When you take big swings, you will make a run that separates you from everyone else or strike out and allow the competition to catch up. Our NFL lone-wolf picks against the spread went 0-4 last week, but we also had our first week of double-digit wins on consensus picks.

What does it all mean?

Prepare for a tight race in the ATS standings. Our experts are sharpening their picks for the final three weeks of the regular season.

Bleacher Report's NFL 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, aren't discouraged by their whiffs on lone-wolf selections. There are six of them on this week's slate, starting with Thursday Night Football.

This week presented tough challenges with quarterback switches and key injuries that impacted our leans, but the crew broke everything down to give you another winning week of picks.

Before you dig into the analysis—reminder, completed games are updated with results and moved to the end of the slideshow—check out our leaderboard standings entering the week with last week's records in parentheses.

ATS Standings

T-1. Hanford: 123-97-4 (10-6)

T-1. O'Donnell: 123-97-4 (10-6)

3. Sobleski: 121-99-4 (9-7)

4. Michelino: 117-103-4 (8-8)

T-5. Davenport: 115-105-4 (8-8)

T-5. Knox: 115-105-4 (11-5)

T-5. Moton: 115-105-4 (13-3)

8. Gagnon 107-113-4 (7-9)

Consensus picks: 105-80-2 (10-4)

Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Dec. 18, 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.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

DK Line: Baltimore -6.5

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has struggled against the Pittsburgh Steelers in five career starts. He's thrown for five touchdowns and eight interceptions, and the Ravens lost four of those five contests.

In Pittsburgh's last two meetings with the Ravens (both wins), wide receiver George Pickens had strong performances, racking up 89-plus receiving yards in those games, but he may not play on Sunday.

The 23-year-old has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury. ESPN's Adam Schefter believes the wideout will miss a month of action.

Though 6.5 points is a big margin for a divisional matchup between equals, bettors should factor in the Georgia product's potential absence.

Despite the health questions around Pickens and edge-rusher T.J. Watt, Hanford likes Pittsburgh to keep this game within a touchdown.

"This matchup certainly could swing on the availability of Pickens and Watt for the Steelers," he said. "But this still feels like a lot of points to give in an AFC North matchup between two playoff teams, especially when you weigh Pittsburgh's ability to curtail Lamar Jackson in recent years.

"Logic tells me Baltimore could win by at least a touchdown in this one if Pickens is out, but Mike Tomlin's crew usually finds a way to somehow keep these games close."

Predictions

Davenport: Steelers

Gagnon: Ravens

Hanford: Steelers

Knox: Ravens

Michelino: Ravens

Moton: Ravens

O'Donnell: Steelers

Sobleski: Steelers

ATS Consensus: None

Score Prediction: Ravens 24, Steelers 21

New England Patriots (3-11) at Buffalo Bills (11-3)

DK Line: Buffalo -14

The Buffalo Bills have scored at least 30 points in eight consecutive games. They shouldn't have a problem dominating the New England Patriots, even in frigid temperatures.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen is playing at an MVP level, and he hasn't turned the ball over in three weeks.

The Bills are scoring at will and not giving their opponents extra possessions, which seems like a recipe for a blowout win over one of the league's worst teams. However, O'Donnell can see this game playing out differently.

"You just never know with this matchup," he said. "The Bills could easily run away with this game, especially as they're in chase mode for the AFC's top seed with a potential injury-aided Chiefs letdown on the horizon. But New England won't lay down and Buffalo has been running a gauntlet of difficult games over the past four weeks.

"Against the current, I'm going to take the points here."

Predictions

Davenport: Bills

Gagnon: Bills

Hanford: Bills

Knox: Bills

Michelino: Patriots

Moton: Bills

O'Donnell: Patriots

Sobleski: Bills

ATS Consensus: Bills -14

Score Prediction: Bills 31, Patriots 14

Cleveland Browns (3-11) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)

DK Line: Cincinnati -7

The Cleveland Browns will start Dorian Thompson-Robinson over Jameis Winston for this matchup.

Last week, Winston threw for 146 yards and three interceptions, which sealed his fate, but Thompson-Robinson has thrown one touchdown pass and seven interceptions in 12 career games (three starts).

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow leads the league in passing yards (3,977) and touchdowns (36).

