Plenty of movement once again in the standings as we draw closer to the start of the playoffs. Most notably, we now have a two horse race emerging in the AFC South for the divisional crowd as the Jacksonville Jaguars have suddenly caught fire as they try to chase down the Tennessee Titans. Let's dive into the Week 16 picks.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Dec. 24)
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8) @ New York Jets (7-7)
The Jags pulled off the upset in overtime last week, beating the Cowboys and suddenly find themselves in contention for the AFC South lead. They will face a scrappy Jets defense in the rain this week, which could pose a problem. Pick: Jets, 20-17.
Line: Jets -2.5
ML: Jets
Spread: Jets
Atlanta Falcons (5-9) @ Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
It looks like Lamar Jackson isn't ready to come back, which means Tyler Huntley will make his third straight start. The defense is coming into form for the Ravens ahead of the playoffs, but they still need an important win to get into wildcard weekend. Pick: Ravens, 20-16.
Line: Ravens -6.5
ML: Ravens
Spread: Falcons
Buffalo Bills (11-3) @ Chicago Bears (3-11)
The Bills are in control of their own destiny as they have the inside track on home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. The Bears proved to be pesky for the Eagles last week at home and I think with the weather conditions, this will be a tough road game for the Bills. Pick: Bills, 23-16.
Line: Bills -8
ML: Bills
Spread: Bears
Cincinnati Bengals (10-4) @ New England Patriots (7-7)
The Bengals are red hot and could put the stamp on the Pats' playoff hopes with a road win here. Watch out for Joe Burrow as he has this offense clicking ahead of a big meeting with the Bills next week. Pick: Bengals, 24-17.
Line: Bengals -3
ML: Bengals
Spread: Bengals
Detroit Lions (7-7) @ Carolina Panthers (5-9)
This Lions team might be the story of the NFL season as Dan Campbell has really breathed some life into this squad. I expect another gritty performance here today as the Lions chase down an NFC wildcard spot. Pick: Lions, 24-20.
Line: Lions -2.5
ML: Lions
Spread: Lions
Houston Texans (1-12-1) @ Tennessee Titans (7-7)
If the Titans want to make the playoffs it looks like they will have to do so without Ryan Tannehill the rest of the way. That puts some pressure on rookie Malik Willis to make some big time plays when they need it. Expect the Titans to lean heavily on Derrick Henry in what should be a tough divisional game. Pick: Titans, 23-17.
Line: Titans -3
ML: Titans
Spread: Titans
New Orleans Saints (5-9) @ Cleveland Browns (6-8)
The weather will play a big factor in this game, which should showcase two of the game's best running backs -- Nick Chubb and Alvin Kamara. The Browns have an outside shot at the playoffs if they can win out, so they will be motivated to win this game. Pick: Browns, 17-13.
Line: Browns -3
ML: Browns
Spread: Browns
New York Giants (8-5-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (11-3)
The Giants stunned the Commanders last week, holding them off late in the 4th quarter to give themselves a great chance at an NFC wildcard spot. Now, they are set for a clash with the Vikings, who will look to keep their bid for the NFC's top seed in play. Pick: Vikings, 27-24.
Line: Vikings -4
ML: Vikings
Spread: Giants
Seattle Seahawks (7-7) @ Kansas City Chiefs (11-3)
The Seahawks' playoff hopes are holding on by a thread and they will be playing desperate football at Arrowhead today. I think Geno Smith can keep pace with Patrick Mahomes and it wouldn't be surprising to see this game determined late in regulation. Pick: Chiefs, 30-26.
Line: Chiefs -10
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Seahawks
Washington Commanders (7-6-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
The Commanders absolutely need this win as they push for an NFC wildcard spot. I think this 49ers defense is going to be a real problem come playoff time and they're proving to be nearly impossible to score on in the second half down the stretch here. Pick: 49ers, 24-17.
Line: 49ers -6.5
ML: 49ers
Spread: 49ers
Philadelphia Eagles (13-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (10-4)
Everyone was hoping for Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts to face one another in this game, but Hurts is nursing a strained shoulder and the Eagles have elected to play things safe with their star quarterback. That means Gardner Minshew will get the start...don't sleep on 'Minshew Mania.' Pick: Cowboys, 28-24.
Line: Cowboys -4.5
ML: Cowboys
Spread: Eagles
Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8)
The Pats gave the Raiders a huge win last week on a play that will be talked about for years to come. Now, they have a chance to help themselves with a big road win over the Steelers, a team that Derek Carr is 2-1 against in his career. Pick: Raiders, 24-21.
Line: Steelers -2
ML: Raiders
Spread: Raiders
Green Bay Packers (6-8) @ Miami Dolphins (8-6)
The Dolphins need to snap out of their losing skid and keep pace in the AFC wildcard race -- they have a great opportunity at home this week against a reeling Packers team. The Fins led the Bills in the 4th quarter last week as their offense looked crisp, expect some big plays here. Pick: Dolphins, 27-21.
Line: Dolphins -3.5
ML: Dolphins
Spread: Dolphins
Denver Broncos (4-10) @ Los Angeles Rams (4-10)
This game is a complete snooze fest as both of these teams are light years away from where they thought they would be at this point in the season. Russell Wilson plans to play in this game, but I'll take the home squad here. Pick: Rams, 17-16.
Line: Broncos -3
ML: Rams
Spread: Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-10)
Tom Brady and the Bucs really need this game as they look to create some separation in the NFC South. It hasn't been pretty for the Bucs and they still have an opportunity to close out the division and make the playoffs. Pick: Buccaneers, 24-16.
Line: Buccaneers -7.5
ML: Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers
Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1)
The Chargers have a chance to strengthen their grip on an AFC wildcard spot with a win over the Colts on Monday night. With Jonathan Taylor expected to miss the rest of the season and Nick Foles slated to start this game, it's perfect timing for the Chargers. Pick: Chargers, 24-17.
Line: Chargers -4
ML: Chargers
Spread: Chargers
Results
Week 15
ML: 11-5
ATS: 11-4-1
Overall
ML: 144-80
ATS: 121-96-7
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