NFL Conference Championship Weekend Predictions

Patriots vs. Broncos (-5)

Broncos 30-23 (Broncos cover spread)

The legendary quarterback matchup we’ve been waiting for all season is finally here. QB Tom Brady has to be commended for leading this depleted roster to an AFC Championship game, and will do whatever he can to get them to their sixth Super Bowl in the new millennium. Even though QB Peyton Manning has won a Super Bowl, make no mistake that this is the biggest game of his career. He can put to rest discussions of his ‘subpar’ playoff resume by capturing a second Super Bowl title. The Broncos, with home-field advantage, have the better overall team and will find a way to limit RB LaGerrate Blount and the Pats west-coast offense enough to give Manning the opportunity to win the game with his arm. Neither defense is very impressive, but the raucous crowd at Mile High will play a huge factor in the outcome of the game. This will come down to which superstar quarterback can come up big late in the game, and I’m going with Peyton to silence some of his critics and get the job done against his arch-rival.

49ers vs. Seahawks (-3.5)

Seahawks 21-17 (Seahawks cover spread)

This is a tough one to pick despite Seattle only dropping one home game since QB Russell Wilson took over the reins at the start of the 2012 season. If any team is built to go into the toughest stadium to play in and come out with a win against the best defense in football, it is the San Francisco 49ers. They are a very similar team to the Seahawks, and possess an equally as devastating running back-quarterback-defense combination. It’s hard to imagine this one being anything other than a knock-down, drag-it-out slugfest. This budding rivalry is becoming the best one there is the NFL, and this most important encounter will not disappoint. The difference in the game will be which running game can get off the blocks and create sustained drives, while keeping the opposing offense on the sidelines. Both teams don’t make many mistakes and are very disciplined groups, so don’t expect a turnover to decide this one. The game will be won in the trenches, and I’m going with Seattle to earn their way into their first Super Bowl under Head Coach Pete Carroll. 

NFL Divisional Weekend Predictions

MIKE

Saints vs. Seahawks (-7.5)

Seahawks 28-20 (Seahawks cover spread)

The Saints put some of their critics to rest by coming up with a gritty road playoff win at Philly last week. The 12^th man will be in full force for the Divisional Round come Saturday afternoon, and the Saints will certainly have to perform much better on both sides of the ball from the Week 13 encounter to stand a chance against the NFC’s top seed. Saints DC Rob Ryan will have to be at his play-calling best in order to slow down the multitude of options the Seattle offense possesses. QB Drew Brees has never performed great away from the Superdome, and more so against the stout Seattle defense. I don’t expect this encounter to be as one-sided as the Monday night game several weeks ago, but the Saints aren’t built to win back-to-back playoff games on the road.

Colts vs. Patriots (-7)

Patriots 33-30 (Colts beat spread)

The Colts pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in postseason history in upending the Chiefs on Wild Card Weekend. QB Andrew Luck was far from his best but managed to carve up the KC defense when it mattered most. Coach Pagano will have his team ready to go in Foxboro on Saturday night, but so will Coach Belichick. QB Tom Brady has quietly put together an outstanding season with less weapons than he had at his disposal in previous seasons. It seemed as if the Pats found ways to climb out of troubling predicaments all season long, and will call upon those games to get it done once again this week. When you have a HOF QB and Coach combination as successful as Brady and Belichick at the helm, you always stand a chance to win the Super Bowl. Luck will make this one competitive throughout, but the Pats will find a way to sneak one out at home to reach the AFC Championship game.

49ers (-1.5) vs. Panthers

49ers 24-21 (49ers cover spread)

These two identical teams will go head-to-head in a physical playoff game that will truly be earned. QB’s Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick are very similar in that they can beat defenses with their accuracy and strength throwing the football, but also with their elusiveness and speed running the ball when the play breaks down. These teams possess two top five defensive units, and yards and points will be hard to come by. The extreme cold in Green Bay did not bother the 49ers last weekend, and they will surely welcome the comfortable temperatures of North Carolina on Sunday. Coach Rivera has done an excellent job in turning the Panthers around this season, capturing the NFC’s 2^nd seed and winning the NFC South. Unfortunately, this weekend he will run into a similar team to his that does everything a little bit better. RB Frank Gore is an improvement from RB’s DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, and the receiving corps of San Francisco contains more playmakers and game-breakers than Carolina’s. This will be a hotly contested game, but the 49ers will move on to their third consecutive NFC Championship game with another hard-fought win.