In a massive quarterback mismatch, Davenport wanted to take the Bengals "by infinity," but he settled for a touchdown and an extra point.

"The Browns aren't the only team in the league making a quarterback switch in Week 16. Or the only team in the NFL that has played three (or more) quarterbacks this season," he said. "But quarterback decisions in Cleveland being what they are, the Browns are making theirs a disaster.

"Joe Burrow and the Bengals can drop 30 on any team in the NFL. Cincinnati's undoing this year has been a defense that is, well…poo. But rather than take their chances in a shootout, the Browns have decided the wisest move is to kneecap the entire offense with Dorian Thompson-'oops'inson.

"That's the only nickname getting past my editors.

"Winston is being benched for interceptions in favor of a quarterback who is more prone to throwing interceptions than even Winston. Who has one career touchdown pass. Who has a career passer rating of 42.6.

"You could double this spread, and I'd lay the points, especially given Burrow's career struggles against the Browns (2-5 in seven games).

"Payback's coming. With interest.

"Maybe Kevin Stefanski wants to be fired. Either that or Cleveland is tanking."

Predictions

Davenport: Bengals

Gagnon: Bengals

Hanford: Bengals

Knox: Bengals

Michelino: Bengals

Moton: Bengals

O'Donnell: Bengals

Sobleski: Bengals

ATS Consensus: Bengals -7

Score Prediction: Bengals 30, Browns 13

Detroit Lions (12-2) at Chicago Bears (4-10)

DK Line: Detroit -6.5

Every passing week, the Detroit Lions are losing key players to injuries. On Tuesday, they placed running back David Montgomery (torn MCL) on injured reserve.

Moreover, Detroit's defense has noticeably leaked over the past couple of weeks, giving up 79 combined points to the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills.

Yet Michelino sided with the wounded Lions to cover by more than a touchdown in a matchup with the struggling Chicago Bears, whose opponents have outscored them 68-25 over the last two weeks.

"It was a tough week for Detroit, losing to the Bills in the season's highest-scoring affair while losing the other half of the Sonic-Knuckles RB duo in David Montgomery for the season," he said. "It's just the latest in a recent rash of injuries that have devastated the Lions roster (mostly on defense) and tested their depth.

"With their sights set on reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history, the Lions are now in battle with the Eagles for the coveted No. 1 seed. The Bears got blown out by another division foe in Minnesota, playing every bit like the bad team they currently are. This team is poorly coached and unimaginative on offense despite raw talent all over the roster.

"Is laying 6.5 points on the road in a division matchup with a depleted roster something that I feel great about? Well, in this case, yes. The Lions are still a Super Bowl-caliber team and the Bears...are not."

Predictions

Davenport: Lions

Gagnon: Bears

Hanford: Lions

Knox: Lions

Michelino: Lions

Moton: Lions

O'Donnell: Lions

Sobleski: Lions

ATS Consensus: Lions -6.5

Score Prediction: Lions 30, Bears 20

Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at New York Jets (4-10)

DK Line: Los Angeles -3.5

The Los Angeles Rams are heating up at the right time, and bettors have cashed in on them over the past few weeks. They have won and covered the spread in their last three games.

They travel cross-country to face the New York Jets, who are coming off their first victory since Week 9 and a season-high 32-point performance.

For context, the Jets beat the three-win Jacksonville Jaguars last week, but they're averaging 26.5 points over their last four contests. Perhaps quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn't washed up and Gang Green can put the Rams on upset alert.

Sobleski isn't worried about the hook on this spread. He expects the Rams to maintain their momentum with a win by more than a field goal.

"Good thing that Aaron Rodgers has a weekly national platform to say whatever he likes, because most NFL fans couldn't care less about the starting quarterback of a 4-10 squad," Sobleski said.

"With that in mind, the future Hall of Fame quarterback did play his best two games as a member of the Jets over the last two weekends. It's too little, too late, though. The same can't be said about the Rams, who have won three straight games—whether they needed to do so in a high-scoring contest, like two weeks ago against the Buffalo Bills, or ground out a low-scoring affair against the San Francisco 49ers.

