Things were looking up for the crew after the early slate of Week 13 games. Then, they went downhill fast. Very fast. Our collective record in the late and prime-time matchups wasn’t pretty.
Nobody had a worse showing than me. After going 7-2 on my early picks, I finished 0-6 on every game after that. Just brutal.
Caroline Darney weathered the late-game storm to put together a strong 9-6 record for the week (83-91-6 overall). Blake Schuster went 6-9 (76-83-8) and Charles Curtis went 5-10 (81-106-8). I was obviously 7-8 (86-101-8).
Let’s get a word before our Week 14 picks:
Blake: *sighs*…nice week for me, I guess.
Charles: Just need 25 wins to get to .500. Totally doable.
Caroline: Winning week! Let’s go!
1
Raiders at Rams (+6)
Prince: Raiders
The Rams hung around against Seattle, and they can probably do the same in this one. But I think Vegas covers late.
Blake: Raiders
These two teams, playing as weirdly as they have all year, matching up on Thursday night is guaranteed chaos. Raiders and the Over for sure.
Charles: Raiders
OK, sure. Even though weird things happen on Thursday nights.
Caroline: Raiders
I want to pick the Rams, but I just can’t this week.
2
Jaguars at Titans (-3.5)
Prince: Titans
The Titans need somewhere to direct their anger after getting their doors blown off by the Eagles.
Blake: Titans
Yup. If the Titans losing back-to-back games and firing their GM doesn’t put an emphasis on the urgency in Tennessee nothing else will.
Charles: Titans
What’s the over/under on Derrick Henry yards? Because I’d like to take the over.
Caroline: Titans
Neither team has really [extremely Shania Twain voice] impressed me much this year, but one of them has Derrick Henry and the other doesn’t.
3
Vikings at Lions (-2.5)
Prince: Vikings
The Lions are playing really well, but I’m not sure they’re ready to win these type of games.
Blake: Lions
Remember a few weeks ago when the Vikings were coming off a big win and then found themselves as home dogs to the Cowboys? The Cowboys crushed Minnesota. I’ll trust Vegas here.
Charles: Lions
The Vikings feel like a team that should have a worse record than they do. And the Lions are feisty as heck with an offense that can torch a vulnerable Minnesota D.
Caroline: Vikings
THE T.J. HOCKENSON REVENGE GAME! Ok, that makes no sense, but I’m feeling the Vikes this week.
4
Texans at Cowboys (-17)
Prince: Cowboys
I bet picked against Dallas last week. I won’t make that mistake again.
Blake: Cowboys
Dallas, obviously, but a Houston win would be one of the funniest NFL outcomes this season.
Charles: Cowboys
They cover. By halftime.
Caroline: Cowboys
This seems unfair to make this game actually take place.
5
Eagles at Giants (+7)
Prince: Eagles
I don’t love this matchup for my Giants.
Blake: Eagles
I don’t love this matchup for your Giants, either.
Charles: Eagles
Long day ahead.
Caroline: Eagles
I, also, don’t love this matchup for Prince’s Giants.
6
Browns at Bengals (-6)
Prince: Bengals
Cincy is so good and seems to be peaking at the right time.
Blake: Bengals
Usually this would be the perfect time for a Bengals letdown week, but not with Cleveland coming to town.
Charles: Bengals
It would seem obvious given what the Browns offense looked like last week and how the Bengals have looked as of late. But sometimes, you have to pick the obvious choice!
Caroline: Bengals
As a Steelers fan, I hope both teams lose. But since I have to make a pick, I’m going with the team that’s playing well.
7
Ravens at Steelers (-2.5)
Prince: Ravens
I’m thinking this game comes down to a point or two, either way.
Blake: Steelers
Because just when Baltimore fans think it can’t get worse, it absolutely will.
Charles: Ravens
Tyler Huntley is better than you think.
Caroline: Steelers
TWO IN A ROW, BABY.
8
Jets at Bills (-9)
Prince: Jets
I saw the Jets beat Buffalo with Zach Wilson. Why can’t they cover nine points with a better QB?
Blake: Bills
I really want to take the Jets. Just can’t bring myself to do it.
Charles: Jets
Divisional games can be close, especially between two good defenses like these.
Caroline: Bills
My beloved Bills have not looked as sharp lately, but my confidence does not waver.
9
Chiefs at Broncos (+9.5)
Prince: Chiefs
Denver’s defense is so good. It’s a shame they’ll play Patrick Mahomes as well as anybody and still lose by double-digits.
Blake: Chiefs
Honestly, I’d take this line all the way to -14.5. I don’t think the Denver defense can do enough to slow down Kansas City right now.
Charles: Chiefs
This could get ugly.
Caroline: Chiefs
lol.
10
Panthers at Seahawks (-3.5)
Prince: Seahawks
Both are 6-6 ATS, so I’ll roll with the home team in this one.
Blake: Seahawks
Another line that feels fishy, but Seattle should be fine. I think.
Charles: Seahawks
The Panthers can certainly cover given their play of late, but in Seattle? I’ll say no.
Caroline: Panthers
I’ll do it. Sure. Why not?
11
Buccaneers at 49ers (-3.5)
Prince: Buccaneers
I don’t ever feel good picking the Bucs, but Mr. Irrelevant won’t have an easy time against Tampa’s defense.
Blake: 49ers
After what we saw on Monday night, the Niners could run the Wildcat offense every play and still win comfortably.
Charles: 49ers
A sentence I never thought I’d write: Tom Brady? Against this defense? Yikes.
Caroline: 49ers
Anyone that has followed me for a couple years knows that I am unabashedly a big Brock Purdy fan. Purdy hive, assemble.
12
Dolphins at Chargers (+3)
Prince: Dolphins
Last week was a little blip for Tua and the Dolphins. They’ll get it back together here.
Blake: Dolphins
Ok, now I’m just concerned over how aligned Prince and I are this week.
Charles: Dolphins
The Chargers kind of stink. The Dolphins will put up 37 points here and walk away with the W.
Caroline: Dolphins
Yeah, last week was not great for the ‘Phins, but they’re due a bounce back.
13
Patriots at Cardinals (+1)
Prince: Patriots
The Cards aren’t to be taken seriously.
Blake: Patriots
They seriously found a worse Monday night matchup than last week’s. Cool cool cool.
Charles: Patriots
Cardinals in December under Kliff Kingsbury is a bad combo.
Caroline: Cardinals
This is how I build my advantage. Take the opposite in the pick ’em.
