NFL predictions and picks against the spread Week 14: Chiefs stun Bills; Broncos, Packers grind out victories; Cowboys defeat Eagles
With 13 games on the schedule, week 13 was predictably a bit unlucky due to triskaidekaphobia. There were some unexpected underdog romps as well as a few last-minute beats in close games.
With a nearly full schedule of 15 games in Week 14, picking and predicting against the spread doesn’t get any easier. While some teams are dominant double-digit favourites, there are also a few that are favoured by less than a field goal.
The difficulties are exacerbated by home teams’ lacklustre performance and road teams’ unwavering spirit. Entering another fearless football forecast of expert pigskin predictions is the only way to get back on track.
The Chargers’ defence prevented the Patriots from scoring at home. Against the Cardinals, the Steelers’ offence went from exploding to faltering. However, considering the defensive prowess of legendary Super Bowl coaches Bill Belichick, either team should be able to win ugly while playing little offensively. Mitchell Trubisky, a battle replacement starting quarterback, and Bailey Zappe square off in a game that mostly revolves around running defence and passing plays. The Steelers will be more motivated to return to the postseason since they are superior overall in both categories.
The 49ers’ varied, dynamic downfield attack tore apart the Eagles’ pass defence once more, and there was no way for the team to rally. In Week 9, the Cowboys narrowly missed winning in Philadelphia. Since then, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ potent offence have won four straight games. Dallas has been unstoppable at home this season, but the Eagles can stay in it if Jalen Hurts digs deep to produce plays thanks to its coverage scheme. Here, the Cowboys simply possess too much firepower to be defeated twice.
The Broncos’ defense gave up some big plays in Houston but tightened things up and gave Russell Wilson and a sloppy turnover-riddled offense a chance to win at the end. The Chargers got a free space with bad offense in New England, given their defense won a 6-0 nothing game. Justin Herbert should play better with his healthier weapons to duel Wilson well, but in the end, the Broncos’ backfield gives more key support to its QB.
Tyreek Hill blew past the Commanders’ secondary. The Titans should provide no problems with their weaker corners. Hill is in the big-play zone with Tua Tagovailoa and this week, Jaylen Waddle should get more chances downfield, too. The Titans’ run defense leans toward good, but it has gotten leaky of late in giving up some chunks.
The Buccaneers are battling some major injuries to their pass and run defense but the Falcons are starting to fall into a simlar boat. That makes this game come down to which offense is more versatile, multiple and dangerous downfield. Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans are bound to get an extra break with top corner A.J. Terrell (concussion) hurting on top of disruptive tackle Grady Jarrett. Desmond Ridder plays better at home, but he’ll make more mistakes under pressure and not enough plays.