"Rodgers could play well again, and the Rams are making the dreaded West-to-East-Coast trip for a 1 p.m. start. But the Jets' season is all but over. Whereas, the Rams are still motivated to capture a division title and good playoff seeding. Incentives alone should put Los Angeles over the top."

Predictions

Davenport: Rams

Gagnon: Rams

Hanford: Rams

Knox: Rams

Michelino: Jets

Moton: Rams

O'Donnell: Rams

Sobleski: Rams

ATS Consensus: Rams -3.5

Score Prediction: Rams 28, Jets 21

Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) at Washington Commanders (9-5)

DK Line: Philadelphia -3

The Philadelphia Eagles have the league's longest active win streak, and they've closed the gap on the Detroit Lions for the NFC's No. 1 seed.

On one hand, the Eagles can overcome drama between teammates and a seemingly ill-tempered head coach, but how will they fare with running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver A.J. Brown dealing with injuries?

Brown said his ankle is "fine," while Barkley told reporters he's "dealing with a little something."

Keep in mind that Eagles backup running back Kenneth Gainwell logged 10 touches for 60 scrimmage yards last week. He could handle a similar workload if Barkley continues to play through whatever is ailing him.

Despite the minor injury news, Hanford expects the Eagles offense to deliver a dominant performance, resulting in an outcome similar to their Week 11 matchup with the Washington Commanders.

"The Eagles have won 10 games in a row and have mostly dominated in that stretch," he said. "Nine of the last 10 teams they've faced have failed to crack 20 points. Add to that a potent scoring offense, and they're simply a very tough team to beat right now. A good Steelers team was able to slow down Saquon Barkley and still lost by two scores.

"Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are on the upswing, but I see a repeat of Week 11 here. Barkley gets back on track with a dominant performance, and the Eagles' streak continues."

Predictions

Davenport: Eagles

Gagnon: Eagles

Hanford: Eagles

Knox: Eagles

Michelino: Eagles

Moton: Eagles

O'Donnell: Eagles

Sobleski: Commanders

ATS Consensus: Eagles -3

Score Prediction: Eagles 26, Commanders 20

New York Giants (2-12) at Atlanta Falcons (7-7)

DK Line: Atlanta -8.5

On Tuesday, the Atlanta Falcons announced rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will be their starter "moving forward."

Between Weeks 10 and 15, Kirk Cousins threw for one touchdown and nine interceptions. So, Penix doesn't need to do much to be an upgrade under center, but bettors have to consider if he can do enough to cover a significant spread.

O'Donnell doesn't expect this year's No. 8 overall pick to have an all-time debut performance, but he thinks very little of the New York Giants as a team and foresees another embarrassing loss for Big Blue.

"Loaded with uncertainty for both teams, particularly after Atlanta's benching of mega-signing Cousins for rookie Penix, I'm going to keep this simple because that is what the home team must do," he said. "Still in the playoff race, expect the Falcons to simplify things for Penix by leaning on Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

"The Giants are a mess in every phase of the game. A two-score spread is scary, but even a competitive Big Blue squad doesn't match up well here. I'll risk the big spread in favor of conservative vs. inept."

Predictions

Davenport: Giants

Gagnon: Giants

Hanford: Falcons

Knox: Giants

Michelino: Falcons

Moton: Falcons

O'Donnell: Falcons

Sobleski: Falcons

ATS Consensus: Falcons -8.5

Score Prediction: Falcons 24, Giants 14

Arizona Cardinals (7-7) at Carolina Panthers (3-11)

DK Line: Arizona -4

The Arizona Cardinals will try to keep their playoff hopes alive, only one game behind the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West.

The Carolina Panthers should strive for progress. They are on a four-game losing streak. Since their Week 11 bye, their point total has dropped every game, and they're allowing an average of 27 points per contest.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has shown improvement since reclaiming the starting job in Week 8, but that's the only game he's thrown for multiple touchdown passes this season.

The 2023 No. 1 pick has made minimal strides, though Gagnon believes it's enough for the Carolina to potentially upset the Arizona Cardinals, who have won by razor-thin margins on the road over the past year.

"Last time the Cardinals won a road game by more than a single point? Last December," he said. "The Panthers have some fight in them and should keep this close, if not win outright."

