| Chiefs |
over |
Raiders |
The Chiefs can earn the #1 seed in the AFC with a win on the road. The Raiders nearly played spoiler against the Niners last week with Stidham. Vegas will keep it close, but Mahomes isn't letting an upset happen here. |
| Jaguars |
over |
Titans |
The Jags started their winning streak against the Titans in Week 13. With the winner taking the AFC South, Vrabel has to choose between Dobbs and Willis. Dobbs might be the better bet but he'll have to be good against a Jacksonville run defense that has allowed an average of 75 rushing YPG. Unsure if Henry will play. |
| Bengals |
over |
Ravens |
We're still unsure if Lamar will return and if he'll perform at the level we expect him to. Baltimore won the first meeting but the Bengals have been arguably the best team in the AFC through the second half of the season. The Ravens' defense has allowed just 12.1 PPG without Jackson playing, but I'm still betting on Burrow to put this one away. |
| Falcons |
over |
Buccaneers |
I fully expect Brady to sit this one out since they clinched the division and can't get any higher than the #4 seed. Ridder will have one final chance to pad his resume with a meaningless win. |
| Bills |
over |
Patriots |
The Bills have the love of everyone right now, which is an awesome display of solidarity. The Pats are pushing for a playoff spot but they are overmatched on both sides of the ball against a motivated Bills team with key AFC seeding still on the line. Allen has been a handful for Belichick's defense and will knock their division rival out of contention. |
| Vikings |
over |
Bears |
The Vikings don't have much on the line as they will retain the #3 seed regardless of the outcome. Probably another team that rests their starters, so I can see the Bears winning this on that account. I don't trust Fields to win in that scenario either. Also, draft picks. |
| Colts |
over |
Texans |
Indy is playing for pride in what will most likely be Saturday's last game as HC. The Texans will play but are probably more interested in keeping their #1 draft pick position. |
| Dolphins |
over |
Jets |
The Phins have a shot at a Wild Card spot, but Tua remains out from concussion protocol. It's on Teddy B. to break a five-game losing streak. The Jets also are on a five-game losing streak, and they've lost their last four road games. Miami takes that last playoff spot in a close one. |
| Saints |
over |
Panthers |
The Panthers had a shot to get into the playoffs last week, but that fell apart because of inconsistency and injuries. The Saints marched well on the Eagles last week and are the better coached team to better execute in a physical game at home. Had Carolina pulled off a win, we'd be looking at a much more impactful game. But now it's just NOLA taking out their frustrations in the Dome. |
| Steelers |
over |
Browns |
Pittsburgh has a chance to get a winning season and sneak into the playoffs, so they'll be playing all their starters this week. Trust them at home with the defense playing well against Watson with Pickett continuing to come through when it counts. |
| Broncos |
over |
Chargers |
L.A. has the option of resting their starters with no room for movement beyond the #5 seed. This is a stay-away game as a result giving Denver brownie points for a meaningless win. Maybe Wilson can win this week as a result. |
| Eagles |
over |
Giants |
Philly looked past the Saints and got bit in the ass as a result. Now Dallas and San Fran are looking to yoink the #1 seed from them. They'll start Hurts and take care of business against a Giants team likely resting their starters since they can't move beyond the #6 seed. |
| 49ers |
over |
Cardinals |
Likewise, San Fran will go full force this week to have a spot at a surprise jump to the #1 seed, should things go their way. They may pull back if they see the Eagles winning on the jumbo screen, but they also may let Purdy do his thing. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Rams |
Seattle has a chance to squeak in to the #7 seed with a little help from Detroit. Seattle can count this as winning season regardless, while the former Super Bowl champs lick their wounds in the offseason. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Commanders |
The Cowboys are back to rolling with Dak and the running game playing well off each other. Washington won't have the firepower with either QB to make the plays needed. Dallas shouldn't sleep on this game, but they're not worrying about Philly and will look ahead to playing Tampa to open the playoffs. |
| Packers |
over |
Lions |
This game will be good with the winner possibly taking the #7 seed if Seattle messes up. I'll take Rodgers late in the season in a night game in Lambeau every time, but this could be a close one. |
I was referencing winning or losing their specific game; the result won't move them in that instance. Other game results could move them, that is true.