As the 2024 NFL regular season winds down, teams are trying to keep their playoff bubbles afloat, and our experts are attempting to make moves in the against-the-spread standings.

Bleacher Report's NFL picks 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, have had their disagreements on picks all year. Still, this week is atypical because of the number of lone-wolf selections.

This week, there are four standalone selections, the second-highest number of such picks in a week's slate among our experts.

In Week 7, our lone-wolf picks went 2-3. As some of our panelists look to climb the standings in the final four weeks, will they fare better against the consensus selections on this slate?

We'll find out.

First, check out the standings and guess who might be taking big swings in Week 15. Last week's records are in parentheses.

ATS Standings

T-1. Hanford: 113-91-4 (8-5)

T-1. O'Donnell: 113-91-4 (5-8)

3. Sobleski: 112-92-4 (8-5)

4. Michelino: 109-95-4 (7-6)

5. Davenport: 107-97-4 (5-8)

6. Knox: 104-100-4 (4-9)

7. Moton: 102-102-4 (5-8)

8. Gagnon 100-104-4 (6-7)

Consensus picks: 95-76-2 (7-5)

Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Dec. 11, 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.

Green Bay Packers (9-4) at Seattle Seahawks (8-5)

DK Line: Green Bay -3

The Green Bay Packers' commitment to the run game has taken some pressure off quarterback Jordan Love, who struggled with turnovers through the first half of the season.

Love hasn't thrown an interception in three games. Meanwhile, running back Josh Jacobs has scored seven touchdowns in that stretch.

Despite a close loss to the Detroit Lions, the Packers may have established an offensive identity that could be effective in this contest. Knox favors Green Bay's physical ground attack over the Seattle Seahawks' inconsistent run-stopping defensive front.

"The Seahawks have developed into a viable contender under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, and their recent defensive improvements do give me some pause here. Seattle still enjoys a significant home-field advantage, and its offense can be quite potent when things are clicking. I like the Packers here, though, especially if Kenneth Walker III misses another game for the Seahawks.

"Jordan Love has done a better job of limiting his mistakes in recent weeks, and Green Bay can attack Seattle's 21st-ranked run defense early and often with Josh Jacobs. That formula was nearly enough to beat the Lions last Thursday, and I think it'll be enough for Green Bay to cover in Week 15."

Predictions

Davenport: Packers

Gagnon: Seahawks

Hanford: Packers

Knox: Packers

Michelino: Packers

Moton: Packers

O'Donnell: Packers

Sobleski: Packers

ATS Consensus: Packers -3

Score Prediction: Packers 26, Seahawks 19

Chicago Bears (4-9) at Minnesota Vikings (11-2)

DK Line: Minnesota -7

So much for the interim head coach bump. The San Francisco 49ers annihilated the Chicago Bears last week. The Bears trailed for about 57 minutes of that game, and their defense may be headed toward regression after defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus' dismissal.

After showing some improvement following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears' offense is once again trending in the wrong direction.

The Vikings had the first look at the Bears offense with interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown calling the plays. Our panel thinks that will benefit Minnesota in this second matchup as Chicago looks primed for a late-season collapse.

Michelino senses a blowout victory for the Vikings.

"I'm not the only one who feels like things could get ugly on Monday Night Football, right? This one feels like a classic 'don't overthink it' situation for me. The Vikings continue to hum along beating inferior opponents and very quietly are tied for the second-best record in the NFC. This is in large part thanks to Sam Darnold's heroics and CPOTY-worthy performance this season (despite his ineligibility) after throwing for five TDs last week.

"In almost perfect contrast, the Bears short-term outlook is bleak, and they've yet to win a game on the road this year, having just gotten blown out by the 9ers. Caleb Williams is in a can't-win spot and despite playing well when facing the Vikings a few weeks back, things have changed for the worse since then.

"Yes, this is a big number in a division matchup, but Minnesota is a quality team and should have its way with the Bears. I think this is an easy double-digit win."

Predictions

Davenport: Vikings

Gagnon: Vikings

Hanford: Vikings

Knox: Vikings

Michelino: Vikings

Moton: Vikings

O'Donnell: Bears

Sobleski: Vikings

ATS Consensus: Vikings -7

Score Prediction: Vikings 28, Bears 17

Atlanta Falcons (6-7) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)

DK Line: Atlanta -4.5

Even though Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has publicly backed Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback, the 36-year-old signal-caller may soon lose his grip on the lead position.

