Forecaster Frank's Picks Week 15
A solid week last week saw me go 8-6 and get over .500 for the season at 104-103-1 .502 on the season. Bye weeks are now finished, and we have games on Saturday.
Thursday Night
KC -3 (o/u 51.5)
Chiefs 34 Chargers 24
The Chargers have played well the past two weeks and beat the Chiefs in Kansas City earlier in the season. However, the Chiefs are hitting the after-burners and are looking like the team to beat in the AFC again.
Saturday
LV - 1.5 (o/u 39)
Raiders 17 Browns 13
COVID has decimated the Browns. It is hard to imagine they could win this game, even though the Raiders have also had their issues, but they should get the win.
Ind -2.5 (o/u 45.5)
Colts 24 Patriots 20
The Patriots were the hottest team in football heading into the bye. However, the bye stopping their momentum has to be a concern. Jonathan Taylor has had an MVP-type season for the Colts, and he will be the key to victory on Saturday night.
Sunday at 1
Buf -10.5 (o/u 43.5)
Bills 41 Panthers 13
The Bills are reeling, losing to Bill Belichick one week and Tom Brady the next. They looked like the team to beat in the AFC at one time. Now they have to hold on to the playoffs. The Lions are the perfect team to get back on track against. Expect a blowout.
Ari -13 (o/u 47.5)
Cardinals 37 Lions 10
The Cardinals have been strong on the road all season. Look for them to dominate in Detroit as Kyler Murray has a big game.
Jax -3.5 (o/u 39.5)
Jaguars 20 Texans 9
Now that Urban Meyer is gone there is a sense of relief in the Jaguars' locker. This will lift them to a victory.
NYJ +9.5 (o/u 42.5)
Dolphins 20 Jets 17
The Dolphins can reach .500 with a win. It is a remarkable achievement when you consider they were 1-7 at the end of October. They should win the game, but games against the Jets are always close. Hard to see them winning by ten.
Dal -10.5 (o/u 44.5)
Cowboys 37 Giants 10
The Cowboys put the NFC East on ice with a win in Washington last week. The Giants have been under the ice all season. Things are only getting worse without Daniel Jones, as Mike Glennon is terrible.
Was +7 (o/u 44)
Eagles 20 Washington 16
Washington was beaten up by the Cowboys, and now they have COVID issues. However, I think this will be a closer game than the spread.
Ten -2 (o/u 41.5)
Titans 24 Steelers 13
The Titans had a get healthy win over the hapless Jaguars last week, while Chase Claypool looked like a fool for the Steelers. The Titans should win this one easily.
Sunday Late Games
Cin +2.5 (o/u 44)
Bengals 20 Broncos 13
The Bengals and Broncos have been two of the more challenging teams to pick all season, as both have been wildly inconsistent. The Bengals have lost two straight at home, so going on the road will be a relief.
Atl +9 (o/u 45.5)
49ers 24 Falcons 20
The 49ers have struggled at home all season. George Kittle helped carry them to a win in Cincinnati last week, but a nine-point spread seems high.
GB -5 (o/u 43.5)
Packers 27 Ravens 17
The Ravens, even when they were at their best, were scratching and clawing for each win. Now they have hit a skid and have Lamar Jackson on the injury report. The Packers are smelling blood as they seek home-field. Look for a Packers win in Baltimore.
Sea +5 (o/u 45.5)
Seahawks 23 Rams 20
The Seahawks have won two straight, while the Rams have several players on the COVID list. This has the makings of an upset on the road.
Sunday Night
TB -10.5 (o/u 46.5)
Buccaneers 37 Saints 13
The Buccaneers have been beasts at home all season, riding a perfect 6-0 record. In the game that saw Jameis Winston go down, the Saints beat Tampa in the Superdome. Since that game, their only win was against the Jets. Expect a blowout.
Monday Night
Chi +3.5 (o/u 44.5)
Bears 27 Vikings 23
Kirk Cousins has "I Don't Like Mondays" as his ringtone. The quarterback is 0-9 when starting on Monday Night. The Bears playing at home steal a divisional game and hurt the Vikings' playoff hopes.