A look at some teams with losing records

New York Jets (5-7 SU/8-4 ATS)

The Jets head into this week’s action sporting a 5-7 record. Considering some experts predicted them to go 0-16 this season, you can make a strong case that they overachieved thus far. According to NFL odds, the Jets have been tabbed as an underdog in 11 of their 12 games this season. The only exception transpired against the winless Cleveland Browns (0-12).

After beginning the year with road losses at Buffalo and Oakland, the men in green have gone a somewhat respectable 5-5, and a very profitable 8-2 during those 10 contests.

The Jets are coming off last Sunday’s 38-31 upset win versus Kansas City, and they did so as a 4.0-point home underdog. Hence, dropping Kansas City to 6-6, and casting serious doubt about the Chiefs playoff chances. New York has now gone 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when facing a team with a winning record.

One thing which has been consistent throughout this season, has been the Jets effort level. Head coach Todd Bowles has done a terrific job of preparing and motivating his team despite low expectations heading into the season.

I would keep an eye on the Jets going forward when they’re an underdog. At this present tine (12/7), the Jets are listed as a 1.5-point road favorite this week against Denver, and the Broncos have lost 8 straight games. This isn’t the type of situation they’ve thrived in this season. Nevertheless, take a long hard look at them in games at New Orleans on 12/17, the Los Angeles Chargers on 12/24, and at New England on 12/31. They figure to be an underdog in all those contests barring something unforeseen.

Cincinnati Bengals (5-7 SU/7-5 ATS)

The Bengals had an inauspicious start to the season. They opened with home favorite straight up losses against Baltimore and Houston. Adding insult to injury, they scored just a combined 9 points during those games. Following those pair of embarrassing defeats, it resulted in the immediate firing of offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese. Ever since that time, they’ve gone 5-5 while covering the point-spread in 7 of those 10 contests.

Cincinnati is coming off a gut wrenching 23-20 home loss to Pittsburgh this past Monday night. The Bengals squandered a 17-0 first half lead, but still managed to cover as a 4.5-point underdog. The Bengals are 7-3 SU&ATS in their last 10 games after facing Pittsburgh during its previous contest.

The Bengals are still mathematically alive for an AFC wild card berth. They’ll most likely need to win their remaining 4 games, and will also require some help from other teams. Nonetheless, they can potentially spoil someone else’s playoff dreams or seedings. I would particularly keep an eye on them as a road underdog versus Minnesota on 12/17, and against Baltimore during the final day of 2017 NFL regular season action.

Miami Dolphins (5-7 SU/4-6-2 ATS)

The Miami Dolphins were a playoff team just a season ago. However, this year has seen the Dolphins have more ebbs than flows. Regardless of Miami’s erratic performances in 2017, there’s still plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

The Buffalo Bills playoff chances will probably hinge on their 2 remaining games with Miami. Besides Buffalo, Miami will host the Patriots next Monday night, and travel to Kansas City on 12/24. Miami will have ample opportunities to shakeup the AFC Wild Card and playoff pictures during their final 4 regular season games.

If veteran starting quarterback Jay Cutler can stay healthy, Miami can be a very dangerous to face for a team that has much more on the line. The Dolphins should be an underdog in no less than 3 of their next 4 games, and I wouldn’t shy away from using them as one of my NFL picks on at least 1 or even 2 of those occasions.

Ross Benjamin is a top sports analyst and one of the sports industry's most respected handicappers. Follow him on Twitter: @RossBenjamin1 or visit his website at RBWins.com