RECORD LAST WEEK:11-5
RECORD FOR THE SEASON:148–87
Thursday, December 28th, 7:15PM CT
New York Jets 6-9 @ Cleveland Browns 10-5
The Browns with Joe freaking Flacco are rolling right now and they look to carry that into a Thursday night game against the Jets who are coming off a win over the Commanders. The Browns defense will cause issues for whoever the Jets decide to start at quarterback, so give me the Browns in a close win.
Jets 17 Browns 20
Confidence Level:8
Saturday, December 30th, 7:15PM CT
Detroit Lions 11-4 @ Dallas Cowboys 10-5
The total points for this game is 53.5 so if you’re a betting person take the over. Both defenses are struggling and both offenses are high-powered units but Dallas is the superior team. They've lost two games in a row but back at home, they should get the win.
Lions 28 Cowboys 35
Confidence Level:7
Sunday, December 31st, Noon CT Games
San Francisco 49ers 11-4 @ Washington Commanders 4-11
The 49ers are coming off a loss to the Ravens on Monday night and I’m sure they’re eager to get back on the field ready to get that foul taste out of their mouth. Washington is starting Jacoby Brissett over Sam Howell and that should be better for the offense, but the Commanders horrible defense still has nothing for the 49ers offense.
49ers 35 Commanders 17
Confidence Level:10
Arizona Cardinals 3-12 @ Philadelphia Eagles 11-4
Philly ended their three-game losing streak getting a win over the Giants on Christmas. Arizona lost in Chicago last week and is now facing the Eagles. Their offense should be able to have success against a relatively weak Eagles defense but in the end, Philly gets the win.
Cardinals 24 Eagles 31
Confidence Level:9
Miami Dolphins 11-4 @ Baltimore Ravens 12-3
Game of the week and most likely the game that determines who gets home-field advantage in the AFC. Both teams got impressive victories last week as Miami was able to defeat Dallas, Baltimore dominated San Francisco. Miami will keep it close and they should be able to run on the Ravens but in the end, the Ravens get the W and the AFC will run through Baltimore.
Dolphins 27 Ravens 30
Confidence Level:6
Atlanta Falcons 7-8 @ Chicago Bears 6-9
The Falcons still have a shot to win the NFC South but to keep those hopes alive they have to win in Chicago against a Bears team that is coming alive in recent weeks. Chicago has won three of their last four but I feel like Atlanta stays alive by getting a road win.
Falcons 23 Bears 20
Confidence Level:2
Carolina Panthers 2-13 @ Jacksonville Jaguars 8-7
The Panthers travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars and the Jags could use this game as they are falling apart. Jacksonville went from a commanding division lead to a three-team tie atop the AFC South with the Colts and Texans. Jacksonville should be able to defeat Carolina.
Panthers 20 Jaguars 30
Confidence Level:9
New England Patriots 4-11 @ Buffalo Bills 9-6
The Patriots got an upset win over the Broncos last week but going to face this Bills team is a different story. Buffalo is hot right now on both sides of the ball and Josh Allen has had extreme success against Bill Belichick and that should continue Sunday.
Patriots 14 Bills 26
Confidence Level:10
Las Vegas Raiders 7-8 @ Indianapolis Colts 8-7
This has somehow turned into a very important game in the AFC Wild Card picture. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs last week keeping their playoff hopes alive and now travel to Indy as the Colts look to bounce back after a loss to the Falcons. Las Vegas defensively, is playing out of their minds and although I think they can contain the Colts offensively, I don’t think the Raiders offense can win this game.
Raiders 16 Colts 17
Confidence Level:4
Los Angeles Rams 8-7 @ New York Giants 5-10
The Rams hold a playoff spot currently in the NFC Playoff Picture and Matthew Stafford is playing at an elite level. New York is ending the Tommy DeVito experiment and going with Tyrod Taylor. The Rams offense will be too much for the Giants and Los Angeles will strengthen their playoff hopes going into the final week.
Rams 28 Giants 17
Confidence Level:7
New Orleans Saints 7-8 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-7
The Bucs are on a four-game win streak and can pretty much wrap up the NFC South with a win. The Saints should be well rested after not playing since last Thursday but in the end, Baker Mayfield who is playing out of his mind, will continue his hot streak and end the Saints playoff hopes.
Saints 16 Bucs 26
Confidence Level:7
Tennessee Titans 5-10 @ Houston Texans 8-7
C.J. Stroud should be back after missing the last two weeks with a concussion and honestly, even if Will Levis is back for the Titans, Houston should be able to win, setting up a potentially massive game in Indianapolis next Sunday.
Titans 19 Texans 27
Confidence Level:8
Sunday, December 31st, 3PM CT Games
Pittsburgh Steelers 8-7 @ Seattle Seahawks 8-7
Like many other games I’ve written about, this game is massive in terms of playoff hopes for both teams. Both teams are coming off wins and Mason Rudolph had an amazing game in the Steelers win over the Bengals, but playing in Seattle is a different beast and the Seahawks should be able to handle business.
Steelers 19 Seahawks 24
Confidence Level:7
Cincinnati Bengals 8-7 @ Kansas City Chiefs 9-6
The Chiefs are a mess offensively right now and they have two weeks to get it fixed before the playoffs start. Cincy allowed the below-average Pittsburgh Steelers offense to have their way last week so Mahomes should have similar success. Cincy is fighting for a playoff spot. These two teams hate each other so it should be intense but in the end, I’m going to trust KC to get the win at home.
Bengals 20 Chiefs 21
Confidence Level:4
Los Angeles Chargers 5-10 @ Denver Broncos 7-8
The Broncos benched Russell Wilson and are likely to cut him in the offseason, so starting at quarterback is Jarrett Stidham, and although it’ll be difficult to pick the Broncos starting a new QB, it’s even more difficult to pick the Chargers who are beat up and starting Easton Stick. Give me the Broncos to bounce back at home with the defense causing a few turnovers.
Chargers 21 Broncos 24
Confidence Level:5
Sunday, December 31st, 7:20PM CT
Green Bay Packers 7-8 @ Minnesota Vikings 7-8
This is essentially a playoff game as whoever loses is basically eliminated from the playoff race. Nick Mullens is going to give you some good moments but he’s also going to give you some REALLY BAD moments as well. I trust Jordan Love to win on the road in what should be a good game between two NFC North foes.
Packers 27 Vikings 24
Confidence Level:3