THURSDAY, DEC. 10
Week 14 Betting Odds and Previews from Jim Powers.
New England Patriots at Los Angeles Rams – 8:20 p.m.
The Patriots looked like a completely different team than they have all season in Week 13, blasting the Chargers by a 45-0 score despite Cam Newton throwing for under 100 yards for the second straight game and third time overall this season. The Rams were impressive in their own right, albeit to a lesser extent, winning a key divisional road showdown with the Cardinals, 38-28.
New England has a much taller order on its hands in the form of the Rams than it did Sunday against a Chargers defense that’s underperformed much of the year. Los Angeles has the talent to make an already anemic Patriots passing game even more inefficient, considering the Rams have allowed the third-fewest passing yards per game (198.2), snagged 12 interceptions and recorded 36 sacks. In turn, Newton has thrown nine interceptions, and he could have a difficult time keeping the defense honest against a defense that’s also surrendered the third-fewest rushing yards per game (93.1).
The Rams typically prefer to lean on the run unless the matchup dictates otherwise, such as the Week 11 game against the Bucs and Sunday’s battle versus the Cardinals. With Stephon Gilmore back healthy for New England and the Pats having faced the fifth-fewest receiver targets while allowing an impressively modest 63.2% catch rate to wideouts, this could well shape up as a run-heavy game plan for Los Angeles’ three-headed backfield. The numbers line up better on that front, considering New England is allowing the sixth-highest adjusted line yards per carry (4.68).
The Patriots are still fighting for a playoff spot and are remaining in California this week so not much travel here for a FOCUSED PATS team. Take the Points in what should be a low scoring affair.
PATRIOTS +6
SUNDAY, DEC. 13
Houston Texans at Chicago Bears – 1 p.m. ET
The Texans played valiantly against the Colts in Week 13 despite having lost both Will Fuller and Bradley Roby to season-ending suspensions earlier in the week, but they still came up short by a 26-20 score. The Bears saw a lead slip through their hands at home, dropping a 34-30 decision to a Lions team playing its first game under interim head coach Darrell Bevell.
Even without Fuller, Houston projects to remain pass heavy the rest of the way whenever possible. On paper, the Bears defense doesn’t necessarily have a weak spot against either the run or pass. However, as Detroit demonstrated Sunday, they’re certainly exploitable at times. Deshaun Watson still managed to throw for 341 yards against an even better defense in that of the Colts on Sunday, with third-year wideout Keke Coutee playing an important role that he could reprise versus Chicago.
The Texans’ biggest weakness on defense lines up nicely with how the Bears would prefer to win games – a heavy dose of the ground game with some selective passing mixed in. Houston is allowing the second-most rushing yards per game (150.9), along with the most RB yards per carry (5.23). David Montgomery appears to finally be hitting his stride, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and three total touchdowns over the last four games, even when factoring in a 14-30 line on the ground versus the Titans.
In a testament to how inconsistent the Bears have been, they’re currently modest () home underdogs to 4-8 Houston.
The Pick: Bears +3
Dallas Cowboys at Cincinnati Bengals – 1 p.m. ET
The Cowboys finally took to the field Tuesday night and all of that time off didn’t matter as they were pounded by the Ravens, 34-17. The Bengals, meanwhile, fell to the Dolphins by a 19-7 score Sunday, a game in which their already moribund Joe Burrow-less offense took another hit in the form of a chest injury to Brandon Allen.
On paper, this sets up as a long-awaited get-right spot for Mike McCarthy’s squad. Andy Dalton should have a little extra juice for this game in his return to Cincinnati. Also, a Bengals secondary that allowed Tua Tagovailoa a career-high 296 passing yards Sunday (although DBs Shawn Williams and William Jackson did get ejected early in the fourth quarter for fighting) is now yielding 257.2 passing yards per contest. Ezekiel Elliott is in just as good a spot. Cincy is just behind Houston with 5.07 RB yards per carry allowed.
The Bengals could be challenged to consistently move down the field against even a mediocre defense like Dallas if they’re down to Ryan Finley at quarterback for this game. However, one significant helping hand could come in the form of the return of Joe Mixon (foot) from injured reserve. Cincinnati has made Week 14 a target date for the star running back jumping back into action for some time now, and this week’s practices will naturally tell the tale of whether Mixon will return to face a defense giving up an NFL-high 156.4 rushing yards per contest. Given the Bengals’ increasing instability at QB and uncertainty regarding Mixon, the Cowboys are currently (-2.5) road favorites.
