When picking a favorite at -2.5 off the lookahead lines, we have one immediate wish — that the spread eventually sneaks up to 3 or more. Last week, we devoted two-thirds of our lookahead selections to such teams.

We assumed Carolina's struggles would continue at New Orleans, which they did resoundingly. Atlanta did lose to Tampa Bay but outplayed the Buccaneers statistically.  As a result, the line stands at -3, which fulfills our wish in choosing the Falcons.

Our other pick at -2.5, alas, is unchanged. In fact, it's a mystery why the Houston-Tennessee number did not move in the other direction. After all, the Texans were hammered by the New York Jets while Tennessee pulled off the season's best late-game comeback at Miami. Yet Houston stays favored by 2.5 over the Titans.

Our third pick was unconventional for a lookahead, given the spread of 10. We envisioned that lowly New England would show out against Pittsburgh while Kansas City wound be tested by Buffalo. Sure enough, the Patriots won and the Chiefs did not. The line has shifted on our behalf a half-point to 9.5, which is less preferable than the +10 we snared last week.

The odds board for Week 16 includes only one game with a 2.5, though a trio are listed at 3. 

Should we fill our card with those matchups? Read on.

Week 16 lookahead lines

(Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Saints at Rams (-4), O/U 44.5
Bengals at Steelers (-1.5), O/U 39.5
Bills (-9.5) at Chargers, O/U 40.5
Lions -3 at Vikings, O/U 46
Commanders at Jets (-3), O/U 40
Packers (-4.5) at Panthers, O/U 36
Browns at Texans (-1.5), O/U 41
Seahawks (-2) at Titans, O/U 44
Colts at Falcons (-1.5), O/U 43
Jaguars (-2.5) at Buccaneers, O/U 44.5
Cowboys at Dolphins (-1.5), O/U 52
Cardinals at Bears (-3), O/U 43.5
Patriots at Broncos (-5.5), O/U 36
Raiders at Chiefs (-10.5), O/U 42
Giants at Eagles (-10.5), O/U 44
Ravens at 49ers (-4.5), O/U 45

Which Week 16 sides make for great plays before Week 15 kicks off? And which underdog offers a great betting opportunity? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 16 lookahead picks from NFL expert Mike Tierney!