NFL Gridiron Guide Week 15 picks: Giants and Jets are both favorites, but only one will cover

REDSKINS (3-10) at GIANTS (4-9), 1 p.m.

Giants by 6.5; O/U: 47

TV: Ch. 5; Radio: WFAN (660, 101.9)

If you're a New York football fan, it's been a rough season. But when it comes to dysfunction and drama, I believe Washington has us topped. So who starts at quarterback? Colt McCoy sprained his neck last week, and coach Jay Gruden said McCoy will start if he's medically cleared by team doctors today. If you are a Giants fan, I think you'd rather see Robert Griffin III on the field. I know the Giants have covered three straight meetings with Washington. But I think we'll see a close NFC East contest. Finally, the underdog is 7-1 against the spread (ATS) in the last eight meetings between these bitter divisional rivals.

The pick: Redskins

JETS (2-11) at TITANS (2-11), 4:05 p.m.

Jets by 2 1/2; O/U: 42

TV: Ch. 2; Radio: ESPN (98.7), WNYM (970)

Geno Smith said he has "shown flashes of being a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback." Really? I must've missed it. This game will help determine where these teams draft. As of now, the Titans are second, behind only Tampa Bay for the No. 1 pick. The Jets are fourth, Jaguars third and Raiders fifth. The Jets' running game, which is No. 2 in the NFL at 149.7 yards per game, could help the Titans' chances at the No. 1 pick. The Titans (1-10-1 ATS in last 12 home games) allow an NFL-worst 141.5 ypg. Jets RB Chris Johnson should have a big day against his old team.

The pick: Jets

BENGALS (8-4-1) at BROWNS (7-6)

Browns by 1; O/U: 44

My heart goes out to Browns fans. After a 6-3 start, the last four weeks have been a nightmare for Cleveland and Brian Hoyer. Now, the Johnny Manziel Era begins. Johnny Football's "money" sign extends beyond the gridiron. Public money has been pouring in on the Brownies, dropping the opening line from Cincy as a 2 1/2-point favorite to a 1-point underdog. I thought Cincy would have covered with Hoyer at QB. I love this line even more now because the first-place Bengals are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a loss.

The pick: Bengals

DOLPHINS (7-6) at PATRIOTS (10-3)

Patriots by 7 1/2; O/U: 48

The Pats are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall, and 20-8 in their last 28 games on turf. Gut feeling says Dolphins (30-12 ATS in last 42 road games vs. teams with winning home record) keep things tight.

The pick: Dolphins

STEELERS (8-5) at FALCONS (5-8)

Steelers by 2 1/2; O/U: 54 1/2

Pittsburgh exploded with 25 points in the fourth quarter of last week's win vs. the Bengals, which snapped a streak of three straight cover losses. The Falcons (4-2 ATS last six games overall) put up a game effort Monday vs. Packers. The difference could be Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell, who has three straight games of 200-plus all-purpose yards. Impressive. He's the first back to achieve the feat since Walter Payton in 1977. Six men have done it.

The pick: Steelers

TEXANS (7-6) at COLTS (9-4)

Colts by 6 1/2; O/U: 49

Texans are 0-4 ATS in last four trips to Indianapolis, and 3-12 ATS in last 15 games off a cover. The Colts can clinch the AFC South title with a win or a tie.

The pick: Colts

PACKERS (10-3) at BILLS (7-6)

Packers by 4 1/2; O/U: 50 1/2

This line gives me pause (I figured it would be 7 points). The Packers have covered five straight, and are the strongest public play this week with more than 70 percent of the action on them. Big public picks usually equals big losses . . . but I'll take the bait anyway.

The pick: Packers

JAGUARS (2-11) at RAVENS (8-5)

Ravens by 14; O/U: 45 1/2

The Jags are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games, while the Ravens have covered (and won) three of their last four. The Ravens have won five of their last six by at least 14 points, and have an average win margin of 19.5 points during that span.

The pick: Ravens

BUCS (2-11) at PANTHERS (4-8-1)

Panthers by 3; O/U: 41 1/2

Derek Anderson will start at QB in place of the injured Cam Newton (I'm glad he was wearing a seat belt). Incredibly, the Panthers are still in the hunt for the NFC South title behind the Falcons and Saints if they win Sunday. Carolina is 10-3-1 in its last 14 at home ATS.

The pick: Panthers

RAIDERS (2-11) at CHIEFS (7-6)

Chiefs by 10; O/U: 41 1/2

These teams are 4-2 ATS on the road (Raiders) and at home (Chiefs). The Raiders have covered seven of their last eight trips to Kansas City. Underdog is 12-3 ATS in last 15 series meetings.

The pick: Raiders

49ERS (7-6) at SEAHAWKS (9-4), 4:25 p.m.

Seahawks by 10; O/U: 38

TV: Ch. 5

It's the first time in the four-year tenure of Jim Harbaugh that his Niners have been a double-digit 'dog. Seattle has covered three straight and is 4-1 ATS in its last five. Seattle has also covered six straight meetings vs. San Fran.

The pick: Seahawks

VIKINGS (6-7) at LIONS (9-4), 4:25 p.m.

Lions by 7 1/2; O/U: 43

Detroit is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games following a cover. Still, I believe the Lions will win, but the half-point could make a difference.

The pick: Vikings

BRONCOS (10-3) at CHARGERS (8-5), 4:05 p.m.

Broncos by 4; O/U: 50 1/2

The Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last five in San Diego. The Chargers are 1-7 ATS in their last eight.

The pick: Broncos

SUNDAY NIGHT

COWBOYS (9-4) at EAGLES (9-4), 8:30 p.m.

Eagles by 3 1/2; O/U: 55 1/2

TV: Ch. 4; Radio: WFAN (660, 101.9).

The Eagles are tied with the Patriots for the NFL's second-best ATS record at 8-5. Philly is 5-2 ATS in its last seven home games. However, it is 5-14-1 ATS in last 20 games vs. teams with winning records. Ouch! I don't think this will be anywhere near the Eagles' blowout win in Dallas on Turkey Day. The Cowboys, who are 5-1 ATS on the road, will establish the run and keep this battle for first place in NFC East and a playoff berth close enough.

The pick: Cowboys

MONDAY NIGHT

SAINTS (5-8) at BEARS (5-8), 8:30 p.m.

Saints by 3; O/U: 54

TV: ESPN; Radio: WCBS (880), WFAN (660, 101.9 joined in progress)

The Saints have covered their last three road games, while the Bears are 5-15 ATS in their last 20 at Soldier Field.

The pick: Saints

STAFF PICKS (against the spread; best bets in caps)

JOHN BOELL (109-96-2, 6-8 best bets; Last week 9-6-1): Redskins Jets BENGALS Dolphins Steelers Colts Packers Ravens Panthers Raiders Seahawks Vikings Broncos Cowboys Saints

BOB GLAUBER (100-105-2, 6-8; Last week 7-8-1): Giants Titans Bengals PATRIOTS Steelers Colts Packers Ravens Panthers Chiefs 49ers Lions Chargers Cowboys Saints

TOM ROCK (97-108-2, 6-8; Last week 7-8-1): Giants Jets Bengals Patriots Steelers Colts PACKERS Ravens Panthers Chiefs Seahawks Lions Broncos Eagles Saints

KIMBERLEY A. MARTIN (100-105-2, 4-10; Last week 8-7-1): Giants Jets Browns PATRIOTS Steelers Colts Packers Jaguars Panthers Raiders Seahawks Lions Broncos Eagles Saints