Week 15 NFL Picks

**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Dec. 15)

Los Angeles Rams (7-6) @ San Francisco 49ers (6-7)

Sean McVay owns Kyle Shanahan in these spots and although the Niners are the more desperate team here, I think the Rams find a way to win this on the road. The engine of this offense is Puka Nacua right now and I just don't see the Niners being able to slow him down. Pick: Rams, 23-20.

Line: 49ers -3

ML: Rams

Spread: Rams

Dallas Cowboys (5-8) @ Carolina Panthers (3-10)

The Cowboys fell victim to a botched punt return late in the 4th quarter of last week's loss to the Bengals. Now, they will set their sights on a road matchup with the Panthers, who are favored for the first time in 33 games. Mike McCarthy should lean on Rico Dowdle this week against the Panthers' worst-ranked run defense in the NFL. Pick: Cowboys, 23-16.

Line: Panthers -3

ML: Cowboys

Spread: Cowboys

Kansas City (12-1) @ Cleveland Browns (3-10)

This line seems off to me with the Chiefs only four-point favorites over the lowly Browns. I think the defense smothers Jameis Winston this week, and the ground game should be able to move the chains relatively easily. Pick: Chiefs, 23-15.

Line: Chiefs -4

ML: Chiefs

Spread: Chiefs

Miami Dolphins (6-7) @ Houston Texans (8-5)

We all know the Dolphins' track record against teams with a winning record, but I really think their offense steps up this week. The Texans don't look themselves, specifically C.J. Stroud, and I think Mike McDaniel's team gets the win they need to stay in the wildcard race. Pick: Dolphins, 27-20.

Line: Texans -2.5

ML: Dolphins

Spread: Dolphins

New York Jets (3-10) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)

Is there anyone more polarizing than Aaron Rodgers right now? It seems like everyone can't stand the guy, not just Jets fans. The weather is expected to play a factor in this game, and I'm not sure the Jets have the ground game required to pull off this win, but I'm going with the road team anyway. Pick: Jets, 20-17.

Line: Jets -3.5

ML: Jets

Spread: Jaguars

Washington Commanders (8-5) @ New Orleans Saints (5-8)

Jayden Daniels makes his return to "The Big Easy" to lead a Commanders team still vying for the NFC East crown. I would expect Dan Quinn's defense to create some complex looks for rookie Jake Haener, and the Commanders should dominate this game. Pick: Commanders, 26-16.

Line: Commanders -7.5

ML: Commanders

Spread: Commanders

Baltimore Ravens (8-5) @ New York Giants (2-11)

The Ravens need to make up some ground on the Steelers for the AFC North title. This has the potential to be a look ahead spot, but I think they execute today despite this game being the biggest spread on the board. I would like to see a little more from this defense to create some confidence heading into the playoffs. Pick: Ravens, 34-14.

Line: Ravens -17

ML: Ravens

Spread: Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) @ Tennessee Titans (3-10)

The Bengals have an outside shot at a playoff spot. Of course, they'll need to win out and get a little help down the stretch, but I'm not going to write them off just yet. Historically, Joe Burrow has struggled on the road in Tennessee, so we'll see if he can exercise those demons on Sunday. Pick: Bengals, 24-17.

Line: Bengals -5.5

ML: Bengals

Spread: Bengals

New England Patriots (3-10) @ Arizona Cardinals (6-7)

The Pats could play spoiler on the Cardinals' playoff hopes. Kyler Murray was playing some great football just a few weeks ago, and now it feels like he's forcing things just a little bit. He needs to do a much better job of protecting the football, and letting things open up downfield. Pick: Cardinals, 23-14.

Line: Cardinals -6

ML: Cardinals

Spread: Cardinals

Indianapolis Colts (6-7) @ Denver Broncos (8-5)

This is a big game for both sides, but the Colts need this win a little bit more to stay in the playoff race. I think Sean Payton's defense steps up at home here and makes things difficult for Anthony Richardson. Pick: Broncos, 24-16.

Line: Broncos -4

ML: Broncos

Spread: Broncos

Buffalo Bills (10-3) @ Detroit Lions (12-1)

The game of the week hands down, as the Bills will be a bit crusty coming off a slugfest that they lost to the Rams last week. Dan Campbell's team continues to amaze me as they power through the laundry list of injuries on both sides of the ball. I think that resiliency continues on Sunday and they hand the Bills their second loss in a row. Pick: Lions, 27-24.

Line: Lions -2

ML: Lions

Spread: Lions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) @ Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)

The Chargers lost a backbreaker to the Chiefs last week on a field goal with time expiring and with it, their chances at the AFC West title evaporated. This is a big test for both sides in what could be a defensive struggle throughout. Ultimately, whoever wins at the line of scrimmage will come out on top in this game and I think the Chargers are the better team in the trenches. Pick: Chargers, 21-17.

Line: Chargers -3

ML: Chargers

Spread: Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)

This is another big game in the late slate on Sunday where the Eagles and Steelers will battle it out for bragging rights in Pennsylvania. I like what I've seen from Russell Wilson this season and the Steelers will be a tough out in the playoffs. However, I think the Eagles prevail here and lean on their workhorse back, Saquon Barkley. Pick: Eagles, 24-20.

Line: Eagles -5.5

ML: Eagles

Spread: Steelers

Green Bay Packers (9-4) @ Seattle Seahawks (8-5)

The Packers are quietly putting together a solid season as it's hard to believe with their record, they currently sit third in the NFC North. This is a pretty important game for the landscape of the NFC playoff race and it could be a duel of two running backs, Josh Jacobs and Zach Charbonnet, that decide the outcome. Pick: Packers, 27-20.

Line: Packers -2.5

ML: Packers

Spread: Packers

Chicago Bears (4-9) @ Minnesota Vikings (11-2)

The first of two Monday night games features an NFC North clash as the Vikings are still in the conversation for the division crown. It's been a sobering start to his NFL career for Caleb Williams, and that will likely continue this week against Brian Flores' defense. Pick: Vikings, 26-17.

Line: Vikings -7

ML: Vikings

Spread: Vikings

Atlanta Falcons (6-7) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)

Rounding out the week, the Falcons desperately need a win on the road this week and Kirk Cousins needs a bounce back game after throwing eight interceptions over his last three games. Pick: Falcons, 26-15.

Line: Falcons -5.5

ML: Falcons

Spread: Falcons

Results

Week 14

ML: 10-3

ATS: 8-4-1

Overall

ML: 138-70

ATS: 110-94-4