Chargers vs. Broncos (-9.5)

Broncos 38-27 (Broncos cover spread)

The Chargers were impressive in forcing Bengals’ QB Andy Dalton into several mistakes and capitalized on them with a solid offensive performance in winning last weekend. San Diego can certainly draw positives from their Thursday night win in Denver several weeks ago. They held QB Peyton Manning and that vaunted Denver passing attack in check and came away with a huge win in their playoff push. Manning and the Denver offense will reverse the trend on Sunday and explode for a huge offensive performance. The top-ranked offensive unit in the NFL will get their revenge against San Diego, and Manning will have a big day distributing the ball to his talented receivers, backs and tight ends. QB Philip Rivers has arguably been the second-best quarterback behind Manning this season, and will have a solid day throwing the ball against a shaky Denver pass defense. RB Ryan Matthews and WR Keenan Allen will have to have huge performances in order to potentially cause the upset in Mile High. Manning has had to prolific of a season to be bounced in the Divisional Round as he was last year, and will do his part to set up an intriguing AFC Championship game with longtime rival QB Tom Brady and the Patriots. 

ADAM

Saints vs Seahawks (-7.5)

27-21 Seahawks

The Saints will be sure to make this matchup much closer than their regular season meeting. In the end I think the combination of the Seahawks defense, Russell Wilson, and home field advantage will be too much for Drew Brees and the Saints to overcome.

Colts vs Patriots (-7)

31-21 Patriots

After their ridiculous comeback win against the Chiefs last week I want to pick the Colts but I can’t let myself pick against Tom Brady at home. The Colts will again find themselves playing from behind in the second half but won’t be able to pull off the same magic they did last week.

49ers (-1.5) vs Panthers

23-20 Panthers

It’s not easy to pick against the 49ers after the way they have been playing as of late but I believe in Cam Newton and this Panthers team. Cam will keep this game close for his team and the Panthers will win on a late field goal to prove to everyone that this season was not a fluke.

Chargers vs Broncos (-9.5)

35-27 Broncos

This one is a no brainer for me. Peyton Manning will show how superior he and the Broncos are by exploiting the Chargers secondary all day. Broncos roll and set up the long awaited AFC Championship matchup against the Patriots.

NFL Wild Card Weekend Predictions

MIKE

Chiefs vs. Colts (-1)

Chiefs 20-17 (Chiefs beat spread)

This will be a closely contested playoff game between two evenly matched squads. QB’s Alex Smith and Andrew Luck will go head-to-head in a battle of two relatively young, inexperienced groups at the playoff level. Both defenses rank in the bottom half of the league, but will lean on their opportunistic playmakers to step up in crunch time. The Chiefs ability to run the football with All-Pro RB Jamaal Charles will prove to be the difference in the game, in addition to the special teams threat RB Dexter McCluster poses. Expect Luck and Smith to play mistake-free games and continue to force the others’ hand throughout the contest. Indy will need big performances from both RB’s Trent Richardson and Donald Brown in order to get past the visiting Chiefs in this one.

Saints vs. Eagles (-2.5)

Saints 24-20 (Saints beat spread)

I was scratching my head on this one but decided to lean towards QB Drew Brees and the Saints to somewhat get the monkey off their backs in cold weather games this weekend. It will not be as frigid at Lincoln Financial Field as it will be in the ‘Ice Bowl 2’ at Lambeau Field, but will still be cold enough to make things uncomfortable for the Saints. Philly is a hostile environment for road teams, especially come playoff time, and will test New Orleans’ fortitude and toughness at the highest level. Brees will have to utilize his wide array of offensive weapons to break down the 29^th ranked Eagles defense that has, despite the woeful ranking, played much better in their 7-1 second-half run. On the other side of the ball, QB Nick Foles will have to lean on perennial RB LeSean McCoy and WR DeSean Jackson to continue their explosive seasons in order to put up points against the 4^th ranked Saints defense. If the Saints defense can do its part and limit McCoy in the running game, Brees will be able to be on the field long enough to dissect and pick apart the Philly defense in a big road victory.

