Sunday 12-17-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Packers vs. Panthers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/14/2017

Aaron Rodgers is returning for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, just in time to save the season. Rodgers, who insists he is not coming back to do that, will get the start when the Packers visit the Carolina Panthers in a matchup key to keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.

"Hopefully it gives a lift to some of the guys, but I'm not coming back to save this team," Rodgers told reporters. "I'm coming back to play quarterback the way I know how to play it. Hopefully, we all raise the level of our play collectively and find a way to win these three games." The star quarterback missed the last seven weeks while recovering from a broken right collarbone and returns to a Green Bay squad that went 3-4 in his absence and sits one game out of a wild-card spot in the NFC with three to play. The Packers are chasing - among others - the Panthers, who occupy the No. 5 spot in the conference but have a shot to win the NFC South and possibly earn home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a strong finish. "I told our guys, 'It doesn't matter if (Rodgers) plays, we've still got to play the Packers,'" Carolina coach Ron Rivera told reporters. "If he's the quarterback, great. If he's not, great. I don't think to us that should be a big deal. They said that he was going to be back for our game. That's what we expected."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -2.5. O/U: 47

ABOUT THE PACKERS (7-6): Rodgers can't officially be activated until Friday but spent the week practicing with the first team and breezed through his rehab with the help of some mental toughness. "Obviously, what he does physically and his ability on the field, but just the way he not only conducts himself mentally and emotionally to get ready for a game, but you can see the same intensity, the awareness, the education ability to get into other things to enhance his opportunity to get back," Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy told reporters of Rodgers. "It's probably, in my opinion, his greatest asset. His mental toughness is, you'd like to say, old-school. ... This guy could have played mentally in any generation in the National Football League. That's a big part of why he's ready today." The Packers don't have an easy schedule the rest of the way, with away games at Carolina and Detroit sandwiched around a date with the Minnesota Vikings.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (9-4): Carolina has its own former NFL MVP at quarterback in Cam Newton, but it is the running game that is keeping the Panthers in playoff position. Running back Jonathan Stewart took home his second NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award after running for 103 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-24 win over NFC North-leading Minnesota last week, and Newton is a big contributor to the running game as well. "I have no problem with running the football," Newton told reporters. "I feel as if I've always taken care of that part. Contrary to what another person may think, football is a physical sport, so I can get just as sore in the pocket as I can get sore outside the pocket. I'm just trying to put as much pressure on the defense as possible to give them certain things that a lot of other quarterbacks can't give them."

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Packers are hurting in the secondary with CBs Demetri Goodson (hamstring) and Davon House (shoulder, back) both questionable.

2. Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (foot) and G Trai Turner (concussion) are both doubtful.

3. Carolina earned a 37-29 win the last time Green Bay visited on Nov. 8, 2015.

PREDICTION: Panthers 28, Packers 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ravens vs. Browns Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

After having a three-game winning streak snapped last week at Pittsburgh, the Baltimore Ravens look to continue their playoff push when they visit the winless Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Ravens blew a late double-digit lead in a wild 39-38 loss to the Steelers last week that knocked them into a tie for the final wild-card slot in the AFC.

Baltimore ranks fourth in the NFL, allowing 18.9 points a game, but were helpless to stop Ben Roethlisberger last week as the veteran Steelers quarterback threw for 506 yards. "This one hurts," Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said after the game. "It's best for us to have a short memory on the this one because if we win out there's a good chance we'll be in the playoffs." The losses continue to mount Cleveland, which is 0-13 for the second straight season. The Browns self-destructed last week in a 27-21 overtime loss to Green Bay, dropping a critical third-down pass which would have allowed them to run out the clock with the lead in regulation before DeShone Kizer threw a game-turning interception in the extra session.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -7. O/U: 40.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (7-6): Running back Alex Collins continued his eye-popping surge with a powerful performance against the Steelers, rushing for 120 yards on 18 carries. Collins, who was cut by the Seattle Seahawks in the preseason and didn't make his first start with the Ravens until Week 4, has scored five touchdowns in his past four games and his 5.1 yards per carry ranks third in the NFL. Quarterback Joe Flacco has returned to stretching the field a bit more lately, throwing for season highs of 269 yards in both of his last games with four touchdowns and one interception.

ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-13): Apparently not even the return of wide receiver Josh Gordon can change Cleveland's fortunes. In addition to Gordon, who caught his first touchdown pass since 2013 last week, the Browns are now getting production from other receivers such as Corey Coleman, who had five catches for 62 yards and a score against the Packers. Its offense ranks 31st in the league with an average of 15.2 points. Cleveland is just three games away from becoming the second team in NFL history to go 0-16 and the Browns are 1-28 under coach Hue Jackson, who could be coaching his final games down the stretch.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cleveland's 14-7 halftime lead was just its second of the season, having led Minnesota 13-12 in a game played in London.

2. Baltimore has won four straight and six of the last seven meetings in the series, including a 24-10 victory earlier in the season.

3. Cleveland DB Jabrill Peppers sat out the last game with a knee injury and his status for Week 15 against the Ravens is undecided.

PREDICTION: Ravens 24, Browns 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bengals vs. Vikings Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

The Minnesota Vikings, who had their eight-game winning streak snapped last week, can clinch the NFC North Division title with a win against the visiting Cincinnati Bengls on Sunday. Case Keenum continues to excel at quarterback for Minnesota, going 9-3 as a starter, but he committed three turnovers in the 31-24 setback at Carolina.

Even if they don't win, the Vikings can lock up the division crown if both Green Bay and Detroit lose on Sunday. And, after Philadelphia's Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending injury last week, Minnesota is optimistic it can catch the Eagles and earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The playoff picture is not as bright for the Bengals, who were virtually eliminated from the race following its 33-7 drubbing at the hands of Chicago last week. Despite Cincinnati's recent tailspin, where it has lost four of its last six games, Andy Dalton has played well, throwing 12 touchdown passes with just one interception over his past seven contests.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Vikings -10.5. O/U: 42.

ABOUT THE BENGALS (5-8): Cincinnati could get back the services of running back Joe Mixon (concussion), but even with their star running back in the fold the Bengals rank 31st in the league in rushing. Cincinnati already put defensive back Adam Jones on injured reserve and list both Dre Kirkpatrick or Vontaze Burfict as questionable, also dealing with concussions. Coach Marvin Lewis shrugged off questions about his job security during the week saying, "These jobs are not meant to last forever."

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (10-3): Minnesota could be without tight end Kyle Rudolph, who has a team-best seven touchdowns, but has missed multiple practices with an ankle injury while shutdown defensive back Xavier Rhodes is limited with a hip injury. Keenum is just 17 yards shy of reaching 3,000 for the first time in his career and has thrown 18 touchdowns passes. Adam Thielen continues to be his top target as he is tied for third in the NFL with 1,161 yards receiving and seventh in receptions with 80.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Bengals' defense yielded 271 passing yards last week to Bears rookie Mitch Trubisky, who had previously surpassed the 200-yard barrier in just one of his previous eight starts.

2. This will be the first game the Vikings have played at home since Nov. 19.

3. Homes teams have won the last five meetings in the series but they haven't met since the 2013 season.

PREDICTION: Vikings 27, Bengals 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dolphins vs. Bills Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

The Buffalo Bills were able to plow their way through the snow and into sixth place in the AFC, putting the western New York representatives in the discussion to make their first playoff appearance since 1999. The Bills look to bolster their position on Sunday when they host a Miami Dolphins team that is coming off an upset victory over defending Super Bowl champion New England.

LeSean McCoy capped a 32-rush, 156-yard performance with a 21-yard touchdown run in blizzard-like conditions to give Buffalo a 13-7 overtime victory over Indianapolis on Sunday. McCoy, who has averaged 5.12 yards per carry since Week 10, resides 39 yards shy of becoming the 30th member of the NFL's 10,000-yard club and has five touchdowns (four rushing) in five career meetings with Miami. The Dolphins completed a sweep of last season's series with a 34-31 overtime win in Week 16 that eliminated the Bills from postseason consideration. Jay Ajayi rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown in that contest, but Kenyan Drake has assumed the lead back duties and rolled up a career-high 193 yards from scrimmage in Miami's 27-20 victory over the Patriots on Monday.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bills -3. O/U: 39

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (6-7): Jay Cutler authored his signature performance in Miami by throwing for three touchdowns and finding eight different receivers in the win versus New England. Pro Bowl wideout Jarvis Landry, who is tied for second in the NFL with 88 receptions, found the end zone on two occasions while reeling in eight catches for a meager 46 yards last week. "It was a good win for us," coach Adam Gase said. "But if we lose (to the Bills), nobody is really going to (care)."

