Do you need a little extra green for the holiday season? Well, you’ve come to the right place at the right time. Our experts bounced back into the plus column with their consensus picks against the spread and went 12-4 for straight-up selections last week.
Bleacher Report’s NFL expert panel, which includes analysts Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski and Maurice Moton along with editors Wes O’Donnell and Ian Hanford, have their sights set on four underdogs. They picked three of those teams to pull off an outright upset.
For the Christmas Day tripleheader, our crew swallowed a ton of points to side with heavy favorites, but they also picked up on a Monday Night Football trend that should pay off for anyone who wants cash out with a road underdog.
Before we get into our picks for Week 16, check out the expert standings for picks ATS and SU with Week 15 records in parentheses.
ATS Standings
1. Gagnon: 126-94-4 (10-6)
2. Hanford 120-100-4 (10-6)
3. Moton: 118-102-4 (8-8)
4. Davenport: 117-103-4 (9-7)
5. Knox: 113-107-4 (11-5)
6. Sobleski: 110-110-4 (8-8)
7. O’Donnell: 109-111-4 (8-8)
Consensus picks: 119-101-4 (9-7)
SU Standings
1. Hanford 148-76 (12-4)
2. Moton: 144-80 (10-6)
3. Knox: 141-83 (11-5)
4. Gagnon: 138-86 (12-4)
5. O’Donnell: 135-89 (11-5)
6. Davenport: 134-90 (10-6)
7. Sobleski: 132-92 (11-5)
Consensus picks: 144-80 (12-4)
Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m. ET. Check the latest lines at DraftKings. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.
DraftKings Line: Los Angeles -4
The New Orleans Saints will come marching into SoFi Stadium for a matchup with the Los Angeles Rams after consecutive home wins.
Over the last two weeks, New Orleans has blown out the Carolina Panthers (2-12) and New York Giants (5-9) by a combined score of 52-12. Now, the club faces the NFC’s seventh-seeded Rams, who have hit their offensive stride after a Week 10 bye, averaging 29.8 points in the last five weeks.
Our expert panel gave the consensus nod to Los Angeles. Knox has his eyes on a rising playmaker in the Rams backfield.
“I’d feel a lot more comfortable backing Los Angeles if the line was a point lower,” Knox said. “The Saints and Rams are both vying for playoff spots, and I don’t think either squad is one that other teams would particularly like to see down the stretch.
“That said, L.A. has the greater amount of momentum, having won four of its last five, the lone loss in that stretch being in overtime in Baltimore.
“The Rams should also have whatever passes for home-field advantage at SoFi Stadium. I think the biggest factor, though, is the rise of Kyren Williams, who can batter a Saints defense allowing 4.5 yards per carry. Matthew Stafford and Co. will make their plays in the passing game, but I see L.A. controlling this one on the ground.”
Predictions
Davenport: Rams
Gagnon: Rams
Hanford: Rams
Knox: Rams
Moton: Rams
O’Donnell: Rams
Sobleski: Saints
ATS Consensus: Rams -4
SU Consensus: Rams
Score Prediction: Rams 27, Saints 21
DK Line: Cincinnati -1.5
If you tossed the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes away after Joe Burrow underwent season-ending wrist surgery, please reconsider that notion. Cincinnati has won three consecutive games with victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings. Based on point spreads, the Bengals pulled off upsets in two of those games.
Meanwhile, backup quarterback Jake Browning threw for five touchdowns and two interceptions during the Bengals’ three-game winning streak. He’ll have to keep the offense moving without star wideout Ja’Marr Chase, who will likely miss at “least one week” because of an AC joint sprain, per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.
Even though the Bengals likely won’t have their lead wide receiver, our crew believes they will outscore the Pittsburgh Steelers, who made a quarterback switch from Mitch Trubisky to Mason Rudolph amid a rough offensive stretch.
Hanford can see a convincing Bengals win on Saturday.
“While the Bengals keep finding a way to win, the Steelers keep finding ways to lose,” Hanford said. “It’s looking more and more likely that the Steelers will finish the season on a six-game losing streak, which is inconceivable under Mike Tomlin.
“Jake Browning sports a passer rating of 107.1 since taking over for Joe Burrow. He’ll have a more difficult time with Ja’Marr Chase likely to miss this game with injury, but the Steelers are allowing an average of 25 points in their last three games and can be had by Joe Mixon and the ground game.
