NFL picks for a stinky Week 14
At least Thursday night's game was good!
I’m going to be honest about something: This past month, at least for me, has been horrible in so many different ways. I’m not looking for pity, and I don’t really want to wallow, either. Mostly, I want this week’s newsletter to be therapeutic.
Because, of all things, the NFL reminded me that this too shall pass. Right now, three teams have clinched a spot in the postseason: the Bills, Chiefs, and as of Thursday night, the Lions. Imagine going back in time 15 years ago and telling yourself those were the first three teams to make the playoffs!
So I will try not to doom and gloom … with one small exception. This week’s slate looks pretty bad!
That doesn’t mean the games will suck. Perhaps the terrific Thursday night clash between the Lions and Packers was an auspicious start to the week. But that matchup looked good on paper. Not many others do.
Here’s a look at the rest of the schedule, the final time of the regular season that teams are on a bye. My picks are in bold below, along with the odds from DraftKings.
Panthers at Eagles (-13)
Raiders at Buccaneers (-6.5)
Jets at Dolphins (-5.5)
Browns at Steelers (-6.5)
Falcons at Vikings (-5.5)
Saints at Giants (+4.5)
Jaguars at Titans (-3)
Seahawks at Cardinals (-3)
Bills at Rams (+3.5)
Bears at 49ers (-3.5)
Chargers at Chiefs (-4)
Bengals at Cowboys (+5.5)
You can check out Christian’s picks at FTW, where he also laments this week’s lineup.
Now let’s preview this stinky weekend!
Week 14 picks
Eagles over Panthers
To their credit, the Panthers have improved quite a bit this season, and so has Bryce Young (good for him!). Unfortunately for them, they’re facing one of the hottest teams in the NFL on Sunday.
Buccaneers over Raiders
The Raiders can still — and might! — play spoiler to a few playoff hopefuls. But, even after several tough losses to good teams, the Bucs have handled lesser opponents all season.
Dolphins over Jets
I like the Dolphins to rebound now that they’re back in warmer weather, playing against an opponent they’ve lost to only three times since 2016.
Steelers over Browns
The current forecast in Pittsburgh calls for clear skies, so I don’t think the Browns will pull the upset like they did two weeks ago in snowy Cleveland.
Falcons over Vikings
I know, I know. It’s always a big risk trusting the Falcons, and Kirk Cousins, in a high-stakes game, this one against his old team. But after several close wins for the Vikings, and a couple of close losses for the Falcons, both are probably due for a change in fortune.
Saints over Giants
I do not feel good about picking either of these teams.
Titans over Jaguars
To repeat myself: I do not feel good about picking either of these teams.
Seahawks over Cardinals
When two division rivals are so evenly matched, I tend to think they’ll split their season series. But considering these two played just two weeks ago, and Seattle’s defense was dominant, I’m going with the Seahawks again.
Bills over Rams
Not only are the Bills the better team, but the last time I remember Sean McDermott making a glaring mistake was two months ago. That might be a record!
49ers over Bears
As I’ve mentioned in the past, NFL teams often get that post-coach firing bump, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Chicago get off the schneid after canning Matt Eberflus, especially with the 49ers so injury plagued. But the Bears have yet to win a game on the road this season.
Chargers over Chiefs
As with most Chargers-Chiefs matchups, I expect the margin to be anywhere from 1 to 7 points — and for Kansas City to come out victorious.
Bengals over Cowboys
Cincinnati’s offense should be able to put up enough points against Dallas to offset the lack of help from Cincinnati’s defense.