NFL Week 14 Picks: Huge Road Underdogs Guaranteed to Cover

Week 14 has already kicked off with a lackluster Thursday night game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, but things will get much better Sunday afternoon with a lot of compelling matchups that will have playoff ramifications. 

But let's be honest: what you are really interested in is point spreads and teams that are going to cover. Everything else is secondary. The good news is that I am here to tell you which road underdogs are going to make the odds-makers look silly. 

We all know, or at least think that we know, which teams are going to win these games. There is no challenge in predicting that. 

Here are three double-digit underdogs that are going to cover their spread in Week 14. 

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens (-17)

While it is true that the Indianapolis Colts have been the worst team in the NFL this season, if you look at the games they are losing, they are not getting blown out in a lot of them. In seven of their 11 losses, they have been within 10 points or less.

A big part of the reason for that is they are behind by so many points so early that the final score looks a lot closer than it should, but it doesn’t change the fact that when the final gun sounds, they are at least within ear shot of the opposing team.

The Ravens, meanwhile, have been one of the most puzzling teams this season. They have a great record, and will be a threat in the playoffs because of their defense and potential on offense, but they have not had all those units clicking as one for a majority of the year.

You can’t pick the Colts to win the game, but they will keep it closer than you might think.

Ravens 27, Colts 20

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (-10)

I wish I could put my finger on exactly what kind of team the Detroit Lions are. All five of their losses have come to teams over .500, so it is not like they are giving away games that they shouldn’t, but overall they don’t look like a serious playoff contender.

In particular, the defensive line, which was supposed to be the most dominant in the league, has struggled all season. They allow 125 yards per game on the ground and have been unable to create consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Vikings could be the cure for what has ailed the Lions in recent weeks. They are just 2-10 and Christian Ponder is battling a hip injury that could keep him out, or at least hinder his performance. But looking at the glass half full, they will get Adrian Peterson back from a sprained ankle.

I am going to give the Lions the edge because they are the better team, but Minnesota will put forth a terrific effort.

Lions 30, Vikings 24

Oakland Raiders vs. Green Bay Packers (-12)

You can’t argue against anything that the Packers have done this season, because they are undefeated, but they have been blowing their opponents out.

Through 12 games, the Packers have “just” four victories by more than 10 points. It’s impressive but a sign that they are not playing the kind of defense that is conducive to winning a lot of blowouts.

The Raiders would seem to be the perfect anecdote because they have been so inconsistent this season, are coming off an embarrassing loss to Miami, and don’t do well when traveling anywhere east of Arizona.

Carson Palmer is still the same player that he was last year with the Bengals, throwing bad passes and stupid interceptions because he is trying to force something that isn’t there.

Still, I think the Raiders running game is good enough to keep them in this game until the fourth quarter.

Packers 35, Raiders 28

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