Forecaster Frank NFL Week 14: Deck the Field

I struggled again in Week 13, posting a record of 7-9. Overall, I am 109-82-4 on the season.

Thursday Night 

• Det -3 (o/u 51.5)
• Lions 34 Packers 30

The Lions defense is banged up and vulnerable. This means they will need a big day from their offense and Jared Goff to stay atop the NFC North. Look for an explosive game as Goff makes his case for MVP.  

Sunday at 1

• NYJ +6 (o/u 45)
• Dolphins 24 Jets 20

The Jets seem to save their best games for the Dolphins. A six-point spread is hard to trust with the inconsistent Dolphins, especially when the Jets lately have been losing close games, which frustrates their fans even more than usual. 

• Atl +6 (o/u 45.5)
• Vikings 27 Falcons 23

The Falcons have gone into a tailspin, but still are atop the NFC South. The Vikings, meanwhile, at 10-2, are a game back of the Lions, demonstrating the separation in these divisions. The Vikings will win, but the Falcons will get a late score for a backdoor cover. 

• NO -4.5 (o/u 41)
• Saints 31 Giants 13

The Saints are 4-8 and are a significant favorite in the Meadowlands. Yes, the Giants are that bad. It will not matter who starts as quarterback for the Giants, as there is a lame-duck air hanging over the team, and they remain winless at MetLife. 

• Phi -12.5 (o/u 46)
• Eagles 38 Panthers 17

No team is hotter than the Eagles, as Saquon Barkley is making a run at 2000 yards and NFL MVP. Look for another big game, as the Panthers, though playing better as of late, will not be able to keep pace. 

• Pit -6.5 (o/u 43.5)
• Steelers 27 Browns 16

Two weeks ago, the Browns stunned the Steelers in the snow in Cleveland. There is no way they will beat the Steelers again. Look for Pittsburgh to harass Jameis Winston into making at least two interceptions as they get a measure of revenge.

• TB -6.5 (o/u 46.5) 
• Buccaneers 37 Raiders 10

The Raiders have been eliminated from playoff contention. They had their best effort and fumbled a chance to win in Arrowhead last week. Expect a letdown as the Buccaneers, with first place in reach, begin a strong surge to finish the season. 

• Ten -3.5 (o/u 39.5)
• Titans 20 Jaguars 10

A lost season gets worse for the Jaguars as Trevor Lawrence is on IR with a concussion. Despite an ugly loss last week, the Titans have shown signs of playing well over the past month. Expect a win for the Titans as the Jaguars' focus shifts to the offseason.

Sunday Late Games

• Ari -2.5 (o/u 44.5)
• Cardinals 20 Seahawks 13

The Seahawks beat the Cardinals two weeks ago in Seattle and took over first place. A win and Seattle could begin to separate themselves in the race for the NFC West. I cannot see any separation as the Niners' throne is up for grabs with three mediocre teams, and a banged-up Niners team still has a shot. 

• Buf -3.5 (o/u 49.5)
• Bills 34 Rams 13

The Bills have hit their stride and are looking to position themselves into the home field if the Chiefs suffer a second loss. Look for that trend to continue as Buffalo stampedes its way through LA.

• SF -4 (o/u 44)
• 49ers 24 Bears 13

The 49ers have been decimated by injuries all season, as the Bears, with six straight frustration losses, take the field with a new coach after Matt Eberflus went into a turkey trance and let time expire before getting fired. The Niners need this one to get their minds right, as they hope they can still hobble into the playoffs. 

Sunday Night

• LAC +4 (o/u 42.5)
• Chargers 27 Chiefs 24

Eventually, the lackluster play is going to catch up to the Chiefs, who, despite their 11-1 record, have had trouble covering all season. The Chargers are nearly as good at finding a way to lose close games, but they always seem to save their best for Sunday night games. Look for the Chargers to get the late field goal to hand a loss to Kansas City. 

Monday Night

• Dal +5.5 (o/u 49.5)
• Cowboys 37 Bengals 31

Joe Burrow is doing his part. Ja'Marr Chase is doing his part. Chase Brown is doing his part. The Bengals defense is not doing a fucking thing. Look for more frustration for Cincinnati as the Cowboys continue to give their fans false hope with a third straight win.