Thursday Night Football: Broncos @ Chargers 7:15PM (Prime)
This AFC West clash is a pivotal game with significant playoff implications, particularly for seeding in the AFC race. The Chargers won the first matchup earlier this season, and another victory would secure a crucial tiebreaker. A win would give the Chargers control of their own destiny and a shot at the coveted six seed. Why is the six seed so vital? It ensures avoiding a trip to Buffalo or Kansas City in the first round of the playoffs—two destinations no team wants to face.
The Broncos, coming off a 31-point performance against the Colts, benefited from a botched Indianapolis trick play that gifted them seven points. Bo Nix threw three touchdowns in the win but will need to tighten his play as the postseason looms. On the other side, the Chargers’ once-dominant defense has started to falter, allowing 30+ points in two of their last four games, including a whopping 40 points to the Buccaneers last week.
Looking at the remaining schedules, the Chargers have a smoother path with games against the Patriots and Raiders. The Broncos, however, face a much tougher slate with matchups against the Bengals and Chiefs. For Denver, this is a “win-and-in” game. For the Chargers, it’s about securing a favorable playoff matchup and proving they can avoid their infamous late-season collapses.
Prediction: 23-17 Chargers
Saturday Morning: Chiefs @ Texans 12:00PM (NBC)
All eyes are on Patrick Mahomes’ status after he appeared to suffer an ankle injury during the Chiefs’ win over the Browns. The uncertainty has Las Vegas in a holding pattern, with the Texans currently favored by two points. If Mahomes plays, the line could swing drastically in favor of Kansas City, likely making them a 3.5-point favorite. However, it’s worth remembering that the Chiefs have proven they can win without Mahomes in the past, going 2-1 with Matt Moore and even closing out a playoff victory with Chad Henne under center.
The Texans, meanwhile, are coming off a lackluster 20-12 victory over the Dolphins, a win that effectively ended Miami’s slim playoff hopes. C.J. Stroud has been steady this season but hasn’t taken the significant leap many expected. He’ll face a Chiefs defense that has put together two impressive performances in a row. While the Texans’ offense is theoretically a step up in talent, they haven’t shown enough explosiveness to pose a consistent threat.
This matchup is part of a grueling stretch for the Chiefs, who are playing three games in just 11 days. In contrast, the Bills enjoy a softer finish against the bottom feeders of the AFC East with no short weeks. For Kansas City, the formula is straightforward: score 24 points. Whether that’s achieved with Mahomes, Carson Wentz, or anyone else under center, they’ll need their defense to hold up against a Texans team that has struggled to find its rhythm.
Prediction: 24-21 Chiefs
Saturday Evening: Steelers @ Ravens, 3:30PM (FOX)
The AFC North crown is up for grabs as the Steelers aim to lock up the division with a win—a feat few thought possible this season. However, Pittsburgh enters this pivotal game on shaky ground after a dismal performance against the Eagles, where their usually dependable offense was completely stifled. George Pickens’ absence has clearly taken a toll, leaving the Steelers searching for answers offensively as they prepare for this critical showdown.
The Ravens, on the other hand, can turn the division race into a virtual toss-up if they win at home. Lamar Jackson, a strong MVP candidate trailing only Josh Allen in the conversation, faces a familiar nemesis in the Steelers. Historically, Jackson has struggled against Pittsburgh, with a 2-5 record and a concerning five touchdowns to eight interceptions in those matchups.
Baltimore’s success this season has come from leaning into their identity. They’re undefeated (7-0) when throwing the ball 30 times or fewer, as they did in last week’s victory over the Giants with just 25 pass attempts. For the Ravens to have a chance at reclaiming the AFC North title, they must stay true to their strengths: a balanced attack and a dominant run game.
The Steelers’ defense will look to force Jackson into mistakes, while their offense hopes to find ways to compensate for Pickens’ absence. Meanwhile, the Ravens need to play a clean, efficient game and avoid over-relying on their passing attack.
