Del somehow managed to pick at above the .500 mark against the spread last week, but 8-7 isn’t going to cut it. We’ve dug ourselves too deep of a hole, so we’re pretty much picking for pride over these last two weeks. Del did manage to follow a 3-0 week of locks with a 2-1 week in the top three, so at least we’re salvaging some respect there.
The goal over these last two weeks will be to end on a good note after an abysmal season. Here are Del’s Week 16 NFL Picks, with analysis of the top three after the chart. Check back later in the week for Doc Brown’s picks.
(ATS = Against the Spread, SU = Straight Up)
For the first lock of the week, I’m picking the Dolphins to ride their momentum on the road against the Bills. Miami came from behind to beat the Patriots last week and remained in the playoff hunt in the process. Not only that, but the Dolphins still have a chance to win the AFC East. EJ Manuel is expected to be out again with an injury, meaning Thad Lewis will start for the Bills. The Dolphins are the better team and have far more to play for. I like them to cover 2.5 points in this one.
Next, I’m taking the Jets laying 2.5 at home against Cleveland. The Browns have lost some very close games in recent weeks, but they haven’t won since Nov. 3 — before their Week 10 bye. Jason Campbell is not playing well and the Browns have not been able to establish any type of consistent run game. The Jets have lost four of their last five, but they actually gave the Panthers somewhat of a game on the road last week. While I don’t trust Geno Smith at all, I think Campbell will make one or two mistakes that will wind up being the difference in the game. New York is the play.
Finally, I’m going with the Lions to win big at home against the Giants. Detroit is coming off an extremely disappointing loss to the Ravens, but the NFC North is still wide open. New York has nothing left to play for and is coming off an embarrassing shutout loss to the Seahawks at home. Eli Manning threw five — that’s right five — interceptions. The Lions are flirting with disaster, but the G-Men are already a disaster. I’d be very surprised if New York avoids another blowout.