“I don’t think Jake Browning is going to have to pull away late here. The Bengals win going away as Browning outduels Mason Rudolph to keep Cincinnati in the thick of the AFC playoff race.”
Predictions
Davenport: Bengals
Gagnon: Bengals
Hanford: Bengals
Knox: Bengals
Moton: Bengals
O’Donnell: Bengals
Sobleski: Bengals
ATS Consensus: Bengals -1.5
SU Consensus: Bengals
Score Prediction: Bengals 24, Steelers 17
DK Line: Buffalo -11.5
Once again, the Buffalo Bills look like Super Bowl contenders even with Josh Allen only totaling 118 total yards in a 31-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys last week. He threw for a touchdown and ran for another one, though running back James Cook owned the spotlight, racking up 221 yards and two touchdowns from scrimmage.
Perhaps Buffalo has committed to a new wrinkle in its winning formula with Cook carrying a heavy load in the run game.
Whether the Bills attack through the air or on the ground, our panel expects them to light up the scoreboard against the Los Angeles Chargers, who fired head coach Brandon Staley after the team gave up 63 points to the Las Vegas Raiders last Thursday.
Six of our experts confidently picked the Bills, though Gagnon thinks we’ll see the Chargers play with a little more pizzazz under interim head coach Giff Smith, which will allow them to cover the spread.
“This is an energy pick. Buffalo is coming off a hell of a high (prime-time home victory over Dallas), and the Chargers are coming off the ultimate low (blowout divisional loss leading to the firing of their coach),” Gagnon said.
“So, of course, everyone expects the Bills to pile on, but it’ll be hard for them to keep that energy flowing on the road against a Bolts team that is still quite talented and could be fired up to send a message under interim head coach Giff Smith.”
Predictions
Davenport: Bills
Gagnon: Chargers
Hanford: Bills
Knox: Bills
Moton: Bills
O’Donnell: Bills
Sobleski: Bills
ATS Consensus: Bills -11.5
SU Consensus: Bills
Score Prediction: Bills 33, Chargers 16
DK Line: Detroit -3.5
Following a string of underwhelming performances, the Detroit Lions ran wild in a 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos last Saturday. They had an offensive output that re-established their spot among the top teams across the NFL.
Most of our crew happily wrapped their arms around the Lions, who can clinch the NFC North title, their first division title since 1993, with a road victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Gagnon isn’t here to poop on the Lions’ NFC North title party, but he believes Minnesota will make Detroit earn it in a tight game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Keep in mind that Lions quarterback Jared Goff is 0-3 against the Vikings on the road.
“One thing the Vikings do is hang. They haven’t lost a game by more than a field goal since Week 5 and haven’t lost by more than one score this season, while the familiar and flawed Lions have just one convincing win since the start of November. At home, the Vikings keep this close if not pull off the upset.”
Predictions
Davenport: Lions
Gagnon: Vikings
Hanford: Lions
Knox: Lions
Moton: Vikings
O’Donnell: Lions
Sobleski: Lions
ATS Consensus: Lions -3.5
SU Consensus: Lions
Score Prediction: Lions 28, Vikings 22
DK Line: Green Bay -4.5
The Green Bay Packers’ midseason surge has faded over the last couple of weeks. After a three-game winning streak, they’ve lost back-to-back outings to the New York Giants (5-9) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7).
Last week, the Packers defense let them down in a 34-20 loss. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry garnered harsh criticism and rightfully so.
Nonetheless, Knox can see a bounce-back performance for Barry’s unit in a matchup with the Carolina Panthers, who have scored the fourth-fewest points per game through 15 weeks.
“The Packers have shown over the past two weeks that they’re not quite ready to make a serious run in the NFC,” Knox said. “However, young players like Jordan Love, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks have also exhibited some solid growth in the passing game.
“The problem this week is that the Panthers have a very underrated defense, and this might be a game Green Bay has to win on the defensive side. Based on what we’ve seen from Joe Barry’s unit recently, that’s not ideal.
“However, Carolina hasn’t exactly found any offensive answers—it won 9-7 last week—and if the Packers blow this one, I’m not sure Barry makes it to the offseason. I expect the Packers to rally around their coaching staff enough to cover in a very ugly game—even if losing to spite Chicago would make for an entertaining Week 16 twist.”
