Three Underdog Picks On Week 15 NFL Betting Lines

Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins would be 10-3 if they hadn't blown fourth-quarter leads over Denver, Green Bay and Detroit. (Photo credit: twosheffs / Foter / CC BY-SA)

Underdogs usually provide the greatest value on the NFL betting lines.

Last week, we went 3-0 picking underdogs on the moneyline to cash in on the extra odds.

This week, we’re going with some uglier dogs that we’re not so sure can win the game, but have the potential to keep it close.

Raiders +10.5 at Chiefs

All the pressure is on the Chiefs here as they need to snap a 3-game losing streak to stay alive in the crowded AFC playoff picture.

Kansas City has scored more than 20 points just once in its last five games, including a 24-20 loss in Oakland two weeks ago that started its losing skid.

Raiders have won 2 of 3, including a 24-13 win over San Fran last week. They also love to play the Chiefs tough, covering 7 of their last 8 trips to Arrowhead. The underdog is 12-3 ATS in the last 15 meetings between the AFC West rivals.

The biggest thing that scares us is that the last time Oakland played a game following a win, it was hammered 52-0 by St. Louis. Hopefully, the Raiders have learned from that experience and are better focused this time.

Dolphins +8 at Patriots

Is there a better 7-6 team in the NFL than the Dolphins? This team led both Green Bay and Denver in the fourth quarter of losses this season, and also lost at Detroit in the final minute.

Now Miami goes to New England desperate for a win. The Fish have a history of playing tough opponents well on the road, going 30-12 ATS in their last 42 road games against teams with winning home records.

At 10-3, the Patriots still need to keep winning to secure home field in the AFC playoffs, but that’s not quite the same desperation level as having to win to even make the playoffs. Pats hate the Dolphins, but could be excused for a letdown after facing the Packers two weeks ago and then the Chargers last week on Sunday Night Football.

49ers +10.5 at Seahawks

Everyone is jumping off the 49ers bandwagon, which is totally understandable. But we can’t forget that the 49ers were favoured when these two teams met two weeks ago. Home field advantage changes things, obviously, but is it worth 12 points?

Of course not. The question here is not whether San Fran can compete with Seattle, it’s whether the 49ers will.

Morale is definitely down in San Francisco these days, but the 49ers HATE the Seahawks. This is the team that cost SF a trip to the NFC championship game last year, and you have to think the 49ers would love to throw a wrench into Seattle’s playoff plans.

After all, misery loves company.