Prediction: 20-13 Ravens
Sunday Noon Window
Rams @ Jets (CBS)
The Rams secured an ugly win against the 49ers and now sit atop the NFC West, in control of their destiny for the first time in a while. Next up, they face the Jets, who are coming off an impressive performance against the Jaguars. The Rams have the potential to be a dangerous team in the postseason, but they need to prove they can avoid costly slip-ups.
The Jets, already eliminated from playoff contention, are playing for pride. While Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been as poor as some suggest, he hasn’t been the inspiring leader many expected.
The Rams boast a better offense, an overachieving defense, the superior coach, and momentum. The key question: Will they stay focused, or will this turn into a trap game?
Prediction: 24-20 Rams
Eagles @ Commanders (FOX)
With the Lions losing to the Bills, the Eagles now look like the team to beat in the NFC. While I still don’t fully trust their coaching staff, their talent might be enough to overcome any shortcomings. The Eagles’ ability to win consistently is a testament to their roster.
The Commanders are this year’s surprise team, racking up wins. However, a one-point victory over the Saints, who were starting their third-string quarterback, isn’t exactly impressive. Their offense isn’t as potent as it once was.
The Eagles have the edge in every facet. Unless they beat themselves, this should be a comfortable win. The Eagles are in the NFC’s top tier, while the Commanders are firmly in the one below.
Prediction: 28-20 Eagles
Giants @ Falcons (FOX)
The Giants are bad—really, really bad. They lack passion or intensity, and the organization feels like a group of players and coaches simply collecting paychecks. They’re so bad that the Falcons, who barely beat the Raiders, are listed as 10-point favorites.
While betting on NYG +8.5 might be tempting, the Falcons’ money line feels like one of the safer bets of the week. With the Falcons officially benching Kirk Cousins, after signing him to a multi-year dear this last offseason it’s now time to begin the era of Michael Penix. For those that can remember back to draft night Penix was marked down as perhaps the worst selection of the draft, and now he’s being thrust into the spotlight in the middle of a playoff race.
To win comfortably, the Falcons need to rely heavily on Bijan Robinson and minimize Penix’s role to take pressure of their rookie signal caller. As long as the Falcons avoid self-inflicted mistakes, this should be a routine win. However, Atlanta has a history of playing down to their competition, so some caution is warranted.
Prediction: 23-13 Falcons
Cardinals @ Panthers (FOX)
The Panthers were brought back down to earth last week in a lopsided loss to the Cowboys. Bryce Young, after several strong outings, struggled with two interceptions and only one touchdown. Now they face a Cardinals team fighting for their playoff lives.
Arizona did exactly what was expected against the Patriots, securing a 30-17 win behind efficient play from both the passing and running games, along with an opportunistic defense.
While I’m tempted to pick the Panthers, the Cardinals seem to have one more good performance in them. If Young struggles again, Carolina may seriously need to consider drafting another quarterback with their first-round pick.
Prediction: 27-17 Cardinals
Browns @ Bengals (CBS)
Despite losing by double digits to the Chiefs, the Browns’ defense played relatively well. Their offense, however, was a disaster, turning the ball over six times. Cleveland will now start its third quarterback of the season after announcing Jameis Winston has been benched.
The Bengals are barely alive in the playoff hunt. They need to win out and get plenty of help, but Joe Burrow continues to play at an MVP level, even as his efforts are overshadowed by a poor defense.
The Browns’ offense is equally inept, and the Bengals have shown they can score against anyone. Expect Cincinnati to stay alive for at least one more week.
Prediction: 30-10 Bengals
Titans @ Colts (CBS)
The Colts’ loss to the Broncos in a must-win game has all but sealed their playoff fate. Their long-standing issue since Andrew Luck’s retirement—quarterback play—remains their Achilles’ heel. Anthony Richardson has been a mix of brilliance and frustration, highlighting the dangers of drafting an athlete over a polished quarterback.
The Titans, meanwhile, are in complete disarray. Will Levis was benched (again) for Mason Rudolph, who returned later to throw two touchdowns in a respectable loss to the Bengals.
This game carries no playoff implications unless you count delaying the Colts’ inevitable elimination. The Titans will likely head back to the drawing board this offseason for yet another rebuild.
