NFL Picks Against the Spread 2013: Week 16

By Brandon Lee Gowton@BrandonGowton Dec 22, 2013, 12:21pm EST

Before Week 16 of the NFL kicks off, I thought we'd have some fun by looking at the spreads for this week's round of games. Here are my suggestions when trying to beat Vegas. You can find all of today's NFL betting lines and more at the SB Nation odds page.

Miami Dolphins (-3) at Buffalo Bills: The Dolphins have played well recently having won four out of their last five games. Miami is still fighting for a playoff spot. I don't see them dropping this one to Buffalo. Pick: Dolphins -3

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (-2.5): The Saints clearly looked like the better squad the last time these two teams met but that was in the Super Dome. With the game being held in North Carolina this time I like the Panthers to win this one. Pick: Panthers -2.5

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals (-8): Five of the Vikings' losses this year came within the last minute of the game. Minnesota played very well against the Eagles last week despite missing a number of players due to injury. The Vikings are getting some of those players back this week, including star running back Adrian Peterson. The Bengals have a good defense, which will probably help win them the game, but the Vikings can still cover a spread this big. Pick: Vikings +8

Denver Broncos (-10) at Houston Texans: The Texans are downright terrible. I don't see how anyone could pick them. Pick: Broncos -10

Tennessee Titans (-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags have been playing the best football of their lackluster season in recent weeks. The Titans have one only one game of their last four. What the heck, give me the Jags. Pick: Jags +4

Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs (-7): I'm not a big believer in the Colts, especially with this game being held in Arrowhead. KC has outscored their last two opponents by a combined 60 points. I'm going with Big Red. Pick: Chiefs -7

Cleveland Browns at NY Jets (-1): The Jets are worse than their record appears but they're at home where they have a 5-2 record. The Browns, meanwhile, own a 1-5 away record. I originally picked the Browns on the latest episode of BGN Radio, but my advice to you is to pick the Jets. Pick: Jets -1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at St. Louis Rams (-4.5): The Rams are at home and I see Bucs QB Mike Glennon struggling with the pressure from that St. Louis front four. Pick: Rams -4.5

Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) at Washington Redskins: The Redskins are going to be up for this game. Kirk Cousins is playing to impress. Mike Shanahan is coaching in what will likely be the last biggest game of his DC career. London Fletcher announced he plans to retire after the season so I'm sure the team wants to win this one for him. The Cowboys are a different team on the road (2-5) than they are at home (5-2). HTTR. Pick: Redskins +3.5

New York Giants at Detroit Lions (-9): Eli Manning is turning the ball over like crazy. The Lions haven't been playing well but they're desperate for a win. I think they take care of business. Pick: Lions -9

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-9.5): I feel like the Cards aren't getting a lot of love here. Arizona is the more desperate team. I like the Seahawks to win but the Cards will cover. Pick: Cards +9.5

Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers (-3): Even without Rodgers, it's tough to bet against the Pack in Green Bay. Pick: Packers -3

Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers (-9.5): The Raiders can't stop anyone and the game is in San Diego. Easy one. Pick: Chargers -9.5

New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens (-2.5): The Pats are still playing for a first round bye. I like Tom Brady to come up big here. Pick: Patriots +2.5

Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles (-4): The Bears +4 are tempting but I predicted an Eagles win and there's a possibility Chicago could rest their starters. The Eagles are playing their starters no matter what happens. Philly could potentially clinch the NFC East with a win if the Cowboys lose earlier in the day. Pick: Eagles -4

Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers (-10): The Falcons don't stand a chance here. Pick: 49ers -10