| 49ers |
over |
Titans |
We start off the week with an interesting one. Tennessee is hosting on a short week after losing to the Steelers, and something just seems off with them lately. If they get Brown back, this could be a really fun game to watch. But right now Jimmy G is spreading the love to Kittle, Samuel and Mitchell and I have them winning a home game before Christmas. |
| Packers |
over |
Browns |
Rodgers is making a strong push for MVP and the Packers are the first team to get a division win. Say what you will about last week's game (questionable penalties that led to an Adams TD) they are in control of their destiny from here on out. Cleveland should have most of their COVID-ravaged team back, so we should get a good game. |
| Colts |
over |
Cardinals |
Another MVP candidate, Taylor, should see a lot of touches this week. A combination of a good defense and a solid run game of 20 carries has given Indy a 4-2 record, so don't look for them to stop now. Arizona can win this if they fix their issues in their run defense and passing game. |
| Falcons |
over |
Lions |
The 2021 season's underdog team is going on the road to play spoiler against a shaky Atlanta team making a desperate push for a Wild Card spot. Ryan needs to capitalize of making plays with Pitts and Patterson if the Falcons stand a chance at winning this week. But as usual, their O-line isn't going to do them any favors and Ryan will struggle a lot, but ultimately win a close one. |
| Bengals |
over |
Ravens |
Cincy has the wheel this week holding the Week 7 win and they will maintain control over a depleted Ravens team. Baltimore can't stop much of anything in the passing game with all the injuries so Burrow will light them up all over the field for a second time. |
| Rams |
over |
Vikings |
I have zero confidence in this pick. Both teams are up and down. The Rams have the 23rd pass defense, so Cousins should be able to move the ball around. But Stafford knows the Vikings well from his last gig and he should be able to keep them barely in the lead with passes to Kupp and OBJ. |
| Patriots |
over |
Bills |
This is another hard game to call, but it'll be great to watch. Belichick rarely has back-to-back losses and a home game against a well-known opponent is just what he's looking for. Jones will keep the Pats moving while the defense limits Allen's ability to use Diggs and Singletary. New England wins a close one at home. |
| Jets |
over |
Jaguars |
Battle of rookie QBs on irrelevant teams in December. You kind of feel bad for Trevor given all the drama the Jags have had this year. I think Wilson is in a better position to win this matchup and will get a close victory. |
| Eagles |
over |
Giants |
Both teams are still pushing for Wild Card spots, so this should be a good divisional matchup. The Giants QB and offense are a shell of what they should be, but the defense is keeping the team in a lot of games. The Eagles will grind this game out with a lot of running on a short week. |
| Buccaneers |
over |
Panthers |
A get-well game against a weak divisional opponent is exactly what the Bucs need at this time. But will the injuries to Fournette, Evans and Godwin be too much of the Brady-led offense to overcome? The defense is still pretty great, and Gronk, AB and Bell will keep them ahead of the Cam Newton-led offense. |
| Chargers |
over |
Texans |
The Chargers are well-rested off their TNF loss the KC, so they'll be ready to get back to winning in Houston. Herbert will use Ekeler and Jackson to pile up the yardage on a Texans teams that is allowing over 145 yds per game. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Bears |
Both teams are on a short week, but Chicago has to make the trip. Wilson has settled in since returning from injury. The Bears' O-line is making it so that Fields is still taking too many sacks, and Seattle will capitalize on that at home. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Steelers |
Pittsburgh played much better defense last week to win a low-scoring game. But they also gave up a ton in the running game. KC will exploit that with a lot of CEH, Williams, Mahomes using their legs, with Hill and Kelce filling in the gaps. The Chiefs are finally playing like a team focused on another #1 seed. |
| Raiders |
over |
Broncos |
The injury to Teddy B. makes this game a harder to call. Lock definitely showed an offensive increase last week, but they also took more risks in the passing game. This game has wide potential outcomes making it tough to judge. I'm leaning on the veteran leadership of Carr at home, but this is a close one. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Washington |
These two just played a couple weeks ago, so everything is still fresh in their minds of that matchup. WFT is on a very short week going into Dallas. Unless the Cowboys give this game away, they should win by around two scores. |
| Saints |
over |
Dolphins |
It's hard to pick against a defense that gave Brady his first shutout since 2006, and has been keeping NOLA in games all season. If the Saints can continue this trend, even though they aren't scoring a lot, they can keep Tua contained and come out with a home win. |