Week 14 of the NFL season brought us another action-packed slate of fixtures filled with surprises. The Rams, Patriots, and Steelers all suffered surprising road losses, completely opening up the playoff picture. This makes what appears to be an excellent week 15 slate look all the more tantalising. This is highlighted in Pittsburgh as the Steelers play host to the Patriots in a huge AFC encounter. Chicago also play host to Green Bay, whilst Dallas travels to Indianapolis in two more games with huge playoff ramifications. Let’s take a look at our best bet in each game of the main Sunday slate.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons enter this with a dismal 4-9 record after losing each of their last 5 games. Even star QB Matt Ryan has waned of late, averaging under 6 yards per pass attempt over the last 2 weeks. Receiver Julio Jones still continues to be one of the best in the game, going for over 1400 yards so far this season. With the level of talent on offence, a major reason for the Falcons struggles has been the poor play of their defence. They struggled again in Green Bay last week, allowing 5.5 yards per carry to go along with 2 passing touchdowns.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals make the trip to Atlanta off the back of another poor display, falling 17-3 at home to Detroit. QB Josh Rosen struggled big time yet again, throwing for under 6 yards per attempt and tossing the clinching pick-six. The Arizona rushing attack didn’t enjoy much success either, totalling only 61 yards on their 21 attempts. Defensively, the Cardinals can’t be faulted. They held the Lions to only 96 passing yards in a very impressive display. Despite the ineptitude of their offence, the Cardinals defence is one unit that has battled hard all year.
Prediction: Cardinals +8.5
Whilst it’s tough to back the Cardinals, I just can’t lay 8.5 points with Atlanta here. I expect this to be a relatively close and low-scoring game, making Arizona good value getting more than a touchdown. Falcons 24-17 Cardinals.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), New Era Field
Buffalo Bills
The Bills enter this one at 4-9 after consecutive divisional losses to the Dolphins and Jets. Despite another 100-yard rushing day, QB Josh Allen struggled mightily through the air. He completed only 50% of his passes for 2 interceptions and under 6 yards per attempt. Rookie Receiver Robert Foster has emerged as a solid option through the air, with two 100-yard performances in his last 4 games. Whilst the Bills defence was solid, they ultimately couldn’t do enough to contain New York in this one. They allowed 3 touchdowns to a struggling Jets offence, including an efficient return from QB Sam Darnold.
Detroit Lions
The Lions make the trip to Buffalo off one of their better performances of the season, a 17-3 road win in Arizona. This was in spite of a dreadful offensive performance that saw them throw for under 100 total yards. Defensively, the Lions delivered another very strong performance. They made Josh Rosen look incredibly ineffective, capped off by an excellent 67-yard pick-six by Darius Slay. The running defence was also excellent, holding Arizona under 3 yards per attempt. If Detroit can deliver a similar performance this week, you’d have to fancy them here.
Prediction: Over 38.5 points
The Bills offence has had a bit of a resurgence under Josh Allen, going over this total in 3 of 4 games. His dual-threat ability gives the Bills an extra scoring threat. Despite a low-scoring game last week, this Lions offence has enough talent to help push this over the total. Bills 24-21 Lions.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), Soldier Field
Chicago Bears
The Bears enter this one at 9-4 after a huge home win over the Rams last week. This was despite the immense struggles of QB Mitchell Trubisky, who threw for only 110 yards and 3 interceptions on his 30 attempts. RB Jordan Howard carried this Chicago offence, registering 101 yards on his 19 carries. As usual, the Bears defence was on fire in this one. They completely took out Todd Gurley, limiting the superstar RB to just 28 rushing yards on 11 attempts. They were even more impressive in the passing game, limiting Jared Goff to 4.1 yards per attempt as he threw 4 interceptions.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers got back to winning ways last week, breaking a 3-game skid to defeat the Falcons at home. Aaron Rodgers delivered an efficient display in this one, throwing for 196 yards and 2 scores. This was complemented nicely by a strong effort from a rushing attack that registered 138 yards on 25 attempts. The Packers defence has been much more competitive of late, allowing 27 or less in each of their last 5 games. They did a very good job limiting the Falcons deep passing attack, forcing 2 turnovers and 2 sacks in the process.