Chargers vs. Bengals (-7)

Bengals 34-29 (Chargers beat spread)

I really do not have complete faith in either team, and will take the Chargers to lose the game but beat the spread on Sunday. QB Philip Rivers has to be commended for his outstanding season and ability to lead the Chargers to four-straight wins to close out the season with a playoff berth (the first since 2009). Cincinnati has taken care of business in winning important games versus the likes of Indianapolis and Baltimore late in the season, but is still a team vulnerable and mistake-prone. QB Andy Dalton threw 4 INT’s last week at home vs. Baltimore, and was fortunate that his defense was able to come up with a solid performance to mask his own. Both offenses are explosive, ranking 5^th for the visitors and 10^th for the home team, and are littered with playmakers in the skill positions. The 3^rd ranked Cincinnati defense being in front of their home crowd may make the difference, but will certainly face a stern test from the Chargers. Dalton makes a few more plays than Rivers and the Bengals defense comes up with a big turnover to secure this one at home but will not cover.

49ers (-3) vs. Packers

49ers 21-14 (49ers cover spread)

The ‘Ice Bowl 2’ will be painfully cold at Lambeau on Sunday, possibly reaching temperatures of -30 degrees with the wind chill. Don’t fall into the trap of believing the 49ers aren’t capable of handling the weather because they reside in sunny California. San Fran is about a tough of a group as there is in the NFL, and will not be sidetracked by the ridiculous conditions. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Pack are riding high after their last-minute NFC North clincher last week at Chicago, and will need a repeat performance against a much tougher opponent to move on. RB Frank Gore and the 5^th ranked San Fran defense will look to carry the 49ers to a Wild Card Weekend victory. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will have his troops ready to go on Sunday that will translate into a typical physical, clock-controlled performance from the 49ers that will have them moving onto Carolina next weekend.

ADAM

Chiefs vs Colts (-1)

21-17 Colts

This is going to be a great game to kick off wildcard weekend. The Colts and Andrew Luck have been heating up a bit lately and the Chiefs have a lot to prove. For much of the season the Chiefs were top dogs in the NFL but over the last few weeks of the season they haven’t looked the part. I expect the Chiefs to rely heavily on Jamal Charles to get them past the Colts. However, I see Andrew Luck and the Colts getting the win Saturday at home. Luck has been heating up as of late and with the Chiefs 1-5 against teams with a winning record this season, I have to believe Indianapolis will move on to the divisional round.

Saints vs Eagles (-2.5)

38-35 Eagles

This game is going to be a shootout for sure. With two of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL don’t expect this to be a low scoring affair. The Eagles have been rolling lately thanks to the Superman like play of Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy who lead them to a NFC East crown. The Saints expected to get a bye in the first round but after losses in Week 15 and 16 they find themselves in the first round away from home. I expect Drew Brees to exploit the Eagles secondary and for Jimmy Graham to have a big game. In the end I have to go with my gut and choose the Eagles to come away with a narrow victory.

Chargers vs Bengals (-7)

Bengals 24-21

While the people of Cincinnati may not want to go out on Sunday to watch their Bengals play, I am excited for this one. The Bengals are clicking as of late. Their defense is the best in the AFC and Andy Dalton, not counting Week 17, has been great. The Chargers are extremely lucky to even be in the playoffs after a missed field goal and a missed call lead to them qualifying as the 6^th seed. Their offense with Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen is very dangerous but I see the Bengals defense being able to deal with them and hanging on for a 3 point win.

49ers (-3) vs Packers

28-24 Packers

The 49ers will travel to a very, very, very cold Green Bay on Sunday to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The 49ers defense has been strong all year and will have another big test with Aaron Rodgers back under center. I expect Rodgers and the 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick to go back and forth in this one. While the 49ers are the favorite, I’m going to pick Green Bay here. I think the home-field advantage, weather, and having Aaron Rodgers back will put them over the top and into the second round. 

