NFL Week 16 Mock Contest

This is an interesting week because we have next to no division games and the one of real interest, Philadelphia vs. Dallas, has lost its luster with Eagles QB Jalen Hurts on the sidelines. That does not necessarily mean you should fade the Eagles. Minshew Mania is a real thing. 

Week 1 Record: 2-3
Week 2 Record: 3-2
Week 3 Record: 2-3
Week 4 Record: 4-1
Week 5 Record: 3-2
Week 6 Record: 1-4
Week 7 Record: 3-2
Week 8 Record: 3-2
Week 9 Record: 3-1-1
Week 10 Record: 4-1
Week 11 Record: 3-2
Week 12 Record: 2-3
Week 13 Record: 4-1
Week 14 Record: 2-3

Week 15 Record: 2-2-1
Combined Record: 41-33-2

Week 15 in Review

San Francisco 49ers -3 (win)

I thought they would dominate more than they did, but they were still convincing in the win and that was all we needed.  

Los Angeles Chargers -3 (push)

Yes, the Chargers disappointed again, but it was not terrible. Even though the push prevented a positive ROI this week.  

Dallas Cowboys -4.5 (loss)

When the game went to OT, I thought we had a chance, but Jacksonville got the pick six and a winning week evaporated with it.
 
Detroit Lions -1 (win)

Detroit continues to impress. They won outright against the Jets even though they were underdogs by kickoff.  

Minnesota Vikings -4.5 (loss)

The epic comeback by Minnesota was something to behold. Alas, we knew this ticket was not going to cash almost immediately. 

The Picks (finally)

Tennessee Titans -3.5 (vs Houston Texans) 

I know, I said was going to avoid dead numbers after last week, but I did not want to miss a chance to fade the Texans. Tennessee is at home and while it is never fun to back a team that has lost 4 in a row, they are still in first place and have everything to play for. Houston has massive injuries right now and even though the Titans have disappointed they are also 8-5-1 ATS this season.  

Las Vegas Raiders +2.5 (at Pittsburgh Steelers) 

The Raiders and Steelers are on the outside looking in on the AFC playoffs, making this one an elimination game of sorts. In that kind of scenario, I would definitely rather have Derek Carr over what Pittsburgh has at QB, and if the weather proves a factor, Las Vegas can always lean on NFL-leading rusher RB Josh Jacobs. I hope this one gets to three but I also think Las Vegas wins outright.  

Detroit Lions -2.5 (at Carolina Panthers) 

I am not sure of what Detroit really is, but they should definitely enter Carolina with lots of confidence. At this number, we are mostly asking them to just win the game and with the way their offense has been playing, I like the spot a lot. Detroit will put up some points and challenge Carolina to keep pace. They won't be able to. It might look a little close at halftime but a 27-13 final score feels right. This is one of the best lines on the board even though it means backing the "Lions on the road". Times are changing.  

Cleveland Browns -2.5 (vs New Orleans Saints)

I am not high on the Browns as they look to justify the investment they made in QB Deshaun Watson with a late-season push. They are technically still alive in the AFC and have a nice spot to roll that forward into next week. New Orleans may be off a win but beating Atlanta for a second time this season is not super encouraging. At Atlanta in the opener, is their only road win this season, one of just two road covers too. 

Cincinnati Bengals -3 (at New England Patriots) 

Some think the Bengals are the best team in the league. They appeared to have a hangover after losing in the Super Bowl, but they are certainly playing as well as anybody right now, while New England is fading. The Bengals might have a great passing attack featuring QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja'Marr Chase but this is a very well-rounded team. They have won and covered in six straight and three of those were as road favorites so that is no reason to discount them here. I don't see how the Patriots score enough points to keep the pressure on Cincinnati.