Tag: expert picks

Colts vs. Texans: NFL experts make Week 18 picks

The experts are leaning heavily to one side in Week 18.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) will be playing for the life of their season when they host the Houston Texans (9-7) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night.

After Indy bounced back in a Week 17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, they are locked into a win-or-go-home game against the Texans. The winner of this game will be guaranteed at least a wild-card spot with the chance to win the division if the Tennessee Titans pull off the upset over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Vegas has the Colts sitting as 1-point home underdogs in this matchup, according to BetMGM.

Here’s how the experts around the league see this matchup shaking out:

Expert Pick Score (if applicable)
Nate Davis (USA TODAY) Texans 30-27 Link
Jarrett Bell (USA TODAY) Texans 27-24 Link
Lorenzo Reyes (USA TODAY) Texans 24-20 Link
Mike Clay (ESPN) — — Link
Dan Graziano (ESPN) Texans — Link
NFL Network Texans 27-24 Link
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Texans 28-20 Link
Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Texans 23-20 Link
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Texans 31-26 Link
Cam DaSilva (Sportsbook Wire) Texans — Link
Josh Kendall (The Athletic) Texans — Link

Over at Tallysight, 71% of the analysts have the Texans coming away with a road win. In terms of the 1-point spread, 24% of analysts believe the Colts will cover.

According to BetMGM, the numbers also favor the Texans. As of this writing, 72% of the bettors are taking the Texans (-120) moneyline while 42% have the Colts covering a 1-point spread (-110). Meanwhile, 52% believe the game will hit the under on a 47.5-point total (-110).

This game is for all the marbles. The winner gets into the playoffs while the loser goes home and prepares early for the offseason. The fact that both of these teams are in this situation is a testament to the new coaching staffs. At this point last season, the conversation between these two teams was about draft capital.

The Texans certainly have improved on both sides of the ball. The emergence of C.J. Stroud as one of the game’s most efficient passers has given life to the Texans offense while DeMeco Ryans’ impact on Houston’s defense should not be overlooked.

Anything can happen in this type of high-pressure game, especially between two division-mates. It should make for a fun Saturday night.

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NFL Week 17 picks: Zero experts believe the Commanders can beat the 49ers

Not one person believes the Commanders can beat the 49ers.

The Washington Commanders (4-11) host the San Francisco 49ers (11-4) on Sunday in what’s expected to be one of, if not the most lopsided matchup of Week 17.

Washington enters Sunday having lost six games in a row and is two weeks away from owner Josh Harris completely cleaning house. Meanwhile, the 49ers are arguably the best team in the NFL but head into Week 17 an angry bunch after Monday’s Christmas Day loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

As expected, the Commanders are a big underdog. San Francisco is a 14-point favorite for Sunday’s game. Additionally, Washington announced several starters would miss Sunday’s game, including three from the secondary. On Saturday, the Commanders placed left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and center Tyler Larsen on injured reserve.

Is there any chance Washington could pull off the upset?

Not according to the experts. Generally, there’s a trendy upset pick every week. According to NFL Pickwatch, that trendy upset pick will not be the Commanders, as 100% of the picks are in and all favor the 49ers.

The NFL is truly a “any given Sunday” league, but not this Sunday for Washington.

The result will likely be the same whether it’s Jacoby Brissett or Sam Howell under center for the Commanders.

 

Colts vs. Raiders: NFL experts make Week 17 picks

The experts have made their picks for this Week 17 matchup.

The Indianapolis Colts (8-7) are just about set to host the Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) for a crucial Week 17 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

As the Colts are looking to bounce back from arguably their worst loss of the season, the Raiders have been enjoying some success under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, most recently coming off a surprising road win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Vegas has the Colts sitting as 3.5-point home favorites in this matchup, according to BetMGM.