The Pick: Bengals +2.5
Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins – 1 p.m. ET
The Chiefs had to sweat out another victory in Week 13 but got it done, edging the division-rival Broncos by a 22-16 margin Sunday night. The Dolphins moved to an 8-4 record courtesy of a 19-7 win over the Bengals that saw fifth overall pick Tua Tagovailoa throw for a career-high 296 yards.
KC unquestionably has the ability to turn into an offensive juggernaut on a dime (see 1st half against Buccaneers in Week 12). However, the fact remains seven of the Chiefs’ 12 games have been decided by single-digit margins, including four consecutive. The Dolphins have made significant strides on both sides of the ball and the cornerback tandem of Xavien Howard and Byron Jones has been particularly impressive. Nevertheless, the matchup versus Mahomes and Tyreek Hill can break any secondary. Then, rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire should be back to full health after not logging any touches due to a stomach ailment Sunday night and will encounter a Dolphins unit surrendering 4.53 RB yards per rush.
The Dolphins could be stuck in quite the quandary in terms of their approach for this game. There’s always a danger in not being aggressive enough against Mahomes and his weapons, but there’s certainly something to be said for keeping the ball out of his hands as much as possible. Myles Gaskin looked good in amassing 141 total yards in his return from injured reserve Sunday and may be leaned on heavily again versus a KC defense that is now giving up the sixth-most rushing yards per game (132.4) after getting gashed by Melvin Gordon on Sunday night.
Even the Dolphins’ solid record and home-field status doesn’t prevent them for currently checking in as () home underdogs.
The Pick: Dolphins +7.5
Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants – 1 p.m. ET
The Cardinals saw their playoff hopes take a hit Sunday with a critical 10-point home loss to the Rams. Meanwhile, the Giants pulled one of the biggest upsets of the week by going into Seattle and upsetting the Seahawks, 17-12, with Colt McCoy at the helm in place of Daniel Jones (hamstring).
Kyler Murray has now thrown for under 200 yards and an interception apiece in back-to-back games, but he naturally remains the focal point of the Cardinals’ fast-paced offense. He should take center stage in this critical matchup against a Giants team that consistently frustrated Russell Wilson and his receivers and that’s now collected 32 sacks through 12 games. New York has also been excellent at preventing rushing production from QBs, allowing the third-fewest yards on the ground (107 at 2.4 yards per carry).
McCoy was able to get by in Week 13 with only 22 attempts and 105 passing yards. Now, New York reportedly has a good chance of getting Jones back for this game. Arizona has been attackable at times through both the ground and air, with Jared Goff exposing their secondary somewhat Sunday with 351 passing yards. However, Arizona specializes in forcing teams into short throws (6.4 yards per attempt allowed, sixth lowest in NFL). In turn, Jones a nearly identical 6.5 yards per attempt and 7.1 intended air yards per throw, so the two styles appear to mesh.
With some uncertainty regarding Jones’ availability and the Cardinals a better team overall, the Giants are currently a () home underdog.
The Pick: Cardinals -1.5
Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1 p.m. ET
The Vikings had to sweat out another win, but they ultimately got the job done against the Jaguars in Week 13 despite having to go into overtime. The Buccaneers were off in Week 13 after being edged by the Chiefs, 27-24, in Week 12.
Minnesota’s surprisingly vulnerable defense continues to force coach Mike Zimmer to lean heavier on the pass than he’d ideally like. However, that approach hasn’t worked out too badly. Kirk Cousins has three straight 300-yard performances, with only three points separating the Vikings from a 3-0 mark during that span. Justin Jefferson is making a significant push for Offensive Rookie of the Year with four touchdown grabs and a pair of 100-yard efforts in the last month. He and Adam Thielen get a crack at a Buccaneers defense that’s opportunistic but also porous at times, as KC proved in Week 12.
The Bucs have a chance to get Tom Brady and his offensive teammates off to a hot start in what is a critical final stretch of the season for Tampa Bay. The Vikings are now allowing 382.7 yards per game after letting a Mike Glennon-led Jags offense rack up 390 total yards. The Vikes surrender 261.7 per game through the air and 121.0 per contest on the ground, giving coach Bruce Arians a chance to run a truly balanced offense.
