against teams with a combined 4-14 record. Prognosis: Detroit may have fixed a few things offensively toward the end of Sunday's game. This is a solid teaser for a home team playing in a division game.

Arizona Cardinals versus Baltimore Ravens

Spread: Cardinals -7.5

Six-point teaser: -1.5

Arizona took a tough loss to Pittsburgh last week, but that that game had more to say about how well the Steelers are playing (even through injuries) and less about the Cardinals losing. Yes, Bruce Arians' squad may have taken a step back after starting the season with three consecutive blowouts, yet there is no reason to overreact and downgrade Arizona from contender status, because a visit from the 1-5 Baltimore Ravens is the surefire recipe to fix any mistakes your team may have been making.

The Ravens finally managed to get a win after starting off the year 0-5, but with Cincinnati sitting on a 6-0 mark, the team may need a miracle just to stay in contention for a wild-card spot. Baltimore is struggling in just about every category imaginable, and the once-terrifying defense is ranked in the Bottom 25 in total yards, passing yards and points allowed. Prognosis: Do not let last week's results fool you. Arizona is still an excellent team, and this is an excellent teaser.

Carolina Panthers versus Philadelphia Eagles

Spread: Eagles +2.5

Six-point teaser: Eagles +8.5

Carolina is one of the last undefeated teams left, quarterback Cam Newton is already getting early MVP love, and the team is coming off a huge road victory against Seattle that the Seahawks desperately needed to win. And contrary to what people might think, the Panthers have been getting excellent production on both sides of the ball. This fast start to the year hasn't been all about Newton. Carolina is ranked seventh in total yards allowed and fourth in points allowed.

Philadelphia may be starting to gain some steam after the squad started off the year losing three of four. The team is coming off a 20-point victory over the New York Giants and seems to be in control of a weak NFC East. The Eagles have been better on defense than most people think, ranking eighth in rushing yards allowed and sixth in points allowed. Prognosis: This is not a great teaser because Philadelphia has been so inconsistent, and that does not go away after two good weeks. Carolina is "for real" and could blow the Eagles out of the water.

Last Week's Record: 4-1

Overall Record: 12-10

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