In his last four outings, Cousins has thrown eight interceptions without a touchdown pass. In that stretch, Atlanta is averaging a woeful 14.3 points per game.

Remember, the Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round this year. He may make his debut in Las Vegas if Cousins continues to struggle from the pocket.

Despite the Falcons' offensive issues, they're still favored by more than a field goal, which tells you everything you need to know about the state of the Las Vegas Raiders, who have lost nine consecutive games and may start their third-string quarterback on Monday.

The Falcons desperately need a get-right game, and Moton sees this matchup as the perfect spot for them to get back in the win column with a solid defensive performance.

"Since interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner took over for Luke Getsy, the Raiders have had more success moving the ball until they reach the red zone. On Turner's watch, Las Vegas averages 17 points per game, which isn't any better than 18.7 points per outing under Getsy.

"Now, the Raiders may have to turn to their third-string quarterback, Desmond Ridder, while Aidan O'Connell deals with a bone bruise in his knee.

"Ridder may be motivated by facing his former team, but he's turnover-prone.

"Last year, as the Falcons' starting quarterback, Ridder threw 12 interceptions and lost seven of 12 fumbles. This year, in four (non-starting) appearances, he's already lost two of three fumbles.

"The Raiders could be the get-right game for the Falcons defense, allowing Kirk Cousins to do just enough to keep his team ahead by a touchdown or more."

Predictions

Davenport: Raiders

Gagnon: Falcons

Hanford: Falcons

Knox: Falcons

Michelino: Falcons

Moton: Falcons

O'Donnell: Falcons

Sobleski: Falcons

ATS Consensus: Falcons -4.5

Score Prediction: Falcons 24, Raiders 17

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Indianapolis Colts (6-7) at Denver Broncos (8-5)

DK Line: Denver -4.5

Result: Broncos 31, Colts 13 (Denver covers)

The Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos had an extra week to prepare for this matchup. The Broncos are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the best record ATS (10-3), but the Colts aren't far behind at 8-5.

Based on the standings, the Colts should go into this game with the thought that their playoff hopes are on the line. So, we could see a spirited effort from a team with its back against the wall.

Also, highly experienced defensive coordinator Gus Bradley may be able to frustrate rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

Sobleski went against the consensus to back the Colts on the road.

"The Broncos own a top-10 defense, including top six against the run. Interestingly, Denver's losses have predominantly come against quarterbacks who can move and add something in the running game: Justin Fields, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes all led their teams to victory against the Broncos.

"Granted, Anthony Richardson isn't the same caliber of player as those final three. Still, his mobility, creativity and usage could be highly difficult for Denver to handle, especially since Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen had an extra week to create new ways to deploy his quarterback."

Predictions

Davenport: Broncos

Gagnon: Broncos

Hanford: Broncos

Knox: Broncos

Michelino: Broncos

Moton: Colts

O'Donnell: Broncos

Sobleski: Colts

ATS Consensus: Broncos -4.5

Score Prediction: Broncos 26, Colts 20

New England Patriots (3-10) at Arizona Cardinals (6-7)

DK Line: Arizona -6.5

Result: Cardinals 30, Patriots 17 (Arizona covers)

Typically, teams benefit from bye weeks, but that doesn't look like the case for the Arizona Cardinals.

Since its week off, Arizona has lost three consecutive games, two to the Seattle Seahawks (8-5), who lead the NFC West.

The Cardinals could bounce back in a matchup against a sub-.500 team. Most of our panel thinks they can beat the three-win New England Patriots by more than a touchdown, but Davenport disagrees.

"Is there any particular reason I always get the Redbirds? It's like there's a cabal that gathers and says, 'OK, here's a game between two mediocre (at best) teams that only 11 people will watch—and seven of them are related to players. We should totally have Davenport do the breakdown.'

"We know the Patriots are bad—Drake Maye may actually be OK, but his array of offensive weapons is like going into a swordfight with a spork. We thought the Cardinals were maybe halfway decent, but three straight post-bye losses (including an ugly one at home to Seattle in Week 14) have disabused us of that notion. That makes it awfully hard to imagine Arizona rolling anyone—even the three-win Pats."

