Saturdays are for the Locks: 2023 Week 15
Vikings @ Bengals (-3.5), O/U 40.5
This Saturday slate is awesome. Sure, Nick Mullens vs. Jake Browning is less than inspiring, on the surface. But 7–6 vs. 7–6 with how tightly packed the Wild Card races are on each side is electric. And the Vikings even have a real shot at their division. A win here would only help solidify that. I expect a lot of defense on both sides. My initial thought on this one was Bengals. But after further review, the Bengals are a hot, rising stock right now. The Vikings are a cold one in freefall. And I have no idea why this line is this low. So the correct pick is grabbing the points with the Vikings. I’ll take the under as well.
Picks: Vikings +3.5 (Deadbolt), UNDER 40.5 (Deadbolt)
Steelers @ Colts (-1.5), O/U 42.5
What’s better than a 7–6 vs. 7–6 inter-conference matchup like we have to start Saturday? How about a 7–6 vs. 7–6 AFC matchup! Much like above, this is a battle of backup QBs. The Steelers have been awful of late. The Colts finally suffered their first loss in what seemed like forever. I’m keeping this one simple and sticking to my “take Mike Tomlin if he’s getting points” strategy. Give me the Steelers and the under.
Picks: Steelers +1.5 (Deadbolt), UNDER 42.5 (Deadbolt)
Broncos @ Lions (-4.5), O/U 48
Another 7–6 AFC team! This time going up against a 9–4 Lions team that has looked awful over the past month or so. The Broncos should be able to score no problem against this Lions defense that hasn’t been able to stop anyone recently. But the Lions offense should get back on track against a Broncos defense that struggles mightily against the run. With Ford Field expected to be rocking, I’ll lay the number with the Lions here and take the under, since I expect both teams to try to run a lot meaning a shortened game.
