Week 15 NFL Picks

All betting lines from bet365.com (Updated Dec. 14)

Atlanta Falcons (4-9) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)

The Bucs are trying to hold off the Panthers for the division title and couldn't have asked for better timing on Mike Evans's return to the lineup. I think Baker Mayfield is a bit more hurt than the team is letting on, so we will have to watch how that impacts things down the stretch. Pick: Buccaneers, 24-20.

Line: Buccaneers -5.5

ML: Buccaneers

Spread: Falcons

Cleveland Browns (3-10) @ Chicago Bears (9-4)

The Bears have been the surprise of the NFC this year and have the chance to reach the 10-win mark with a win over the Browns this Sunday. Ben Johnson's offense has come together and this Bears team is a dark horse to steal the division crown. Pick: Bears, 26-16.

Line: Bears -7.5

ML: Bears

Spread: Bears

Baltimore Ravens (6-7) @ Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)

The Bengals shocked the Ravens two weeks ago on Thanksgiving and will look to complete the sweep this week. Some of the comments made by Joe Burrow were alarming to media and Bengals fans leading into this game, let's see if he's still motivated after letting one slip through the cracks last week. Pick: Bengals, 27-26.

Line: Ravens -3

ML: Bengals

Spread: Bengals

Arizona Cardinals (3-10) @ Houston Texans (8-5)

The Texans defense is playing at an elite level and this team has found their groove as they're knocking on the door of a playoff spot. The pass rush should be too much for a pedestrian Cardinals offense. Pick: Texans, 27-15.

Line: Texans -10

ML: Texans

Spread: Texans

New York Jets (3-10) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)

The door is wide open in the AFC South and the Jags have an opportunity to strengthen their lead as they face a Jets team still searching for an identity. An interesting note going into this game, the Jets have forced the fewest turnovers in the NFL, a stat that defensive-minded Aaron Glenn will want to build on for next season. Pick: Jaguars, 31-16.

Line: Jaguars -14

ML: Jaguars

Spread: Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)

This is it for the Chiefs, they are officially in must-win territory if they want any chance of playing meaningful football come January. Look for their defense to put up a better effort than in recent weeks as this could be a slow-paced slugfest at the line of scrimmage. Pick: Chiefs, 23-20.

Line: Chiefs -6

ML: Chiefs

Spread: Chargers

Buffalo Bills (9-4) @ New England Patriots (11-2)

A couple of weeks ago it looked like the Pats were going to run away with the AFC East, but this is the biggest game on both of these team's schedules late in the year. The Bills still have a chance, especially if they win on the road here. Pick: Bills, 27-24.

Line: Bills -2.5

ML: Bills

Spread: Bills

Washington Commanders (3-10) @ New York Giants (2-11)

We could call this game the "Toilet Bowl" featuring two struggling NFC East teams and what a tale of two seasons for the Commanders, who will need Jayden Daniels rested and healthy for next season. Pick: Giants, 20-17.

Line: Giants -2.5

ML: Giants

Spread: Giants

Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) @ Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)

The Eagles' offensive woes have been prevalent for a month now and this team needs to get back on track ahead of playoff time. This should be a soft matchup, and perhaps the playbook will open up a little bit to find that spark they need. Pick: Eagles, 28-13.

Line: Eagles -12.5

ML: Eagles

Spread: Eagles

Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) @ Denver Broncos (11-2)

This is one of the most intriguing matchups of the week as we haven't really seen Bo Nix tested by a strong pass rush. That likely changes this week with Micah Parsons and the Packers heading into Mile High. Can they get force enough pressure on the offense to sway this game in their favor? Pick: Broncos, 24-21.

Line: Packers -1

ML: Broncos

Spread: Broncos

Detroit Lions (8-5) @ Los Angeles Rams (10-3)

Another important matchup for the landscape of the NFC playoff picture and these two teams have a lot of history dating back to the trade, swapping quarterbacks Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford. The Lions will look to build off their win over the Cowboys last week, as they have extra rest from a Thursday night game. Pick: Rams, 30-27.

Line: Rams -6

ML: Rams

Spread: Lions

Carolina Panthers (7-6) @ New Orleans Saints (3-10)

The Panthers can take the NFC South lead this week with a win and a Bucs loss on Thursday night. That would line them up for a huge divisional showdown next week against the Bucs, with the division up for grabs. Pick: Panthers, 26-19.

Line: Panthers -2.5

ML: Panthers

Spread: Panthers

Tennessee Titans (2-11) @ San Francisco 49ers (9-4)

Another cupcake game as the Niners should roll here over a Titans team that is once again contending for that top draft spot next May. Pick: 49ers, 27-13.

Line: 49ers -12.5

ML: 49ers

Spread: 49ers

Indianapolis Colts (8-5) @ Seattle Seahawks (10-3)

The Colts have fallen hard and have now leaned on Philip Rivers to come out of his retirement to try to keep their playoff hopes alive. It's unlikely he will make an appearance in this game, but it won't be long before he's starting under center. Pick: Seahawks, 33-16.

Line: Seahawks -13.5

ML: Seahawks

Spread: Seahawks

Minnesota Vikings (5-8) @ Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)

The Cowboys need to win out to have any shot at the playoffs, and despite their lowly record, the Vikings have a solid pass defense. This will be a tough test for Dak Prescott and the offense, but under the bright lights on Sunday night they should get the job done. Pick: Cowboys, 27-20.

Line: Cowboys -5.5

ML: Cowboys

Spread: Cowboys

Miami Dolphins (6-7) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)

The Steelers have a chance to make some separation in the AFC North, should they win this game and get some help from the Bengals over the Ravens. The defense will be without T.J. Watt, but should be able to dial up some blitz packages to keep the Dolphins's offense guessing. Pick: Steelers, 26-21.

Line: Steelers -3

ML: Steelers

Spread: Steelers

Results

Week 14

ML: 6-8

ATS: 7-7

Overall

ML: 136-72 (65.4%)

ATS: 107-99-2 (51.4%)