The NFL's post-Thanksgiving stretch is always intense. As teams jockey for playoff seeding, bettors will sweat go-either-way games down to the final minute.

Thankfully, our crew seems prepared for the sharp lines against the spread. It's coming off a 9-4 week, and three of them celebrated the holiday week with double-digit wins on a 16-game slate.

Bleacher Report's expert panel, which includes analysts Brad Gagnon, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski and Maurice Moton, along with editors Wes O'Donnell, Ian Hanford and Vince Michelino from B/R Betting Strategy can't leave the dogs alone.

Last week, they sided with five road dogs. This week? They're going with six visiting underdogs against the spread.

Our panelists aren't taking the safe route to the finish line. They have benefitted from taking risks and like their chances with big swings in Week 14.

Before we dive into the picks and analysis, check out the expert leaderboard standings. Last week's records are in parentheses.

ATS Standings

1. O'Donnell: 108-83-4 (9-7)

2. Hanford: 105-86-4 (7-9)

3. Sobleski: 104-87-4 (12-4)

T-4. Davenport: 102-89-4 (10-6)

T-4. Michelino: 102-89-4 (11-5)

6. Knox: 100-91-4 (7-9)

7. Moton: 97-94-4 (9-7)

8. Gagnon 94-97-4 (9-7)

Consensus picks: 88-71-2 (9-4)

Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.

Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)

DK Line: Kansas City -4

Last Friday, the Kansas City Chiefs squeaked by another sub-.500 opponent. In range to kick the game-winning field goal, the Las Vegas Raiders imploded and turned the ball over with 15 seconds left in regulation.

Regardless of how you feel about the Chiefs' close wins this season, they're a tough team to favor against the spread. They are one of the league's best clubs, but they're 5-7 ATS overall and 2-4 as home favorites.

Because of those trends, our crew likes the Los Angeles Chargers, even though wide receiver Ladd McConkey is battling a knee injury.

Even if McConkey plays, Knox believes the Chargers offense has lost too much steam without running back J.K. Dobbins (knee). He likes Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to stifle Los Angeles' limited offensive personnel.

"It's hard to pick the Chiefs to cover against anyone right now, but I'm going to do it against L.A.," he said.

"My biggest issue with the Chargers right now is that their offense looks, well, legitimately bad without Dobbins. I don't think things will get any better with Spagnuolo finding a way to clamp down on McConkey. Kansas City's defense has been very vulnerable in recent weeks, but I'm not sure how the Chargers can sustain drives if McConkey isn't roaming free.

"I also can't envision Patrick Mahomes tossing four interceptions as Kirk Cousins did a week ago—which means, of course, that's probably exactly what will happen."

Predictions

Davenport: Chiefs

Gagnon: Chargers

Hanford: Chargers

Knox: Chiefs

Michelino: Chargers

Moton: Chiefs

O'Donnell: Chargers

Sobleski: Chargers

ATS Consensus: Chargers +4

Score Prediction: Chiefs 20, Chargers 19

Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) at Dallas Cowboys (5-7)

DK Line: Cincinnati -5.5

Statistically, quarterback Joe Burrow is having a terrific season with gaudy passing numbers. He leads the league in completions (302), passing yards (3,337) and touchdown passes (30), but his team is one defeat away from a campaign with a losing record.

The Bengals are 1-7 in one-score contests. With a leaky defense, they struggle to close out games or complete comebacks.

If Cincinnati covers, it will likely have to win by a large margin, which is exactly what Sobleski expects to happen Monday night.

"As scintillating of a matchup between quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Cooper Rush is on paper, the Cowboys simply don't have the firepower to maintain the same pace as the Bengals offense," he said.

"Granted, Cincinnati's secondary has experienced its fair share of issues this season, which could create opportunities for Dallas' undermanned offense. But Cincinnati defensive end Trey Hendrickson should dominate while facing a struggling rookie left tackle in Tyler Guyton, who's been called for the league's second-most penalties and surrendered as many sacks as any first-year blocker."

Predictions

Davenport: Cowboys

Gagnon: Cowboys

Hanford: Bengals

Knox: Bengals

Michelino: Cowboys

Moton: Bengals

O'Donnell: Bengals

Sobleski: Bengals

ATS Consensus: Bengals -5.5

Score Prediction: Bengals 33, Cowboys 24

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Buffalo Bills (10-2) at Los Angeles Rams (6-6)

DK Line: Buffalo -4

Result: Rams 44, Bills 42 (Los Angeles covers)

The Buffalo Bills have won three consecutive games by nine or more points. After knocking off the then-undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 30-21 in Week 11, they're, arguably, the AFC's best team.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are an inconsistent club that has alternated wins and losses since Week 9.

