Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 14: Crunch Time

More mediocrity as I went 6-6-1 in Week 13. On the season, I am 90-100-3

Thursday

• Pit -6 (o/u 29.5)
• Steelers 13 Patriots 3

The Patriots have allowed ten or fewer points in their past three games; each game was a loss. This is the first time this has happened in NFL history. The Patriots have quit on the season and are focused on a high draft pick, as Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe have proven to be disasters at quarterback. 

Sunday at 1

• Atl -2.5 (o/u 39.5)
• Falcons 24 Buccaneers 20

The Falcons can take control of the NFC South with a win. The division is awash in mediocrity, but the Falcons are taking the bull by the horns with their win over the Saints two weeks ago and their win over the Jets last week. 

• LAR +7 (o/u 40.5)
• Ravens 27 Rams 23

The Rams have won three straight games to get back in the playoff hunt. The Ravens should win this game, but the Rams will keep it close as it will be decided in the fourth quarter. 

• Det -3.5 (o/u 42.5)
• Lions 27 Bears 17

The Bears have won two of their last three games. The lone loss was a game in which they blew a lead to the Lions. The Lions are closing in on their first division title in three decades. With a win here, they can clinch next week. 

• Cin +1 (o/u 42.5)
• Bengals 27 Colts 20

The postmortems for the Bengals were written after they lost Joe Burrow for the season. However, Jake Browning showed he is a capable backup with his performance on Monday Night. Look for the Bengals to get a win at home.

• Jax +3 (o/u 30.5)
• Jaguars 20 Browns 17

The Jaguars dodged a bullet with the ankle sprain to Trevor Lawrence. He will likely be out Sunday but could return in two or three weeks. The Browns also have their issues with injuries as their quarterback situation remains in flux. Look for the Jaguars to dig deep and get the win. 

• NO -5 (o/u 37.5)
• Saints 31 Panthers 17

The Panthers are awful, and the Saints should be better than they are, but they are often their worst enemy. They would have to play beyond terrible to lose this one. 

• Hou -4 (o/u 32.5)
• Texans 20 Jets 10

Zach Wilson will get the start for the Jets despite his reluctance to get back under center. The team does not trust him. He is better than Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle, but the Jets are a disaster, no matter who plays. 

Sunday Late Games

• LV +3 (o/u 40.5)
• Raiders 27 Vikings 17

Kevin O'Connell will get his shot to play at quarterback for the Vikings. I am not sure he will be successful, especially facing a hungry defense from the Raiders. This is a good one for the home dog. 

• SF -10.5 (o/u 46.5)
• 49ers 31 Seahawks 17

The 49ers, coming off a win in Philadelphia, are hitting their stride. Look for them to wrap up the NFC West with a second win over the Seahawks, as Christian McCaffery has a big day on the ground. 

• KC -1.5 (o/u 48.5)
• Chiefs 27 Bills 23

The Chiefs have been scuffling over the past few weeks, as they are coming off a loss in Green Bay and have dropped two of their last three games. This is a get-right game, as they face a Bills team with their season on the line. Look for this one to be tight, as Patrick Mahomes makes the big passes when needed. 

• LAC -3 (o/u 43.5)
• Chargers 24 Broncos 20

The Broncos five-game winning streak ended last week. The Chargers found a way to win in Foxboro without a touchdown but need a big win for their own psyche. 

Sunday Night

• Dal -3.5 (o/u 51.5)
• Cowboys 31 Eagles 20

The Cowboys have won 14 straight games at AT&T Stadium.  The Eagles stubbed their toe against the 49ers last week and are walking into a buzzsaw in Dallas. 

Monday Night

• Mia -13 (o/u 46.5)
• Dolphins 37 Titans 13

The Dolphins are rolling; at 9-3, they have the best record in the AFC. The Titans have not won on the road in over a year. The Dolphins are 5-0 at home. Look for more magic in Miami as Tyreek Hill shines on Monday Night, with Tua Tagoviloa playing a sweet sound. 

• NYG +6.5 (o/u 36.5)
• Packers 24 Giants 20

The Giants have been scrappy with Tommy DeVito, winning their last two games. Meanwhile, Jordan Love is starting to achieve success for the Packers. This game will be closer than expected, with the Packers getting the win and the Giants getting the cover.