5 betting tips for Week 12 of the NFL season

Need some help spotting situational edges with a new slate of NFL action fast approaching? We've got you covered.

Here are five tips as you do your homework for Week 12.

A promising Colts-Dolphins first-half over

The Indianapolis Colts have been a decent over play this season, getting past the number in six of their 10 games. Where they've been especially profitable is the first-half total.

Colts games have gone over the first half total seven straight times, with an average of 31 points being scored. Additionally, all five of Indy's home games have gone over the first-half total, and the Colts will be hosting a Miami Dolphins defense that's allowing 30 points per game on the road.

Patriots in good position to cover spread

The New England Patriots fall into a couple of favorable spots when they travel to take on the New York Jets.

First off, we want to play road teams following a bye week - they are on a 60-28 run covering the spread, and 10 of 15 teams in that situation this season have covered.

Second, the Patriots are one of the best bounce-back teams in the NFL, as they've covered the spread in 15 of their previous 19 games following a loss. Look for New England to get back on track Sunday after being outclassed by the Tennessee Titans in Week 10.

Thanksgiving favorites on fire

Short weeks have favored teams laying chalk in the past, and Thanksgiving Day's been no different. Over the last 15 seasons, Thanksgiving favorites are 27-11 covering the spread, which sets up Chicago (-4 at Detroit), Dallas (-7.5 vs. Washington), and New Orleans (-13 vs. Atlanta) as the plays for Thursday if you want to ride the hot hand.

Meanwhile, BetLabs found that both first- and second-half wagers on Thanksgiving favorites have been profitable, too, as those favorites have gone 24-12-2 (first half) and 26-11-1 (second half) at covering the spread over those same 15 seasons.

Chargers intriguing despite big spread

Given the overall balance of the NFL, there aren't many double-digit favorites each week. But when they do make an appearance, there's a specific angle that's been marginally profitable for bettors.

Double-digit favorites against non-conference opponents are on a 70-60 (53.8 percent) run at covering the spread. It's not an earth-shattering clip, but there's some substance considering teams laying 10 or more points against in-conference opponents are covering the spread less than 45 percent of the time.

This weekend, the Los Angeles Chargers (-12 vs. Arizona) are the lone double-digit favorite that will be facing a non-conference opponent, and they should have their way with rookie quarterback Josh Rosen and the Cardinals, who lost to a bad Oakland team in Week 11.

Cousins faltering in spotlight

Any casual fan has probably heard by now that Kirk Cousins can't win the big game.

And there's some truth to it - following Minnesota's 25-20 loss to the Bears in Week 11, Cousins is just 4-12 straight up in prime-time games. The veteran quarterback will get another shot on Sunday night when his slightly favored Vikings (-3) host the Green Bay Packers.

Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.