Divisional match-ups are starting to grow in importance. With so little time left in the regular season, the race to get into the playoffs is starting to tighten up.
Giving ground at this time of year can be a disaster. With the pressure starting to turn up, here’s a look at the top five week 14 picks against the spread.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Browns vs. Bengals Predictions
Best Bet: Browns +6
The Browns gave Cincinnati a thrashing on Halloween and have won eight of their past nine games against their in-state rivals. While Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled during his debut with the Browns, the defense seemed energized by his return. The Browns have won two consecutive games straight up and against the spread.
Cincinnati was energized by the return of Ja’Marr Chase last week as the Bengals topped Kansas City. Cincinnati is now 8-4 overall and 9-3 against the spread. The Bengals have covered the spread in four straight games, but Cleveland will hit the number here.
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Ravens vs. Steelers Predictions
Best Bet: Ravens +3
The Ravens likely won’t have Lamar Jackson at quarterback, as he will be out with an injury. However, this is a game Baltimore can’t afford to lose. The Bengals are bearing down on Baltimore in the race for the AFC North. The Ravens are 25th in the league against the pass, but Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett doesn’t have the tools to dissect them just yet.
The Steelers have now won two straight games to improve to 5-7, but still have major issues. Pittsburgh isn’t able to finish drives with touchdowns. The Steelers eked out two narrow road wins over middling Atlanta and Indianapolis teams. Pittsburgh’s win streak ends at two.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
Jaguars vs. Titans Predictions
Best Bet: Jaguars +3.5
The Jaguars are a strange team. One week, Jacksonville was beating Baltimore in a dramatic, season-defining type of win. The next week, the Jaguars were being taken behind the woodshed by the Detroit Lions. Jacksonville is 4-7-1 against the spread, but are capable of playing well on offense.
The Titans were wiped out by the Eagles last week and have also been inconsistent. Jacksonville will cover the spread in this one.
Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks
Panthers vs. Seahawks Predictions
Best Bet: Seahawks -3.5
The Seahawks were able to rally late and beat Los Angeles last week. Seattle needs to keep up the momentum if it’s going to grab a playoff spot in the NFC. The Seahawks have failed to cover in three straight games, but are playing a Carolina team that is a disaster.
The Panthers are 6-6 against the spread and 25th in the league in scoring, putting up 19.2 points per game.
Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers
Dolphins vs. Chargers Predictions
Best Bet: Dolphins -3
The Chargers are once again an inconsistent disappointment. Los Angeles are 7-5 against the spread, but have a 6-6 record. The Chargers can’t stop a strong running game. Los Angeles allows 84.7 yards per game, which ranks 32nd nationally.
The Dolphins are eighth in the league in scoring, putting up 24.9 points per game.
