NFL. Week 14 Predictions: Our Picks Against the Spread

Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Fox

Line: Buccaneers -6.5 | Total: 52

The Buccaneers (7-5) have disappointed a bit this season. The team was expected to take a leap defensively and, with Tom Brady added to the offense, even out the kinks from the Jameis Winston era. The team has been inconsistent, rather than bad, but has lost back-to-back games by 27-24. Its surprising defensive woes may continue against the Vikings (6-6), who have plenty of their own flaws, but no problems scoring.

While not a must-win game for Tampa Bay, it would take pressure off the Buccaneers in their hunt for an N.F.C. wild card to win this one at home. Pick: Vikings +6.5

Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m., CBS

Line: Colts -3 | Total: 51.5

The Colts (8-4) got away with one last week, taking advantage of a fumbled snap to hold on for a close win over Houston. That was nothing compared with the Raiders (7-5), who had a win gifted to them by the Jets in the closing seconds of the game. But wins are wins, and with both of these teams fighting for playoff spots, they were lucky to get them.

Running back Josh Jacobs is unlikely to return from injury for Las Vegas, and Indianapolis is simply farther along in its development. The Colts should be expected to win on the road. Pick: Colts -3

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/sports/football/nfl-picks-week-14.html