Forecaster Frank's Picks: Week 14

A respectable week last week at 8-6 brings my record to 96-97-1 on the season, a percentage of .497. Looking to get back over .500 after learning the Bills are frauds. 

Thursday Night

Min -3 (o/u 43.5)

Vikings 20 Steelers 16

This game is an overreaction special. The Steelers won a season-saving game against the Ravens, while the Vikings lost to the winless Lions on the final play. The Vikings at home get the win on Thursday night, as the smart money is to ignore what happened four days ago. 

Sunday at 1

Car -2.5 (o/u 42.5)

Panthers 20 Falcons 17

The Panthers and Falcons are widely inconsistent. Hard to pick, I consulted Flip A. Coin to decide my pick, and it came up heads for the Panthers. 

Bal +2.5 (o/u 42)

Ravens 24 Browns 20

The Ravens suffered a loss last week in Pittsburgh and again have a challenging road game in Cleveland. The Browns, who had a bye week last week, are facing the Ravens for the second straight game in a scheduling quirk. This one will end the same, a Ravens win. 

Hou +7.5 (o/u 41.5)

Seahawks 17 Texans 13

The Seahawks continued their mastery of the 49ers with a win last week, but the team is still in the midst of a lost season. They should get the win in Houston, but the Texans, a team also in a bad situation, will keep it close. 

KC -9 (o/u 48)

Chiefs 38 Raiders 20

The Chiefs are back in first place and appear ready to end the season strong as they look to position themselves for a third straight Super Bowl appearance.

NO -5.5 (o/u 43.5)

Saints 27 Jets 10

The Saints are hopeful that Alvin Kamara will play on Sunday. The Jets are the perfect foil for the Saints to end their losing streak, as their defense has been terrible as of late. 

Ten -8.5 (o/u 44)

Titans 34 Jaguars 13

The Titans get the perfect game to get back on track. They are coming off a bye and two straight losses, and they are playing the feeble Jaguars. Expect a blowout.

Was +4.5 (o/u 47.5)

Washington 20 Cowboys 17

Taylor Heinicke is finding his stride, and the Washington defense is playing their best football of the season. With one chance to get back in the NFC East race, expect them to have a strong game as they score an upset win at home. 

Sunday Late Games

Det +7.5 (o/u 42)

Broncos 17 Lions 16

The Lions got their first win of the season last week. Expect them to come close again; however, the Broncos will hold on for a narrow victory. 

LAC -10.5 (o/u 44.5)

Chargers 27 Giants 3

Daniel Jones is out; Mike Glennon is in concussion protocol. This could mean Jake Fromm gets the start. The Giants will be lucky to avoid a shutout with these circumstances.

Cin +1.5 (o/u 49)

Bengals 27 49ers 16

I expect the Bengals to have a bounce-back Sunday after their terrible game against the Chargers. Joe Burrow has been given the go-ahead to play. The Niners, meanwhile, have issues to work out and will suffer another bad loss on the road. 

TB -3.5 (o/u 53.5)

Buccaneers 27 Bills 10

Last Monday, the Bills were exposed as frauds as they were punched in the face by the Patriots. This week it will be Tom Brady who carves them to pieces. 

Sunday Night

GB -12.5 (o/u 43.5)

Packers 41 Bears 13

The biggest mystery is why NBC did not flex this game out. Maybe they want to have a tie-in with Chicago Wednesday. In that case, fans can watch a Holiday Movie as this game will be over quickly. 

Monday Night

LAR +2.5 (o/u 51.5)

Rams 24 Cardinals 20

The Cardinals have struggled at home. Look for the Rams to come into Arizona and keep their hopes of a division alive by getting a road win in the desert.