Another wild week in the NFL with some great finishes, most notably the Bengals stunning the Chiefs for the third time in a calendar year. And, Tom Brady pulled some magic out of his hat to rally late over the Saints and take a stranglehold on the NFC South. Let's take a look at the Week 14 game picks.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Dec. 11)
Las Vegas Raiders (5-7) @ Los Angeles Rams (3-9)
The Raiders are on a three-game winning streak and suddenly find themselves in the AFC wildcard conversation. Much of that can be attributed to Josh Jacobs going 'Beast Mode' these last few weeks and now they get a very sleepy Rams squad playing for next season. Keep an eye on if Baker Mayfield gets some snaps under center after being picked up off waivers by the Rams. Pick: Raiders, 23-14.
Line: Raiders -6
ML: Raiders
Spread: Raiders
Baltimore Ravens (8-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (5-7)
The Ravens got some bad news this week that Lamar Jackson will be out for an undetermined amount of time after leaving their Week 13 matchup with a strained PCL in his knee. That means Tyler Huntley will step into the starter role and the Ravens will have to lean on their defense if they want any chance at a postseason berth. Pick: Ravens, 17-14.
Line: Steelers -2
ML: Ravens
Spread: Ravens
Cleveland Browns (5-7) @ Cincinnati Bengals (8-4)
"Joe Cool" is what the masses have been referring to Joe Burrow as throughout the week and he very much looked the part of the cool, calm quarterback under pressure in a win last week over the Chiefs. The Bengals now turn their attention to the 'Battle of Ohio' against the Browns as they keep pace with the Ravens for the AFC North lead. Pick: Bengals, 26-19.
Line: Bengals -4
ML: Bengals
Spread: Bengals
Houston Texans (1-10-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (9-3)
The Cowboys have some favorable matchups the next two weeks with the Texans and Jaguars ahead of a big Christmas Eve clash with the Eagles. Mike McCarthy's team has started slow in the first half the past few weeks and will look to jump out to an early lead in this game. Pick: Cowboys, 33-17.
Line: Cowboys -17
ML: Cowboys
Spread: Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) @ Tennessee Titans (7-5)
The Titans are on a two-game skid and while they have control over the AFC South, they need to get back on track at home. This should be a tough divisional game as the Jags should be motivated to play well off a blowout loss on the road last week. Pick: Titans, 23-17.
Line: Titans -3
ML: Titans
Spread: Titans
Minnesota Vikings (10-2) @ Detroit Lions (5-7)
This has the makings for an upset as the Lions have played some really sound football the past month and offensively they should be able to hang with the Vikings. The Lions rank 13th in DVOA, while the Vikings rank 20th and I expect a tight game throughout with plenty of offense on both sides of the ball. Pick: Lions, 30-27.
Line: Lions -2
ML: Lions
Spread: Lions
New York Jets (7-5) @ Buffalo Bills (9-3)
The Jets got the better of the Bills earlier in the year and late in that game Josh Allen came away with a sprained UCL in his right-throwing elbow. Now, the Bills have a chance to avenge that loss and create some separation in the AFC East. This might be Mike White's last gasp at keeping the Jets' starting QB job too. Pick: Bills, 23-15.
Line: Bills -10
ML: Bills
Spread: Jets
Philadelphia Eagles (11-1) @ New York Giants (7-4-1)
The Giants ended in a disappointing tie with the Commanders last week and now find themselves scratching and clawing to keep their playoff hopes alive. It's a tall task this week against the Eagles who continue to roll on both sides of the ball. If Saquon Barkley can't go in this one, there will be added pressure on Daniel Jones. Pick: Eagles, 27-16.
Line: Eagles -7
ML: Eagles
Spread: Eagles
Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) @ Denver Broncos (3-9)
The Broncos' defense has done their part this season and it's the offense that will need to go back to the drawing board in the offseason. I think the Chiefs cruise in this game at Mile High and will be looking to take out some of their frustration from last week's narrow defeat to the Bengals. Pick: Chiefs, 27-15.
Line: Chiefs -8.5
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Chiefs
Carolina Panthers (4-8) @ Seattle Seahawks (7-5)
Sam Darnold was crisp in the pocket last week, leading the Panthers to a win over the Broncos. I don't see him having the same success on the road here against the Seahawks, but with the injuries in their backfield, there could be some challenges for Geno Smith to move the chains. Pick: Seahawks, 24-17.
Line: Seahawks -4
ML: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6) @ San Francisco 49ers (8-4)
The Bucs narrowly escaped with a win last week over the Saints and you could see the frustration on Tom Brady's face late in that second half. It's a tough matchup against this stellar 49ers defense this week, but maybe the Bucs will stand tall against rookie Brock Purdy, who will make his first career start? Pick: Buccaneers, 20-17.
Line: 49ers -3.5
ML: Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers
Miami Dolphins (8-4) @ Los Angeles Chargers (6-6)
Some people believe the Dolphins were exposed last week by the 49ers, but the reality is they were only down one score inside of five minutes left in that 4th quarter. Regardless, it was a tough road loss for Mike McDaniels' squad and I think the Chargers will be playing desperation football here as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive. Pick: Chargers, 27-24.
Line: Dolphins -3
ML: Chargers
Spread: Chargers
New England Patriots (6-6) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-8)
The Patriots are still in the AFC wildcard race despite their struggles on offense. Mac Jones seems to want to open up things through the air, while Bill Belichick and crew want to slow down the pace and churn out tough yards on the ground. Can Belichick's defense win them this one against Kyler Murray and a fully healthy Cardinals offense? Pick: Patriots, 24-21.
Line: Patriots -1.5
ML: Patriots
Spread: Patriots
Results
Week 13
ML: 10-5
ATS: 6-9
Overall
ML: 124-71
ATS: 102-87-6
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