Geoff Schwartz
FOX Sports Betting Analyst
Let’s transfer on to Week 15 of the NFL.
The very first thing I’m going to do that week is fade Dallas. I’ll clarify the explanations, however belief me once I say that Sunday most likely will not be form to America’s Team.
Then, within the Steelers-Eagles matchup, there’s one participant factor that caught my consideration. Let’s dive in.
(All occasions ET)
SUNDAY DEC. 15
Cowboys @ Panthers (1 p.m., FOX and FOX Sports App)
The Panthers are anticipated to win and it’ll occur this weekend.
They have performed good soccer the final three weekends however have didn’t get wins. The Panthers misplaced to the Chiefs by three factors after outscoring 20-6 within the first half. They misplaced to the Bucs in additional time the next weekend in a recreation they need to have gained. Then final weekend, the Panthers went to Philadelphia as 14-point underdogs and, with out a fumble on the ultimate drive, Carolina would have gained.
That win lastly arrives this weekend with a canopy.
The Cowboys roster is crippled by accidents and Dallas’ season has rapidly spiraled downhill. After beating the Commanders in Washington, Dallas adopted up with a victory on Thanksgiving towards the Giants. There was hope that the season was saved and {that a} wild card spot was attainable.
Well, final Sunday the Cowboys misplaced to the Bengals and all these desires got here crashing down.
Not solely did they lose, however they misplaced in a horrible, embarrassing means. It was so dangerous that their All-Pro go rusher Micah Parsons was upset on the sidelines.
I do not like the place the Cowboys are headed mentally heading into Charlotte.
Their total roster is at present solely barely higher than the Panthers’. Dallas is with out some offensive linemen, clearly their quarterback is down they usually simply misplaced one other defensive starter in DeMarvion Overshown. The Cowboys are devastated, as they need to be.
Carolina’s offense has been at its greatest over the past three weeks with Bryce Young wanting higher. He has performed effectively towards strain and the blitz, and is clearly turning into the quarterback the Panthers needed.
I’m at all times a bit of anxious in regards to the Panthers protection, however the Cowboys offense is taking part in quite a lot of backups.
So give me the Panthers -3.
PICK: Panthers (-3) win by 3+ factors
Can the Steelers pull it off towards the Eagles?
Steelers @ Eagles (4:25 p.m., FOX and FOX Sports app)
Earlier this season, Arizona rookie huge receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s manufacturing was referred to as into query after he had only one catch in his first NFL recreation. Arizona’s offensive coordinator mentioned it was on the forefront of their minds to provide him the ball extra usually.
The following weekend, Harrison Jr. made 4 receptions for 130 yards.
For the Steelers, huge receiver George Pickens was upset after solely having two receptions of their Week 2 win towards the Denver Broncos. In the subsequent recreation, he made 5 catches after which seven within the subsequent recreation.
After the Giants’ 30-7 loss to the Bucs, their rookie receiver Malik Nabers was upset with the quantity of targets he acquired. He was thrown the ball 9 occasions, however most of these have been in rubbish time. In the subsequent recreation, he had 13 targets and 9 steals, three greater than the earlier week.
Now let’s take a look at AJ Brown for the Eagles.
He’s pissed off with the shortage of targets he noticed final weekend towards the Panthers. Only 4 targets and he received all 4. Brown vented his frustration after the sport after which Eagles defensive again Brandon Graham went on a radio present and elaborated on a attainable rift between Brown and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Graham responded to these feedback, however nonetheless, Brown needs the ball extra. And when receivers need the ball extra, particularly these with Brown’s expertise, they get the ball in a means that calms the animosity.
The recipients are easy individuals. The ball is sufficient for them to be comfortable. Any frustration or anger disappears with the targets. So the Eagles will give him these targets.
PICK: AJ Brown Over 5.5 receptions
Raiders and AJ Brown Overs are the very best bets in Week 15
MONDAY DEC. 16
Hawks @ Marauders (8:30 p.m., ESPN)
Can somebody reply this query please: How are the Falcons favored by 4 factors over any staff within the National Football League? And earlier than you say “it is the Raiders”, know that I’m conscious of this.
The Falcons will not be good proper now, and it is due to Kirk Cousins. They misplaced 4 in a row they usually have been 4 video games they might have gained. A 3-point loss to the Saints, a 32-point loss to the Broncos, a four-point loss to the Chargers the place the Bolts gained simply 50 yards within the second half, after which final weekend at Minnesota.
Kirk Cousins has thrown zero touchdowns and eight interceptions in these 4 video games. This prompted individuals, together with myself, to name for Cousins to get replaced by rookie quarterback Michael Penix. It goes with out saying that the Falcons are in turmoil and are rapidly dropping their lead within the division with Tampa Bay on the rise.
The Raiders aren’t good. Clearly. But they’re nonetheless taking part in laborious, as evidenced by their latest performances towards Tampa Bay and Kansas City. They have returned dwelling and can be stuffed with vitality to enter their very own subject.
I do not assume the Raiders will merely hand over and let the Falcons win this recreation simply. The guys on their teaching workers are additionally combating for his or her jobs, so they’ll have plan for the Falcons.
With all this in thoughts, I just like the Raiders to cowl.
PICK: Raiders (+4) will lose by lower than 4 factors or win outright
Geoff Schwartz is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He performed eight seasons within the NFL for 5 completely different groups. He began at proper sort out for the University of Oregon for 3 seasons and was a second-team All-Pac-12 choice his senior yr. Follow him on Twitter @Geoff Schwartz.
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