Prediction: Packers +6
With the #6 seed wide open in the NFC, the Packers still have some faint playoff hopes alive. After a huge win over LA last week, the Rams could be poised for a let-down game here. At 6 points, I think Green Bay at least keeps it close. Bears 23-21 Packers.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals delivered an improved display in Los Angeles last week, falling by only 5 points to the impressive Chargers. RB Joe Mixon continued his impressive campaign, running for 111 yards and a touchdown. QB Jeff Driskel was serviceable as a game manager, throwing for 170 yards and a score. The Bengals defence can’t be blamed for this loss either. They allowed only 203 yards to the Chargers usually strong aerial attack, limiting them to only 85 yards on the ground in the process. If Cincinnati can maintain this level, at home to Oakland is a very winnable fixture.
Oakland Raiders
Oakland makes the trip to Cincinnati off their best win of the season, a 24-21 home win over Pittsburgh. Derek Carr was truly excellent in this one and made up for the dreadful performance by the running game. Carr was extremely efficient, throwing for 322 yards and 2 scores, also avoiding any interceptions. The Raiders defence also did a very solid job, holding Pittsburgh to only 40 yards on the ground. They were somewhat fortunate that Ben Roethlisberger went out with injury, holding backup QB Josh Dobbs to just 24 yards and an interception.
Prediction: Under 45.5 points
With both of these sides struggling offensively, I expect both coaches to come out with a more conservative gameplan here. The Raiders have gone under this total in 3 of their last 4 games and the Bengals have failed to score more than 21 points in the past month. At 45.5 points, I’m confident in the under here. Bengals 20-17 Raiders.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts enter this one at 7-6 after their biggest win of the season, a 3-point road victory in Houston. Andrew Luck completely carried the offence in this one, throwing for 399 yards and 2 touchdowns. Receiver T.Y. Hilton had a huge day with 199 receiving yards, whilst Tight End Eric Ebron added his 13th total touchdown of the campaign. Defensively, the Colts did a very strong job of containing Houston’s improved rushing attack. They also managed consistent pressure on Texans QB Deshaun Watson, registering 5 sacks on the afternoon. Right in the thick of the playoff mix, I expect maximum effort from the Colts here.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys appear to have well and truly clinched the NFC East, winning their 5th straight at home to Philadelphia last week. RB Ezekiel Elliott was phenomenal on offence, registering 192 yards from scrimmage in the win. It was also a surprisingly big day for Dak Prescott, who threw for 455 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Cowboys defence also continued their excellent campaign, holding Philadelphia to only 34 yards rushing. Whilst they did allow 3 touchdowns to Carson Wentz, they did just enough to hold on for a win. With every chance at the #3 seed, expect Dallas to come out hungry here.
Prediction: Colts -3
I believe this line is set exactly right at 3 points. This bet on the Colts is more of a motivational play. Having essentially clinched the NFC East last week, Dallas may not be as motivated in this one. Colts 24-20 Cowboys.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings enter this one at 6-6-1 after a 14-point loss in Seattle last week. QB Kirk Cousins and the passing offence largely struggled, being held under 200 total yards. The rushing attack didn’t do much better, totalling only 77 yards on 21 attempts. Defensively, the Minnesota pass defence was excellent. They held Russell Wilson to just 72 passing yards and managed an interception. The rush defence was a different story, allowing over 200 total yards. For the Vikings to reach the playoffs, they’ll need to get back on track with a win this week.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins enter this one at 7-6, after one of the greatest wins in franchise history over New England last week. If you haven’t seen the ending of that game, do yourself a favour and take a look now. The usually strong Dolphins rushing attack had another excellent day, totalling 189 yards and 2 scores on just 21 carries. Even QB Ryan Tannehill got in on the act, throwing for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 19 attempts. Whilst they allowed 33 points, this Dolphins defence did a very good job of containing the Patriots rushing attack. If they can pull off the upset here, they have every chance of taking an AFC Wildcard spot.