Prediction: 23-16 Colts
Lions @ Bears (FOX)
This game feels like it should come with a funeral procession—because it won’t be pretty. The Bears thought they built a solid roster around Caleb Williams but missed badly in free agency and the draft. While Williams hasn’t lived up to the Mahomes comparisons, he hasn’t been as bad as some claim.
The Lions, coming off a frustrating stretch, are poised to take out their anger on Chicago. After weeks of complacency and hype, they’ll use this game to refocus and dominate.
Even with injuries on defense, the Lions will take care of business. The Bears, meanwhile, appear to have given up, which is evident on tape.
Prediction: 35-17 Lions
Sunday Afternoon Window
Vikings @ Seahawks (FOX)
The Vikings finally got their wish: the Lions lost. With three games left, Minnesota has a chance to clinch the NFC’s top seed if they win out. Kevin O’Connell deserves Coach of the Year for what he’s done with this team.
The Seahawks remain a wildcard—talented enough to win eight games but too inconsistent to challenge for the division. Now they’re clinging to a playoff spot rather than leading the NFC West.
The Vikings control their destiny. If they win out, they’ll likely claim the top seed. A loss, however, could cost them home-field advantage and put them at the mercy of tiebreakers.
Prediction: 23-13 Vikings
Patriots @ Bills (CBS)
The Bills may not control their destiny for the AFC’s top seed, but they’re in great shape. With Patrick Mahomes potentially sidelined and two games left against the Patriots and one against the Jets, Buffalo can close the season strong. Josh Allen needs three solid performances to secure his first MVP award.
The Patriots, meanwhile, are simply bad. They lack talent and pose little threat unless Allen turns the ball over multiple times and they score on defense or special teams.
Given those slim odds, the Bills are the clear choice.
Prediction: 35-14 Bills
Jaguars @ Raiders (CBS)
This game might be the most impactful of the week—in terms of determining the race for the No. 1 overall pick. Jacksonville’s season has gone completely off the rails, and the team needs a shakeup. Mac Jones, once seen as a safety net at quarterback, has proven he’s no longer NFL-caliber.
Raiders fans are already looking ahead to next season. They desperately need a quarterback and seem content to secure a top pick. Maxx Crosby deserves better than to waste his prime on a struggling team.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “tanking,” this game will be a case study. Expect bland game plans and poor quarterback play from both sides.
Prediction: 13-10 Jaguars
49ers @ Dolphins (CBS)
Both teams come into this matchup as cold as a North Dakota winter.
The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are virtually gone after a disappointing loss to the Texans. Meanwhile, the 49ers face tough questions about paying Brock Purdy $60 million when he couldn’t even lead the team to double digits in a must-win game against the Rams.
This game boils down to motivation: which coach can rally their team to play hard in a seemingly meaningless matchup?
Prediction: 21-17 49ers
Sunday Night Football: Buccaneers @ Cowboys 7:20 PM (NBC)
Cowboys fans are in a weird spot. While the team has shown improvement, Mike McCarthy’s potential job security might be causing mixed feelings.
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are praying for one more Falcons loss to gain breathing room in the NFC South. A strong offensive performance from Baker Mayfield could solidify their postseason hopes.
This game has shootout potential. Both defenses have been vulnerable, and both quarterbacks are playing well. With the Falcons essentially having a bye week, Tampa Bay can’t afford a costly loss.
Prediction: 35-30 Buccaneers
Monday Night Football: Saints @ Packers 7:15 (ESPN/ABC)
Why is this game on Monday Night Football? Vikings @ Seahawks would have been a much better choice.
The Packers are in the NFC’s second tier—not as good as the Eagles, Lions, or Vikings but capable of pulling off an upset in the playoffs. They’re also inconsistent enough to stumble in the Wild Card round.
The Saints had a nice run but were bound to falter. Considering the circumstances, they’ve performed admirably, and their interim coach deserves a serious look for the full-time role. However, their lack of talent is glaring, and their salary cap situation is bleak.
Prediction: 28-17 Packers
Overall Record: 157-67 (Last Week 13-3)