ABOUT THE BILLS (7-6): Tyrod Taylor is trending toward yet another return behind center for Buffalo, which saw rookie Nathan Peterman sustain a suspected concussion last week. "(The knee) feels good - it's just pain tolerance. Since this happened, I haven't had any setbacks," said Taylor, who threw for a career-high 329 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 60 yards in the last meeting with Miami. Former Dolphins tight end Charles Clay has been hampered by an ailing knee after a strong start to the season, mustering just 14 catches for 131 yards and no touchdowns over the last five games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami CB Xavien Howard was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording two interceptions for the second straight game.

2. Buffalo WR Kelvin Benjamin was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice as he deals with an ailing knee injury.

3. The Dolphins have permitted one third-down conversion in 24 attempts over the last two games.

PREDICTION: Dolphins 20, Bills 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Eagles vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

Nick Foles has traveled a long and winding road throughout his NFL career, and it's one that has taken him back to the field as the now-starting quarterback of a high-powered offense. Foles steps in for the injured Carson Wentz as the Philadelphia Eagles look to improve upon their postseason positioning on Sunday when they visit the New York Giants.

"I feel comfortable in this offense. I love this offense. We're going to run this offense. So nothing is going to change," said Foles, who authored a 27-touchdown performance in 2013 before being traded and released and was contemplating retirement before returning to the City of Brotherly Love. The 28-year-old Foles answered the bell after Wentz tore his ACL on Sunday, guiding Philadelphia to field goals on consecutive drives en route to a 43-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles can clinch a first-round bye with a win on Sunday and capture home-field throughout the playoffs with two victories in their final three games or one win and one loss by the Vikings (10-3), the hapless Giants have less on their plate to worry about. "Obviously, it hasn't been the season that we hoped for, but you don't want to look back," running back Orleans Darkwa said. "At the end of the season, we'll reflect on all that, but right now we're focused on Philly this week and getting a win."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Eagles -7.5. O/U: 40.5

ABOUT THE EAGLES (11-2): Philadelphia can lean on the NFL's second-ranked rushing attack to ease Foles back into action, with Jay Ajayi averaging a robust 7.0 yards per carry since being acquired from Miami. The passing game also gets a boost from the return of tight end Zach Ertz (team-leading 57 receptions), who cleared concussion protocol after sitting out last week's game versus the Rams. Ertz is tied with Nelson Agholor for second on the team with 663 receiving yards, with nine of the wideout's 15 catches over the last two games resulting in first downs.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (2-11): A lot was made of New York's handling of its benching Eli Manning, but the veteran recorded season highs in completions (35), passing yards (366) and touchdown passes (three) in a 27-24 loss at Philadelphia on Sept. 24. While two of those scoring strikes went to Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard also had one - his only of the season - and is dealing with an ailing hamstring that kept him limited in practice. Tight end Evan Engram has proven to be a trusted target with 55 receptions and 623 receiving yards and ranks first among NFL rookies in touchdown catches with six.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Darkwa has three of New York's four rushing touchdowns, with Manning having the other.

2. Philadelphia K Jake Elliott, who won the first encounter with a 61-yard field goal, has made 18 of his last 20 attempts.

3. Giants G Justin Pugh (back) was headed to injured reserve for the first time in his career, interim coach Steve Spagnuolo said on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Eagles 24, Giants 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cardinals vs. Redskins Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

The Arizona Cardinals will have to keep their microscopic playoff chances alive without Adrian Peterson as the veteran running back reportedly will be placed on injured reserve before the team visits the Washington Redskins on Sunday. The 32-year-old former league MVP has missed Arizona's last two games with a neck injury and is expected to be shut down for the season as the team has virtually no chance at making the postseason.

The Cardinals have won two of their last three contests but are 11th in the NFC, two games out of the second wild-card spot with only three remaining. Washington has dropped four of its last five, allowing at least 30 points in each defeat. The Redskins' lone victory in that stretch came at home, a 20-10 triumph over the New York Giants in Week 12 that evened their record at FedExField to 3-3. Arizona has won the last two meetings between the clubs but dropped a 22-21 decision in its last visit to Washington on Sept. 18, 2011.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Redskins -4. O/U: 41.5