Predictions
Davenport: Packers
Gagnon: Panthers
Hanford: Packers
Knox: Packers
Moton: Packers
O’Donnell: Packers
Sobleski: Packers
ATS Consensus: Packers -4.5
SU Consensus: Packers
Score Prediction: Packers 21, Panthers 10
DK Line: Atlanta -1
As the Indianapolis Colts push for a playoff spot, Atlanta Falcons lead skipper Arthur Smith may be coaching to keep his job.
With the Falcons three spots outside the NFC postseason picture, we’re going to find out if Smith has buy-in from his players, or if this team goes belly-up in the next three games.
Based on the point spread, oddsmakers expect the Falcons to put together a spirited effort with quarterback Taylor Heinicke once again set to replace Desmond Ridder under center.
Sobleski realizes another quarterback switcheroo could spark the Falcons offense, especially with Ridder’s turnover tendencies, but he favors the Colts because of their physical identity on both sides of the ball.
“Yes, the Falcons are making a change at quarterback, with Taylor Heinicke taking the reins. But this particular matchup is all about the trenches, specifically how well Indianapolis is playing at the line of scrimmage. Indianapolis dominated at the point of attack against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with…*checks notes*…Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson rushing for 157 yards.”
“Guess what? Jonathan Taylor could return to the lineup this weekend. On defense, Indianapolis is tied for third overall with 46 sacks. The Colts are constantly getting after opposing quarterbacks, thus creating opportunities for turnovers and shutting down drives.”
Predictions
Davenport: Colts
Gagnon: Colts
Hanford: Colts
Knox: Colts
Moton: Colts
O’Donnell: Colts
Sobleski: Colts
ATS Consensus: Colts +1
SU Consensus: Colts
Score Prediction: Colts 24, Falcons 21
DK Line: Cleveland -2.5
Believe it or not, quarterback Joe Flacco has helped balance the Cleveland Browns offense with wide receiver Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku as his primary perimeter playmakers.
In three games with the Browns, Flacco averages 313 passing yards. Last week, Cooper and Njoku finished with 104-plus receiving yards, hauling in a touchdown pass apiece.
The Browns can beat their opponents in multiple ways. They could limit offensive production with a defense that gives up the fewest yards per game, run the ball with a ground attack that’s 10th in rushing yards per contest and Flacco can still carve up a porous secondary.
As Sobleski points out, the Browns may give the injury-riddled Houston Texans too much to handle on Sunday.
“With or without C.J. Stroud, the Browns were the logical choice,” Sobleski said. “Why? Joe Flacco, of course.
“OK, that’s not entirely true. Cleveland’s defense continues to be the most dominating unit in professional football, and the Texans offense has multiple injuries to key performers.
“But Flacco’s phoenix-like revival in orange and brown provided Cleveland with some legitimacy. The 38-year-old quarterback has 939 passing yards in his first three games with the team. Meanwhile, the Texans are ranked bottom 10 in pass defense.”
Predictions
Davenport: Texans
Gagnon: Browns
Hanford: Browns
Knox: Browns
Moton: Browns
O’Donnell: Browns
Sobleski: Browns
ATS Consensus: Browns -2.5
SU Consensus: Browns
Score Prediction: Browns 23, Texans 17
DK Line: New York -3
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera confirmed that Sam Howell will start against the New York Jets after the team benched him for Jacoby Brissett last week.
The New York Jets have an unclear situation at quarterback with Zach Wilson in concussion protocol. Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters that Wilson will start over Trevor Siemian if he passes the required tests for clearance.
As of Wednesday, Wilson “seems unlikely to play this week,” per The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt.
Moton doesn’t believe the Jets’ starting quarterback will move the needle much in terms of his pick. He’s focused on the matchup between turnover-prone Howell and Gang Green’s pass defense.
“Because of the Commanders’ aggressive pass-heavy offense and Sam Howell’s tendency to turn the ball over with six interceptions in his last four games, the Jets should get the nod ATS and SU in this matchup, regardless of who starts under center for Gang Green,” Moton said.
“In addition to Howell’s turnovers, the Commanders haven’t scored more than 20 points in four consecutive outings.
“Washington’s giveaways coupled with its low-scoring outputs will put the club in a tough spot against Gang Green’s second-ranked pass defense. With a stifling defensive effort, the Jets win by more than a field goal.”