Even more concerning about the Rams in a matchup with the league's second-highest scoring team, they haven't scored more than 21 points in their last two outings.

Lastly, quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a lateral ankle sprain in the 21-14 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

O'Donnell has been riding with the Bills this season, and he saw no reason to jump off the circling wagons as Buffalo looks to win its eighth consecutive game.

"What gorydamn madness is this? Buffalo, winners of seven straight games by an average margin of 13.5 points, are only laying four points in L.A. to a Rams team fighting for its playoff hopes?" he said.

"Something is off here. The Rams are 1-7 in their last eight against top 10 defenses and 1-4 ATS in their last five against top 10 defenses. It's a trap.

"No.

"Josh Allen is playing on another level right now, and while I'm scared the Bills may be peaking too soon when it comes to my Super Bowl pick (yes, again), we're not in January yet.

"I'm not scared of a net or a seemingly incomplete Death Star above the forest moon of Endor. No traps. Lay these bloodydamn points."

Predictions

Davenport: Bills

Gagnon: Bills

Hanford: Bills

Knox: Bills

Michelino: Rams

Moton: Bills

O'Donnell: Bills

Sobleski: Rams

ATS Consensus: Bills -4

Score Prediction: Bills 30, Rams 23

Chicago Bears (4-8) at San Francisco 49ers (5-7)

DK Line: San Francisco -3.5

Result: 49ers 38, Bears 13 (San Francisco covers)

Many bettors will side with a team to get "the bump" from an interim head coach, which likely explains why 73 percent of the public is on the Chicago Bears.

The Bears fired Matt Eberflus after a Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions, and interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown is now the interim head coach as well.

So, let's keep context in mind with teams that fired head coaches this year.

The New York Jets didn't cover a 2.5-point spread against the Buffalo Bills after they fired Robert Saleh, but the New Orleans Saints outright upset the Atlanta Falcons following Dennis Allen's dismissal.

The Jets had a much tougher task in trying to knock off the Bills than the Saints did in their game against the now-flailing Falcons.

The San Francisco 49ers are struggling, and running backs Christian McCaffrey (PCL) and Jordan Mason (ankle) will sit out the remainder of the season.

However, the Niners aren't on the same level as the Falcons in terms of offensive ineptitude. Yet one has to wonder how they will adjust without their top two ball-carriers with a run-heavy offense.

Davenport went against the consensus pick with the expectation that the 49ers, fighting an uphill battle to get into playoff contention, will show enough fight to cover by more than a field goal.

"Taking Chicago and the points here isn't an unreasonable position," he said. "That hook looms large, especially when you consider that the Bears haven't lost by more than three since Week 10 and could get the short-term energy bump that usually follows a coach getting fired.

"Argue about why it happens all you want. But it does.

"But the Bears have also lost six in a row, and while three more San Francisco players got hurt while you were reading this, the 49ers are a well-coached veteran team that was in the Super Bowl fairly recently.

"The 49ers are all but certainly toast this season. There will be no deep playoff run. But lose to the Bears, and they are officially toast, and Kyle Shanahan's team isn't going to go down without landing a few punches of its own."

Predictions

Davenport: 49ers

Gagnon: Bears

Hanford: Bears

Knox: Bears

Michelino: 49ers

Moton: Bears

O'Donnell: Bears

Sobleski: Bears

ATS Consensus: Bears +3.5

Score Prediction: 49ers 24, Bears 21

Seattle Seahawks (7-5) at Arizona Cardinals (6-6)

DK Line: Arizona -3

Result: Seahawks 30, Cardinals 18 (Seattle covers)

Before the first meeting between these NFC West rivals in Week 12, the Arizona Cardinals were on a hot streak, winning four consecutive games, and the Seattle Seahawks had just won their second game in seven outings.

Now, the Seahawks come into this game on a three-game winning streak, and the Cardinals have dropped consecutive contests.

A lot can change in two weeks, but Davenport isn't changing his approach. Once again, he took the points with the team playing better football.

