NFL Week 15 picks against the spread

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens (-8)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like they were well on their way to upsetting the Saints for the second time this season. It wasn’t mean to be, as the Bucs went just over 80 yards in the second half and lost by two scores. Jameis Winston is still trying to prove he’s the answer long term for this team under center. Right now, the results are mixed. Dirk Koetter is also playing for his job in the last three games of the season.

The Baltimore Ravens went toe to toe with the Chiefs and was within seconds of coming out with the upset victory. They ended up losing in overtime, but they come out of the game feeling like winners. They still sit in the driver’s seat for the sixth seed of the AFC playoffs. The Steelers are sinking, so they could get a home game in the playoffs still. All talk of John Harbaugh being out is all but gone, and Lamar Jackson has the fanbase excited for what’s next.

This is a big number to bet on the Ravens and their inconsistent offense, but the Bucs just don’t have the talent they need to win in this league. Jason Pierre-Paul was a nice addition, but he’s just about the only player doing anything on defense. The offense is still without Desean Jackson, and Winston is inconsistent at getting Mike Evans the ball. This team needs to be more consistent if you’re going to put money on them against good teams.

Tampa Bay 13, Baltimore 26

Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons (-8.5)

This line is, how do I put this, interesting. The Atlanta Falcons are better at home, but it’s not hard to be better than a tire fire. They’ve lost five games in a row, including two at home, and the fans are ready for Arthur Blank to clean house. Yet, this team is getting more than a touchdown. This is a line that’s based on name value only.

The Arizona Cardinals are not good, don’t get me wrong, but no team should be giving more than eight to the Falcons. They watched the 49ers and Raiders win last week, putting them back in the hunt for the number one overall pick. They are playing for draft status, to develop Josh Rosen, and to get Larry Fitzgerald some records.

The Falcons offense might get moving against Arizona, but with how this season has gone they would sputter right before the goal line every time. Neither of these teams has anything to play for, so it will be hard to make a bet either way. When that’s the case, take the points. Especially when you are getting more than a touchdown.

Arizona 12, Atlanta 20