NFL Week 14: Best Underdogs to Cover the Spread

As we prepare for week 14 of the NFL season, it’s time to plan out some bets for the weekend. Just as there is every week, a handful of underdogs stand a good chance of covering the spread.

These are a few of my favorites:

Washington +3.5 at San Francisco

Denver +3.5 at Carolina

Pittsburgh +2 at Buffalo

NFL Week 14 Point Spread Odds

Let’s break them down.

Washington vs. 49ers Prediction

Best Bet: Washington +3.5

The Washington Football Team has been a pleasant surprise of late, turning it on en route to three straight wins.

Their most recent was a statement win against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers, 23-17. Now at 5-7, they are tied for first place in the NFC East with plenty to play for.

Their success of late has been on the backs of their remarkably strong defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Washington is the second strongest defense in the entire NFL.

The strength is across the board: pass rush, run defense, coverage. They’re a top 10 unit at everything.

Rookie defensive end Chase Young has been a force, with 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Kendall Fuller has been leading the secondary’s resurgence with four interceptions.

Washington’s success goes beyond the defense, as its offensive line is also ranked as a top 10 unit. Washington has exciting pieces on offense in wide receiver Terry McLaurin, Antonio Gibson (out this week), and JD McKissic.

I like Washington here against San Francisco to not only cover the 3.5-point spread but win. San Francisco is technically the home team, but the 49ers have been forced to play their home games in Arizona due to Santa Clara county banning outdoor sports.

The Niners’ success stems from getting the ground game going, but Washington is the exact team that can stop the run and alter the entire gameplan.

Washington’s hot right now, and I’m banking on it keeping it rolling with this one.

Winning NFL Picks From the Experts

Broncos vs. Panthers Prediction

Best Bet: Broncos +3.5

The Denver pick is another bet on defense. The Broncos come into this one with the fifth-strongest defense in the league, according to PFF, while Carolina’s unit is ranked 27th.

Quarterback Drew Lock has struggled this year, but he has a pair of dynamic receivers in Tim Patrick and Jerry Jeudy that could be poised for big games against a porous Panthers secondary.

With Christian McCaffrey potentially out this weekend, I like the Broncos to stuff the Panthers offense and keep it close throughout.

The Broncos also have a significant advantage in the run game, and Melvin Gordon should have plenty of success against a weak Panthers run defense.

The Broncos pass rush and coverage strengths are going to make life difficult for Teddy Bridgewater. I’ll take the Broncos +3.5.

Bet on QB, RB and WR Props

Steelers vs. Bills Predictions

Best Bet: Steelers +2

Have you caught a theme yet? I’m taking the Steelers against the Bills because of Pittsburgh’s defense, which is number one in the NFL.

The Bills are a good team, and this is going to be an entertaining Sunday Night game.

Still, Pittsburgh should be able to get more going offensively against a middling Bills defense than it did against Washington’s stingy defense a week ago.

The Bills, meanwhile, should run into more resistance passing the ball. Josh Allen and these receivers are the Bills’ offensive identity, and now they get the top coverage team in the NFL. The Steelers just match up well with Buffalo.

Now at 11-1 and tied with the Chiefs for the best record in the AFC, winning is even more of a motivator for this Pittsburgh team. As you may remember, there is just one bye for each conference in the playoffs this year.

You know the Steelers want that week off as they gear up for a run at the franchise’s seventh Super Bowl championship.

Get the best point spread odds at Amerca’s Bookie for NFL week 14.