Full NFL predictions, picks for entire Week 14 slate
The Post’s Erich Richter makes his picks and predictions for Week 14 of the NFL season.
Sunday
Falcons +5.5 over VIKINGS
Kirk Cousins is playing the worst football of his career but returns home as a not-so-friendly face.
This line is a bit out of whack after Cousins threw four interceptions to play the Falcons out of the game last week, but don’t let that blind you to the fact the Vikings haven’t covered in three of their past four games.
GIANTS +4.5 over Saints
Drew Lock was actually the best quarterback on the Giants roster, and they’re still looking to remain competitive in an attempt to save Brian Daboll’s job.
Sure, Malik Nabers looks like a murky status ahead of game time on Sunday.
Still, Big Blue have the 13th-ranked defense according to Pro Football Focus, and the Saints are without Taysom Hill for the remainder of the season, seriously inhibiting their run game.
Giants could win outright.
Jaguars +3.5 over TITANS
This will be a snorefest as the Titans face the Jaguars on Sunday.
Mac Jones vs. Will Levis is the No. 41- vs. No. 38-ranked quarterbacks in the NFL.
Jacksonville actually has been playing better of late, going 7-6 against the spread while the Titans are 2-10.
Yikes. Tennessee should be favored against no one.
BUCCANEERS -6.5 over Raiders
There are no moral victories here. Unlike the putrid Chiefs offensive line, Tampa Bay can run the ball.
Don’t think for a second that Bucky Irving won’t punish the Raiders’ poor run defense.
The Buccaneers have a top-10 run blocking offensive, according to PFF.
They run it down Vegas’ throat for the win.
STEELERS -6.5 over Browns
Pittsburgh keeps on impressing while Jameis Winston throws the ball to the other team.
The Steelers only allow 41.9 percent completions on deep passes per For The Numbers (FTN), the 20th-best defensive mark in the league.
We know Winston isn’t great at the short passing game so I’m expecting a dud of a performance against a stout Steelers squad that makes few mistakes.
EAGLES -12.5 over Panthers
Bryce Young has turned it around in a big way for the Panthers, but don’t buy into the fool’s gold.
Even if Young is improving, the Eagles’ defense is one of the best in the NFL and their secondary is far too good to believe in the Panthers.
Saquon Barkley accumulates for 200 yards and two touchdowns as the Eagles rout Carolina.
DOLPHINS -6 over Jets
The Jets are a mess and missing most of their playmakers.
Even being six-point underdogs is too much respect for the league’s 23rd-ranked run defense in DVOA.
Gang Green are missing Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall and C.J. Mosley.
This is only going to get worse as the Jets pack in for the winter.
CARDINALS +2.5 over Seahawks
The Seahawks have had the worst rushing offense in the NFL in the past seven weeks.
The 3.4 yards per carry is at the bottom of the league amongst the likes of the Raiders and Browns.
Underlying stats favor the Cardinals here, and when these two teams faced off last time, Arizona threw a pick-six that completely turned the game upside down.
Bills -3.5 over RAMS
The Rams would be an interesting bet here if Matthew Stafford didn’t have a sprained ankle.
His health concerns are tough to get past, and Josh Allen gets a big spot to showcase his skills indoors against a below-average defense.
Los Angeles isn’t worth betting this weekend at this number. Allen has a 7-0 record with 21 touchdowns (seven rushing) to six interceptions and a 106.7 passer rating in games that take place in a dome.
Back the Bills and an MVP showcase for Allen.
Bears +4 over 49ERS
Is there a new coach boost, or are the Bears beat?
They’re certainly beat up as offensive weapons D’Andre Swift and DJ Moore are questionable to play, though the 49ers have tons of health issues of their own.
Nick Bosa and Trent Williams look to be on the outside looking in at playing again this week.
Christian McCaffrey is obviously out as well.
Chicago gets the boost it needs and wins outright on Sunday.
Chargers +4 over CHIEFS
How can you dare back the Chiefs against the spread at this point?
Kansas City getting four points is obscene, considering it’s ranked No. 11 in DVOA while Los Angeles is ranked No. 8.
Betting on the NFL?
The Chargers have unleashed Justin Herbert as a running threat, which should help shield them if Ladd McConkey is out.
Kansas City has been the 27th-ranked defense since corner Jaylen Watson went down.
Monday
Bengals -5.5 over COWBOYS
The Bengals haven’t been a fun team to back against the spread, but this one should be a spot where they finally outscore their opponent to oblivion.
Cooper Rush vs. Joe Burrow is the biggest mismatch possible, according to PFF.
Burrow is the No. 1-ranked quarterback while Rush is rated No. 42, the worst in the NFL. Back the Bengals to win big.
Last week: 10-2
Season: 86-92-1