Prediction: Over 44 points
After a poor offensive display last week, I expect Minnesota to rebound in this one. The Vikings have been a bit of a flat-track bully this season and seem to relish these matchups against lesser opponents. Expect that to continue this week as they beat the Dolphins. Vikings 30-20 Dolphins.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), MetLife Stadium
New York Giants
The Giants travel to Tennessee off 4 wins in their last 5, registering a huge 40-16 road win over the Sanchize led Redskins. RB Saquon Barkley had a phenomenal day, registering 197 total yards and a touchdown. Eli Manning delivered another very efficient display, throwing for 3 touchdowns in a comfortable afternoon. Where the Giants were really dominant in this one was with their excellent defence. They forced Mark Sanchez to be benched as they sacked him 5 times and registered 2 interceptions. The Redskins usually strong rushing attack was also limited, with Redskins Running Backs being held under 40 total yards.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans enter this one at 7-6 after a thumping 30-9 home win over Jacksonville on Thursday Night Football. As we predicted, RB Derrick Henry stole the show. The former Heisman trophy winner had a night for the ages, rushing for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns, including an incredible 99-yard score. Defensively, it was a vintage display from this excellent Titans unit. They took the Jaguars offence out completely, allowing only 60 yards on 3 yards per carry. The pass defence was just as good, allowing under 200 total yards on 43 attempts. Right in the thick of the playoff mix, this is another huge game for Tennessee.
Prediction: Titans +2.5
I don’t think the Titans should be underdogs in this game. Not only are they the more talented team, they also have a rest advantage and have more to play for here. With their season on the line, I expect another vintage performance from the Titans defence here. Titans 23-17 Giants.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), TIAA Bank Field
Jacksonville Jaguars
The 4-9 Jaguars enter this one off a dreadful display last week, falling 30-9 to the division rival Titans. QB Cody Kessler showed his limitations in this one, averaging only 5.6 yards on his 43 attempts. The Leonard Fournette-led rushing attack couldn’t get much going either, totalling only 60 yards on their 20 carries. Defensively, things weren’t much better for Jacksonville. They were gashed on the ground to the tune of 238 yards by Derrick Henry, including a 99-yard run that made their defence look silly. This allowed Marcus Mariota to excel in an efficient game-manager role.
Washington Redskins
After a very promising start to the campaign, the Redskins have been dreadful of late, losing each of their last 4 games. QB Mark Sanchez was absolutely dreadful and was rightly benched at halftime in this one. Backup QB Josh Johnson showed some promise, completing 11/16 throws for 195 yards and a touchdown, adding a further 45 yards on the ground. Defensively, the Redskins provided no resistance for this Giants offence. They allowed a whopping 12.1 yards per carry to RB Saquon Barkley, allowing 3 passing touchdowns in the process. Even against an anaemic Jaguars offence, this level of play won’t be enough to get it done.
Prediction: Redskins +7.5
Whilst the Redskins have looked awful of late, I’m not sure how you can lay more than a touchdown with this Cody Kessler-led Jags team. Josh Johnson provided a spark at QB last week and I expect him to at least keep this one close. Jaguars 20-17 Redskins.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost their first game with Lamar Jackson as a starter last week, valiantly falling 27-24 in overtime to Kansas City. It was another excellent display from the Baltimore rushing attack, totalling 198 yards and a touchdown on 39 attempts. Lamar Jackson will need to do more in the passing game, completing only 13/24 passes for 147 yards. Defensively, Baltimore did a relatively effective job at containing this Chiefs offence. They held the Chiefs under 100 total rushing yards and limited Mahomes to just 7.1 yards per attempt. Right at the edge of the AFC playoff picture, Baltimore can’t afford a loss here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers enter this one at 5-8, falling by 14 points at home to New Orleans last week. QB Jameis Winston regressed somewhat this week, completing only 18/38 passes for 213 yards and taking 4 crucial sacks. Peyton Barber continues to struggle in the rushing game, totalling only 42 yards on his 14 attempts. The Bucs defence has noticeably improved of late and they did a decent job containing New Orleans here. They allowed only 198 total passing yards on 31 attempts, limiting the rushing attack to only 3.3 yards per carry in the process.
