If you want to know what separates the Philadelphia Eagles from the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East, their two Week 15 games provided an excellent example. The Eagles struggled to contain Chicago’s Justin Fields but ultimately prevailed in a 25-20 game. The Cowboys rolled to a 27-10 lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars with five minutes remaining in the third quarter before laying down on defense, forgetting clock management principles and giving away a 40-34 overtime loss. Dak Prescott continued his interception troubles, throwing two costly picks, and the vaunted pass rush only sacked Trevor Lawrence one time. Lawrence torched the Dallas defense for four touchdowns in the second half, and it was Prescott’s pick-six that ended the overtime, turning a drive that was headed to a game-winning field goal into points for the Jaguars. As Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts said after the Eagles’ win, “Great teams find a way.” We saw which team won on a day when both faced adversity. Going into Week 16, check out our NFL betting thoughts about each matchup’s over/under.
NFL News: Week 16 O/U Picks
→ Thursday, December 22
Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5) at N.Y. Jets (O/U 38.5) (8:15 pm ET, Prime Video)
The Jaguars just hung 40 points on the Dallas Cowboys, who supposedly have one of the top defenses in the NFL. The Jets might have Mike White back, but even if they have to roll with Zach Wilson again, they can move the ball. Take the over.
→ Saturday, December 24
Buffalo Bills (-8.5) at Chicago Bears (41.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
The Bills will put up a lot of points on the Bears, who met the Philadelphia Eagles at an opportune time but still surrendered 25 last week. The Bears will give the Bills trouble thanks to the running of Justin Fields. Take the over.
New Orleans Saints (+3) at Cleveland Browns (31.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
The Browns wore down the Baltimore Ravens last week, and this week they face another team with a backup quarterback in New Orleans. However, the Browns might be able to beat this point total all by themselves, as Deshaun Watson increases his confidence and gets used to game speed again. Take the over.
Houston Texans (+7) at Tennessee Titans (38.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Tennessee hasn’t won a game since November 17, and the Texans have pushed the Cowboys and the Chiefs to near losses the last two weeks. I see the Texans slowing this game down to a grinding halt as well and taking the win. Take the under.
Seattle Seahawks (+9.5) at Kansas City Chiefs (49.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
We have two offenses that are not firing on all cylinders taking on two defenses that have been a bit too porous as of late. I see this turning into a track meet, as both offenses are free of major injury at the skill positions. Take the over.
N.Y. Giants (+3.5) at Minnesota Vikings (47.5) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
The Giants struggled to put up 20 points against Washington, and I don’t see them having much more success against the Vikings. We know that the Vikings can score in bunches, but the Giants play at a plodding pace. Take the under.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at New England Patriots (40) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
The Bengals turned a 17-3 deficit against Tampa Bay into a 24-17 lead in what seemed like the blink of an eye, as the Buccaneers turned the ball over on four straight drives. New England is susceptible to similar mistakes, but the Patriots’ defense will frustrate Joe Burrow. Take the under.
Detroit Lions (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers (44.5) (1:00 pm ET, CBS)
We have two teams on runs at this point in time, and both teams are taking shows down the field – and succeeding. Neither of these teams has what you would call a smothering defense, either. Take the over.
Atlanta Falcons (+7) at Baltimore Ravens (37.5) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Desmond Ridder will get his second start at the helm of the Atlanta offense, but even if the Ravens are stuck with Tyler Huntley again, I don’t see Ridder getting things up and running against the Ravens’ defense. Take the under.
Washington Commanders (+7.5) at San Francisco 49ers (39.5) (4:05 pm ET, FOX)
The Commanders only got a dozen points against the Giants, and the 49ers’ defense is significantly better than the Giants’ unit. Brock Purdy has shown he can lead the San Francisco offense, and so I don’t see this game remaining close for long. Take the over.
Philadelphia Eagles (+6) at Dallas Cowboys (46.5) (4:25 pm ET, FOX)
I would wait a few days to wager on this game because Jalen Hurts is questionable for this game after spraining his shoulder against Chicago on Sunday. Even with Gardner Minshew running the Philadelphia offense, though, will Dallas be able to move the ball against the Eagles’ defense? Will Dallas be able to stop the Eagles’ running game? Take the under.
Las Vegas Raiders (+2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (39.5) (8:15 pm ET, NFL Network)
The Steelers may have Mitch Trubisky running the offense again this week, and their slow pace on offense and defense could keep things at a crawl – or the game could turn into a track meet, as the Raiders’ game with another plodding team, the Patriots, did last week. Take the over.
→ Sunday, December 25
Green Bay Packers (NL) at Miami Dolphins (NL) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
I would wait to make a pick on this game to see whether the Packers will start Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love at quarterback.
Denver Broncos (NL) at L.A. Rams (NL) (4:30 pm ET, CBS)
I would also wait on this game – to see if Russell Wilson will clear the concussion protocol, or if the Broncos will have to start Brett Rypien again.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4.5) at Arizona Cardinals (41.5) (8:20 pm ET, NBC)
Whether the Cardinals start Colt McCoy or Trace McSorley at quarterback, the Buccaneers have the defense to put the screws on them. The Buccaneers are having a hard time sustaining drives at this point. Take the under.
→ Monday, December 26
L.A. Chargers (-3.5) at Indianapolis Colts (46.5) (8:15 pm ET, ESPN)
The Colts needed a touchdown from their defense and their special teams to put up 33 in the first half against Minnesota last week. Those kind of touchdowns don’t show up every week. We also saw that the Colts’ defense has a hard time against a well-balanced offensive attack. Take the over.
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