Pic’s Picks: Take Jets and the points
(23-25-2 against the spread in 2022)
NEW YORK JETS (+3.5) over New England Patriots
The safest play here is to expect a close game between division rivals. Some might argue the word “rival” is strong, considering the Patriots have won 13 straight against the Jets, including a 22-17 win back in Week 8. The refs gave that one to the Patriots though, with a questionable roughing-the-passer call that overturned a Mac Jones pick-six. Both teams are coming off the bye, and the 6-3 Jets just beat the Bills in Week 9. New England is 5-4 and has won two straight. The Pats could very well win, but I’m taking the Jets with that half-point to cover at Gillette.
NEW YORK GIANTS (-3) over Detroit Lions
At 7-2, the Giants have the second-best record in the NFC, behind the Eagles and Vikings, who are each 8-1. Saquon Barkley is having an MVP-caliber season, leading the NFL with an average of 103 rush yards per game. That’s bad news for the 3-6 Lions, who allow 160 rush yards per game. Detroit has won two straight, but I expect the Giants to put an end to that streak at MetLife. New York wins and covers at home.
BUFFALO BILLS (-7.5) over Cleveland Browns
This game had to be moved to Detroit because of a vicious snowstorm in Buffalo. The 6-3 Bills even had to cancel practice on Friday.
Still, I love Josh Allen in a neutral dome, looking to snap a two-game losing skid after losses to the Jets and Vikings. The 3-6 Browns have the second-worst defense in the league, allowing 26 points per game. The Bills should win and cover.
DALLAS COWBOYS (-1.5) over Minnesota Vikings
The 8-1 Vikings have won seven straight, and are coming off a wacky overtime win over the Bills last Sunday. The 6-3 Cowboys are coming off an overtime loss to the Packers. That’s just a small bump in the road for Dallas though. Dak Prescott will be extra motivated in Minnesota. I like his chances against a Vikings pass defense that ranks 29th in the NFL. Cowboys get back on track with a win and a cover.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-4.5) over Los Angeles Chargers
Kansas City has won three straight and already defeated the Chargers this season, 27-24, back in Week 2. Patrick Mahomes is 6-2 in his career against the Chargers, with 18 touchdown passes and five interceptions. LA is playing without Pro Bowl pass-rusher Joey Bosa, which should make things a little easier for the Chiefs offense. If the playoffs began today, the 7-2 Chiefs would be the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and the 5-4 Chargers would be on the outside looking in. Give me Kansas City to win by a touchdown in LA on Sunday Night Football.