Predictions
Davenport: Commanders
Gagnon: Jets
Hanford: Jets
Knox: Commanders
Moton: Jets
O’Donnell: Commanders
Sobleski: Commanders
ATS Consensus: Commanders +3
SU Consensus: Commanders
Score Prediction: Commanders 20, Jets 19
DK Line: Seattle -2.5
Last Monday, the Seattle Seahawks pulled off a riveting upset in a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Drew Lock kept his club in the playoff discussion with his fourth career game-winning drive.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans may have to hand the offense back over to Ryan Tannehill, who lost his starting job (while recovering from a sprained ankle) to rookie second-rounder Will Levis.
Now, Levis has an ankle injury that clouds his status for Sunday’s game.
Moton doesn’t feel confident in any of the Titans’ quarterback options and rolled with the Seahawks because of their stable of perimeter playmakers.
“Levis’ ankle injury opens the door for Tannehill or Malik Willis to start against the Seahawks on Sunday. The Titans don’t have any inspiring options at the most important position, which will leave them at a significant disadvantage against a team that must fight to keep its playoff hopes alive.
“Lock had a feel-good moment Monday in arguably the biggest drive of his career, a sequence that led Seattle to a 20-17 win over the 10-win Eagles. Although the Seahawks will travel east to play in the 1 p.m. slot, which can be tough for West Coast squads, they have a better team with more on the line than the Titans.
“Even if Seattle turns back to quarterback Geno Smith, wideouts DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should feast on Tennessee’s 22nd-ranked pass defense.”
Predictions
Davenport: Seahawks
Gagnon: Titans
Hanford: Seahawks
Knox: Seahawks
Moton: Seahawks
O’Donnell: Titans
Sobleski: Seahawks
ATS Consensus: Seahawks -2.5
SU Consensus: Seahawks
Score Prediction: Seahawks 26, Titans 20
DK Line: Jacksonville -1
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense has clicked with complementary football in recent weeks, scoring 29 and 34 points against the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers, respectively, on the road.
Over the last four weeks, the Buccaneers have averaged 125 rushing yards per contest, with running back Rachaad White leading the way on the ground. Over the last two weeks, Baker Mayfield has thrown for six touchdowns without an interception, and he recorded a perfect 158.3 passer rating against Green Bay last week.
While Mayfield has been playing at his best, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has struggled to stay healthy and protect the football.
Lawrence battled through an ankle injury against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, and he’s currently in concussion protocol. Over the last two weeks, Lawrence has thrown three interceptions and lost two fumbles.
Despite the question marks around Lawrence’s recent performances and availability, our panel gave the consensus nod to the Jaguars, who boast a 6-1 record away from EverBank Stadium this season, which includes two victories in London.
However, Davenport may be selling his stock in Lawrence and buying into Mayfield’s turnaround in Tampa Bay. He went against the consensus selection to side with the Buccaneers.
“That Baker Mayfield is the first visiting quarterback ever to post a perfect 158.3 passer rating at Lambeau Field is one of those stats I’ll always gawk at with disbelief,” Davenport said. “It’s a safe bet that he won’t duplicate that at home against Jacksonville. But he doesn’t need to.
“Even if Lawrence clears protocol, the reeling Jaguars aren’t measurably better than Tampa. Having more confidence in Mayfield than Lawrence in Week 16 is an odd feeling, but here we are.”
Predictions
Davenport: Buccaneers
Gagnon: Jaguars
Hanford: Jaguars
Knox: Buccaneers
Moton: Jaguars
O’Donnell: Jaguars
Sobleski: Buccaneers
ATS Consensus: Jaguars -1
SU Consensus: Jaguars
Score Prediction: Jaguars 27, Buccaneers 24
DK Line: Miami -1.5
The Miami Dolphins can prove they aren’t a fraudulent postseason contender with their first win against a legitimate playoff team. Last week, the Dolphins shut out the New York Jets 30-0 (without wideout Tyreek Hill) in what looked like a warm-up for this matchup.
The Dolphins may not need Hill on the field in what could turn into a high-scoring game against the Dallas Cowboys, who didn’t put their second-ranked scoring offense on display in a 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills last week.
Per TeamRankings, Dallas averages 39.9 points at home but only 21.7 points on the road. Our panelists couldn’t ignore the Cowboys’ glaring scoring discrepancy between home and away games. They gave the consensus nod to the Dolphins.
O’Donnell expects Miami to ride Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane on the ground to victory with or without Hill.