NFL Week 15 Predictions

MIKE

Chargers vs. Broncos (-10.5)

Broncos 34-27 (Chargers beat spread)

If it weren’t for QB Peyton Manning’s outstanding, potentially record-breaking season, we’d be talking about QB Philip Rivers as a possible MVP. Rivers has had an outstanding season, and has kept San Diego in the wild-card hunt coming into a crucial Week 15 matchup. This one figures to be a shootout between two high-octane offenses who flexed their muscles a week ago. Both star QB’s will have big performances and will feast on rather suspect pass defenses. Denver seems destined to capture the AFC’s top seed, especially with the injury to Patriots’ TE Rob Gronkowski. They will keep that going tonight, but because the Chargers have a lot to play for, will not cover the spread.

Redskins vs. Falcons (-7)

Redskins 28-21 (Redskins beat spread)

I’d be skeptical of any 3-10 football team that is a touchdown favorite, even if it is against a hapless Washington group. I actually see the benching of QB Robert Griffin III benefiting the ‘Skins for this particular week. The focus can finally turn from coddling RGIII to trying to go out and win a football game. I haven’t seen much indication that Atlanta will be able to cover this spread, let alone win the game outright. Take Washington in this one to beat the spread and look for QB Kirk Cousins to have a nice debut against the Falcons 26^th ranked defense.

49ers (-6) vs. Buccaneers

49ers 21-10 (49ers cover spread)

Give Coach Schiano and the Bucs credit for not packing it in this season and winning four out of five to earn some respectability throughout the league. I would be shocked if Tampa Bay decided to fire Schiano given this resurgence, despite it still being a disappointing season. All that being said, the 49ers showed us why they are an elite team last week in defeating the NFC-leading and division rival Seahawks. They currently have a tight one-game lead over Arizona for the final playoff spot in the conference, with a Week 17 matchup with the two rivals looming large. Even though Tampa has showed signs of life as of late, I would stick with San Fran covering the 6-point spread on the road. They are a warm weather team traveling to a warm climate where they still have everything to play for. The Bucs have a good defense (12^th in NFL), so don’t expect the, at times inept, 49ers offense to roll over them, but take the points.

Seahawks (-7) vs. Giants

Seahawks 23-20 (Giants beat spread)

Seattle is still comfortably in control of the top seed in the NFC (2-game lead in effect over New Orleans), and the Giants were embarrassed last week in being eliminated from playoff contention. What does this all add up to? A close game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, where the fact that the Giants have nothing to play for besides pride and job security, will have them looking loose and relaxed. Seattle’s top ranked defense will be tough for QB Eli Manning, who is having his worst professional season of his career, to crack along with RB Andre Brown. RB Marshawn Lynch is an absolute beast, but will find it tough to operate against a Giant defense that has only surrendered two one-hundred yard rushers all season. The presumed cold weather in New Jersey will make it interesting to see which offense can get off the blocks quicker. Still, the Seahawks, who are much less effective on the road, will find a way to win this one but take the Giants to beat the spread.

Bears (-1.5) vs. Browns

Bears 27-23 (Bears cover spread)

Coach Tressman made the decision to start QB Jay Cutler this Sunday against the Browns. Cutler says he’s feeling good and is ready to go after getting medical clearance Monday night. The Browns secondary is formidable, with the likes of CB Joe Haden, but the Bears receivers looked unstoppable against Dallas, albeit the NFL’s worst defense. They present tremendous matchup problems with opposing secondaries because of their size, particularly with WR’s Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey and TE Martellus Bennett. QB Jason Campbell is a nice backup in the league, but should not be an NFL starter anymore. He will do his best to cause the upset here against a shaky Bears’ defense, but will ultimately fall short in a generous spread for betters.

Texans vs. Colts (-6)

Colts 31-20 (Colts cover spread)

Houston cut bait with Coach Kubiak after a 2-11 campaign thus far in 2013, despite winning back-to-back AFC South titles the past two seasons. But, as Mike Shanahan might soon find out, the NFL is a ‘what have you done for me lately league’, and Kubiak hadn’t done much of anything. The Colts continued to struggle, despite QB Andrew Luck’s huge statistical day, last week at Cincy, which put them behind the 8-ball for the 3^rd seed in the AFC. The absence of WR Reggie Wayne has hurt not only on the field, but in terms of constant team leadership and reinforcement. Indy is looking more and more like a first round exit, especially if they happen to draw the 10-3 Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round. But, for this week, all will be well for owner Jim Irsay as his team will cover the spread and beat up on a weak Texans team.