ABOUT THE CARDINALS (6-7): Peterson provided an initial boost to Arizona's horrid rushing attack after being acquired from New Orleans, gaining 314 yards over his first three games, but ran for fewer than 80 in each of his next three contests before being injured. Larry Fitzgerald registered 44 receiving yards in last week's 12-7 victory over Tennessee to raise his career total to 15,311 and move him past Randy Moss for third place on the all-time list. Linebacker Chandler Jones leads the NFL with 14 sacks, which is the highest amount through the first 13 games of a season in franchise history.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (5-8): Linebacker Zach Brown leads the league with 127 tackles and has averaged 10.3 at home this season but his status for the game is uncertain due to multiple injuries. Running back Kapri Bibbs was promoted from the practice squad on Tuesday and is expected to be used on third downs thanks to his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. "I know what I've got to do in these third downs and every single one of these touches to show them that I'm the guy going forward," Bibbs, who appeared in 13 games with Denver over the previous two seasons, told the team's website.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cardinals RB Kerwynn Williams has rushed for 170 yards over his last two games despite playing with several cracked ribs.

2. Washington TE Vernon Davis was named a finalist for the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.

3. Arizona signed OL Khalif Barnes and placed T Jared Veldheer (ankle) on injured reserve.

PREDICTION: Redskins 31, Cardinals 23

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texans vs. Jaguars Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in position to clinch their first playoff spot since 2007 when they host the Houston Texans on Sunday. The Jaguars have made an improbable rise from last season's 3-13 record and sit atop the AFC South by one game over Tennessee.

Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone is aware of the excitement regarding the probable postseason spot, but he repeatedly refused to discuss the possible clinching. "Right now, I'm trying to keep this team focused on today - preparing today for (the Texans)," Marrone told reporters. "That has been the way it's been all year. I understand it. I've got to do questions and everything, but I promise you: None of you is going to be able to take me there." Houston is experiencing a dreadful season that began with being thumped 29-7 by the Jaguars and will be starting third-string quarterback T.J. Yates on Sunday. "He's been there before," Texans coach Bill O'Brien told reporters. "He knows our system. He's a smart guy. ... It's not hard to get him ready, you know what I mean?"

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Jaguars -11.5. O/U: 39

ABOUT THE TEXANS (4-9): Injuries to Deshaun Watson (knee) and Tom Savage (concussion) have created the opportunity for Yates, a 30-year-old with eight career touchdown passes - including two after Savage's departure in last Sunday's 26-14 loss to San Francisco. Star receiver DeAndre Hopkins (88 receptions for 1,233 yards) caught both of Yates' TD tosses to raise his season total to an NFL-leading 11. The defense is allowing an average of 25.8 points while suffering without J.J. Watt, but fellow defensive end Jadeveon Clowney ranks second in the league with 20 tackles for losses - including nine sacks.

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (9-4): Cornerback A.J. Bouye is tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions and is part of a defense that leads the league in scoring defense (15.5 points per game), takeaways (30) and sacks (47) while ranking second in total defense (291.6 yards). Brash cornerback Jalen Ramsey (four interceptions) draws the task of slowing down Hopkins, while defensive end Calais Campbell has recorded a career-best 12.5 sacks, which also is a franchise record. Quarterback Blake Bortles is enjoying a solid season with 2,821 yards and 16 touchdowns against eight interceptions, while Leonard Fournette is 77 yards away from joining Fred Taylor (1,223 in 1998) as the lone running backs in franchise history to rush for 1,000 as a rookie.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Jaguars ended a six-game losing streak in the all-time series when they recorded 10 sacks en route to the convincing victory on Sept. 10.

2. Hopkins recorded 149 receiving yards versus San Francisco for his fifth 100-yard performance of the campaign.

3. Jacksonville LB Telvin Smith cleared the concussion protocol and will play Sunday after missing the previous two games.

PREDICTION: Jaguars 30, Texans 9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jets vs. Saints Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

Despite losing two of their last three games, the New Orleans Saints still are in control of the tight NFC South title race. The Saints will try to maintain their upper hand and get back on track when they host the New York Jets on Sunday.