Although there’s only a one-win difference between these teams and Tampa Bay is only 3-3 straight up at home, the well-rested Bucs are currently () home favorite.
The Pick: Bucs -6
Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers – 1 p.m. ET
The Broncos gave the Chiefs all they could handle at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night before falling by a 22-16 score. The Panthers enjoyed a Week 13 bye after dropping a 28-27 decision to the Vikings in Week 12.
Drew Lock’s return Sunday led to a much more cohesive offensive game for Denver, and the second-year quarterback was complemented with a season-high 131-yard rushing effort on the part of Melvin Gordon. The Broncos should have a better-than-average chance at running another balanced attack in this game. The Panthers are allowing 249.2 passing yards per game through the air and another 115.1 per contest through the ground. However, the latter figure, which isn’t downright poor, is belied by Carolina’s bloated 4.67 yards per carry surrendered, the fifth-highest figure in the league.
The Panthers should have Christian McCaffrey back from his shoulder injury in this game, which naturally would serve as a significant boost to their offensive outlook. Denver has notably given up 131.5 rushing yards per game and surrendered a 56-364-1 line through the air to backs as well. Carolina has a tougher task through the air against a Broncos unit that’s given up 218.7 passing yards per contest and a modest 6.3 yards per attempt.
In what is unsurprisingly expected to be a competitive contest, the Panthers are narrow () home favorites.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars – 1 p.m. ET
The Titans nearly overcame a sizable second-half deficit against the Browns in Week 13 before falling short, 41-35. The Jaguars pushed the Vikings to the limit but succumbed in overtime on the road, 27-24.
The Titans offense eventually woke up after a slow start Sunday and Ryan Tannehill once again demonstrated his ability to put the offense on his shoulders if called upon. The surest route to offensive success against Jacksonville could also be through the air. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen had their way with the Jags secondary Sunday, becoming the latest pass catchers to exploit a unit now giving up 279.1 passing yards per contest. Tannehill notably lit up the Jags for four touchdowns in a Week 2 win.
The Titans defense was embarrassingly trampled by a short-handed Browns passing game in Week 13, so it isn’t out of the question that even with Mike Glennon sticking for another start, the Jaguars could give them trouble as well. Tennessee is now yielding the fifth-most passing yards per game (274.5) and has allowed an NFL-high 27 passing touchdowns. Glennon threw for 280 yards versus Minnesota on Sunday and has a chance to repeat similar numbers unless the Titans tighten up.
Even though the Jaguars lost to Tennessee by only three in the first encounter this season, the Titans are currently big () road favorites.
The Pick: Titans -7
Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders – 4:05 p.m. ET
The Colts had a likely harder-to-expected time with the short-handed Texans in Week 13 before emerging victorious by a 26-20 score. Meanwhile, the Raiders definitely had to work a lot harder than they likely anticipated versus the winless Jets, but Las Vegas was able to exploit defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ fire-able offense of an unnecessary blitz late to escape New York with a 31-28 win.
Indy saw Jonathan Taylor provide an excellent complement to their Philip Rivers-led passing attack in Week 13, while T.Y. Hilton continued his late-season resurgence with a 2020-high eight catches and 110 receiving yards. His work versus the Texans serves as an excellent warm-up act for the vulnerable secondary of the Raiders, which have surrendered an NFL-high 310.8 passing yards per home game.
The Raiders don’t have a favorable matchup against the Colts defense on paper, but Indianapolis has underperformed its overall numbers at times this season. Las Vegas has the type of explosive wideouts in Nelson Agholor and Henry Ruggs that can exploit some of Indy’s issues versus the deep ball (8.5 yards per attempt allowed over last three). Vegas also hopes to have Josh Jacobs back in action for this contest after he missed Week 13 with an ankle injury.
Oddsmakers expect a hard-fought contest, with the Colts currently listed as () road favorites.
The Pick: Raiders +2.5
New York Jets at Seattle Seahawks – 4:05 p.m. ET
The Jets managed to literally snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Week 13, squandering their best chance at a win yet by giving up a late game-winning bomb to the Derek Carr-Henry Ruggs connection. The Seahawks had a forgettable afternoon against the other New York squad, surprisingly dropping a 17-12 home decision to the Colt McCoy-led Giants.
