NFL Week 14 picks against the spread: Justin Jefferson’s scoreless streak will end vs. Falcons
New York TimesThe Minnesota Vikings have won five games in a row, and amazingly, their best player, Justin Jefferson, hasn’t scored in any of those games. But there are three problems with jumping on that bandwagon in this matchup: 1) the Lions are very good against the run, so Josh Jacobs can’t carry the Packers offense here; 2) Jordan Love has been erratic, and his EPA per dropback is much worse against winning teams than it is against losing teams ; and 3) the Packers struggle to contain tight ends and Sam LaPorta’s shoulder seemed a lot better last week when he caught two touchdown passes. Brock Purdy, on the other hand, has been struggling with a bad shoulder, disappearing offensive stars and snow the last three weeks — he ranks 29th in EPA per dropback and passer rating. The pick: 49ers GO DEEPER NFL Week 14 playoff scenarios: How 3 more teams can clinch playoff spots The Chiefs can’t beat anybody by more than a touchdown, but the Chargers would have a tough time hanging around if Ladd McConkey can’t play. The Chargers pass rushers will have to get home, as the Chiefs offense ranks second in third down conversion rate and fifth in EPA per play rate on third down the past three weeks.