"I took the Cardinals and a point in Seattle a couple of weeks ago," he said, "so it's time to take the road underdog in the NFL's most unpredictable division again—because if you do the wrong thing over and over, eventually, you'll be right. Because of science or something.

"This will be Arizona's first home game since the bye, and it's one it badly needs. Falling two back of Seattle with the Seahawks also having the season sweep would be a big hill to climb with four to play. The Seahawks know that, too, and that they have a pair of difficult home games with the Vikings and Packers looming. They may need that cushion.

"Arizona has lost two in a row. Seattle's won three straight. Getting a field goal with the team playing better football right now makes sense."

Predictions

Davenport: Seahawks

Gagnon: Seahawks

Hanford: Seahawks

Knox: Seahawks

Michelino: Seahawks

Moton: Cardinals

O'Donnell: Cardinals

Sobleski: Seahawks

ATS Consensus: Seahawks +3

Score Prediction: Seahawks 23, Cardinals 21

Carolina Panthers (3-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)

DK Line: Philadelphia -12

Result: Eagles 22, Panthers 16 (Carolina covers)

On an eight-game winning streak, the Philadelphia Eagles look like world-beaters. They're averaging a little more than 29 points per game since their Week 5 bye. As the league-leading rusher, Saquon Barkley is the best candidate to win MVP if a quarterback doesn't earn the honor.

The Eagles are the far superior team in this game, and they match up well against the Carolina Panthers run defense, which gives up the most yards leaguewide.

Knox doesn't see how Carolina slows down Barkley, so he went with Philadelphia to cover the biggest spread of the week.

"As much as I like the way the Panthers have been playing, I just can't back them to cover against the red-hot Eagles," he said. "Carolina kept it excruciatingly close against the Chiefs and the Buccaneers, but the Eagles are markedly better than both of those teams as currently constructed.

"The Chiefs appear to be fatigued against every opponent, while the Buccaneers defense is one of the most suspect units in the NFL. The Eagles are rolling on both sides of the ball, and I don't think they'll step into a trap here.

"I think we'll see a close game for most of the afternoon before a big Saquon Barkley run breaks things open for Philly late."

Predictions

Davenport: Panthers

Gagnon: Panthers

Hanford: Panthers

Knox: Eagles

Michelino: Panthers

Moton: Eagles

O'Donnell: Eagles

Sobleski: Panthers

ATS Consensus: Panthers +12

Score Prediction: Eagles 27, Panthers 17

New York Jets (3-9) at Miami Dolphins (5-7)

DK Line: Miami -6.5

Result (Overtime): Dolphins 32, Jets 26 (New York covers)

New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed Aaron Rodgers will continue to start under center, which tells you how poorly the 41-year-old signal-caller played last week.

Against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13, he only completed 53.8 percent of his passes, his second-lowest rate of the season. Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams revealed that the veteran may be extra sensitive to pocket pressure at this stage in his career.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins defense has shown improvement over the past few weeks, and it's tied for seventh in yards allowed per completion (10.5) and ranks 12th in completion rate allowed.

If Rodgers is on the path to steady decline, he may have another subpar performance on Sunday.

Back in warm Miami, the Dolphins could bounce back after a poor showing in a cold-wether game against the Green Bay Packers.

Michelino sided with the home team because he has major concerns about Rodgers and the Jets defense.

"We can go ahead and file this matchup under the 'what could have been' category right now," he said. "Both AFC East teams come limping in and hoping to salvage whatever they can in a season of missed opportunities.

"The Jets have been a train wreck ever since firing Robert Saleh. Interim head coach Ulbrich is clearly in over his head, and Rodgers looks totally shot. The world-class defense never materialized, and it's fair to start questioning its effort level on all phases.

"As for the Dolphins, while they continue to struggle against quality teams in cold weather, there's still hope for a wild-card spot if they win out. Tua Tagovailoa has played strongly since his return, and this is the spot they usually take advantage of inferior competition at home.

"I expect another delayed takeoff and a comfortable Miami win at Hard Rock. Fins up."

Predictions

Davenport: Jets

Gagnon: Dolphins

Hanford: Dolphins

Knox: Dolphins

Michelino: Dolphins

Moton: Dolphins

O'Donnell: Dolphins

Sobleski: Dolphins

ATS Consensus: Dolphins -6.5

Score Prediction: Dolphins 28, Jets 20

Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)

DK Line: Tampa Bay -7

Result: Buccaneers 28, Raiders 13 (Tampa Bay covers)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to cover a six-point spread and nearly lost to the Carolina Panthers last week. They won 26-23 in overtime, capitalizing on Chuba Hubbard's game-changing fumble.

