This is the final NFL week without a full slate of games, but there are some good ones to get us ready for Turkey Day. There are also some eyesores.
Every week has a distinct theme if you look hard enough. This week, it is all about road favorites. In the 14 games, there are a whopping seven teams favored to win away from home, including the biggest line of the week.
Additionally, there are some of the worst quarterbacking mathcups of all-time. To the point that the NFL should be apologizing to those poor fans who have to attend these games.
Alright, let’s get down to business. All lines are courtesy of OddsShark.com.
Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7)
The Steelers (7-2) escaped on Sunday against the Colts, and now welcome in the Titans (6-3) on a short week. Incredibly, if Tennessee can pull the upset, it would leapfrog Pittsburgh in the standings. Still, that’s a tall order at Heinz Field.
Pick: Pittsburgh 23, Tennessee 17
Arizona Cardinals (-1.5) at Houston Texans
The NFL should hold a moment of silence for the art of quarterbacking before this game.
Pick: Arizona 22, Houston 19, Dignity and Self Respect 0
Baltimore Ravens (-2) at Green Bay Packers
It’s Joe Flacco, it’s Brett Hundley, it’s the NFL … maybe … on CBS!
Pick: Green Bay 17, Baltimore 15
Detroit Lions (-3) at Chicago Bears
The Lions (5-4) have to win this game to have a chance at the NFC North title. Meanwhile, the Bears (3-6) are trying to avoid being swept at home by their divisional counterparts. Detroit should handle business.
Pick: Detroit 24, Chicago 19
Jacksonville Jaguars (-7.5) at Cleveland Browns
Feel bad for the Browns fans, don’t feel bad for the Browns (0-9). That franchise deserves to go 0-16, and this will be another step toward that final step to total embarrassment. The Jaguars (6-3) roll.
Pick: Jacksonville 26, Cleveland 3
Kansas City Chiefs (-10.5) at New York Giants
The Chiefs (6-3) are coming off their bye and following three losses in four games, should be looking to prove a point. The Giants (1-8) just lost to the winless 49ers, and look disinterested to the max. This should be a pounding.
Pick: Kansas City 33, New York 17
Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings (-2.5)
The best game of the week. The Rams (7-2) are legitimate and trying to ride a wave of renaissance into Minnesota, hoping to beat the Vikings (7-2). Still, it’s a tall task beating that defense, especially at home.
Pick: Minnesota 20, Los Angeles 19
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins (-2.5)
The Dolphins (4-5) are cratering in a major way, while the Buccaneers (3-6) might be the most disappointing team this year. This isn’t going to be a great watch.
Pick: Miami 16, Tampa Bay 14
Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints (-7.5)
This might be the last stand for the Redskins (4-5), but they are no match for the revamped Saints (7-2). New Orleans has a terrific defense and a one-two punch in Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram in the backfield. Another Super Bowl appearance for Drew Brees?
Pick: New Orleans 27, Washington 23
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers (-4.5)
Provided Philip Rivers is healthy here, the Chargers (3-6) are the better team despite a worse record. The Bills (5-4) are fading fast, with little offense and a careening defense. It looks like another year without the playoffs in Buffalo.
Pick: Los Angeles 27, Buffalo 19
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos (-2.5)
The Broncos (3-6) need to tear it down and start rebuilding, starting with a quarterback. The Bengals (3-6) are in a similar boat, although their rebuild starts with the head coach.
Pick: Denver 19, Cincinnati 17
New England Patriots (-6.5) at Oakland Raiders
This game is in Mexico, adding another layer to the contest. Tom Brady might throw eight touchdowns agianst the Raiders (4-5), who are playing for their lives in this one. The Patriots (7-2) have a bad defense, but they won’t lose to Oakland in this spot.
Pick: New England 40, Oakland 28
Philadelphia Eagles (-3) at Dallas Cowboys
Without a healthy Tyron Smith and Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys (5-4) are a shell of the team they can be. The Eagles (8-1) are rested off their bye and can all but clinch the NFC East with a win at Jerry’s World.
Pick: Philadelphia 28, Dallas 23
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks (-3)
This was a tough game to pick. The Seahawks (6-3) are going to be impacted by Richard Sherman’s absence, but to what extent? Meanwhile, the Falcons (5-4) beat a wounded Dallas team, but can they win a tough road game? Not sure.
Pick: Seattle 26, Atlanta 23
Last Week: 10-4
Overall: 89-57