The Saints remain in control of their own destiny in the NFC South despite last week's 20-17 loss at Atlanta. New Orleans is tied with Carolina atop the division but owns the tiebreaker as it swept the season series. "I live by the motto, 'You can only worry about the things you can control,'" Saints quarterback Drew Brees told reporters. "What we can control is right in front of us. If we keep winning, then all of our hopes and dreams are alive." The Jets' offense tanked last week without injured quarterback Josh McCown, as Bryce Petty completed just 2-of-9 passes for 14 yards in a 23-0 loss at Denver.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Saints -16. O/U: 47.5


ABOUT THE JETS (5-8): McCown's season-ending injury torpedoed an offense that had been playing fairly well and posted a season-high 488 total yards in a 38-31 win over Kansas City in Week 13. The Jets managed only 100 total yards against the Broncos, and the pitiful showing overshadowed a solid defensive effort. New York has held three of its last four opponents under 300 total yards but lost all three of those games.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (9-4): New Orleans boasts the league's top offense, but the team is far more balanced than in past years. A big part of the struggles against Atlanta was the club's inability to get the running game going, especially after dynamic rookie Alvin Kamara left with a concussion. The defense has struggled to stop the run at times and gave up 132 yards on the ground against the Falcons, but it should be able to load the box to stop the run and force Petty to try to beat a solid secondary.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Brees has passed for 1,216 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in his last four home contests.

2. The Jets have not forced a turnover in their last three games after recording at least one takeaway in nine of their first 10 contests.

3. Kamara has been a full participant in practice this week and is expected to be active against New York.


PREDICTION: Saints 27, Jets 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rams vs. Seahawks Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

The Los Angeles Rams are vying for their first playoff berth since 2004 and can move closer to making that a reality when they visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Rams have a slim chance of clinching a postseason spot this Sunday, but a loss will forge a tie for first place in the NFC West and put the Seahawks in the driver's seat by virtue of sweeping the season series.

Seattle recorded a 16-10 victory in Los Angeles earlier this season, which gives Sunday's showdown the definitive feel of a must-win game. "I think so," Rams coach Sean McVey told reporters. "I think what it is, is it's a great opportunity for us, and that's the way that we look at it. ... It's going to be a great atmosphere, a great environment, and I know our guys are excited to be able to compete against a great football team, and we can't wait to get going." The Seahawks are fighting through some defensive injury issues, and coach Pete Carroll is mighty concerned about Los Angeles quarterback Jared Goff, who is having a solid second NFL season. "He's playing to his potential," Carroll told reporters. "You can see him game in and game out making great throws, he's in command of the offense, he's creative with the plays that he makes, he's utilizing his players really well. He was in more of a survival mode his first year, I think, and he's not there at all anymore."

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Seahawks -2.5. O/U: 47.5

ABOUT THE RAMS (9-4): Goff (3,383 yards, 22 touchdowns) and running back Todd Gurley (1,035 rushing yards) are the stars of the offense, but rookie wideout Cooper Kupp has been one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season. Kupp, a third-round pick who had 73 touchdown receptions at Eastern Washington, has set a franchise rookie record with 56 catches while his 783 receiving yards rank third among this year's rookie class. Los Angeles lost a key cog on defense when cornerback Kayvon Webster suffered a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury last Sunday but continues to get strong play from pass-rushing mainstay Robert Quinn (four sacks in his last three games) and defensive tackle Aaron Donald (team-leading eight sacks).

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (8-5): Seattle ranks eighth in scoring defense at 19.4 points per game, but middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (hamstring) and outside linebacker K.J. Wright (concussion) are in jeopardy of missing the contest. "K.J.'s in the protocol, and that's up to the (doctors)," Carroll told reporters. "Bobby's going to go all the way through the week, as he has the last couple weeks, so we'll have to wait and see. He's very upbeat and very positive, and he's planning on getting ready." Russell Wilson is experiencing a superb season with 3,527 yards and ranks second in the NFL with 29 touchdown passes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Seahawks outscored the Rams 40-13 while winning the last two meetings.

2. Seattle TE Jimmy Graham is tied for second in the NFL with nine touchdown receptions.

3. Los Angeles WR Robert Woods (shoulder) will return after a three-game absence.

PREDICTION: Seahawks 31, Rams 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Patriots vs. Steelers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/14/2017

A stunning upset in Miami ended New England's eight-game winning streak and dropped the Patriots behind the Pittsburgh Steelers for the best overall record and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. It also put the Patriots into a must-win situation to keep their hopes for the No. 1 seed alive when they visit the red-hot Steelers on Sunday.