“I’m not a believer in Dak Prescott or the Cowboys. A Secret Santa drawing couldn’t hide this fact. Having accurately predicted the Cowboys being exposed by the Bills a week ago, I should hedge a bit and expect them to figure things out because that’s how the parity of today’s NFL often works. But, no, I can’t bring myself to spread Christmas cheer for Cowboys fans.
“The Bills figured out how to run the ball against this Dallas defense, and the Dolphins are already much, much better at running the ball, even with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa rushing for only 55 yards this year. Miami leads the league with 5.1 yards per carry and leads the league in rushing touchdowns scored.
“I’m fine gearing up for a shootout if needed and still backing Miami, but I’ll take the Dolphins to follow the Bills’ blueprint to plunge Big D into a further state of disarray ahead of the postseason.”
Predictions
Davenport: Dolphins
Gagnon: Cowboys
Hanford: Dolphins
Knox: Dolphins
Moton: Cowboys
O’Donnell: Dolphins
Sobleski: Cowboys
ATS Consensus: Dolphins -1.5
SU Consensus: Dolphins
Score Prediction: Dolphins 31, Cowboys 28
DK Line: Chicago -4
The Chicago Bears made some bettors happy last week with a 3.5-point spread cover against the Cleveland Browns, but they let an outright win slip through their fingertips on a Hail Mary pass that bounced off Darnell Mooney’s hands and into safety D’Anthony Bell’s clutches.
Though the Bears defense has allowed only 17.4 points per game over its last five outings, Moton doesn’t trust quarterback Justin Fields to outplay Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray if it’s a close game late.
“Whom do you trust more to close out a game, Murray or Fields? Because this contest could come down to the final drive,” Moton wrote. “Both quarterbacks have struggled with turnovers, but Murray has already proved he’s good enough to lead his team to the playoffs, while Fields still looks like a project who hasn’t quite put his skill set together for long stretches.
“Though Chicago’s defense has stiffened up with the addition of defensive end Montez Sweat, who leads the team with six sacks, Murray’s ability to create plays with his legs will make it difficult for the Bears to take him down. He’s going to make jaw-dropping throws against a formidable defense.
“The Bears found a way to blow a 17-7 fourth-quarter lead to the Joe Flacco-led Cleveland Browns last week. They’ll lose to a better and much more mobile quarterback on Sunday.”
Predictions
Davenport: Cardinals
Gagnon: Bears
Hanford: Bears
Knox: Bears
Moton: Cardinals
O’Donnell: Cardinals
Sobleski: Cardinals
ATS Consensus: Cardinals +4
SU Consensus: Cardinals
Score Prediction: Cardinals 25, Bears 23
DK Line: Denver -6.5
The Denver Broncos gained momentum late in October through November by winning five consecutive game, but head coach Sean Payton’s play-calling magic has worn off over the past three weeks. Since Week 13, the Broncos have averaged only 19.3 points per game, and they turned the ball over five times in that stretch.
On top of that, in last Saturday’s 42-17 loss to the Detroit Lions, Denver’s defense looked similar to the unit that gave up 70 points to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.
Yet our experts sided with the Broncos to win by more than a touchdown and an extra point, which tells you what they think about the New England Patriots’ 32nd-ranked scoring offense.
Davenport chose the lesser of the two uninspiring teams, and he’s no longer afraid to bet against six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick.
“Sure. Make me defend laying a bunch (with a hook) with a team that the Detroit Lions just demolished—the same team that the Dolphins dropped a 70-burger on this season,” Davenport said.
“Let Russ Cook. Woo-hoo. The thing is, as mediocre (on a good day) as the Broncos are, the Patriots are just so much worse. The offense is a black hole of blah that ranks at the bottom of the NFL in multiple categories. The defense can only take so much. And Darth Hoodie’s ability to force-choke opponents is just gone.”
Predictions
Davenport: Broncos
Gagnon: Patriots
Hanford: Broncos
Knox: Patriots
Moton: Patriots
O’Donnell: Broncos
Sobleski: Broncos
ATS Consensus: Broncos -6.5
SU Consensus: Broncos
Score Prediction: Broncos 23, Patriots 16
DK Line: Kansas City -10
In Week 15, the Las Vegas Raiders scored a franchise single-game record 63 points as they routed the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs recorded their highest scoring total (27 points) since Week 12.
Both AFC West teams have struggled to score points in stretches, but our experts trust the Chiefs to figure out a solution to their offensive woes and cover by double-digit margins in consecutive weeks.
However, Moton thinks the Raiders have a shot to stay within a touchdown in their second look at the Chiefs under interim head coach Antonio Pierce.
