NFL Free Pick: NE/OAK
The New England Patriots hope to keep pace in the race for first place in the AFC East when they travel to California to take on the dismal Oakland Raiders.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Patriots -7 point spread favorite. The over/under for this game has been set at 39.5 total points.
Key Trend: New England is 17-7 against the spread in its last 24 games on the road, while Oakland is just 1-6 against the spread in its last seven games at home.
Key Stat: The Patriots are averaging 23.2 points a game, while the Raiders are allowing 23 PPG. New England is also averaging 227.3 passing yards a game and 126.9 rushing yards a game, while Oakland is allowing a whopping 158.8 yards a game on the ground this year.
Game Outlook: Patriot bettors this week caught a break from the oddsmakers because New England failed to cover last week against a bad Seattle Seahawk team. Oakland is as bad as their record indicates and while New England’s defense hasn’t been as good as it has been in years past, the Pats should have no problem scoring points. The x-factor will be Matt Cassel, who tragically lost his father earlier in the week. He should play, but it’s something to keep an eye on leading up to kickoff. Assuming Cassel plays, the Pats should steamroll a brutal Oakland team, especially if the Raiders look as bad as they did last week against the Chargers.
Our Free NFL Pick for the Week 15 matchup between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders game is
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -7
TheSpread.com Projected Final Score
New England Patriots 27
Oakland Raiders 17
We also predict that this game will GO OVER THE TOTAL (39.5 Sports Interaction.com) SET BY ODDSMAKERS
Posted: 12/14/08 1:00PM ET