"This is the game everyone has been waiting to see," Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell said. "It's the No. 1 and 2 teams in the AFC going at it head-to-head. This is obviously a game that a lot of people, even before the season started, probably circled on their calendars." Pittsburgh, which clinched the AFC North title last week, has done its part to build the hype for Sunday's showdown by running off eight consecutive victories, including the past three by a scant total of seven points. New England coach Bill Belichick did not want to hear talk of his team possibly looking past the Dolphins on Monday night, instead focusing on how to slow an offense that features the NFL's leading rusher (Bell) and receiver (Antonio Brown). "They can do it all. They have great skill players. They can run the ball. They can throw it, throw it long, throw it short, run after the catch, extend plays," said Belichick, who has won four in a row against Pittsburgh, including a 36-17 victory in last season's AFC Championship Game.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -3. O/U: 54

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (10-3): With star tight end Rob Gronkowski serving a one-game suspension, New England was 0-for-11 on third down and Tom Brady threw multiple interceptions for the first time this season while completing only 55.8 percent of his passes in the 27-20 loss at Miami. "Gronk is not only one of the most dynamic tight ends but also one of the most dynamic players in the NFL," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "Obviously his absence is a significant one, and his presence is a significant one." The ground game had rushed for at least 191 yards in its previous two games but was stifled by the Dolphins, with Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead managing a combined 25 yards on 10 carries. New England had not allowed more than 17 points during its eight-game winning streak, but saw Miami hold the ball for 36-plus minutes.

ABOUT THE STEELERS (11-2): Ben Roethlisberger became the first quarterback in league history with three 500-yard games, rallying Pittsburgh from a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit for the second straight week in Sunday's 39-38 win over Baltimore. A knee injury limited Bell to six carries in the AFC title game, but he has rumbled for an NFL-best 1,105 yards rushing and also has 75 receptions -- 35 over the past four games. Brown, who has scored six times in the past four games, is coming off a monster effort against the Ravens with 11 catches for 213 yards to boost his league-leading totals to 99 receptions for 1,509 yards. Pittsburgh, which lost linebacker and leading tackler Ryan Shazier to a serious spinal injury at Cincinnati on Dec. 4, allowed 413 yards to a Baltimore offense ranked among the league's bottom quarter.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Brady has 22 touchdown passes and zero interceptions (playoffs included) in the past seven versus Pittsburgh.

2. Brown needs one reception to become the first player with five consecutive 100-catch seasons.

3. The Patriots signed WR Kenny Britt on Tuesday, four days after he was released by Cleveland.

PREDICTION: Steelers 27, Patriots 26

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TItans vs. 49ers Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017

After laying an egg in their last contest, the Tennessee Titans hope to strengthen their hold on a playoff spot Sunday as they visit a team with newly gained confidence in the San Francisco 49ers. Tennessee had won six of seven before dropping a 12-7 decision at Arizona last week to fall one game behind Jacksonville for first place in the AFC South.

Despite the loss, the Titans have allowed fewer than 17 points in six of of their last seven games - including each of their last three - and enter Week 15 in the first wild-card spot in the conference. With matchups against the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville in its final two contests, Tennessee cannot afford to overlook San Francisco, which has won two straight and three of four after opening the season with nine consecutive defeats. The 49ers posted a 26-16 victory at Houston last week for their second win in as many starts by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who completed 20-of-33 passes for a career-high 334 yards and a touchdown. San Francisco is 8-5 in the all-time series but suffered a 34-27 loss in the last matchup it hosted on Nov. 8, 2009.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: 49ers -1.5. O/U: 45

ABOUT THE TITANS (8-5): Quarterback Marcus Mariota has had issues of late, throwing eight of his 14 interceptions this season over his last four games - including two in the loss to the Cardinals. The 24-year-old struggled a bit in that contest after injuring his knee in the first half but will be good to go against San Francisco. Left tackle Taylor Lewan exited last week's contest with back spasms and missed Wednesday's practice but was back on the field Thursday.

ABOUT THE 49ERS (3-10): Wideout Marquise Goodwin has registered at least 50 receiving yards in five consecutive games, which is the team's longest streak since Anquan Boldin had an eight-game run in 2014. Garoppolo has passed for 627 yards in the last two games and needs 141 against Tennessee to give him the most in the first three starts by a quarterback in franchise history. San Francisco signed Max McCaffrey from Green Bay's practice squad and placed fellow wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. San Francisco RB Carlos Hyde needs one rushing touchdown to match the career high of six he set last season.

2. Tennessee S Kevin Byard is tied for the league lead with six interceptions.

3. San Francisco T Joe Staley is a finalist for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award for the third straight year.

PREDICTION: Titans 27, 49ers 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cowboys vs. Raiders Preview and Predictions

By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/14/2017

The Dallas Cowboys have won two straight to climb back into postseason contention but they face another team battling for its playoff life when they visit the Oakland Raiders on Sunday night. Trendy choices to win division titles entering the season, both Dallas and Oakland sit one game out of the final playoff slot in their respective conferences.