New York has certainly demonstrated improved play in recent weeks even if they continue to have zero wins to show for it. Three of the Jets’ last four losses have been by a combined 12 points, and given how out of sorts the Seahawks looked Sunday, anything might be possible, especially if New York begins to exercise a bit more caution on defense with Williams now out the door. Sam Darnold and a talented top wideout trio of Breshad Perriman, Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims should have their chances versus a Seattle defense that’s still allowing the most passing yards per game (309.8).Then, Frank Gore’s first-quarter concussion Sunday opened the door for a rejuvenated ground attack led by Ty Johnson’s 104 yards.
Russell Wilson and his teammates on the offensive side couldn’t produce consistently against the G-Men, but they could hardly ask for a better matchup in this contest. With New York doing a solid job against the run, teams have often turned to the air against them with considerable success. The Jets are behind only the Seahawks with 291.0 passing yards per game allowed and the second-highest yards per attempt given up (7.7). With Metcalf and Lockett, Wilson continues to have access to two of the most explosive receivers in the league.
Even with the Jets showing a pulse lately and the Seahawks falling flat Sunday, Seattle is still currently a () home favorite.
The Pick: Seahawks -13
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – 4:25 p.m. ET
The Packers handled their business versus a reeling Eagles squad in Week 13, notching a 30-16 victory that pushed them to 9-3. The Lions put together a successful start to the Darrell Bevell era, authoring a 34-30 comeback road win versus the division-rival Bears despite playing another game without Kenny Golladay (hip).
Green Bay continues to demonstrate an ability to dissect most defenses in whatever way they choose. The Lions would certainly be an easy target if this season is any indication. Even in victory Sunday, Detroit gave up 389 total yards to a Mitchell Trubisky-led Bears offense. The Lions are giving up 261.7 passing yards per game through the air and 133.9 per contest on the ground, ranking them well in the bottom half of the league in both. The Pack exploited both areas in a Week 2, 21-point win – Aaron Rodgers threw for 240 yards and two TDs, while Aaron Jones rushed for 168 yards and another pair of scores.
The Lions will have a much tougher challenge on their hands when they have the ball. Green Bay’s secondary has been more vulnerable on the road but the Packers now have eight interceptions and 31 sacks. Then, Green Bay is ranked in the top half of the league with 114.6 rushing yards allowed per contest, and it remains to be seen if rookie D’Andre Swift will be able to overcome the non-COVID illness that kept him out Week 13 to play in this contest.
Even though Ford Field serves as the setting for this matchup, the Packers are currently comfortable () road favorites.
The Pick: Lions +7.5
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles – 4:25 p.m. ET
The Saints clinched a playoff spot in Week 13 by knocking off the Falcons for the second time in three weeks, 21-16. The Eagles fell for the fourth consecutive game Sunday, dropping a 30-16 decision to the Packers. However, there may have been a glimpse of the future in the fourth quarter, as Jalen Hurts replaced Carson Wentz under center and threw a touchdown pass.
Taysom Hill is now 3-0 as the Saints’ starting QB and could be logging at least one more start in this contest with Drew Brees (ribs) still uncertain. Hill has been impressive as a passer in two of his three starts, completing over 70.0 percent of his throws in each of his two games against the Falcons. The Eagles present as a tougher matchup on paper statistically, but Aaron Rodgers helped dispel some of the numbers Philadelphia had put together against their weak NFC East division mates with a strong performance Sunday. The Alvin Kamara-Latavius Murray duo also has what would appear to be a potentially fruitful opportunity against a unit that’s allowed 129.9 rushing yards per contest.
It remains to be seen if Hurts gets the call under center for this contest. Coach Doug Pederson indicated Monday that’s a decision he’s yet to make. The matchup would be one of the most daunting possible for a first pro start. New Orleans is giving up an NFL-low 288.8 yards per game while also snagging 13 interceptions and recording 36 sacks. They also give offenses very little chance to achieve balance, yielding an absurd 76.1 rushing yards per game and 3.45 RB yards per carry.
Whomever is under center for the Eagles isn’t likely to carry much weight in the eyes of the oddsmakers and betting public, as the Saints are currently () road favorites.
Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Chargers – 4:25 p.m. ET
The Falcons once again fought hard for interim coach Raheem Morris, but for the second time in three games, they came up short versus the Saints, this time by a 21-16 score. The Chargers were completely dismantled by the Patriots, with New England throttling them by a 45-0 score despite Cam Newton throwing for under 100 yards.
