| Cowboys |
over |
Titans |
Last Thursday Night game of the season. Tennessee's on a 5-game losing streak while Dallas pulled off a division upset of sorts. The Cowboys should contain Henry early and make him a non-issue while pushing Dak to Lamb with Zeke and Pollard sprinkled in. |
| Cardinals |
over |
Falcons |
Eliminated Bird Battle! These two are limping to the finish line. Atlanta has averaged just 14 PPG in a four-game losing streak, and Ridder is having rookie pains. Arizona averages 15.6 PPG in a five-game losing streak. It's an ugly one, but the Cardinals pull off a close win. |
| Lions |
over |
Bears |
The Lions got a wake-up call from getting pounded by the Panthers. Fields may be able to rebound in a favorable rushing matchup while leaning on Montgomery and Herbert. But the Lions can counter that with more offensive plays with Goff at home. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Broncos |
This will be surprisingly close. The Broncos should come out fired up now that they're no longer under Hackett. Wilson and the offense should clean up things and Denver's running game and defense can keep them in the game for a while. KC will grind out a close win but they need to be careful not to look ahead to the Raiders next week. |
| Patriots |
over |
Dolphins |
The winner controls their own destiny in the AFC Wild Card. The Phins are 3-5 on the road and on a four-game losing streak. The Patriots are 3-4 at home and have lost four of five. Tua is once again in concussion protocol. Belichick gets in the way of Miami's playoff dreams. |
| Giants |
over |
Colts |
The Giants are still in the hunt. Barkley averaged 5.3 YPC the last two weeks, and he should have a nice game against a Colts' defense. New York clinches a playoff spot under first-year coach Daboll. |
| Eagles |
over |
Saints |
The only possibility of victory for the Saints is that Hurts remains uncertain for this game, but the offense can still operate at a high level with Minshew. Dalton has taken just five sacks in the last four games, which is surprising considering how bad they've been performing. If they keep using Taysom then they have a shot. I'd like to see NOLA squeak out a win, but I don't see a New Year's miracle happening. |
| Panthers |
over |
Buccaneers |
Upset pick of the week. I just want to see the chaos continue until the last week. NO and Carolina need to win their games to stay in and keep Tompa Bay from clinching the division. And with the way Brady has been playing recently, I can totally see that happening. The Panthers sweep the Bucs and keep this crazy train moving. |
| Commanders |
over |
Browns |
The Browns are a roller coaster team and Watson has made their recent outcomes wilder than usual. The Commanders have a strange QB situation, going back to Wentz. Coin flip on this one, but I'd like to avoid picking the rapist QB to win like I did last week. |
| Jaguars |
over |
Texans |
Conversely, Watson's old team isn't faring so well either, going up against a red hot division rival this week. The Jags can't win or lose the AFC South this week, giving them less pressure. But they don't want to cool off either. They'll keep their foot on the gas. |
| 49ers |
over |
Raiders |
The former Bay Area Battle could be a one-sided affair. The 49ers are a Super Bowl contender, and Purdy has passed for at least two TDs in four straight games. The Raiders are still technically in the playoff race, but turnovers and an inability to run has slowed them down. San Fran steps on the gas, and Kittle continues his hot streak. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Jets |
Both teams are still in the hunt, but which team can snap their losing streak? The Jets have brought White back in for Wilson. I think Geno is the safer pick in this matchup. |
| Packers |
over |
Vikings |
Rodgers is trying to lead the Pack to a last-minute playoff spot, and it runs through Lambeau this week, which helps. Green Bay is 15-0 in December under LaFleur and that will bleed into this week. They need to find a plan against Jefferson, who had 184 yards and two TDs in the first game. Should be a good one. |
| Chargers |
over |
Rams |
It's the Battle of Los Angeles! I wish this game was as exciting as that movie title. The Rams are in spoiler mode, with Baker playing well at SoFi Stadium. He averages 230 yards with four TDs and no INTs in those games. The Chargers have heated up with Herbert, but this one will be close. |
| Ravens |
over |
Steelers |
This game was flexed down, and it is tough to pick knowing that Lamar's status is up in the air. With the Ravens still set up to possibly win the AFC North, the home-field advantage will make a difference. |
| Bengals |
over |
Bills |
This final Monday Night Football game could be a foreshadowing of the AFC Divisional Round. The Bengals have won seven straight, while Buffalo has lost two road games by a combined total of five points this season. This matchup will not disappoint, but I'm going to stick with the home team. |
I clarified it. And the post isn't removed. People are still commenting.