Tom Brady is still a hero despite Patriots latest loss

Every NFL Sunday there are players who capture and break hearts across America. BetAmerica’s weekly Heroes and Villains feature highlights the players who made and lost money for NFL bettors.

Villain: Lamar Jackson

He may be the future MVP. He may have been the only reason the Ravens won outright. But he cost Baltimore (-6) bettors a chance to cover against the San Francisco 49ers in a potential Super Bowl preview.

On a soggy Sunday in Baltimore, the Ravens’ high-powered rushing attack controlled the clock and methodically moved the ball down the field. One mistake nearly derailed their plan. Up by three during the first drive of the second half, the Ravens quickly marched into 49ers territory. As they approached the red zone, however, Jackson sprinted near the sideline on a naked bootleg. San Francisco's Marcell Harris shed a block and ripped the ball right from Jackson’s hands. I still can’t comprehend how he made the play.

That drive could have been a dagger. Instead, Jackson’s fumble gave San Francisco an opportunity to tie the game on the following drive. Justin Tucker eventually kicked a game-winning field goal, but the 49ers covered.

Hero: Tom Brady

The New England Patriots (-3.5) were not firing on all cylinders Sunday night. After an extended holiday weekend, many viewers probably turned off their TVs when Houston took a commanding 21-3 lead in the third quarter. It was hard to find any hope for a comeback.

Even in the darkest of hours, the Patriots put together enough points to hit the Over. Down by 13 with just more than two minutes to play, Brady orchestrated a 94-yard scoring drive that ended with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Julian Edelman.

New England didn't win or cover, but the touchdown put 50 total points on the scoreboard, just three over the total.

Almost a villain: New Orleans' kickoff return team

The Saints were cruising on Thanksgiving night. Another snoozer for the non-betting viewers, New Orleans (-7) took a 26-9 lead with less than seven minutes to play. Some how, some way, the Saints almost blew it. Atlanta scored a touchdown, then recovered an onside kick. A quick field goal made it an eight-point game with 90 seconds remaining. Still, if the Saints fielded the kick, the game was over.

ATLANTA RECOVERED A SECOND ONSIDE KICK. HOW?!?!?!?!?!

New Orleans’ bettors were sweating until Matt Ryan was sacked to end the threat. Saints coach Sean Payton picked up another divisional crown, but he needs to terminate whoever is running the Saints’ hands team.

Hero: Daniel Jones

The New York Giants quarterback threw three interceptions in snowy Green Bay (-6.5). Two came in the fourth quarter, the first of which gave Aaron Rodgers a short field. Eight plays later Rodgers threw his fourth touchdown pass of the day, which gave the Packers a 31-13 win. That total hit the over by a half-point. None of it would have been possible without Jones’ missteps.

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Who will be the heroes and villains of the NFL's Week 14? Bet your opinions at BetAmerica!