Can Pro Picks Get Mulligan?
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By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer
A mulligan is a golf term, of course. Pro Picks would like to apply it to the NFL.
We'd like the opportunity for a do-over on any of the choices this week -- made before any games have been played -- that get messed up because of more pandemic-related issues.
Some of our selections in Week 15 fell into that category, with rosters severely depleted by COVID-19 after the picks were in.
We have a deal?
KNOCKOUT POOL: The Dolphins came through against the Jets, who we actually considered picking this week. Then we woke up and chose PHILADELPHIA.
No. 11 Los Angeles Chargers (minus 9 1/2) at No. 31 Houston
The Chargers are in the midst of a playoff push that likely will succeed.
BEST BET: CHARGERS, 30-13
No. 8 Indianapolis (plus 1 1/2) at No. 7 Arizona Saturday
Indy is playing well and has balance. The Cardinals haven't displayed much lately.
UPSET SPECIAL: COLTS, 20-17
No. 19 Cleveland (plus 7) at No. 1 Green Bay Saturday
We also considered this for Best Bet but weather in December at Lambeau Field is tricky.
PACKERS, 27-16
No. 10 Buffalo
(plus 2 1/2) at
No. 6 New England
The Bills could creep back into the AFC East race and bring Miami with them. But …
PATRIOTS, 22-15
No. 17 Miami (plus 3 1/2) at
No. 18 New Orleans Monday night
Whoever wins this one will be in nice shape for a wild-card challenge.
DOLPHINS, 17-16
No. 22 Denver (plus 1 1/2) at No. 21 Las Vegas
Whoever wins this one will be in nice shape for a wild-card challenge.
RAIDERS, 23-20
No. 14 Baltimore (plus 2 1/2) at No. 13 Cincinnati
Pro Picks can't believe it has come to this in the AFC North.
BENGALS, 21-20
No. 15 Pittsburgh (plus 7 1/2) at No. 2 Kansas City
Of course, the Steelers could have a say in the AFC North. Or maybe not.
CHIEFS, 27-16
No. 4 Los Angeles Rams (minus 3) at No. 16 Minnesota
The Vikings probably need to win this to remain viable for a wild-card berth. Nope.
RAMS, 31-26
No. 3 Tampa Bay (minus 11) at No. 26 Carolina
Considering how undermanned the Bucs are heading into this, betting line might be too high.
BUCCANEERS, 23-14
No. 20 New York Giants (plus 10) at No. 28 Philadelphia
Considering how undermanned the Giants are heading into this, betting line might be too low.
EAGLES, 30-13
No. 23 Washington (plus 10 1/2) at No. 5 Dallas
This line seems about right, particularly if Washington can get back some pieces.
COWBOYS, 20-10
No. 27 Chicago (plus 6) at No. 25 Seattle
Rookie Justin Fields would like to someday be compared to vintage Russell Wilson.
SEAHAWKS, 19-15
No. 29 Detroit (plus 6) at No. 24 Atlanta
The Lions already have blown the first overall draft spot.
FALCONS, 22-17
No. 32 Jacksonville (plus 1) at No. 30 New York Jets
Even with their lack of talent and COVID-19 concerns, the Jets are better.
J-E-T-S, 21-15
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2021 RECORD
Last Week: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 8-8.
Season: Straight up: 145-78-1. Against spread: 125-96-2.
Best Bet: Straight up: 9-5-1. Against spread: 10-5.
Upset Special: Straight up: 12-2. Against spread: 12-2.
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