Predictions

Davenport: Cardinals

Gagnon: Panthers

Hanford: Panthers

Knox: Cardinals

Michelino: Panthers

Moton: Cardinals

O'Donnell: Panthers

Sobleski: Panthers

ATS Consensus: Panthers +4

Score Prediction: Cardinals 26, Panthers 23

Tennessee Titans (3-11) at Indianapolis Colts (6-8)

DK Line: Indianapolis -3.5

The Indianapolis Colts are sloppy and inefficient on offense this year.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson has thrown for seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 47 percent completion rate. The Colts have the fourth-most turnovers leaguewide, and running back Jonathan Taylor made a mind-boggling blunder last week.

The Tennessee Titans have been worse than the Colts in one key aspect. They lead the league in turnovers.

However, the Titans may run a more efficient offense this week, with quarterback Mason Rudolph replacing Will Levis.

Sobleski believes the QB switch will help the Titans pull off a road win over the Colts.

"At this point, there's no reason to believe the Colts can win a game they should win," he said. "The team will likely do something indefensible to screw it up, like fumbling the ball before scoring a walk-in touchdown or turn a throwback pass into a pick-six, all with the squad's playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

"The well-coached and feisty team that head coach Shane Steichen fielded last season has devolved to the point where a series of blunders now defines its current status. None of this even includes the continuing development of quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose ups and downs are so drastic that a bouncing bumble can be overwhelmed.

"Meanwhile, the Titans made a change at quarterback. The Will Levis era appears to be over, with Mason Rudolph leading the way to accomplish the mission just days before Christmas."

Predictions

Davenport: Colts

Gagnon: Colts

Hanford: Titans

Knox: Titans

Michelino: Titans

Moton: Colts

O'Donnell: Titans

Sobleski: Titans

ATS Consensus: Titans +3.5

Score Prediction: Titans 22, Colts 21

Minnesota Vikings (12-2) at Seattle Seahawks (8-6)

DK Line: Minnesota -4

Even though the Seattle Seahawks are optimistic about quarterback Geno Smith's status for this game, keep an eye on their injury report for updates. If Sam Howell gets the nod, this line could move by another point or reach -5.5.

In 20 games (18 starts), Howell has more interceptions (23) than touchdown passes (22), and he had an abysmal showing as a fill-in last week, completing five out of 14 passes for 24 yards and an interception.

The Seahawks defense can keep the score close, but Knox can see the Minnesota Vikings eventually finding a breakthrough, even if they have a less-than-stellar performance.

"Minnesota played a fairly sloppy game against the Chicago Bears on Monday—at least, until it remembered it could use Aaron Jones in the running game—and still won by three scores," he said. "I don't expect things to be quite as lopsided against the Seahawks in Seattle, but I do expect the VIkings to win fairly convincingly.

"With Kenneth Walker III out of the lineup in Week 15, Seattle looked like a B-level team against the Packers. The Vikings can win this, even if they don't bring their A-game."

Predictions

Davenport: Vikings

Gagnon: Vikings

Hanford: Vikings

Knox: Vikings

Michelino: Seahawks

Moton: Vikings

O'Donnell: Seahawks

Sobleski: Vikings

ATS Consensus: Vikings -4

Score Prediction: Vikings 27, Seahawks 21

San Francisco 49ers (6-8) at Miami Dolphins (6-8)

DK Line: Miami -1.5

Barring a tie, the San Francisco 49ers or the Miami Dolphins must accept the reality of finishing the season with a losing record following a double-digit win campaign. Both teams are hanging on to playoff hopes by a thread, which may spark some desperation.

Oddsmakers provided a near pick 'em line with a slight edge for the home team. Davenport favors the club that's dealing with fewer key injuries.

"This is one of the hardest games of the week to pick, and this is essentially a straight-up call. Neither team is headed to the playoffs, most likely. Both know they have to win to keep their slim chances alive," he said.

"And I'm picking Miami, because, well…

"There's no doubt the 49ers are more tested. And better coached—it's fair to start asking some hard questions about Mike McDaniel in Miami. But the 49ers have been decimated by injuries as much as any team in recent memory, on both sides of the ball.

"Brock Purdy has regressed as a result. Deebo Samuel's contract looks like a nightmare. And that's the tip of the behind-the-scenes iceberg in Santa Clara.

