We’re on to Week 15 in the NFL, which kicks off Thursday with the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers facing off. That means it’s time once again for our weekly look at the point spreads in order to help you win some money.
Last week, Charles Curtis went 8-6 (104-103 record overall), Charles McDonald went 10-4 (84-96 overall) and Prince Grimes went 7-7 (17-11 overall).
We now go to them for a comment before the Week 15 picks.
Charles C: Momentum is on my side. We are OVER .500!!!!
Charles M: As the great Notorious B.I.G. said, “I showed you safe combinations and all that.” Let’s get this money.
Prince: So many results last week were a play or two from going the other way. ‘Tis the life I suppose, back to it.
1
Chiefs at Chargers (+3.5)
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Charles C: Chargers
I know the Chiefs have shown flashes of returning to their old selves, but I have faith that in a short week, Justin Herbert will be able to keep this one close.
Charles M: Chiefs
The Chiefs offense has not been back, except when they play the Raiders, but the Chiefs defense should be able to do just enough to keep Justin Herbert and the Chargers at bay.
Prince: Chargers
I’m so conflicted about this pick but recent history suggests that if the Chiefs aren’t playing the Raiders, they won’t score much. I’ll take the points on the home dog.
2
Patriots at Colts (-2.5)
Charles C: Patriots
This is exactly the kind of game that you take to bet on Bill Belichick. You know he’ll find a way to keep the Colts’ run game from going off and to not allow Carson Wentz to do much.
Charles M: Patriots
I think the Colts can win this game, but it’s going to be tough playing against a physical, opportunistic defense like the Patriots. This should be a low-scoring affair.
Prince: Patriots
The Colts get the unenviable position of playing a Bill Belichick-coached team coming out of the bye. Granted, so are they, but I’m rolling with the better team to cover in this spot.
3
Cowboys at Giants (+10.5)
Charles C: Cowboys
Even if Daniel Jones was starting, I’d probably stick with Dallas.
Charles M: Cowboys
The Giants are falling apart.
Prince: Cowboys
Dallas continues to find ways to underwhelm but as long as the Giants are rolling out anyone not named Daniel Jones, I’m picking against them.
4
Titans at Steelers (+2.5)
Charles C: Steelers
I don’t want to touch this game betting-wise, but because we have to make a pick? I’ll take the home dawgs and figure their defense keeps this one to within a field goal.
Charles M: Steelers
The Steelers have the type of chaotic style of play that can catch the Titans slipping as they work with an injured offense. I think the Steelers win this one.
Prince: Titans
The Steelers don’t stop the run. The Titans run more than anyone. Recipe for another long day in Pittsburgh.
5
Washington at Eagles (-6.5)
Charles C: Washington
That number seems like two points to large, so I’ll take Washington to at least cover.
Charles M: Eagles
Washington is no good. They’re still hanging onto that 7th seed, but I think the Eagles with Jalen Hurts are a better squad.
Prince: Washington
Philly isn’t 6.5 points better than Washington. This is a huge game for both teams’ playoff hopes. It’ll likely go down to the wire.
6
Texans at Jaguars (-3.5)
(AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Charles C: Jaguars
I’M DOING IT. THE URBAN MEYER MOVE MOTIVATES THE JAGS! JAMES ROBINSON HAS A 200-YARD DAY!
Charles M: Texans
Huh, Jaguars shouldn’t be favored be favored over anyone.
Prince: Texans
There’s too much chaos with the Jaguars right now. I’m looking for Davis Mills to have a big day against them and cover at the very least.
7
Cardinals at Lions (+12.5)
Charles C: Cardinals
Even with a spread that large, the Cards are going to want to make up for losing to the Rams last week.
Charles M: Cardinals
Sorry, Lions. You’re about to get demolished.
Prince: Cardinals
Having this game sandwiched between games against the Rams and Colts could’ve caused for a letdown, but I think the Cards come out super motivated to get back on track after dropping the first of those.
8
Panthers at Bills (-10.5)
Charles C: Bills
Another team looking to rebound and prove it’s a contender after a tough loss.
Charles M: Bills
More interesting bet would be the amount of turnovers the Panthers get versus the amount of points they score.
Prince: Bills
The Panthers have lost three straight games, all to lesser teams than the Bills. Buffalo’s defense should make for another disastrous outing for Carolina’s offense. I’m not expecting this one to be close at all.
9
Jets at Dolphins (-9.5)
Charles C: Dolphins
Tua throws three touchdowns and wins in a laugher.
Charles M: Jets
Dolphins win, but this is a large spread. I think they get it in with a backdoor cover at the end.
Prince: Dolphins
Miami just has a little more motivation for this game with outside playoff chances. If this game was in New York, I might go the other way.
10
Bengals at Broncos (-2.5)
Charles C: Bengals
I went back and forth here, especially with Joe Burrow on the road, but if Cincy wants to contend for a playoff spot, it needs this one.
Charles M: Broncos
The Broncos defense has been playing well lately, I think they have the ability to shut down the Bengals offense.
Prince: Broncos
I’ll take the home team with the more experienced quarterback to find a way to get it done in a big spot for both sides.
11
Falcons at 49ers (-8.5)
Charles C: 49ers
Feelsl like a 36-27 kind of game for San Fran, one that barely beats the spread.
Charles M: Falcons
I think the Falcons can get hit the spread with a backdoor cover after getting blown out for most of the game.
Prince: 49ers
The Niners are better in every phase of the game. This one shouldn’t stay close for long.
12
Packers at Ravens (+5.5)
Charles C: Packers
Assuming Lamar Jackson doesn’t play, I’m backing Aaron Rogers on the road.
Charles M: Packers
Seems like Lamar Jackson is going to be a game-time decision for the Ravens. If he’s not on the field, the Packers should run away with this one handily. They’ll probably cover the spread even if he plays.
Prince: Packers
The injuries are just piling up to a point that it’s hard to trust the Ravens. Lamar Jackson on a bad ankle is better than no Lamar Jackson, but the same can be said about Aaron Rodgers on a bad toe.
13
Saints at Buccaneers (-10.5)
Charles C: Buccaneers
I paused for a moment when I thought about the Saints’ defense. Then I unpaused when I thought about the Saints’ offense.
Charles M: Buccaneers
Saints just don’t have enough firepower on offense right now and the Bucs are hot. Roll with Tom.
Prince: Buccaneers
The Saints stink and the Bucs might have the best offense in the NFL. Tom Brady will also be on a mission after the loss in New Orleans earlier this season where he looked less than his typical self.
14
Vikings at Bears (+3.5)
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Charles C: Vikings
A bit of a head-scratcher for me. I know the Bears’ D can do some things, but given how the offense has been up and down, I’d rather back Kirk Cousins.
Charles M: Vikings
Vikings are just a much better team. Justin Fields probably won’t be able to do enough to keep up with the Vikings offensive prowess.
Prince: Vikings
Minnesota comes in a little more rested after last playing on Thursday night. This is a good spot for Dalvin Cook to run wild again and cover this short spread.
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