“The Chiefs have beaten the Raiders by 14-plus points in four of their last five meetings. So a wager on the Raiders would be rolling the Silver and Black dice against a trend that heavily favors Kansas City,” Moton admitted. “However, when these teams met in Week 12, Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell threw for 248 yards and a touchdown, logging a 101.6 passer rating. Las Vegas also opened the game with a 14-0 lead.
“It sounds like running back Josh Jacobs should be back Monday after he missed last week with a quad injury. If not, backup running back Zamir White logged 17 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown with three catches for 16 yards against the Chargers in Jacobs’ absence.
“If the Raiders want interim head coach Antonio Pierce to keep his job, this could be a statement game. Las Vegas won’t win at GEHA Field at Arrowhead, but this team could stay within single digits to make things interesting early on Christmas Day.
“The Chiefs have scored more than 21 points in only two of their last seven games. The Raiders won’t allow them to score 21 unanswered points again in this meeting; they’ll lose by a touchdown or less.”
Predictions
Davenport: Chiefs
Gagnon: Chiefs
Hanford: Raiders
Knox: Chiefs
Moton: Raiders
O’Donnell: Chiefs
Sobleski: Chiefs
ATS Consensus: Chiefs -10
SU Consensus: Chiefs
Score Prediction: Chiefs 28, Raiders 16
DK Line: Philadelphia -11.5
Realistically, the New York Giants’ playoff hopes went up in smoke with a 24-6 loss to the New Orleans Saints last week, which snapped their three-game streak of covering the spread.
On Christmas Day, the Giants will visit a Philadelphia Eagles squad that desperately needs a get-right game after three consecutive losses.
Most of our experts think the Eagles will use the Giants to build much-needed momentum before the playoffs. O’Donnell couldn’t find any positive angles for New York in this matchup.
“Big Blue’s dynamic Danny (jokingly) DeVito and disruptive defense found it tough sledding in New Orleans last weekend, while Jalen Hurts and the Eagles lost to a Drew Lock-led Seahawks team,” O’Donnell recalled. “This Christmas Day ‘showdown’ is now set up as a holiday horror show for Giants fans. The Eagles need to get right quick, and Santa is delivering the perfect gift in the form of their division rival.
“The Giants don’t match up any better this year with the team that throttled them three times and ended their season a year ago. I can’t even hope for a backdoor cover. Lay these points down and watch Christmas Vacation instead.”
Predictions
Davenport: Giants
Gagnon: Eagles
Hanford: Eagles
Knox: Eagles
Moton: Eagles
O’Donnell: Eagles
Sobleski: Giants
ATS Consensus: Eagles -11.5
SU Consensus: Eagles
Score Prediction: Eagles 30, Giants 17
DK Line: San Francisco -5
In the Week 16 finale, we’ll see the top teams based on win-loss records square off in the Monday Night Football spotlight.
Coming into this contest, the San Francisco 49ers are riding a six-game winning streak, while the Baltimore Ravens have won four straight contests. Bettors should note that the 49ers are 3-3 ATS as a home team, while the Ravens are 4-2 ATS on the road.
With that said, San Francisco has left behind a pathway of destruction, beating every opponent by at least 12 points during its six-game winning streak.
Our experts sided with Baltimore to cover the spread, but they picked San Francisco to win outright. Hanford broke down his keys to the game and why the Ravens will give the 49ers a scare on Christmas.
“Potential Super Bowl preview? Don’t mind if we do,” Hanford said. “The 49ers offense has been a force of nature led by potential MVP Brock Purdy. This week should be its toughest test yet, though. The Niners are facing a Ravens defense only allowing 16.1 points per game and leading the league in sacks.
“This game should come down to whether the 49ers can stop the Ravens on the ground. San Francisco is 10-1 this season when holding opponents under 130 rushing yards, and Baltimore averages nearly 164 rushing yards per game.
“I think the 49ers win a close one here at home, but the Ravens are a tempting upset pick. I expect Lamar Jackson to continue showing why he’s the most valuable quarterback in the NFL this season.”
Predictions
Davenport: Ravens
Gagnon: Ravens
Hanford: Ravens
Knox: 49ers
Moton: Ravens
O’Donnell: Ravens
Sobleski: Ravens
ATS Consensus: Ravens +5
SU Consensus: 49ers
Score Prediction: 49ers 28, Ravens 26
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