Atlanta has struggled to find a consistent running game this season with Todd Gurley, while Matt Ryan had thrown five interceptions over the four games prior to Sunday’s loss to the Saints. However, the disheveled Chargers could well be the cure for what ails the Falcons. Los Angeles has allowed at least 27 points in a whopping nine consecutive contests and have given up a concerning 144.3 rushing yards per game in the last three.
Rookie Justin Herbert has been one of the few right spots for coach Anthony Lynn’s squad in a season with several heartbreakingly close losses and Sunday’s embarrassing defeat. Herbert and a talented group of pass-catching weapons should have a chance at some plays versus an Atlanta unit allowing 285.2 passing yards per contest, an NFC-high 7.6 yards per attempt and 24 touchdown passes. The Falcons have also been exceedingly tough versus the run (3.57 RB yards per carry allowed), funneling plenty of action to the air.
Even with the Falcons traveling across the country, they’re still currently listed as () road favorites.
Washington Football Team at San Francisco 49ers – 4:25 p.m. ET
Washington pulled off the biggest stunner of Week 13, taking down the previously unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers.
Washington will have a tall task in front of it for the second consecutive week with a 49ers defense that got Richard Sherman back in Week 12. The Football Team already opts for short-area passing a good chunk of the time, and that’s about all they can hope to get from an attacking Niners unit that’s surrendered just the ninth-lowest yards per attempt (6.6) entering Week 13. Washington also lost Antonio Gibson to a toe injury against Pittsburgh, so it remains to be seen if he’ll be available to face a stingy San Fran front seven.
The Niners reportedly have an outside chance of getting both Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and George Kittle (foot) back for this game, although that’s far from a certainty in the case of either player. Kyle Shanahan’s squad has gotten a lot healthier on offense otherwise recently with Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Tevin Coleman and Deebo Samuel in recent weeks, and Brandon Aiyuk coming off the reserve/COVID-19 list for the Week 13 contest in a loss to the Bills. Washington’s defense has been tough versus the run and pass, however, and this game carries one of the slate’s lower totals.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – 8:20 p.m. ET
It took yet another rescheduled game, a short week and multiple injuries to finally trip them up, but the Steelers finally fell for the first time this season Monday evening against the Washington Football Team.
The Steelers offense got off to a solid start Monday and then suffered from multiple dropped passes and general inefficiency on the way to blowing a 14-0 lead. Pittsburgh will hope to have James Conner back from the reserve/COVID-19 list for this contest in order to exploit a vulnerable Buffalo run defense that entered Week 13 giving up the most second-level yards per carry this season and allowing 129.6 rush yards per game overall.
The Bills will have their hands full against an opportunistic, attacking Pittsburgh defense. However, it’s a unit that continues to lose players to injury. Linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Joe Haden left Monday’s contest with a knee injury and a possible concussion, respectively. The Steelers also lost star linebacker Bud Dupree for the season in Week 12.
Buffalo turned in one of its more impressive performances of the year Monday night, taking down the 49ers in Arizona, 34-24. Quarterback Josh Allen was particularly impressive as he threw four TD passes and did not turn the ball over through the air. The Bills defense also picked off Niners QB Nick Mullens twice.
This will be another line to monitor throughout the week, but the Bills are currently ().
MONDAY, DEC. 14
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
The Ravens are proving to be this year’s trick-or-treat team, as they found their footing against Dallas on Tuesday night with a 34-17 win following some lackluster performances. The Browns, meanwhile, surprisingly jumped out to a 38-7 lead on the road against the Titans before hanging on for a 41-35 win.
Baltimore will got Lamar Jackson, Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins back off the COVID-19 list Tuesday night. The Ravens will look to try and get their passing game going against Dallas’ vulnerable secondary, and this matchup could certainly afford them another golden opportunity to get the air attack humming. Cleveland gave up 389 passing yards and three touchdowns to Ryan Tannehill on Sunday now allows 256.9 passing yards per game.
The Browns will look to put together an exponentially more coherent offensive performance than in their first game against Baltimore this season. In a 38-6 Week loss, Baker Mayfield threw for just 189 yards and an interception, while Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb were largely neutralized by game script. Mayfield and the rest of the offense have since settled in very nicely to coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense and will likely present much more resistance this time around. However, the Ravens should have both Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell back healthy for this game, shoring up their front four in a matchup where they figure to see plenty of action against the run.
Cleveland is currently a narrow () home underdog, but this line could be on the move throughout the week.