Moton has concerns about the Bucs' shaky Week 13 performance. He believes the Las Vegas Raiders' resurgent offense, led by quarterback Aidan O'Connell, can exploit weak areas in Tampa Bay's defense in a seesaw matchup.

"Aidan O'Connell should be able to string together impressive performances in back-to-back weeks," he said. "After throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs' 23rd-ranked pass defense, he'll face the Buccaneers' 30th-ranked unit that allowed Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to throw for a season-high 298 passing yards last week.

"Furthermore, since interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner took over for Luke Getsy, the Raiders have averaged 377 total yards per game, accumulating a season-high 434 yards against the Chiefs.

"The Buccaneers will win the game, but the Raiders, who have put playoff-caliber teams on upset alert, score a late touchdown to cover on the road."

Predictions

Davenport: Raiders

Gagnon: Buccaneers

Hanford: Raiders

Knox: Raiders

Michelino: Buccaneers

Moton: Raiders

O'Donnell: Raiders

Sobleski: Raiders

ATS Consensus: Raiders +7

Score Prediction: Buccaneers 26, Raiders 21

New Orleans Saints (4-8) at New York Giants (2-10)

DK Line: New Orleans -5

Result: Saints 14, Giants 11 (New York covers)

On Wednesday, the New York Giants named Drew Lock their starting quarterback for this contest. Tommy DeVito missed the previous game because of a forearm injury, and the 2019 second-rounder started in his place against the Dallas Cowboys.

Overall, the Giants offense performed marginally better with Lock than it did with DeVito, and Malik Nabers was more involved in the passing attack.

However, the 28-year-old struggled to settle in behind a makeshift offensive line and took six sacks. Still, O'Donnell backed Big Blue to cover at home.

"Lock is starting for the Giants, and while it shouldn't matter at all that much, it did to me if 'Danny' DeVito was playing emergency understudy again to him," he said.

"The Saints are the better football team, but football players don't tank. Big Blue is also winless at home this year, and the locker room knows it. This is a great opportunity for Lock's arm to feed Nabers' ego, giving the wide receiver some positivity in an up-and-down rookie campaign.

"With the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft in the Giants' sights, a victory seems on-brand right now. New Orleans' 1-4 SU record on the road also helps, and, ultimately, that's enough incentive to back the points."

Predictions

Davenport: Saints

Gagnon: Giants

Hanford: Giants

Knox: Saints

Michelino: Saints

Moton: Giants

O'Donnell: Giants

Sobleski: Giants

ATS Consensus: Giants +5

Score Prediction: Saints 20, Giants 17

Atlanta Falcons (6-6) at Minnesota Vikings (10-2)

DK Line: Minnesota -6

Result: Vikings 42, Falcons 21 (Minnesota covers)

The Atlanta Falcons have lost three consecutive games while averaging 12 points. Kirk Cousins has thrown six interceptions and zero touchdown passes in that stretch.

After the Falcons' loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the quarterback denied he's dealing with an injury that's adversely impacted his performances.

If Cousins feels "good" physically, his abilities may be on a sharp decline in his age-36 term, which should make anyone in favor of the Falcons nervous, even with a touchdown spread.

Yet Gagnon isn't worried about the Vikings running up the score, and he's aware of their close wins over the last two weeks, which is why he expects the Falcons to stay within a field goal or Cousins to lead an upset win over his former team.

"I don't totally believe in Minnesota yet, and the Vikings have barely survived the last two weeks," he said. "They're due for an L following two wins by a combined four points, and they've at least proved they aren't in the business of winning in blowout fashion.

"This is a lot of points considering how badly the Falcons need a win, and it would be quintessential Cousins for the 36-year-old to suddenly bounce back with a strong performance here. Atlanta could win this outright. I figure it'll at least be a field-goal game."

Predictions

Davenport: Falcons

Gagnon: Falcons

Hanford: Vikings

Knox: Vikings

Michelino: Falcons

Moton: Vikings

O'Donnell: Falcons

Sobleski: Vikings

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Vikings 26, Falcons 23

Cleveland Browns (3-9) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)

DK Line: Pittsburgh -6.5

Result: Steelers 27, Browns 14 (Pittsburgh covers)

These teams met two weeks ago in a snow game. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns won't have to factor in inclement weather for this contest, though.

