| Steelers |
over |
Ravens |
The Ravens could think about avoiding a season sweep against Pittsburgh, but the wiser choice will be sitting Jackson and a lot of key banged-up players to be healthiest for the playoffs. Rudolph has provided Pittsburgh with a key holiday spark to wake up dormant parts of the passing game while leaning well on a better rushing attack. Tomlin's latest winning season at 9-7 gives the Steelers a shot at a playoff spot. |
| Texans |
over |
Colts |
Houston has Stroud back at QB to fire up their passing game again and also will be able to run well in this matchup. Minshew has been a game long-term backup fill-in all season, but he tends to be on a roller coaster with his efficiency and it's due to go down vs. Ryans' defense, which can start well by containing Taylor. Should be a great game with the winner possibly taking the division or a Wild Card spot depending on Jacksonville. |
| Bengals |
over |
Browns |
The Browns are set up to start the playoffs as the top wild-card team ahead of the Ravens, given they defeated the Jaguars, Texans and Colts already each once this season. They could do a little tuning up with Flacco and the offense, but you can bet they won't risk key defensive talent. Browning and the Bengals will play with plenty of pride and work to make Burrow proud one last time in a lost season. |
| Lions |
over |
Vikings |
The Vikings are much like the Bengals. They tried to keep it together without their reliable QB and they just did it with a revolving door of QBs vs. one young backup. But they couldn't unlock the passing game the same way and the defense broke down in trying to play good complementary football. The Lions still have an outside shot at the No. 2 seed to avoid old friend Stafford and the Rams and you better believe Campbell will make them finish strong to be playoff-ready. |
| Jaguars |
over |
Titans |
The Jags' defense and running game saved them at the right time last week which bodes well for them to come together as a dangerous potential playoff team for a second straight season with Lawrence. The Titans are feisty under Vrabel, but there's no longer enough there to compete as hard as they would like. Jags could snatch the division, leaving Houston and Indy to fight for a Wild Card spot. |
| Patriots |
over |
Jets |
Belichick wouldn't lose in his potential final game as the Patriots' HC, right? He can't go out by falling to the Jets at home. New York's duct tape of an offense without Rodgers has only a little glue left and the defense seems worn down from the consistent winning burden. The Patriots meanwhile are doing their best to support Zappe at QB the best they can in a very tough short-term solution. |
| Saints |
over |
Falcons |
The Saints are hot with Carr playing well, but they also can be a bit of a wild ride under Allen defensively, who will probably survive the season as HC. NOLA will grind out a home game win against an Atlanta team under Smith as an inconsistent offensive coach who doesn't know his team's identity. But this victory may not be enough to get a division win. |
| Buccaneers |
over |
Panthers |
Tampa gets a re-do to lock up the NFC South on the road after not looking ready to play the Saints at home with the division title on the line last week. Baker's big comeback season as Tampa's starting QB won't mean much unless he can redeem the offense here against a Carolina team that was going through the motions praying for better overall vibes in the new year. Tepper poured his anger on the football gods and they won't reward him with the desired closing result as Mayfield gets revenge. |
| Packers |
over |
Bears |
Fields has given Chicago plenty to think about as it sits on the top overall pick in the draft and another a top-10 selection. The smarter thing now seems to use that capital to get him more help as the defense has responded well to Eberflus. The Bears could be dangerous during the 2024 season, but now Love and the Packers' offense has the edge back and the defense also had a big game at the right time. The Packers shoot their shot at a Wild Card spot. |
| Raiders |
over |
Broncos |
The Broncos didn't look great with Stidham instead of Wilson and Payton won't win a second straight game against an interim coach in his division. The Raiders have a lot more motivation in trying one more time to get Pierce a full-time gig. Crosby and the defense will rip into Stidham, given he was a Raiders backup last season. The Raiders' offense also keeps responding well around O'Connell in what could be his last start for the team. |
| Eagles |
over |
Giants |
The Eagles will likely need to start their playoff defense early on the road unless the Cowboys get shocked by the Commanders. Without the top seed, they need a get-well offensive game but their season-long defensive issues won't suddenly disappear against the high-effort Giants. Hurts plays more like himself to get prepped for Wild Card efficiency. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Cardinals |
The Seahawks stubbed their toes with bad run defense against the Steelers and couldn't find their passing offense until too late with Smith. The Seahawks can go back to running well and protecting their defense, which can avoid some big pass plays against a compressed offense around Murray. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Chargers |
The Chiefs have been good all season at loading pressure and pushing a coverage pass defense. Even with Mahomes not seeing much work here, the other side of the ball won't be slumping against a Chargers' offense that simply can't do much anymore with too many injuries. |
| 49ers |
over |
Rams |
The playoff-bound Rams will not care much about winning this game based on McVay being careful with the health of his key players in meaningless matchups. The No. 1 seed Niners also don't have much motivation here but they are at home with more key backup depth to pad their total against division rivals. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Commanders |
Dallas is in control of winning the NFC East just when it looked like it would need to settle for opening the playoffs on the road. All it needs to do is win at Washington, but you can bet in this classic matchup of arch-rivals, the Commanders would like nothing more than to play spoilers. |
| Bills |
over |
Dolphins |
The Bills have won four consecutive games to surge into playoff position after a disappointing .500 start through midseason. But they haven't clinched anything thanks to three teams (Colts, Texans, Steelers) staying on their heels at 9-7. Buffalo won't pass it up a chance to take the division, as it has the overall offensive momentum with Cook boosting Allen and their defensive making big plays. Tua will remain unrecovered from the Ravens rout. |
I'm pulling for you guys. If the Panthers can't pull off the upset, the only shot the Saints have at the playoffs is if the Bears take down Green Bay. Good luck!