NFL Best Bets: Week 14
The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Parker Silverman.
The NFL season turns to December - and as the weather gets colder, teams make their last second pushes for the playoffs. Week 14 features eight divisional matchups, including a clash in the AFC East between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills.
New York Jets (7-5) at Buffalo Bills (9-3)
Moneyline: BUF -590
Point spread: BUF -10 -110
It’s only right we start the best bets of the week with the game of the week on paper, a divisional clash in upstate New York between the Jets and Bills. Although the 10-point spread may fool you, this game has upset written all over it.
Just over a month ago, the Jets stunned Buffalo at home as double digit underdogs, shutting down Josh Allen and Co. en route to a 20-17 victory. Allen struggled, throwing for just over 200 yards and two interceptions.
New York struggled on offense as well, with former starting quarterback Zach Wilson passing for a measly 154 yards and a score. The Jets have nothing to fear in this one, however, as new starter Mike White has not struggled so far to move the ball through the air.
The Mike White turnaround has been the story of this Jets season so far. White threw for 369 yards last week, finding rookie receiver Garrett Wilson early and often: to the tune of eight catches for 162 yards.
The Bills will hope to have an answer for Wilson this time around, as former All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White is set to make his third straight start since returning from an ACL injury in 2021. Buffalo also hopes to be more effective offensively, relying on superstar wideout Stefon Diggs to make things happen in the Jets secondary.
New York has a shutdown corner of their own, though, sporting the rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner, who has found himself in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Gardner has not allowed a touchdown all season, and will have to be sharp against one of the league’s best in Diggs.
The line opens at double digits for the second-straight meeting between these two teams. If New York can get some early three-and-outs defensively and keep the ball on the ground, we could see another close one to the finish. Either way, I’m going to take the Jets to cover in this divisional showdown.
Pick: NYJ +10 -105
Cleveland Browns (5-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (8-4)
Moneyline: CIN -255
Point spread: CIN -5.5 -105
Vegas doesn’t know what to make of this game, and that’s usually a good sign for bettors. The Browns come off a decisive win over the league’s worst team in Houston, and now face a tough task on the road at Cincinnati.
Cleveland is set to start quarterback Deshaun Watson for the second time this season, his second game back from suspension. Watson looked rough against a porous defense last week, only completing 12 passes on the day for 131 yards and an interception.
On top of that, the Bengals come in off their best win of the year, a 27-24 nailbiter against Kansas City. Joe Burrow was outstanding, throwing for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Backup running back Samaje Perine ran well also, his second straight game eclipsing over 100 scrimmage yards.
Even with Perine playing well, the Bengals are getting healthy at the right time. Star running back Joe Mixon is returning from a concussion and is set to play, along with tackle La'el Collins. All signs point to a Bengals slaughter.
All signs except for the fact that Cleveland beat down Cincinnati 32-13 earlier this year. In a game that was supposed to be tightly contested, the Browns pulled away and won decisively, particularly because the Bengals defense had so many issues slowing down Browns back Nick Chubb.
But this has to be a Bengals revenge game right?
Vegas opened the line at Bengals -3, then moved it to Bengals -6, and now is shifting it back to Bengals -5. Regardless, I think Burrow and Co. get revenge, and could pull away to win by two or more scores.
Pick: CIN -5.5 -105
Bonus Pick: SEA -3.5 -110 vs CAR
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Parker Silverman is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email pws5405@psu.edu.