Prediction: Ravens 1-13
Whilst I think the Ravens win this one, they’re slightly overpriced laying more than a touchdown. They have a huge advantage in the rushing game, which should prove enough to win this one in more of a low scoring encounter. Ravens 24-17 Buccaneers.
Monday, December 17, 5am (AEDT), Levi’s Stadium
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers enter this one off one of their more impressive games of the season, a 20-14 home win over Denver. QB Nick Mullens had a very solid outing, throwing for 332 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tight End George Kittle was also fantastic, registering 7 catches for 210 yards and a score. The Niners defence was excellent here, limiting Case Keenum to just 4.4 yards per attempt. They also did a very solid job containing Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay, limiting him to 30 yards on 14 carries. Having lost by 27 points to Seattle a fortnight ago, the Niners will be looking to avenge that loss here.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks enter this one at 8-5 after a big win over the Vikings on Monday Night. This was in spite of a poor performance from Russell Wilson, who went 10/20 for just 72 yards. The rushing attack more than made up for this, running for 214 yards and a touchdown on 42 attempts. Defensively, the Seahawks were excellent. They held the Vikings under 200 total passing yards and allowed just 3.7 yards per carry. If they can do the same to a struggling Niners offence, they should walk out of San Francisco with another win.
Prediction: Seahawks -5.5
The Seahawks enjoy a huge matchup advantage over the 49ers, winning each of the last 10 of this rivalry match. I expect their defence to contain the Niners offence, whilst Russell Wilson pulls off enough plays for the cover. Seahawks 27-17 49ers.
Monday, December 17, 8:25am (AEDT), Heinz Field
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers enter this one at 7-5-1 after a disastrous loss in Oakland as a road-favourite last week. Ben Roethlisberger was excellent despite his rib injury, completing 25/29 passes for 282 yards and 2 touchdowns. The running game just couldn’t get going without James Conner, totalling only 40 yards on 19 attempts. Whilst the Steelers rush defence was effective, they had no answer for Oakland’s aerial attack. They allowed a very efficient display from Derek Carr, who threw for 322 yards and 2 scores. With the Steelers season essentially on the line here, they just can’t afford a loss.
New England Patriots
The Patriots enter this one at 9-4 after their miracle road loss in Miami last week. This was despite a very efficient performance from QB Tom Brady, who threw for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns. The usually strong Pats rushing attack struggled in this one, registering only 77 yards on their 30 attempts. Where New England really let this one slip was with a terrible defensive performance. They allowed 189 yards on the ground on just 21 attempts, including 2 touchdowns to former Patriot Brandon Bolden. The pass defence wasn’t much better, allowing 14 yards per attempt and 3 scores. With a first-round bye to play for, this is a huge game for the Patriots.
Prediction: Steelers +1.5
Whilst it’s tough to go against Belichick after a loss, the Steelers are in real danger of missing the playoffs if they lose this. The Pats haven’t been a great road team this year and Heinz Field is still one of the best homeifield advantages in the league. With their season on the line, expect a Big Ben special in this one. Steelers 27-24 Patriots.
Whilst the Rams aren’t on this main Sunday slate, I expect them to avenge last week’s horrific defeat with a home win over Philadelphia. Similarly, I expect Seattle to build off a solid Monday Night Football win with a road victory in San Francisco. With their season on the line here, I also expect Minnesota to show out in this one. At $2.18, this is a very lucrative 3-leg multi.