NFL Week 14 Selections

Another week, another profit. Our NFL selections finished on the good foot in Week 14 at 8-7 against the spread. We had a little bit of trouble in a week where underdogs got whipped at 4-12 ATS, but a diversified portfolio kept things in the black.

That diversification included two plays on the total, including our victorious Best Bet. Our staff handicappers took the over in the Thursday matchup between the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins. This one looked like it was going to turn into a push on the total of 37 after the 'Skins went up 24-13 with under three minutes to play. The Bears tried the rare field goal-onside kick-touchdown-convert combo to tie the game, but only got as far as the field goal in a 24-16 final.

Our unsuccessful stab at the total came in the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens. We had the under on the total of 44, which is exactly how many points the Colts scored in a 44-20 spanking of the demoralized Ravens. So much for that Baltimore defense.

Those aforementioned underdogs didn't do much for us in Week 14. Our ugly litter of puppies included the Panthers (+10) against Jacksonville, the 49ers (+7) against Minnesota, and the Falcons (+4) on Monday night versus New Orleans. All three lost by at least 20 points. Lump Oakland in with that group; we picked the Raiders against Green Bay although we didn't have an official line available at the time. Oakland was around -10, but got whacked 38-7 regardless. Our lone dog champion was Detroit (+11), which hung around before losing 28-27 to Dallas.

We made our profit last week on the chalk at 5-2. Our support for the Bills (-7) was contingent on RB Marshawn Lynch playing, and he ran for 107 yards in a 38-17 win over winless Miami. We were also on the Patriots (-13) in a week where some thought their undefeated season would end; they thumped Pittsburgh 34-13. Our workbook clicked on the Seahawks (-7), the Browns (-3) and the Broncos (-6), but whiffed on Philly (-3) and Tampa Bay (-3).

Rounding off the betting slate, we supported San Diego as a pick 'em against Tennessee, and the Chargers delivered a 23-17 overtime victory to make Week 14 a profitable one. Let's do it again in Week 15.