Predictions

Davenport: Patriots

Gagnon: Cardinals

Hanford: Cardinals

Knox: Cardinals

Michelino: Patriots

Moton: Cardinals

O'Donnell: Cardinals

Sobleski: Cardinals

ATS Consensus: Cardinals -6.5

Score Prediction: Cardinals 27, Patriots 20

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)

DK Line: Philadelphia -4.5

Result: Eagles 27, Steelers 13 (Philadelphia covers)

In the battle between Pennsylvania teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers will go on the road to play the Philadelphia Eagles, who are bickering amongst each other.

After the Eagles' uninspiring 22-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers last week, wideout A.J. Brown criticized the passing game, which sounded like a veiled shot at quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Nonetheless, the Eagles are still one of the league's hottest teams with the second-longest active winning streak, currently at nine games.

Hanford has concerns about Philadelphia's game plan for this contest. He thinks the issues between Hurts and Brown could allow Pittsburgh to hang around in a tight matchup.

"Mike Tomlin is 60-32-3 against the spread for his career," Hanford said as he pulled up the ATS stats. "This year, Pittsburgh is 5-2 against the spread on the road, while the Eagles are just 1-4 at home.

"The Steelers suddenly have the 10th-best scoring offense in the NFL behind Russell Wilson, and while they could be without George Pickens again, they got to see what that looks like in their win over the Browns on Sunday.

"The public drama between Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown could force Philadelphia to try and force-feed its WR1, which could benefit the Steelers because it means Saquon Barkley isn't grinding them to dust on the ground. The Eagles' passing offense has struggled all season, and I don't see a one-dimensional attack doing enough damage to this Steelers defense to run away with this one. Steelers cover."

Predictions

Davenport: Steelers

Gagnon: Eagles

Hanford: Steelers

Knox: Steelers

Michelino: Steelers

Moton: Eagles

O'Donnell: Steelers

Sobleski: Steelers

ATS Consensus: Steelers +4.5

Score Prediction: Eagles 21, Steelers 20

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)

DK Line: Los Angeles -2.5

Result: Buccaneers 40, Chargers 17 (Tampa Bay covers)

Even without wide receiver Ladd McConkey, the Los Angeles Chargers almost pulled off a comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last week. The Chiefs won with a field-goal doink.

The Chargers offense has dipped significantly without running back J.K. Dobbins, who's on injured reserve, and if McConkey misses another game, expect them to struggle for a 20-plus-point output.

In addition, quarterback Justin Herbert took a helmet to his knee during his previous outing. The Atheltic's Daniel Popper noticed that Herbert had "a slight limp" after the game.

Multiple flashing warning signs go against Los Angeles' ability to cover a thin spread as a home favorite, but Gagnon isn't sold on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' recent wins.

"If anything, the Chargers probably gained confidence in nearly beating the Chiefs at Arrowhead last week. I expect them to build on that back at home by easily taking care of an inferior and sloppy Bucs team that is 0-5 since the start of October against opponents that are currently within a game of .500. They've won three straight against three of the worst teams in the NFL, but that ride is about to come to a screeching halt."

Predictions

Davenport: Buccaneers

Gagnon: Chargers

Hanford: Buccaneers

Knox: Buccaneers

Michelino: Buccaneers

Moton: Buccaneers

O'Donnell: Chargers

Sobleski: Buccaneers

ATS Consensus: Buccaneers +2.5

Score Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Chargers 22

Buffalo Bills (10-3) at Detroit Lions (12-1)

DK Line: Detroit -1.5

Result: Bills 48, Lions 42 (Buffalo covers)

The Buffalo Bills turned what looked like a blowout into a Sunday thriller but came up short in a 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last week.

Buffalo is equipped to go score-for-score with the Detroit Lions, who field the league's highest-scoring offense. The Bills have scored at least 30 points in seven straight games.

In a battle between NFL heavyweights, this is close to a pick 'em game, and O'Donnell sided with the Bills to end the Lions' 11-game winning streak.

"This line keeps moving, so I'm going to keep it simple: the Bills win this game. Coming off arguably the most exciting game of the season—a Buffalo loss in Los Angeles to the Rams—we get a potential in-season Super Bowl-caliber matchup in Detroit," O'Donnell forecasted.

"The Lions haven't tasted defeat in three months to the day. Dan Campbell's team is the odds-on favorite (+260) to win the championship for a reason.

"This trip to Detroit caps off a gauntlet run for the Bills that's included games against the Chiefs, 49ers, and the cross-country loss to the Rams. This game represents the last real test of the season before they close out the year against AFC East rival bottom-dwellers, Patriots, Jets and Patriots. Josh Allen's MVP campaign (currently -400 at DraftKings) will cross into runaway territory with a win, and I'm here for it."

