NFL FOOTBALL PICKS ATS - FREE WEEKLY EXPERT PREDICTIONS

After stinking last week, we'd normally consider Denver a good candidate for a bounce-back performance this week. However, the Broncos' defense concerns us. Also, Denvers been out-gained five of its last seven times. Meanwhile, New England has lost a bunch of close games this season and has out-gained four of its last five opponents. Also, these teams' performances against common opponents are very close. And Zappe seems to give the Patriots at least a little spark. Can New England score 21 points on Sunday? Yes, we believe they can. We like the Patriots, plus the points.

The Bills are favored, with key advantages on both sides of the ball. However, Buffalo's road performance this season and the possibility of a spirited performance from the Chargers with a new coach have me skipping the spread bet. The total is where my money is landing. The Bills' defense has looked better of late after getting some of their injured players back, and the remaining fill-ins are starting to gel. The LAC receiving corps is decimated, and Easton Stick is a huge step down from Justin Herbert.

Los Angeles is playing the better ball as of late. Also, the Rams own the better quarterback, the better running game - they’re averaging 168 YPG on the ground their last four times out - and the better run defense. Plus, they’re not traveling two time zones West on a short week. We like LA for Thursday night, minus the points.

Baltimore, with its superior quarterback, offense, and defense, also outperformed Jacksonville in their last encounter, despite the final score. With the game on the road, the spread is more attractive. Our betting pick is on Baltimore to cover the spread on Sunday night.

In a battle of back-up QB’s the most important factor is probably the ability to run the ball. We expect Los Angeles to produce more on the ground than Las Vegas. And teams that out-rush their opponents in the NFL cover the spread about 65 percent of the time. Also, the Chargers out-played the Raiders earlier this season, and Herbert didn’t really have to do much. We like Los Angeles for Thursday night, for the win on the money line.

Given these factors, the Titans have a viable path to covering the spread against the Dolphins. Their ability to keep games close on the road (not all blowouts, combined with potential strategic advantages due to Miami's injuries and untested defense against stronger teams, positions Tennessee as a capable underdog in this matchup.

Given the Bears' recent defensive form and home-field advantage, along with the potential for turnovers and the motivation to perform well against a division rival, there are solid reasons to believe the Bears can cover the spread against the Detroit Lions.

Philadelphia is coming off a poor performance last time out, albeit against a darn good team. Normally, we would consider the Eagles good candidates for a bounce-back effort next time out. However, we have some concerns about this team, such as its ability to run the ball without the quarterback and on defense.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys rank 5th in the League in total offense and, even with last week’s numbers, 3rd in total defense. Also, Dallas owns the better performance against common opponents, and they basically out-played the Eagles five weeks ago. We like the Cowboys for Sunday night.

Pittsburgh’s playing to stay in the playoff race, while New England is basically half a team. Also, we give the Steelers the edge in the QB match-up with Trubisky over Zappe. Plus, Pittsburgh’s got playmaker TJ Watt on defense. And the Steelers might be primed for a bounce-back effort this week following a poor performance last week. We’re playing Pittsburgh on Thursday night, minus the points.

Kansas City gets the check-mark at QB, although we like Love and on defense. Also, the Chiefs own a much better performance against common opponents. Also, KC is the healthier squad. How’s Green Bay going to run the ball? And playing on the road, keep the line on this game below seven. We like Kansas City for Sunday night, minus the points.

Given the Bengals' strengthened receiving corps and the Jaguars' offensive consistency, as well as potential vulnerabilities in the Bengals' secondary, this game presents a strong case for going over the total.

Considering these factors and the Lions’ dynamic offense against a Saints team missing key offensive weapons, Detroit is well-positioned to not only win but also cover the spread. Take the Lions -4.5.

Given the Panthers' offensive struggles and the Buccaneers' ability to contain teams with weaker passing attacks, this matchup has strong potential to go under the total.

Looking at all the angles, it's hard to bet against a Dallas team that's clicking on all cylinders, especially when they’re up against a Seattle team that’s struggling to find consistency. Our savvy pick is to go with the Cowboys, laying the points on Thursday night. It’s not just a bet; it's a statement!

Considering these factors included in the preview , the Bears, led by a rejuvenated Justin Fields and facing a Vikings team with a new quarterback, have a solid chance to cover the spread and possibly secure a win.

Cincinnati's Struggles in Divisional Games: The Bengals have not fared well within the division, both SU and ATS, which could continue against a division rival like Pittsburgh. Their performance against conference opponents suggests potential vulnerabilities that Pittsburgh could exploit.

Considering Baltimore’s overall performance, especially against common opponents, and their balanced offensive and defensive play, we lean towards Baltimore covering the spread in Sunday night's matchup.

The Browns' pass defense and rush will be a nightmare for the Broncos offensive line. Take the Cleveland Browns

San Francisco ranks 3rd in the League in total offense and 5th in defense; Seattle ranks 18th in offense and 23rd in defense. The 49ers are also the healthier team, which is becoming more important each week. Finally, San Fran beat the Seahawks three times last season by an average score of 30-14. Sounds about right to us. We’re giving the points Thursday night with the ‘Niners.

The lines maker is begging for Packers action, setting this line at Detroit -8.5. I'm not biting. Look for Detroit to have a big game on the ground and Goff to clean up the INTs. Take the Lions to cover the spread, winning by double digits.