| Saints |
over |
Vikings |
The Vikings have had the Saints' number in the playoffs, but that may not be an issue this year. NOLA can eliminate Minnesota from the playoffs and finally win the NFC South title in this game. Look for the Saints to lock in while they're home for the holidays. If not for a rusty start by Brees and no CGM, the 3pt loss last week could very well have been an upset. Their run D has rebounded and will contain Cook before the pass D gets after Cousins. Brees will pick apart the Vikings' young secondary with a stronger second game back. |
| Buccaneers |
over |
Lions |
Brady made the comeback look easy against the Falcons; then again staging a comeback against Atlanta isn't anything new. He'll be locked in as the Lions cannot cover any of his receivers and will also have no answers for the running game. The Bucs' D will stop the run and keep Stafford dancing around in the pocket. |
| Cardinals |
over |
49ers |
The 49ers won't be making the playoffs this year. Their hangover season started with a loss to the Cardinals and this week will be the same old tune. Their defense is starting to break down while their offense is doing its best to stay competitive. Murray seems back on track and will be willing to do more running with Arizona close to a Wild Card berth. |
| Dolphins |
over |
Raiders |
The Dolphins can win this game with a strong running game, incorporating Tua at times. The Raiders may counter with more of Mariota should Carr stay on the shelf with his groin injury, but the offensive approach won't change from calculated shots to downfield, mainly to Waller. The Dolphins are better coached with Flores and will execute better in all three phases to improve their playoff hopes. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Falcons |
The Falcons "falconed" another lead last week. They don't need to worry about playing with a lead this week as Mahomes will destroy their pass defense with no pressure in his face, doing what he wants with Hill and Kelce again. Ryan outdoors without Julio (likely) will go back to taking it on the chin often. |
| Browns |
over |
Jets |
The Browns took care of the Giants rather easily in the same stadium last week and will be on high alert to play their best against the Jets with the chance to lock up their first playoff spot since 2002. The Jets got their win out of the way to take them out of their tankfest. Baker and the running game will combine for another strong performance and the defense will stop the run and cool off Darnold. |
| Colts |
over |
Steelers |
The Steelers have cooled off a lot; some say they were never hot to begin with. The Colts are playing so well as a complete team; their defense can squeeze in coverage and will make it tough on Big Ben. Indy will have success working the middle of the field with Rivers and use their backs effectively to exploit the Steelers' LB. A heavy dose of rookie Taylor grinds Indy to victory. |
| Bears |
over |
Jaguars |
The Bears' offense will have no problems making big plays with Allen Robinson and Mooney downfield if Trubisky plays well, with everything powered by Montgomery's big-time running. Minshew is making his final two starts for the Jags and may be without dynamic back James Robinson against a tough defense. |
| Ravens |
over |
Giants |
The Ravens are rolling again with their formula around Jackson and all his key skill support coming through. The defense is grinding through a few injuries but get a break with the Giants' anemic offense, regardless of it being McCoy or Jones. |
| Texans |
over |
Bengals |
This may be an ugly baby. The Bengals expended a lot of emotion and energy to take down the Steelers, making this a tough short-week road trip. Watson is back locked in again with his new mix of receivers and Johnson is running well. The Texans could use a good win to carry into 2021 and this is it as the Bengals' running game limitations help the defense. |
| Chargers |
over |
Broncos |
The Chargers are working to finish strong with Herbert as their offense is firing on all cylinders with balance and explosiveness. Their defense has holes but enough playmakers to contain Lock, even with struggles against Gordon. Denver's defense was lost everywhere against the Bills and face a similar challenge on the road this week. |
| Washington |
over |
Panthers |
Ron Rivera revenge game with a chance to win the NFC East. The Panthers' offense won't be able to do much here with tired Teddy B., thanks to the Washington defense coming hard after him and covering his outside receivers well. Haskins wasn't great against Seattle, but he did give them a chance to win the game with his arm and legs. There's a chance Smith returns this week. Carolina's defense will have trouble with McLaurin, McKissic and Thomas. |
| Eagles |
over |
Cowboys |
This may be a great game. The Eagles' offense is humming with Hurts. The Cowboys should get more good running from Pollard, assuming Zeke is kept out of action, but they should face a healthier overall Eagles' defense than the one that went to Arizona. These two teams always match up well, regards of the players on the field. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Rams |
Another good divisional matchup. The Rams will try to pick up the pieces from losing to the Jets but will be without Akers. The Seahawks' defense has been good against the run all season and has tightened the screws against the pass. Their rushing attack is also rolling with Wilson helping Carson and Hyde. The Seahawks survive a battle of attrition to lock down the NFC West. |
| Packers |
over |
Titans |
This matchup could go either way and is probably the game of the week. The Titans will be trying to run all over the Packers with Henry while using Tannehill and the passing game where needed. The Packers' goal with Rodgers will be passing aggressively to build a big lead against a defense with a limited pass rush and weak coverage to limit Henry from being the same kind of big factor. |
| Bills |
over |
Patriots |
The Patriots are officially eliminated from the playoffs while the Bills, the new AFC East champs, know they can get the 2 seed with the Steelers stumbling. The disparity at QB from Allen to Newton shows up here. |