NFL Week 15 Picks Against The Spread 2017: Predictions ATS, Updated Odds

If the NFL Week 15 betting odds are any indication, several teams that are on the fringe of the 2017 playoff picture have a good shot to improve their postseason chances on the upcoming schedule. Five teams that are one game or less out of the playoffs are favored, and three division leaders are underdogs.

Below are picks against the spread for every game in Week 15, as well as updated betting odds at Las Vegas and online sportsbooks. Betting lines and trends are courtesy of OddsShark.

Denver Broncos (-2) at Indianapolis Colts

This is probably the worst “Thursday Night Football” matchup of the season, and the only real reason to watch is if you’ve decided to bet it. Even after their win over the Jets, Denver probably shouldn’t be favored on the road against anyone other than Cleveland. Four of the Colts’ last five losses have come by one score, and they could steal a win against a team that’s averaging 13.5 points on the road.

Prediction ATS: Indianapolis

Chicago Bears (+5) at Detroit Lions

The Bears nearly beat the Lions a few weeks ago, and Saturday’s matchup could come down to the wire again. Detroit’s only win by more than a field goal over the last five games came against the winless Browns. Since Week 4, Chicago has only been defeated by more than a score once. The Bears have lost against the spread once in their last six games against the Lions.

Prediction ATS: Chicago

Los Angeles Chargers (-1) at Kansas City Chiefs

It’s become clear that the Chargers are the class of the AFC West at this point in the season. Kansas City hasn’t been able to stop teams that can score, and Philip Rivers is playing some of the best football of his career with eight touchdown passes and no interceptions over the last four weeks. Alex Smith is in trouble against Los Angeles’ pass rush. The Chargers are about to be in the driver’s seat to win the division title.

Prediction ATS: Los Angeles

Arizona Cardinals (+4.5) at Washington Redskins

Betting on Blaine Gabbert on the road probably isn’t a smart idea. The quarterback was picked off twice in a 10-point loss to the Deshaun Watson-less Texans in his only road start this season. Kirk Cousins and Washington should bounce back after two embarrassing losses.

Prediction ATS: Washington

Houston Texans (+11) at Jacksonville Jaguars

As difficult as it might be to believe, the Jaguars are one of the NFL’s best teams and a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Jacksonville ranks first in several important defensive categories, and they could have a field day against Houston, who is probably down to their No.3 quarterback. A strong running game and Blake Bortles’ improved play will allow the Jaguars to move the ball against a Texans’ defense that’s been ravaged by key injuries.

Prediction ATS: Jacksonville

Green Bay Packers (+2.5) at Carolina Panthers

The return of Aaron Rodgers probably isn’t going to save Green Bay’s season. Don’t expect him to put up eye-popping numbers in his first game back against one of the NFC’s best defenses.

Prediction ATS: Carolina

New York Jets (+16) at New Orleans Saints

With Bryce Petty under center for New York, Sunday’s game could get very ugly. The Saints are 7-0 against teams that are currently out of the playoffs, winning by an average of 15.9 points. Three of those victories have come by at least 20 points.

Prediction ATS: New Orleans

Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5) at New York Giants

The Giants might be the play here as long as the betting line remains higher than a touchdown. No one knows how Nick Foles will perform in his first start of the season, and New York’s Week 14 game with Dallas was closer than the final score indicated.

Prediction ATS: New York

Baltimore Ravens (-7) at Cleveland Browns

Picking a team that’s over .500 and laying no more than a touchdown against the Browns is an easy choice. Baltimore could be dangerous in the playoffs, averaging 29.7 points over their last six weeks to go along with a top defense. Cleveland’s 3-10 record against the spread is the NFL’s worst. The Browns have lost by at least nine points in their last four games against winning teams.

Prediction ATS: Baltimore

Miami Dolphins (N/A) at Buffalo Bills

There is no betting line because of Tyrod Taylor’s uncertain status.

Cincinnati Bengals (+11) at Minnesota Vikings

Even after their Week 14 loss, the Vikings might be the NFC’s best team. Case Keenum continues to impress, and Minnesota’s defense should have a big day against an offense that’s 24th in yards per play. The Bengals are 1-5 against teams with winning records, losing three times by at least 15 points.

Prediction ATS: Minnesota

Los Angeles Rams (+2) at Seattle Seahawks

This game could mark the end of Seattle’s five-year playoff run. With the injuries the Seahawks have suffered on defense, the Rams are simply the better team. Their defensive front will give Seattle’s offensive line problems. The absence of Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman could mean a big afternoon for the league’s second-highest scoring team.

Prediction ATS: Los Angeles

New England Patriots (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers

Is anyone actually picking the Steelers to beat the Patriots in a game of this magnitude? New England is coming off a loss to Miami in a meaningless game, and a different Patriots’ team should show up Sunday with the AFC’s No.1 seed on the line. After beating Pittsburgh in last year’s conference title game, New England is 10-2 against their AFC North rivals with Tom Brady under center.

Prediction ATS: New England

Tennessee Titans (+2) at San Francisco 49ers

Tennessee wouldn’t be in the playoffs if their schedule wasn’t so easy. Five of the Titans' wins have come against the bottom third of the league. They could be in trouble against an improving 49ers’ team. Jimmy Garoppolo has looked like the real deal in his short stint with San Francisco.

Prediction ATS: San Francisco

Dallas Cowboys (-3) at Oakland Raiders

There’s no reason to believe in Oakland as a possible playoff team anymore. They’ve got a defense that’s 26th in yards per play allowed and an offense that can’t seem to move the ball downfield. Dallas has gotten healthier over the last few weeks, and it’s showed with two big wins.

Prediction ATS: Dallas

Atlanta Falcons (-6) at Tampa Buccaneers

Tampa Bay continues to disappoint just about every week, going 2-9-1 against the spread in their last 12 games. The Falcons are probably headed to the playoffs, and the Bucs are 0-6 against current playoff teams.

Prediction ATS: Atlanta