NFL picks against the spread, Week 16: Looking for a SuperContest rebound

Welcome back for Week 16 of the 2015 NFL season. The return of the NFL means gambling is back in our lives. The NFL might frown upon it, but gambling and fantasy football are two of the biggest reasons for the NFL’s insane level of popularity. I think they’ll put up with it.

This year I am back for another crack at the LVH SuperContest. The contest includes over 1,400 participants picking games each week to see who can come out on top. Our partners at OddsShark have staked myself and a handful of other participants in the SuperContest. You can track all of us here, and you can follow the standings here.

The contest involves picking five games each week for 17 weeks. You get to choose which five games you will pick. The lines are locked in Wednesday evening, and picks are submitted by the end of the week. I am currently sitting at 44-24-2. I am coming off a poor performance, going 2-3 in Week 14. Hopefully I can avoid the inevitable letdown. Here are my five picks for Week 15.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-4.5) over New York Giants

The Giants almost pulled off a wild comeback against the Carolina Panthers but came up just short. I think that, combined with Odell Beckham Jr.‘s suspension, opens the door for a letdown. The Vikings are playing some solid football right now, and Adrian Peterson will be a key in this one.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-3) over Chicago Bears

I might be overreacting on missing wide receivers, but Alshon Jeffery listed as doubtful boosted this pick a bit for me. The Bears are struggling anyway, coming off an ugly loss in Minnesota. Look for Doug Martin to be the difference-maker in this one, even more so than Jameis Winston.

Carolina Panthers (-6.5) over ATLANTA FALCONS

The Panthers missed a cover on a near-collapse last week, but this one is all about Cam Newton in Atlanta. He likes playing there, and I think the Panthers look to put away home field advantage with a dominant effort.

Cleveland Browns (+12) over KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Even with the Browns losing one of their leading pass rushers to an arrest, 12 points is a whole lot to get. The Chiefs blew out the Baltimore Ravens last week, but they benefited from a fumble returned for a touchdown late in the second quarter and a pick-six late in the game. I feel like the Browns can hang around in this game.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (-4.5) over Green Bay Packers

The loss of Tyrann Mathieu hurts the Cardinals’ defense, but Arizona’s home field advantage has been really solid. I don’t think this inconsistent Packers offense will be able to keep pace with the Cardinals’ high-octane attack.

Here are all my picks for Week 15 (7-9 last week, 113-105-5 overall):

OAKLAND RAIDERS vs. San Diego Chargers (+6.5): Raiders - Loss
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES vs. Washington (+3): Eagles
MINNESOTA VIKINGS vs. New York Giants (+4.5): Vikings
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS vs. Chicago Bears (+3): Bucs
ATLANTA FALCONS vs. Carolina Panthers (-6.5): Panthers
BUFFALO BILLS vs. Dallas Cowboys (+6.5): Cowboys
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (+2.5): Jaguars
DETROIT LIONS vs. San Francisco 49ers (+9.5): 49ers
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS vs. Cleveland Browns (+12): Browns
MIAMI DOLPHINS vs. Indianapolis Colts (+1.5): Dolphins
NEW YORK JETS vs. New England Patriots (-3): Jets
TENNESSEE TITANS vs. Houston Texans (-4): Texans
ARIZONA CARDINALS vs. Green Bay Packers (+4.5): Cardinals
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS vs. St. Louis Rams (+13.5): Seahawks
BALTIMORE RAVENS vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-10): Steelers
DENVER BRONCOS vs. Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5): Broncos