Here’s how the experts around the league see this matchup shaking out:

Expert Pick Score (if applicable) Link
Nate Davis (USA TODAY) Raiders 20-17 Link
Jarrett Bell (USA TODAY) Raiders 26-22 Link
Lorenzo Reyes (USA TODAY) Raiders 17-15 Link
Mike Clay (ESPN) Colts — Link
Dan Graziano (ESPN) Raiders — Link
NFL Network Raiders 23-20 Link
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Raiders 24-20 Link
Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Colts 17-13 Link
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Raiders 23-15 Link
Cam DaSilva (Sportsbook Wire) Raiders — Link
Bleacher Report Raiders 23-21 Link

Over at Tallysight, 58% of the analysts have the Colts taking a win at home. In terms of the spread, 66% of analysts believe the Raiders will cover.

According to BetMGM, the numbers also favor the Raiders much more heavily. As of this writing, 57% of the bettors are taking the Raiders moneyline while 65% also have them covering a 3.5-point spread. Meanwhile, 65% believe the game will hit the over on a 42.5-point total.

The Colts currently hold the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff picture and are playing for their spot as either a wild-card team or potentially as the leaders in the AFC South if things bounce their way.

Meanwhile, the Raiders suddenly find themselves clinging to slight hopes of making the playoffs considering they are 4-3 under Pierce as the interim head coach. They just got their first win on the road with him leading the team in a 20-14 upset over the Chiefs.

These two teams have played each other in each of the last five seasons with the Colts holding a 3-2 record during that span and each team trading off wins every other year.

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NFL Week 16 picks: The experts favor the Jets over Commanders

The experts believe the Jets will win, but it’s close.

The Washington Commanders are one week closer to a new era. But before the Commanders finish another disappointing season, they have three games remaining.

On Sunday, the 4-10 Commanders make their second trip to MetLife Stadium this season. Only this time, Washington faces the New York Jets. Things didn’t go well the first time, as the Commanders looked terrible in a 14-7 loss to the Giants.

The Jets are having an equally disappointing season, sitting at 5-9, but their lack of success can be blamed on losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the season.

Washington has lost five consecutive games and seven of eight, while New York has lost five of its last six.

The Jets are favored, but what do the experts think?

According to NFL Pickwatch, 55% of the experts have weighed in and believe the Jets, with Trevor Siemian, will defeat the Commanders.

A Washington win would feel like a loss for fans. With a new GM and coach expected, the Commanders need to pick as high as possible in the 2024 NFL draft if they plan on being in the quarterback market.

Washington currently holds the No. 4 position in the draft, with the Jets right behind at No. 5.

Who are the experts picking in Panthers vs. Packers?

The NFL experts are stuffing coal in the Panthers’ stockings in Week 16.

It took another six weeks, but the Carolina Panthers finally got back into the win column last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. So, can they make it two in a row with the Green Bay Packers squeezing into town?

Here’s what the experts think about that . . .

Colts vs. Falcons: NFL experts make Week 16 picks

NFL experts are siding heavily with the Colts over the Falcons in Week 16.

The Indianapolis Colts (8-6) will be on the road this weekend visiting the Atlanta Falcons (6-8) for a Week 16 matchup Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

While the Colts have won five of their last six games, the Falcons have lost five of their last seven and are turning back to Taylor Heinicke after benching Desmond Ridder for the second time this season.

Vegas has the Colts sitting as 2.5-point road underdogs in this matchup, according to BetMGM.

Here’s how the experts around the league see this matchup shaking out:

Expert Pick Score (if applicable) Link
Nate Davis (USA TODAY) Colts 23-20 Link
Jarrett Bell (USA TODAY) Colts 24-23 Link
Lorenzo Reyes (USA TODAY) Colts 18-13 Link
Mike Clay (ESPN) Colts — Link
Dan Graziano (ESPN) Falcons — Link
NFL Network Colts 20-18 Link
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Colts 21-18 Link
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Falcons 23-20 Link
Cam DaSilva (Sportsbook Wire) Colts — Link
Bleacher Report Colts 24-21 Link

Over at Tallysight, 83% of the analysts have the Colts walking away with an upset victory on the road. In terms of the spread, 80% of analysts believe the Colts will cover.

According to BetMGM, the numbers also favor the Colts. As of this writing, 82% of the bettors are taking the Colts moneyline while 82% also have them covering a 2.5-point spread. Meanwhile, 58% believe the game will hit the over on a 45-point total.