Predictions

Davenport: Lions

Gagnon: Lions

Hanford: Lions

Knox: Lions

Michelino: Bills

Moton: Lions

O'Donnell: Bills

Sobleski: Lions

ATS Consensus: Lions -1.5

Score Prediction: Lions 34, Bills 31

Baltimore Ravens (8-5) at New York Giants (2-11)

DK Line: Baltimore -15

Result: Ravens 35, Giants 14 (Baltimore covers)

In the biggest mismatch of the Week 15 slate, bettors must decide how many points is too many for this spread.

The Baltimore Ravens are well-rested following a bye week, perhaps with a lingering bitter taste in their mouths from a Week 13 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The New York Giants have an injury-riddled roster. They have averaged 13.8 points in their last four outings. On Wednesday, the Giants named Tommy DeVito their starting quarterback. Drew Lock is dealing with a heel injury.

The Ravens are the slam-dunk pick to win, but will they be aggressive in running up the score with a crucial division matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the other side of this game?

Even if the Ravens take their foot off the gas, O'Donnell doesn't see the Giants scoring enough points to stay within a massive 15-point spread.

"This is an absurd number of points for a road favorite in today's NFL. Essentially, the bookmakers think so little of the New York Giants that I can't fathom trying to justify taking the points beyond the 'any given Sunday' argument," O'Donnell said.

"Big Blue is 0-7 at home, averaging only 10 points per game in its stadium. That's almost, almost, a touchdown less than their league-worst average of 14.9 points per game overall.

"The Ravens are 13-3 off the bye week under coach John Harbaugh. Baltimore is third in the league in points per game this season. They're coming off a loss before the bye week. They trail by two games in the division and are in a three-way tie for a wild-card spot. If there's ever a game to spot a team two-plus touchdowns, it's this one."

Predictions

Davenport: Giants

Gagnon: Giants

Hanford: Ravens

Knox: Ravens

Michelino: Giants

Moton: Ravens

O'Donnell: Ravens

Sobleski: Giants

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Ravens 35, Giants 16

Washington Commanders (8-5) at New Orleans Saints (5-8)

DK Line: Washington -7

Result: Commanders 20, Saints 19 (New Orleans covers)

The Washington Commanders will face a backup quarterback in this contest.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Derek Carr suffered a "significant injury" to his non-throwing hand, which will likely sideline him for the rest of the season.

Since interim head coach Darren Rizzi replaced Dennis Allen, the Saints have been a feisty club. During that stretch, they have won three of four games, beating the struggling Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

Despite the Saints' recent solid play over the past month, Knox doesn't see them keeping it close against a playoff-caliber team that hit its high notes before a Week 14 bye.

"It certainly feels like this line should be larger, which makes me think some sort of trap could lie ahead," Knox warned. "I'm going to stick with the favorites, though, for a couple of reasons.

"Washington seemed to rediscover its offensive rhythm in Week 13 against a Titans defense that is unquestionably better than New Orleans'. I also don't see how the Saints can keep pace with Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler at quarterback and without Taysom Hill augmenting the offense.

"The Commanders should win by more than a touchdown, which, of course, probably means that a close game and a 200-yard outing by Alvin Kamara are probably incoming."

Predictions

Davenport: Commanders

Gagnon: Commanders

Hanford: Commanders

Knox: Commanders

Michelino: Commanders

Moton: Commanders

O'Donnell: Commanders

Sobleski: Commanders

ATS Consensus: Commanders -7

Score Prediction: Commanders 27, Saints 16

Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Houston Texans (8-5)

DK Line: Houston -3

Result: Texans 20, Dolphins 12 (Houston covers)

The Houston Texans stumbled into their Week 14 bye.

At home, under the prime-time lights, the Texans squandered a 23-7 lead over the Detroit Lions and lost the game. They also lost 32-27 on their turf before eking out a 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Titans and Jaguars are three-win teams, albeit division rivals, but basement-dwelling clubs nonetheless. So, anyone could understand the reluctance to back Houston against a formidable opponent.

However, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that he sensed a rejuvenated squad during the bye week, which may lead to better performances down the stretch.

Well, Davenport isn't buying it. He took the Miami Dolphins, who are pushing for a playoff spot and playing at a higher level than the Texans before their time off.

