The topic in this space recently on look-ahead recommendations addressed the biggest risk in wagering on games a week in advance: quarterback injuries. When the player occupying the most important position in team sports goes down, it can turn a crafty bet into one of regret.

A passage from that article, in which games were examined based partly on the physical state of the signal-callers: "Here are three [picks] with little to no speculation regarding the starting QBs, with fingers crossed that the relevant ones emerge healthy from Week 12."

Well, fingers must not have been crossed properly.

The first selection was Philadelphia and QB Jalen Hurts at -6.5 over the New York Jets. When Hurts was scratched with an ailing ankle from the game before the Jets matchup, up stepped Gardner Minshew II -- and down went the spread to 5.

Sometimes, bad luck turns into good. Minshew, who had thrown all of two passes this season, was masterful as the Eagles covered easily.

On to another trio of suggestions, these from the Week 15 schedule. Since the fingers approach didn't work, is it possible to cross one's toes?  

Week 15 lookahead lines

Chiefs (-3) at Chargers, O/U 49.5
Raiders at Browns (-5.5), O/U 44
Patriots at Colts (PK), O/U 43.5
Washington at Eagles (-2.5), O/U 44.5
Panthers at Bills (-10), O/U 45
Jets at Dolphins (-7), O/U 44.5
Cowboys (-10) at Giants, O/U 45
Packers (-2.5) at Ravens, O/U 45.5
Titans (-2.5) at Steelers, O/U 43
Texans at Jaguars (-3.5), O/U 43
Cardinals (-12.5) at Lions, O/U 47.5
Falcons at 49ers (-7.5), O/U 45.5
Bengals (-3) at Broncos, O/U 44.5
Seahawks at Rams (-7), O/U 48
Saints at Buccaneers (-11.5), O/U 48
Vikings (-4) at Bears, O/U 43.5

Which Week 15 sides make for great plays before Week 14 kicks off? And which underdog is being severely mispriced by the market? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 15 lookahead picks from the expert who returned more than $2,500 on his NFL picks from 2016-20 and hit 56 percent of his ATS picks last year!