Both teams can use bulletin-board material as extra motivation for their divisional contest.

After the Steelers' loss to the Browns, wideout George Pickens downplayed Cleveland's victory, citing weather conditions as the reason for Pittsburgh's Week 12 loss.

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett sent a clear message to Steelers edge-rusher T.J. Watt regarding recognition for the league's best defensive player.

Despite the disparity in win-loss records between the AFC North rivals, the chatter following the previous game may set the stage for another hard-fought battle.

Hanford likes what he's seen from Jameis Winston, but he believes the turnover-prone Browns quarterback makes a crucial error, similar to what happened on Monday against the Denver Broncos.

"The Browns got the better of Pittsburgh the first time, but I don't see that happening to the Steelers at home," he said. "Russell Wilson played his best game of the season against the Bengals last week, and while the Browns defense will be a tougher test than what Cincinnati offers, the Steelers should carry some momentum over from that win.

"Winston has the Browns offense clicking in recent weeks, but he's still good for a few critical mistakes, as we saw on Monday against the Broncos.

"Furthermore, 6.5 feels like a lot of points for an AFC North rivalry game late in the year, but the Steelers have won two of their last three home games against Cleveland by 12 or more points, and I like that trend to continue on Sunday."

Predictions

Davenport: Steelers

Gagnon: Browns

Hanford: Steelers

Knox: Steelers

Michelino: Browns

Moton: Steelers

O'Donnell: Steelers

Sobleski: Browns

ATS Consensus: Steelers -6.5

Score Prediction: Steelers 27, Browns 20

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) at Tennessee Titans (3-9)

DK Line: Tennessee -3.5

Result: Jaguars 10, Titans 6 (Jacksonville covers)

Coming off a Week 12 bye, the Jacksonville Jaguars put together a competitive effort against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans, but they lost quarterback Trevor Lawrence to injured reserve, after he took a late hit from linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

"Jacksonville will use Mac Jones with Trevor Lawrence out, which makes Tennessee the obvious choice even with the hook on the spread," Moton said.

"Jones has started in two games in place of Lawrence this season, and the Jaguars scored one touchdown between those contests, generating 13 points in total.

"Keep an eye on the injury report for Lawrence's status, though even if he suits up, a lack of reps at practice could impact his performance. The Titans shake off a stinker in Washington to cover against a team that allows the most yards and fourth-most points per game."

Predictions

Davenport: Titans

Gagnon: Jaguars

Hanford: Titans

Knox: Titans

Michelino: Titans

Moton: Titans

O'Donnell: Titans

Sobleski: Titans

ATS Consensus: Titans -3.5

Score Prediction: Titans 23, Jaguars 17

Green Bay Packers (9-3) at Detroit Lions (11-1)

DraftKings Line: Detroit -3.5

Result: Lions 34, Packers 31 (Green Bay covers)

The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers played on Thanksgiving, so both teams should be well-rested and ready for a crucial matchup that could tighten the race for the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the conference.

In his last road game against the Lions, quarterback Jordan Love hit his stride on Thanksgiving last year, which set the tone for the remainder of the Packers' season.

This year, the 26-year-old has experienced issues with turnovers, throwing an interception in eight consecutive outings, but he's been turnover-free in his last two games.

This contest could come down to Love's decision-making in the pocket. If he's careless with the ball, Detroit will likely cover. That said, the Packers should continue balancing their offense with the ground attack, which will be tough against the Lions' fifth-ranked run defense.

Even with the question marks around the Packers offense in a matchup with the league's highest-scoring team, Sobleski backed Green Bay.

"If this week's picks are any indication, Bleacher Report's crew is mostly taking the points," he said.

"Why? The recent play of the Packers provides confidence, even after losing to the Lions a month ago. Green Bay had its bye week to reassess everything after that particular matchup.

"The Pack is 3-0 since its short layoff while scoring nearly 30 points per game during that stretch. As long as Jordan Love takes care of the ball and doesn't throw another pick-six to Lions safety Kerby Joseph, this matchup should be far more competitive."

Predictions

Davenport: Lions

Gagnon: Lions

Hanford: Packers

Knox: Lions

Michelino: Packers

Moton: Packers

O'Donnell: Packers

Sobleski: Packers

ATS Consensus: Packers +3.5

Score Prediction: Packers 30, Lions 27