Each Friday of the 2018 NFL season, we’ll be picking every game (except for Thursday Night Football, of course) against the spread.
Here are the picks for Week 16.
Washington at Tennessee Titans (-10)
The Pick: Titans
The Titans’ revamped run game should dominate again versus a Josh Johnson-led Washington team that inspire little confidence offensively.
Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers (-4)
The Pick: Chargers
Lamar Jackson and Baltimore’s run-first offence against L.A.’s underrated defence will define this matchup, and I expect the Chargers to keep rolling after last Thursday’s big win.
Houston Texans at Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5)
The Pick: Eagles
After a big game against the Rams in L.A., the Eagles’ defensive line has the capability of causing real problems for Deshaun Watson behind Houston’s below-average offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins (-3.5)
The Pick: Dolphins
Miami is a different team at home: The Dolphins are 6-1 against the spread at Hard Rock Stadium. Plus, the Jaguars are, well, awful.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (-9.5)
The Pick: Bengals
While I think the Browns will win this game, I’m not entirely comfortable with a two-score spread — the Bengals have played better than expected over the last two weeks.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-13.5)
The Pick: Bills
Josh Allen has a big task ahead in his first trip to Foxborough, where the Bills are consistently dominated. But given New England’s current struggles, I’m willing to bet Buffalo keeps it within two TDs.
Atlanta Falcons (-3) at Carolina Panthers
The Pick: Falcons
I don’t know much about Cam Newton’s backup, Taylor Heinicke, but it’s hard to like Carolina’s chances of snapping their losing streak with him under centre.
New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts (-9)
The Pick: Colts
The Giants are fresh off being shut out at home, while the Colts are fresh off shutting out New York’s NFC East-leading rivals at home.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys (-7)
The Pick: Cowboys
If the Bucs cover in this game, there are definite reasons to be concerned about Dallas’s ability to win a playoff game.
Green Bay Packers (-3) at New York Jets
The Pick: Packers
This pick depends entirely on Aaron Rodgers, who practised Thursday despite dealing with a groin injury. If the star quarterback suits up, I like Green Bay. But if he’s on the sidelines, go with Sam Darnold and the Jets.
Minnesota Vikings (-6) at Detroit Lions
The Pick: Lions
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Minnesota’s win last week was impressive, but I’m still hesitant to pick them on the road against a Lions team that has given good teams trouble in the Motor City.
Los Angeles Rams (-14.5) at Arizona Cardinals
The Pick: Rams
The Rams are struggling and have not covered very often this season, but every time I pick the Cardinals as heavy underdogs they get blown out.
Chicago Bears (-4) at San Francisco 49ers
The Pick: Bears
San Francisco has been a decent home team this season, but I’m surprised at the size of this spread. With a first-round post-season bye still in play, the Bears should take care of business.
Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints (-6)
The Pick: Saints
Last week’s results suggest we should go with the Steelers here, but New Orleans at home by less than a TD is too good to pass up.
Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5) at Seattle Seahawks
The Pick: Chiefs
Seattle is traditionally a solid pick at home, but recent results give me pause. Plus, the Chiefs are 5-1 on the road against the spread.
Denver Broncos (-3) at Oakland Raiders
The Pick: Raiders
Talk about Monday Night Football ending the season with a bang. The Raiders have played tough in their last couple of home games, while Vance Joseph needs to motivate the injury-ravaged Broncos to save his job.