"This is an important game for both teams—the Dolphins need the win to get back to .500, while the Texans are trying to show they can be a team people pretend is a legit contender until they get waxed in the Wild Card Round, at which point it's a lot of, 'well, saw that coming.'

"The two teams are headed in opposite directions—the Dolphins have peeled off four wins in their last five games, while the Texans hit last week's bye losers of two of three—including a home loss to a Titans team that just managed six points against the Jaguars. The Dolphins are playing better. Tua Tagovailoa is playing better than C.J. Stroud—at least right now. And the weather won't be a factor.

"Take the points."

Predictions

Davenport: Dolphins

Gagnon: Texans

Hanford: Texans

Knox: Texans

Michelino: Dolphins

Moton: Texans

O'Donnell: Texans

Sobleski: Dolphins

ATS Consensus: Texans -3

Score Prediction: Texans 26, Dolphins 21

Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) at Cleveland Browns (3-10)

DK Line: Kansas City -4

Result: Chiefs 21, Browns 7 (Kansas City covers)

The Kansas City Chiefs are a frustrating team to back against the spread. They're playing down to competition and winning games by the skin of their teeth. Kansas City has won its last three games by a total of seven points. The club has a 5-8 record ATS.

Most of our experts have given up on the Chiefs covering a spread. The last time they did that was Week 7 with a 28-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Yet Sobleski sides with Kansas City because he expects Jameis Winston to implode (once again) in crucial situations.

"The Chiefs have become the masters of finding ways to win. In fact, Kansas City has won 15 straight one-score contests," Sobleski said. "Kansas City does have issues that can be exploited, particularly by the Browns' Myles Garrett against the Chiefs' third-string left tackle, DJ Humphries.

"However, the difference between what Patrick Mahomes and Jameis Winston do when games matter is night and day. Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will have Winston in hell trying not to throw another critical interception, which will almost certainly come anyhow. Those big swings distinctly favor the Chiefs."

Predictions

Davenport: Chiefs

Gagnon: Browns

Hanford: Browns

Knox: Browns

Michelino: Browns

Moton: Chiefs

O'Donnell: Chiefs

Sobleski: Chiefs

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Chiefs 28, Browns 23

New York Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)

DK Line: New York -3.5

Result: Jets 32, Jaguars 25 (New York covers)

Last week, the Jacksonville Jaguars snapped a five-game losing streak with their 10-6 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

In Week 15, the New York Jets will look to avoid their fifth consecutive loss.

According to Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played through a hamstring tear, an MCL sprain and a high ankle sprain.

At 41, with all those reported injuries, Rodgers miraculously hasn't missed a game, but he's struggled to the point that local beat writers questioned whether it's time to bench him.

Last week, though, Rodgers threw for 339 yards and a touchdown, his first 300-plus-yard passing performance since Week 14 of the 2021 season.

Despite the Jets' poor record, Moton thinks they have more to play for and have shown some offensive improvement over the past few weeks.

"The Jets and Jaguars are eliminated from playoff contention, so both teams will play with pride on the line," Moton said.

"Based on that factor, Aaron Rodgers can show that he's not a washed-up quarterback. If Breece Hall sits out, Gang Green has two hungry rookie running backs in Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis ready to go. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich probably wants to put more wins on his resume (1-7) before finding a new job in the offseason.

"Meanwhile, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson may not be able to do anything to cool his scorching hot seat, and safety Andre Cisco questioned the effort of his teammates months ago.

"Furthermore, the Jets have scored 27 and 26 points in two of their last three games, more than they scored in contests between Weeks 1 and 10.

"Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson will torch Jacksonville's 31st-ranked pass defense to record 100-plus receiving yards apiece in back-to-back weeks, elevating the Jets to a decisive victory."

Predictions

Davenport: Jets

Gagnon: Jaguars

Hanford: Jaguars

Knox: Jets

Michelino: Jets

Moton: Jets

O'Donnell: Jaguars

Sobleski: Jets

ATS Consensus: Jets -3.5

Score Prediction: Jets 23, Jaguars 17

Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) at Tennessee Titans (3-10)

DK Line: Cincinnati -4.5

Result: Bengals 37, Titans 27 (Cincinnati covers)

The Cincinnati Bengals must win out to have any chance at an AFC wild-card spot.

Last Monday, the Bengals won their second one-score game (2-7). While they should be favored to beat the Tennessee Titans outright, bettors may find it difficult to back a 5-8 team on the road in a short week, especially one that struggles in close games.