"I think the two of us probably expected to have a few more wins at this point in the year," Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said of his team and the Cowboys. "We are where we are and we're looking forward to playing." Dallas re-entered the postseason conversation by amassing 68 points in beating up on NFC East rivals Washington and New York, but there are still four teams in front of the Cowobys for the last wild-card berth in the NFC. "Coach (Jason) Garrett talks about it all the time, that the only thing that matters is what we do now," veteran tight end Jason Witten said. "I mean, you don't know how it's all going to play out here in the next few weeks, but let's give ourselves the best chance." With its final two games on the road, Oakland may have squandered its best chance of securing the AFC West title by suffering a lopsided 26-15 loss at Kansas City last week in a showdown for first place.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Cowboys -3. O/U: 46

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (7-6): Dallas scored a combined 22 points in losing three in a row following the six-game suspension to star running back Ezekiel Elliott, but it had its second straight 30-point performance as Dak Prescott threw for three touchdowns and a career-high 332 yards against the Giants. Running back Rod Smith had 160 yards from scrimmage with both a rushing and receiving touchdown for the Cowboys, who will get Elliott back for the final two games against Seattle and at Philadelphia. Star wideout Dez Bryant has a touchdown reception in each of the past two games but has failed to reach 100 yards this season. Dallas has caused a league-high 20 forced fumbles and had four of its nine interceptions in the past two games.

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (6-7): Oakland was a no-show for much of last week's loss, falling into a 26-point hole before putting up a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to make the final score look respectable. Derek Carr has thrown six interceptions in the past six games -- matching his total from the 2016 season -- and the big-play element is missing from the passing game with wideout Amari Cooper eclipsing 62 yards once this season and looming as a question mark for Sunday after aggravating an ankle injury early in last week's loss. Marshawn Lynch has rushed for a touchdown in each of the past three games but he has more than 14 carries only twice in the last 11 games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Prescott has a 114.4 passer rating with eight TDs and zero interceptions in his last five road games.

2. Carr has 21 scoring passes versus five interceptions in his 10 games at home.

3. Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence is second in the NFL with 13.5 sacks and has eight in his last six on the road.

PREDICTION: Cowboys 23, Raiders 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL opening line report: Patriots at Steelers highlights Week 15
Patrick Everson

'We’ll look to open the Patriots as 2- or 3-point favorites. They are simply the most dominant club in the league, and the next team isn’t that close."

As the NFL season hits Week 15, the playoff push is reaching full throttle. Patrick Everson checks in on the opening lines for a quartet of key contests, with insights from Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (no line)

New England is very much rounding into the form of a defending Super Bowl champion, though it still has some Week 14 work to do, playing in the Monday nighter at Miami. The Patriots (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) are on an eight-game winning streak, cashing for bettors in seven of those contests. In Week 13, the Pats stumped Buffalo 23-3 as a 7.5-point road favorite.

Pittsburgh barely kept alive its winning streak in the Week 14 Sunday nighter. The Steelers (10-2 SU, 6-6 ATS) snagged their eighth consecutive victory (4-4 ATS), edging Baltimore 39-38 on a last-minute field goal while failing to cash as a 6-point home chalk.

With Pittsburgh playing late Sunday and New England yet to play, Bookmaker.eu is holding off on posting this line.

“As long as nothing out of the ordinary happens in the final two games of the week, we’ll look to open the Patriots as 2- or 3-point favorites,” Cooley said. “They are simply the most dominant club in the league, and the next team isn’t that close. This game will command a huge handle, and hopefully we’ll get a great game.”

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (-1)

Kansas City finally got out of its rut, halting a four-game losing streak and a 1-6 SU and ATS slide overall. The Chiefs (7-6 SU and ATS) dropped Oakland 26-15 on Sunday as a 4.5-point home fave.

Thanks to K.C.’s slide, Los Angeles (7-6 SU, 7-5-1 ATS) has surged into contention in the AFC West. The Chargers rolled Washington 30-13 laying 6 points at home Sunday.

“The Chiefs finally flexed their muscles this week, but wow, the Chargers have certainly impressed,” Cooley said. “And really that’s been the case all season. We have L.A. ranked higher in our ratings at this point, which is probably surprising to some. Early smart money is on the Chargers.”