"At some point, it just becomes too much. And the 49ers reached that point a couple of weeks ago."

Predictions

Davenport: Dolphins

Gagnon: Dolphins

Hanford: 49ers

Knox: 49ers

Michelino: 49ers

Moton: 49ers

O'Donnell: 49ers

Sobleski: 49ers

ATS Consensus: 49ers +1.5

Score Prediction: 49ers 24, Dolphins 21

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)

DK Line: Jacksonville -1

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce shared a positive update on quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who missed the previous game because of a bone bruise in his knee.

"I would say he's trending upwards to playing this week," Pierce said about O'Connell's status for Sunday.

O'Connell isn't much of an upgrade over Desmond Ridder, but he's shown the ability to play well in interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner's offense. In Week 13, O'Connell put together a quality performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns.

In a battle between two teams near the top of the 2025 draft order, Moton sided with Las Vegas, pending O'Connell's availability.

"If Ridder starts this game, bettors should feel good about the Jaguars, but O'Connell has a chance to suit up, and he gives the Raiders a better chance to win," he said.

"O'Connell didn't play well in his previous start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (104 passing yards and an interception with a 57.9 percent completion rate), but he would face a more vulnerable pass defense this week.

"The Jaguars allow the most passing yards per game and the fourth-most passing touchdowns. They also field one of the worst defenses on third down, allowing a 44.5 percent conversion rate, which ranks 29th leaguewide.

"Lastly, Jaguars backup quarterback Mac Jones is 0-2 as a starter against the Raiders, facing Patrick Graham's defense. He didn't throw a touchdown pass in either of those games.

"The Raiders are a bad football team, but O'Connell can give them a boost in a matchup with another one of the league's worst clubs."

Predictions

Davenport: Jaguars

Gagnon: Jaguars

Hanford: Jaguars

Knox: Jaguars

Michelino: Jaguars

Moton: Raiders

O'Donnell: Jaguars

Sobleski: Jaguars

ATS Consensus: Jaguars -1

Score Prediction: Jaguars 20, Raiders 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) at Dallas Cowboys (6-8)

DK Line: Tampa Bay -4

Under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a marquee slot to showcase their high-powered offense as the Dallas Cowboys look to win their fourth game in five weeks.

The Buccaneers' offense will garner most of the headlines for this matchup, but quarterback Cooper Rush has settled into the Cowboys' offense since replacing an injured Dak Prescott in Week 10. Rush has thrown for eight touchdowns and one interception in his last four outings.

Rush will need to push the ball downfield against the Buccaneers' 30th-ranked pass defense to help Dallas pull off an upset.

That said, the Cowboys have struggled at home. They're 1-6 straight-up and against the spread at AT&T Stadium.

Knox likes Tampa Bay to pull away with a decisive victory.

"Liam Coen's ability to scheme up explosive running plays borders on football wizardry," he said. "Tampa has racked up more than 150 rushing yards in four straight games a year after having the league's worst rushing attack in almost every metric. That newfound spark on the ground will make all the difference against a Cowboys defense ranked 29th in yards per carry allowed.

"With Trevon Diggs out and DeMarcus Lawrence not expected to return, Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans should get their opportunities to shine, too.

"Dallas can find enough offense to keep this close for a while, but I don't think the Bucs are about to let their lead in the NFC South slip away. I'm not sure they'll drop 40 points for the second straight week, but it wouldn't shock me."

Predictions

Davenport: Buccaneers

Gagnon: Buccaneers

Hanford: Buccaneers

Knox: Buccaneers

Michelino: Cowboys

Moton: Buccaneers

O'Donnell: Buccaneers

Sobleski: Buccaneers

ATS Consensus: Buccaneers -4

Score Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Cowboys 23

New Orleans Saints (5-9) at Green Bay Packers (10-4)

DK Line: Green Bay -13.5

Like last year, the Green Bay Packers are building steam in the latter half of the regular season.

They have won three of their last four games while averaging 32.3 points and forcing seven turnovers in that stretch.

Yet it's fair to wonder if a 13.5-point spread in favor of Green Bay is too much as it prepares to face a scrappy New Orleans Saints squad that is 3-2 under interim head coach Darren Rizzi.

