NFL picks against the spread, Week 14: Looking to avoid SuperContest letdown – SB Nation
I’m taking part in the 2015 SuperContest with the folks at OddsShark, so it is time to take you along for the ride. Here are my Week 14 picks against the spread.
Welcome back for Week 14 of the 2015 NFL season. The return of the NFL means gambling is back in our lives. The NFL might frown upon it, but gambling and fantasy football are two of the biggest reasons for the NFL’s insane level of popularity. I think they’ll put up with it.
This year I am back for another crack at the LVH SuperContest. The contest includes over 1,400 participants picking games each week to see who can come out on top. Our partners at OddsShark have staked myself and a handful of other participants in the SuperContest. You can track all of us here, and you can follow the standings here.
The contest involves picking five games each week for 17 weeks. You get to choose which five games you will pick. The lines are locked in Wednesday evening, and picks are submitted by the end of the week. I am currently sitting at 39-19-2. I am coming off a strong performance, going 4-1 in Week 13. Hopefully I can avoid the inevitable letdown. Here are my five picks for Week 14.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (+1) over Buffalo Bills
The Eagles host the Bills following a huge win over the New England Patriots, so a letdown is certainly possible. On the other hand, the Eagles remain in the thick of the NFC East race following Washington’s loss. I’ve decided that the tiebreaker is avoiding betting on Rex Ryan on the road. LeSean McCoy will be looking for some revenge against Chip Kelly, but I don’t think the Bills will be able to do enough. This won’t be a pretty game, but I see an Eagles win.
CHICAGO BEARS (-3) over Washington
This is a matchup of two bad teams. Chicago lost at home to Blaine Gabbert and the San Francisco 49ers, while Washington lost at home to Matt Cassel and the Dallas Cowboys. Most professionals would likely take the points, but I can’t take points with a Washington road team. And I think Chicago can bounce back from last week’s ugly loss.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-10) over San Diego Chargers
Laying double digit points with Alex Smith is never an ideal situation, but this Chiefs team is on a roll. They have won six straight, and while they did benefit from some bad Raiders mistakes last week, they also pummeled San Diego two weeks ago on the road. The Chiefs have won six straight both straight up and against the spread, so I’m going to roll with the streak.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-4) over New Orleans Saints
The Saints almost upset the unbeaten Carolina Panthers last week, which could provide them with some momentum. If this game was in New Orleans I’d stay away from it, but I have zero faith in New Orleans on the road. The loss of Mark Ingram means more C.J. Spiller, which could make this thing interesting, but again, this is more wagering against the Saints on the road than it is wagering on the Bucs at home.
Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Seahawks are the most popular pick in the SuperContest this week. 962 people out of 1,700+ contestants selected them, which I believe is the largest number of picks on one team this season. The line is up to 11.5- or 12-points at various sportsbooks because Jimmy Clausen is expected to start. The Westgate supplies our lines on Wednesday, which was before we had enough information about the Ravens’ quarterback position. Fortunately I did not have to submit my picks until Friday night, so I just can’t pass this one up. I think Seattle can win, but I also want to maintain pace with everybody else this week.
Here are all my picks for Week 14 (10-6 last week, 99-87-5 overall):
ARIZONA CARDINALS vs. Minnesota Vikings (+8.5): Cardinals – Loss
CINCINNATI BENGALS vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5): Bengals
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES vs. Buffalo Bills (-1): Eagles
CAROLINA PANTHERS vs. Atlanta Falcons (+7.5): Panthers
CLEVELAND BROWNS vs. San Francisco 49ers (+1.5): 49ers
CHICAGO BEARS vs. Washington (+3): Bears
ST. LOUIS RAMS vs. Detroit Lions (PK): Rams
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS vs. San Diego Chargers (+10): Chiefs
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS vs. New Orleans Saints (+4): Bucs
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS vs. Indianapolis Colts (PK): Colts
NEW YORK JETS vs. Tennessee Titans (+7): Jets
HOUSTON TEXANS vs. New England Patriots (-3): Texans
DENVER BRONCOS vs. Oakland Raiders (+7): Raiders
GREEN BAY PACKERS vs. Dallas Cowboys (+7): Packers
BALTIMORE RAVENS vs. Seattle Seahawks (-6.5): Seahawks
MIAMI DOLPHINS vs. New York Giants (-1): Dolphins
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