The Colts are currently right in the middle of a crowded AFC playoff picture. They enter the week as the No. 7 and final seed in the conference, but they also are in a three-way tie for the top spot in the division.

The Falcons are still fighting for their playoff chances and find themselves one game back for the top spot in the NFC South division.

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Who the experts are picking in Saints vs. Rams on TNF

Nobody is predicting a blowout, but this week’s NFL expert picks are unanimously siding with the Rams over the Saints:

No one is predicting a blowout, but the NFL expert picks in Week 16 are unanimously backing the Los Angeles Rams. Now, it’s widely expected that the New Orleans Saints will keep it competitive — the question is whether they can get the job done on the road, on a short week, against a well-coached Rams team playing their hearts out.

Here is a quick look at the Week 16 NFL expert picks:

NFL Week 15 picks: The experts overwhelmingly favor the Rams over Commanders

Experts overwhelmingly favor the Rams over the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders return from a much-deserved week off in time to travel out west to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. While the Rams aren’t one of the NFL’s best teams like Washington’s previous two opponents, Los Angeles is competing for a playoff spot behind a red-hot offense.

Behind quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the Rams have 10 touchdown passes in the last three weeks, two of which came in games against two of the NFL’s better defenses.

Uh oh, Washington. The Commanders defense is terrible. No team gives up more big plays than Washington, and the Commanders have also struggled to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.

So, it’s no surprise that the experts overwhelmingly believe the Rams will take care of Washington.

According to NFL Pickwatch, 98% of the picks favor the Rams. Washington has faced these types of odds throughout the season and, unlike last season, has failed to pull off the upset.

The Rams could be without future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald. L.A. added him to the injury report Saturday as questionable with a groin injury.

Who are the experts picking in Panthers vs. Falcons?

Do any experts have faith in the 1-12 Panthers this week? The answer may surprise you.

It’s extremely difficult to have any type of faith in the 2023 Carolina Panthers. But maybe, just maybe, there’s someone out there who does as we head into Week 15.

Here are the expert picks for Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons:

Colts vs. Steelers: NFL experts make Week 15 picks

The NFL experts make their Week 15 picks.

The Indianapolis Colts (7-6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) will clash Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in what will be a matchup that heavily influences the AFC playoff picture.

Both teams are coming off tough losses. The Colts got embarrassed on the road by the Cincinnati Bengals while the Steelers lost in prime time against the New England Patriots.

Vegas has the Colts sitting as 1.5-point home favorites in this matchup, according to BetMGM.

Here’s how the experts around the league see this matchup shaking out:

Expert Pick Score (if applicable) Link
Nate Davis (USA TODAY) Steelers 20-17 Link
Jarrett Bell (USA TODAY) Steelers 23-20 Link
Lorenzo Reyes (USA TODAY) Colts 23-16 Link
Mike Clay (ESPN) Colts — Link
Dan Graziano (ESPN) Steelers — Link
NFL Network Colts 21-20 Link
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Steelers 22-20 Link
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Colts 21-16 Link
Cam DaSilva (Sportsbook Wire) Colts — Link
Bleacher Report Colts 24-20 Link

Over at Tallysight, 75% of the analysts have the Colts walking away with a home victory. In terms of the spread, 65% of analysts believe the Colts will cover.

According to BetMGM, the numbers also favor the Colts. As of this writing, 64% of the bettors are taking the Colts moneyline while 70% have them covering a 1.5-point spread. Meanwhile, 72% believe the game will hit the under on a 42.5-point total.

This is as close to a playoff game as it’s going to get for either side. The Steelers (No. 6) and the Colts (No. 7) are right on the bubble with four other teams holding 7-6 records.

There’s a massive swing in playoff implications here. If the Colts win, their chances to make the playoffs increase to 66%. If they lose, it plummets to 20%, according to Pro Football Focus.

This game will show just what the Colts are made of coming off a brutal loss on the road. The experts see them coming away with a crucial win.

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