NFL’s Week 14 features three divisional battles for first place
AP pro picks
The Associated Press Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is tackled by Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock during the second half of an NFL game Sunday, Nov. 30, in Indianapolis.
First place is on the line in three division matchups in Week 14.
The Steelers (6-6) visit the Ravens (6-6) to determine the AFC North leader.
The slumping Colts (8-4) hit the road to play the Jaguars (8-4) for the top spot in the AFC South.
The Packers (8-3-1) host the conference-leading Bears (9-3) for control in the NFC North.
Each game is the first of two meetings between the teams so the loser has a chance to rebound.
The picks:
Philadelphia (-3) at L.A. Chargers: A two-game losing streak has the reigning Super Bowl champs reeling. Coach Nick Sirianni, offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo and QB Jalen Hurts are under fire. Yet, the Eagles are favorites on the road facing the No. 3 defense in the NFL. Justin Herbert had surgery on his left wrist on Monday and his status is unknown, though it would be a surprise if he doesn’t play. Best Bet: Eagles, 24-18
Indianapolis (-1.5) at Jacksonville: The Colts haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014, and are 3-16-1 against the spread vs. the Jaguars since 2015. Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor and the rest of a high-scoring offense have been sluggish during a stretch where Indianapolis has lost three of four. The defense won’t have All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. The Jaguars have won three in a row and four of five. Upset Special: Jaguars, 22-20
Miami (-2.5) at N.Y. Jets: The Dolphins have won three in a row and Tua Tagovailoa is 6-0 against the Jets. Tagovailoa has been inconsistent this season and leads the NFL with 14 interceptions. De’Von Achane could have a big day running against New York, which is tied for 25th against the run. Dolphins, 23-20
Pittsbugh at Baltimore (-6): The Steelers are 2-5 since a 4-1 start, Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting much help and fans are calling for coach Mike Tomlin to be fired. Lamar Jackson still looks slowed by injury but the Ravens have won the last two meetings by a combined 31 points. Tomlin is 13-4-2 ATS against Baltimore as an underdog. Ravens, 23-19
Seattle (-7) at Atlanta: Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the offense struggled last week but the Seahawks still won 26-0. They’ve got a dominant defense and an opportunity to earn the No. 1 seed if they win out. Seahawks, 24-16
Cincinnati at Buffalo (-5.5): Joe Burrow returned after missing two months and led the Bengals to a road win at Baltimore. He’s 2-0 head-to-head against Josh Allen and the Bills, and 18-3 ATS as an underdog of more than 3 points. Bills, 24-23
Tennessee at Cleveland (-4): Cam Ward’s rookie season has been dismal in Tennessee. The Titans have lost seven games by double digits. Shedeur Sanders has shown some of his promise while splitting his first two starts. Browns, 20-13
Washington at Minnesota (-1.5): Marcus Mariota nearly led the Commanders to an upset over the Broncos. J.J. McCarthy is expected to return from a concussion for the Vikings. Vikings, 19-16
New Orleans at Tampa Bay (-8.5): Tyler Shough nearly rallied the Saints from a 16-0 deficit against Miami. He’ll have some opportunities against a secondary that’s struggled. Cameron Jordan leads a pass rush that could give Baker Mayfield some trouble. Mayfield and the offense have been lackluster, though they’ve got plenty of upside with more key players returning. Buccaneers, 23-20
Denver (-7.5) at Las Vegas: Denver has won nine in a row, overcoming a deficit at some point in each game. Bo Nix has delivered in clutch moments and a stifling defense keeps making plays at the end. Facing the woeful Raiders shouldn’t be a challenge. Broncos, 27-13
Chicago at Green Bay (-6.5): The Bears have won nine of 10, including an impressive victory at Philly last week. Yet, they’re big underdogs. Caleb Williams has to play better for Chicago to be a real threat. If Jordan Love and Micah Parsons keep playing the way they did at Detroit on Thanksgiving, the Packers might be the team to beat in the NFC. Packers, 27-18
L.A. Rams (-8) at Arizona: Matthew Stafford is coming off a rare three-turnover game and the Rams look to rebound from a poor defensive effort. Jacoby Brissett is 1-6 as a starter for the Cardinals but he’s boosted the passing game. Rams, 31-16
Houston at Kansas City (-3.5): The Texans have rebounded from an 0-3 start to get right back in the race for the AFC South title thanks to a ferocious defense that’s No. 1 in yards and points allowed. The Chiefs have run out of margin for error. Their streak of nine straight division titles is going to end. The Chiefs have won five straight meetings. Chiefs, 22-20
Last week: Straight up: 10-6. Against spread: 7-9.
Overall: Straight up: 140-53-1. Against spread: 96-92-6.
Prime time: Straight up: 27-16-1. Against spread: 19-25.
Best Bet: Straight up: 10-3. Against spread: 7-5-1.
Upset Special: Straight up: 10-3. Against spread: 10-3.