That took the opening line of Chiefs -1 down to pick ‘em at Bookmaker.eu. Both teams will go on slightly shorter rest, as this is a Saturday night game.

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (+1.5)

Los Angeles had a great opportunity to take a two-game lead in the NFC West, but couldn’t find a way to handle Philadelphia, even after knocking QB Carson Wentz out of the game. The Rams (9-4 SU, 8-5 ATS) rebounded from a 21-7 first-half deficit and took a 35-31 lead early in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell short 43-35 laying 1 point at home.

The reason L.A. could have taken a two-game lead: Seattle lost at Jacksonville 30-24 as a 3-point pup Sunday. The Seahawks beat the Rams 16-10 as a 2-point road ‘dog on Oct. 8, so a win this week would create a tie at the top of the division, with Seattle owning the tiebreaker on head-to-head.

“Early sharp money suggests this should have opened closer to a pick,” Cooley said, noting the line indeed moved down to pick ‘em on Seattle money. “I could certainly see this game going either way. Seattle got the best of the Rams earlier this season, but that Los Angeles squad has made leaps-and-bounds improvement since then.”

Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers (no line)

Carolina moved back into a tie atop the NFC South, taking advantage of New Orleans’ Thursday night loss at Atlanta. The Panthers (9-4 SU, 8-5 ATS) slowed down red-hot Minnesota, claiming a 31-24 home victory getting 2.5 points Sunday.

Green Bay nearly gave up Cleveland’s first win of the year, pulling out a 27-21 overtime victory giving 2.5 points on the road. Now, there’s the expectation that star quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns for the Week 15 clash with Carolina. But since that’s not yet certain, Bookmaker.eu isn’t posting a number.

“We’re expecting Rodgers to be back in action, but you never know. So we’ll wait to get confirmation before putting up a line,” Cooley said. “Rodgers is worth so much to the line, we can’t risk hanging a bad number. If he does suit up, we’re probably looking at Carolina being a small favorite, possibly down to even a pick ‘em.”

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sharps are advising that these Week 15 NFL lines are going to move
Art Aronson

No one thought the meeting between the Chargers and Chiefs in Week 15 would turn out to be the most important game in the AFC West this season.

Game to bet now

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City (-1)

When the Chargers and Chiefs met nearly three months ago it was Kansas City’s third win in what would be a five-game win streak, and Los Angeles’ third consecutive loss in what would be a season-opening four-game losing streak - the two teams then headed in opposite directions. No one thought their meeting in mid-December would turn out to be the most important in the AFC West this season.

Both teams are now 7-6, both have winnable games in Weeks 16 and 17, and the second-place team in the division will likely not get a wild-card playoff spot – so this game is basically "it" in the division.

The line hasn’t budged since opening at -1 on Sunday night, but bettors should be aware that the Chargers should have a little extra motivation due to their earlier loss to the Chiefs. If the Chargers fall a game back with two to go, and KC has the first tie-breaker due to beating LA twice, it’s basically over for the Chargers.

Game to wait on

New England at Pittsburgh (+2.5)

It’s likely that the Patriots were 35,000 feet someplace over Georgia when they forgot about Monday night’s unexpected loss to Miami. In the grand scheme of things, win or lose the Pats still would have to beat the Steelers this coming Sunday to maintain home-field advantage in the playoffs, so it’s not likely they would empty the playbook in Miami. Then there is the matter of TE Rob Gronkowski who, due to suspension, will have had two weeks to rest before going at the Steelers.

Books apparently didn’t pay the Miami game too much heed, since the line didn’t move an inch after New England turned in perhaps its worst game since Tom Brady was serving the final game of his four-week suspension in Week 4 last season. Early money did fatten the line from Pittsburgh +1 to the current +2.5, so bettors might want to see if public money stays on the Steelers, perhaps nudging the number down a bit.

Total to watch

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle (47.5)

LA has been one of the top-scoring teams in the league on the road this season, averaging more than 32 points away from home. And that number balloons to more than 37 if a Week 11 seven-point hiccup is eliminated from the mix. Much of the credit goes to RB Todd Gurley, who has been both healthy and productive.

Gurley figures to get the ball early and often against a Seahawks defense that is only a shadow of the unit that it was over the last half-decade. Seattle gave up 30 points in a ugly loss to Jacksonville on Sunday and needs to step up big-time at home against the Rams. The 47.5 is the highest posted total for a Seahawks home game this season and the highest overall since the 49.5 on opening day at Green Bay.