We're in the final month of the season and man, this is shaping up to be quite the playoff race. The Bills got themselves back into contention with a huge road win over the Chiefs, and the Cowboys declared themselves as top dogs in the NFC East. Let's dive into the Week 15 game picks.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Dec. 16)
Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) @ Las Vegas Raiders (5-8)
Brandon Staley is on the hot seat and it's a miracle he hasn't been fired by the Chargers yet. Without Justin Herbert, this team's struggles are magnified and they will be in tough against a Raiders team that plays with a lot of heart, looking to bounce back from a shutout loss at home last week. Pick: Raiders, 23-14.
Line: Raiders -3
ML: Raiders
Spread: Raiders
Minnesota Vikings (7-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)
Kevin O'Connell went back and forth this week about who would be under center for this game, and it will be veteran Nick Mullens. That was a dismal offensive performance on both sides in Vegas last week, and they will need a spark here. I like what Jake Browning is doing with this Bengals' offense and it has a Cooper Rush feel to it from a year ago. Pick: Bengals, 21-16.
Line: Bengals -3
ML: Bengals
Spread: Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (7-6)
The Steelers' playoff hopes are dwindling fast and they will need an inspired defensive effort to come away with a victory on the road here. Shane Steichen has the Colts' offense playing sound, consistent football and I think they will stand pat at home here. Pick: Colts, 23-17.
Line: Colts -1
ML: Colts
Spread: Colts
Denver Broncos (7-6) @ Detroit Lions (9-4)
It's crazy to think that the Broncos sit just one game back of the Chiefs for the AFC West lead after giving up 70 points in a game earlier this year. Russell Wilson looks like his old self and the defense has been solid for the Broncos. The Lions should take last week's loss as a wake up call to finish out the season strong before the playoffs and I think Dan Campbell's crew will get the message, loud and clear. Pick: Lions, 27-20.
Line: Lions -5
ML: Lions
Spread: Lions
Atlanta Falcons (6-7) @ Carolina Panthers (1-12)
This should be a cupcake matchup for the Falcons, as they look to keep pace in the NFC South race. The mystery behind Bijan Robinson's usage continues, and if this team wants to win, Arthur Smith will need to get him more involved. Pick: Falcons, 23-14.
Line: Falcons -3
ML: Falcons
Spread: Falcons
Chicago Bears (5-8) @ Cleveland Browns (8-5)
The forecast is calling for some showers throughout this game, and both these defenses can benefit from that. The Bears' defense has been stellar over the past month and Kevin Stefanski's group will need to rise to the occasion to defend home field here. The recipe for the Browns should be running the ball early and often. Pick: Browns, 20-16.
Line: Browns -3
ML: Browns
Spread: Browns
Houston Texans (7-6) @ Tennessee Titans (5-8)
The Titans pulled off a stunner on Monday night, down two scores in the final five minutes and coming all the way back to beat the Dolphins. Now, they're at home against a banged up Texans team that will be forced to start Case Keenum in place of C.J. Stroud. In his last five games against the Texans, Derrick Henry is averaging 29.6 touches, 215.8 total yards and two touchdowns. Pick: Titans, 23-17.
Line: Titans -3
ML: Titans
Spread: Titans
Kansas City (8-5) @ New England Patriots (3-10)
The Chiefs have looked out of sync all season long, and it could be a potential decline of Travis Kelce or their inability to adapt in Tyreek Hill's absence. Whatever the case, this team needs to keep throwing the ball to Rashee Rice, who has 23 catches on 39 targets for 243 yards and two scores in the last three games. Pick: Chiefs, 27-13.
Line: Chiefs -8
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Chiefs
New York Giants (5-8) @ New Orleans Saints (6-7)
This is an interesting game for the fact that Tommy DeVito continues to play spoiler to some potential playoff teams. Last week, he pulled off the comeback late against the Packers and will now try to thwart the Saints' hopes of a division crown. Pick: Saints, 23-20.
Line: Saints -5.5
ML: Saints
Spread: Giants
New York Jets (5-8) @ Miami Dolphins (9-4)
The Dolphins have to be fuming after letting one slip through their grasp last week and don't look now, but that loss may have opened the door a crack for the Bills to come back in the AFC East. The Jets are looking to next year, but that doesn't mean Robert Saleh's group will lay down the rest of the way. Pick: Dolphins, 23-16.
Line: Dolphins -9
ML: Dolphins
Spread: Jets
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) @ Green Bay Packers (6-7)
The Bucs came away with a hard fought win over the Falcons last week, and now sit atop the NFC South -- somebody has to win the division. This will be another tough game as the Packers virtually need this win or their playoff hopes are likely over. Pick: Packers, 24-21.
Line: Packers -3.5
ML: Packers
Spread: Buccaneers
San Francisco 49ers (10-3) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
The Niners control their destiny for home field advantage from here on out. The real test comes next week against the Ravens, but right now, it's about taking care of business with the Cards. Pick: 49ers, 31-17.
Line: 49ers -12.5
ML: 49ers
Spread: 49ers
Washington Commanders (4-9) @ Los Angeles Rams (6-7)
This is one of these games the Rams have to have. They came up short in overtime last week against the Ravens and likely can't afford any more losses the rest of the way if they want to be playing in January. The offense has been rolling and that should continue against a Commanders team that is dead last against the pass this year. Pick: Rams, 30-20.
Line: Rams -6.5
ML: Rams
Spread: Rams
Dallas Cowboys (10-3) @ Buffalo Bills (7-6)
The weather could play a big factor in the outcome of this game and quite frankly it favors the Bills and their ground game. The Cowboys are giving up 106 yards per game on the ground, 13th in the NFL, and will be without Johnathan Hankins in this game. I like the Bills to grind out a second straight win here. Pick: Bills, 23-20.
Line: Bills -2
ML: Bills
Spread: Bills
Baltimore Ravens (10-3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5)
This is a big matchup for the landscape of the AFC playoff picture and the biggest question mark will be the health of Trevor Lawrence. He managed to play last week, but turned the ball over three times and didn't quite seem himself. The Ravens will need this one to keep some distance in the home field advantage race. Pick: Ravens, 24-20.
Line: Ravens -3
ML: Ravens
Spread: Ravens
Philadelphia Eagles (10-3) @ Seattle Seahawks (6-7)
The Eagles have been dominated two weeks in a row, by the Niners and Cowboys, and suddenly find themselves in a wildcard spot. Funny enough, the Eagles have lost seven straight games to the Seahawks, who should be getting Geno Smith back for this game. I think the Seahawks play desperate here as they're fighting for their playoff lives. Pick: Seahawks, 24-21.
Line: Eagles -3
ML: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks
Results
Week 14
ML: 8-7
ATS: 11-3-1
Overall
ML: 137-71
ATS: 120-78-10
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