Moton has concerns about the Saints' mounting injuries around a rookie quarterback and expects the Packers to build a comfortable lead by halftime.

"The Saints will likely start rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler, who outperformed second-year quarterback Jake Haener and nearly led the team to a comeback victory over the Washington Commanders last week," he said.

"Though Rattler would give New Orleans a better chance to cover a massive spread, he doesn't have much of a supporting cast without wideout Chris Olave (concussion) and running back Alvin Kamara questionable to suit up with a groin injury.

"The Saints have a shot at staying within this margin if the Packers take their foot off the gas pedal to preserve themselves for a crucial Week 17 division matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Though Green Bay may only need a half of football to build an insourmountable two-score lead.

"Green Bay will beat its third opponent by 17-plus points in five weeks."

Predictions

Davenport: Packers

Gagnon: Packers

Hanford: Packers

Knox: Packers

Michelino: Saints

Moton: Packers

O'Donnell: Packers

Sobleski: Saints

ATS Consensus: Packers -13.5

Score Prediction: Packers 28, Saints 13

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Houston Texans (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)

DK Line: Kansas City -3

Result: Chiefs 27, Texans 19 (Kansas City covers)

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a "mild high ankle sprain" last week.

On Tuesday, the three-time Super Bowl winner had a full practice. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler thinks the Chiefs will have their starting quarterback under center, but if not, Carson Wentz will start against the Houston Texans.

Houston opened as a slight favorite, but Kansas City is now getting the usual three points for a home team in an even matchup.

Despite the uncertainty around Mahomes' availability, Michelino likes the Chiefs to cover a thin spread.

"I promised myself after Super Bowl LVIII I'd never pass on the Chiefs as dogs again," he said. "Now as of this writing, we're not entirely certain about the health status of Mahomes and his right ankle. But whether I'm bracing for the worst of the Carson Wentz experience or a limited Mahomes, it won't change my outlook for this game.

"The Chiefs control their own destiny in pursuit of the No. 1 seed in the AFC and continue to churn out close wins. They're motivated to do everything in their power to secure that first-round bye as they target the first-ever NFL three-peat.

"Houston comes to Arrowhead having clinched its own division already, although CJ Stroud hasn't exactly lit the world on fire in his sophomore season. It's true, the Texans can take advantage of the middling Chiefs secondary with their explosive skill weapons now that Nico Collins is back to full strength.

"Still, I envision an Andy Reid masterclass incoming and a playbook that throws the kitchen sink at Houston in each scenario. Fool me once."

Predictions

Davenport: Chiefs

Gagnon: Texans

Hanford: Chiefs

Knox: Chiefs

Michelino: Chiefs

Moton: Chiefs

O'Donnell: Texans

Sobleski: Texans

ATS Consensus: Chiefs -3

Score Prediction: Chiefs 24, Texans 20

Denver Broncos (9-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)

DraftKings Line: Los Angeles -3

Result: Chargers 34, Broncos 27 (Los Angeles covers)

The Los Angeles Chargers are falling apart physically, and their offense has lost its spark without running back J.K. Dobbins (MCL sprain).

Quarterback Justin Herbert has an ankle injury that's limited him at practice. Tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) and guard Zion Johnson (ankle) could miss this game with injuries.

The Chargers have scored just 17 points in three straight games against mediocre defenses, squeaking out a four-point victory over the Atlanta Falcons and then losing to the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They will face a superior defense this week. Like L.A., the Denver Broncos are one of three teams allowing the fewest points.

Furthermore, Denver is riding a four-game winning streak, averaging 34.8 points in that stretch.

After the Chargers' 40-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, Gagnon concluded they are playoff-contending frauds and sided with the Broncos to win outright.

"I think the Chargers were identified as phonies to an extent last week, and the Broncos are simply the better all-around team," he said.

"They've won four straight games by multiple scores, and I expect them to at least take care of the Bolts here."

Predictions

Davenport: Broncos

Gagnon: Broncos

Hanford: Broncos

Knox: Broncos

Michelino: Broncos

Moton: Broncos

O'Donnell: Chargers

Sobleski: Broncos

ATS Consensus: Broncos +3

Score Prediction: Broncos 23, Chargers 19