Most of our panel was disgusted with the Titans' six-point output in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week and couldn't fathom taking them to keep pace with the Bengals' sixth-ranked scoring offense.

Also, Titans head coach Brian Callahan is familiar with the Bengals. He served as their offensive coordinator between 2019 and 2023.

Even with some factors that favor the Titans, Gagnon confidently picked Cincinnati to cover in Tennessee.

"On the road this year, the Bengals have come within two points of beating both the Chiefs and Ravens and taken care of Dallas, Cleveland, the Giants and Carolina by seven-plus points each. This mess of a Titans team should be a walk in the park."

Predictions

Davenport: Bengals

Gagnon: Bengals

Hanford: Bengals

Knox: Bengals

Michelino: Titans

Moton: Bengals

O'Donnell: Bengals

Sobleski: Bengals

ATS Consensus: Bengals -4.5

Score Prediction: Bengals 30, Titans 16

Dallas Cowboys (5-8) at Carolina Panthers (3-10)

DK Line: Carolina -1

Result: Cowboys 30, Panthers 14 (Dallas covers)

The Dallas Cowboys took a heartwrenching loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, thanks partly to a special teams gaffe that resulted in a turnover.

The Cowboys must emotionally regather themselves to go on the road and face the Carolina Panthers, who have shown notable improvement over the past several weeks with Bryce Young under center.

As Hanford pointed out, the Panthers find themselves in an unfamiliar spot as the favorite in this contest. He's buying into Young's development and a Panthers squad that's on the rise.

"This game marks the first time Carolina has been the favorite since 2022, as Bryce Young is playing the best football of his career, and the Panthers have covered the spread in five straight games," Hanford noted.

"Carolina has lost three straight, but the Cowboys aren't the Chiefs, Eagles or even the Buccaneers. This one should come down to which team can exploit the others' atrocious run defense. Carolina should be able to control the tempo with Chuba Hubbard, and I like Bryce Young to make more plays than Cooper Rush to put the Panthers in the win column."

Predictions

Davenport: Cowboys

Gagnon: Panthers

Hanford: Panthers

Knox: Panthers

Michelino: Cowboys

Moton: Cowboys

O'Donnell: Panthers

Sobleski: Panthers

ATS Consensus: Panthers -1

Score Prediction: Panthers 23, Cowboys 21

Los Angeles Rams (7-6) at San Francisco 49ers (6-7)

DraftKings Line: San Francisco -2.5

Result: Rams 12, 49ers 6 (Los Angeles covers)

The Los Angeles Rams should feel confident about their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams just scored a season-high 44 points against the Buffalo Bills, who field the eighth-ranked scoring defense, and they have beaten the 49ers in their last two meetings.

The 49ers played with renewed energy last week. During a team meeting, quarterback Brock Purdy and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir encouraged teammates to play with urgency going into their contest with the Chicago Bears.

"I think the message was we need to play with more of a sense of urgency and play desperate because you just haven't really sensed that," Kittle told reporters after the 49ers' 38-10 win over the Bears on Sunday.

If the 49ers can maintain that sense of urgency, they may be able to snap a two-game skid to their division rivals. Still, San Francisco will likely have to do it without Nick Bosa (hip/oblique), Trent Williams (ankle) and Isaac Guerendo (foot).

Michelino believes the 49ers will pull it off, though.

"The NFC West is the closest division in the league, and this prime-time clash is shaping up to be a classic. When they last met, the short-handed Rams won 27-24 in Week 3 to keep their season afloat and show exactly why these are the two most innovative coaching minds in the sport.

"Things look a bit different this time around, as the Rams offense looks, dare I say, elite. Puka Nacua is dominating and having Cooper Kupp as your 1B ain't too shabby, either. It's easy to forget that their defense is still suspect and just allowed 42 points to the Bills at home.

"On the other hand, the 9ers are still finding ways to score despite being short-handed themselves. Their ability to adjust after losing McCaffrey, Trent Williams and Nick Bosa has been impressive and they still boast a solid defense that should hold the line at home.

"I think the 49ers have some tricks up their sleeve and like them to pull off the cover in a game that closely mirrors their clash earlier this year."

Predictions

Davenport: 49ers

Gagnon: 49ers

Hanford: Rams

Knox: Rams

Michelino: 49ers

Moton: Rams

O'Donnell: Rams

Sobleski: Rams

ATS Consensus: Rams +2.5

Score Prediction: Rams 30, 49ers 28