NFL Week 16 2022: A case for each underdog

Glancing at the NFL Week 16 odds, here’s how each underdog can cover their spreads, and in some cases, perhaps outright win.

Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets (PICK’EM)

The Jaguars are rolling, and Trevor Lawrence facing Zach Wilson is all you need to know.

Buffalo Bills (-9) at Chicago Bears

Chicago continues to play everyone to the wire. Also, the wind chill at Soldier Field on Saturday could be -40 degrees. Take a low-scoring game and the points.

New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns (-3)

The Saints are a better team than the Browns. At the worst, it’s even. Again, take the points.

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (-5)

The Texans almost beat the Cowboys and Chiefs over the past two weeks, while the Titans haven’t won in a month. It’ll be tight.

Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5)

The Chiefs have been awful at covering. They haven’t done so in three weeks. Take Seattle to stay within a score.

New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)

Minnesota is 11-3 but can’t blow anybody out. Take the Giants to cover with the help of the hook.

Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at New England Patriots

This is it for the Patriots. Might be worth staying away here from a New England standpoint, but the case is desperation and a good edge rush.

Detroit Lions (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers

Atlanta Falcons at Baltimore Ravens (-7.5)

The Ravens might have Lamar Jackson back, but will he be 100 percent? Atlanta should run the ball, milk the clock and keep it close.

Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers (-7)

The Niners already have a top-three seed wrapped up, while Washington is playing for its postseason dreams. The Commanders will come out desperate.

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-5)

Good chance we don’t see Jalen Hurts on Saturday, but Gardner Minshew is more than capable of winning this game, let alone covering it.

Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

The Raiders are the better team, despite both teams sitting at 6-8. Better offense, more stars, etc. Las Vegas should keep this very close if not win outright.

Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins (-4)

The Packers are playing much better over the past two weeks, while Miami has dropped three straight. Aaron Rodgers could have a huge day against this defense.

Denver Broncos (-2.5) at Los Angeles Rams

Have you seen the Broncos play?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-6.5) at Arizona Cardinals

Arizona is terrible and. could be trotting out Trace McSorley, but the Buccaneers can’t score enough to be favored by this much.

Los Angeles Chargers (-4) at Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis isn’t good, but it constantly plays well enough to hang tough. Also, this is the Chargers. It’ll be close.