NFL picks: Week 15

K.C. has failed to cover in consecutive games but remains 8-4-1 against the spread on the season. With the status of both Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler up in the air on a short week, the Chargers might not have the ability to take full advantage of the Chiefs' porous run defense.

The Texans' goal of home-field advantage in the playoffs was likely shattered with a loss vs. Indy last week, but they're hoping to get back on track at New York. Sam Darnold returned last week but still really struggled at Buffalo. It remains to be seen how the Jets are going to generate offense against a Houston defense that's allowing less than 20 points per game.

Denver looked in shambles last week after losing Chris Harris Jr. and Emmanuel Sanders to injuries. It's true that the Broncos are a different team at home, but those critical holes were apparent in a loss at San Francisco. The Browns are 3-2 since firing Hue Jackson and have done an excellent job on the ground, led by Nick Chubb who is averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

This is one of the most interesting games of the week featuring two hot teams. The Colts got back on track last week against Houston but face a Dallas defense that's allowed the second-fewest points per game in the league. The Colts have won four straight home games and are doing a nice job stopping the run, allowing only 3.8 yards per carry. That strength will come in handy against Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys rush attack.

These two teams seem to just be going through the motions as we approach the end of the season. Jacksonville was clobbered 30-9 at Tennessee last week and has scored only 15 points in two games since benching Blake Bortles. The Skins won't be generating much offense, either, onto their fourth quarterback, Josh Johnson, who has been with the team for a week. The 7.5 points are a lot for the Jags to cover unless they get help from the defense.

The Raiders are riding high after beating Pittsburgh, and they also played Baltimore and Kansas City tough the previous two weeks. Meanwhile, Cincinnati last its fifth straight game last week, albeit while giving the Chargers a run for their money. Stopping the pass has been a huge issue for the Raiders this season, but the Bengals continue to struggle passing the ball with Jeff Driskel at quarterback.

Tennessee still has a faint hope for the playoffs as the team travels to the Giants. Odell Beckham Jr.'s status remains to be seen, and the Titans defense has done a satisfactory job stopping the run, allowing 4.4 yards per carry. The Titans are underdogs because of their 2-4 road record as well as the Giants current 4-1 streak over their last five, but the Giants' opponents during their streak are worth remembering, facing two backup quarterbacks plus the 49ers and Bucs.

Miami is riding high after a miracle win vs. New England, and now the Dolphins visit a Vikings team that's on the ropes. The Minnesota offense is hoping to rebound from a lackluster performance but has now lost four of its last six games and faces a Dolphins team that's a surprising 8-5 against the spread.

Baltimore's defense just fell short at Kansas City, but this is a dream matchup for it against a quarterback (Jameis Winston) who's long had a propensity for turning over the ball. The Bucs average 2.4 giveaways per game, and that's not a recipe for success against a defense that's already ranked No. 1. The Bucs also average 4.8 yards per carry and will be facing a run-heavy attack led by Lamar Jackson.

What a nightmare season for Atlanta. The Falcons are now 3-10 against the spread, worst in the NFL, and have lost five straight games. During that streak, the Falcons offense has scored 20 points only once and faces a formidable Arizona defense that's especially good at stopping the pass, allowing only 6.4 yards per per pass.

The firing of head coach Mike McCarthy seemed to spark the Packers last week, as they easily beat Atlanta, 34-20, to end a three-game losing streak. They have a tough task against a Bears team that's won six of seven and is looking to avenge a Week 1 loss to Green Bay, but the Packers' new offensive play-calling could keep this game close.

It's been a long year for both teams, but the Lions offense has been especially frightful recently, scoring 22 or less in seven straight games. Buffalo has lost consecutive games in frustrating fashion but has been more competitive since Josh Allen returned. The Bills could wreak havoc on Matthew Stafford, as they are third in opponent yards per pass in the NFL (6.0).

Both teams are desperately in need of a win after shocking Week 14 losses. This game was off the board as of Tuesday morning as we waited on the status of Ben Roethlisberger  following a rib injury. The injury still might have an impact on his play, but the Patriots are registering in Vegas like a Bill Belichick team, currently 8-5 against the spread vs. Pittsburgh's 6-6-1. Pittsburgh's inability to run the ball last week without James Conner isn't a great sign should he need to sit again.

Seattle is riding high after a dominant defensive performance on Monday night and now ranks second in the league against the spread, at 8-3-2. The fact Seattle is just 3-3 on the road gives the 49ers hope, but Seattle has won six of eight. These two teams have had direct opposite luck in the turnover battle, with the Seahawks ranking second (+0.8 per game) and the 49ers ranking last (-1.6), a trend that could make the difference.

Philly fell short at Dallas last week and has slim hopes of making the playoffs. The Eagles are also just 1-4 on the road against the spread and don't have the personnel to take advantage of L.A.'s terrible run defense (5.1 yards per carry). The loss of Carson Wentz due to a back injury is the icing on the cake, and the line has moved 2.5 points in LA's favor since the Eagles are forced to go with Nick Foles under center. The defending champs' motivation will be tested, but 11.5 is a big spread for the Rams to cover.

New Orleans is a league-leading 10-3 against the spread, including 6-1 on the road. Drew Brees was eventually able to get back on track at Tampa Bay last week, and the Saints defense is an absolutely terrible matchup for Carolina's elite running game, allowing just 3.6 yards per carry. Cam Newton could have to win this one himself, and he's failed poorly recently, throwing eight picks during the Panthers' five-game losing streak.