Bills (-1) vs. Jaguars

Jaguars 20-17 (Jaguars beat spread)

The Jags keep it rolling this week in a winnable game at home vs. Buffalo. They, like the Bucs, have been impressive of late winning four out of five games. RB Maurice Jones-Drew finally had a breakout performance in last week’s win over Houston (14 carries, 103 yards), and look for him to back it up this week against the 26^th ranked Bills rush defense. QB EJ Manuel, along with the majority of the Bills team, has struggled of late, and find themselves in the cellar in the AFC East once again. I’ll take Jacksonville to make it five out of six at home, and beat the spread, this Sunday.

Patriots (-1) vs. Dolphins

Patriots 24-23 (Patriots cover spread)

The Pats can’t keep squeaking out these games against inferior opponents, right? Not without TE Rob Gronkowski? Wrong. While it hasn’t been pretty most of the time this season, New England still resides at a healthy 10-3 and 2^nd in the AFC. With some help, and if they keep finding ways to win, they could find themselves with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Hard to believe for a team that trailed the entire game at home vs. Cleveland before winning by a point and having to overcome a double-digit deficit the week before at 2-11 Houston. Miami has a ton play for this week, at 7-6 they are tied with Baltimore for the final playoff spot in the conference. They do not control their own destiny, but any slip up by the defending champs and the ‘Fins could be the first team to capitalize. QB’s Tom Brady and Ryan Tannehill will duke it out in a highly-contested affair, but I like the Pats experience and superior coaching to come through with a one-point spread.

Eagles (-6) vs. Vikings

Eagles 27-19 (Eagles cover spread)

Let’s be realistic. The only thing that will keep this thing close is RB Adrian Peterson. The Eagles offense (particularly the running game last week which racked up over 300 yards) is in full-flight, and it does not appear the Vikes defense has what it takes to derail them. Philly will be very thankful to the Bears this week, because although they still don’t control their own destiny for the division crown, a win this week combined with another Dallas loss will really shift the balance of power in their favor. QB Adrian Peterson will put in his usual Sunday’s work and surpass 100 yards and cross the plane once, but QB Nick Foles will have his way with the 31^st ranked Vikings defense. Minnesota suffered a tough loss last week and has not laid down for anybody, so don’t expect a blowout, but the Eagles will find a way to cover and get this one done on the road.

Jets vs. Panthers (-11.5)

Panthers 24-17 (Jets beat spread)

Carolina’s seven-game winning streak came to a screeching halt last week at the Saints. Their defense was overwhelmed and the Saint defense really got after QB Cam Newton. While they are not in control of the division, they are still firmly in control of a wild-card spot. If the Panthers can remain on course the final three games and get back to playing their physical style of football, they will be headed to the postseason. Meanwhile, the Jets are sitting at an unimpressive 6-7, but remain only one-game behind the AFC’s sixth seed. Therefore, I see this one being a tight game between two of the league’s top defensive units. The Jets have been a Jekyll and Hyde team this season, so some may be inclined to take Carolina with the spread here, but I think the Jets will come out ready to compete this week. It just won’t be enough against a better team on the road, and QB Geno Smith will contribute with a crucial 2^nd half turnover.

Chiefs (-5.5) vs. Raiders

Chiefs 34-17 (Chiefs cover spread)

Kansas City got back on track last week with a 35-point rout of the Redskins. The Raiders looked flat in giving up 37 points to the Jets. Kansas City is in prime position for a wild-card spot, and they can clinch a playoff berth with a win over their division rivals on Sunday. QB Matt McGloin has shown promise with the Raiders, who may have an offseason quarterback competition on their hands. RB Jamaal Charles continues to be an under-the-radar elite rusher in the NFL, compiling 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns through thirteen games. The Raiders won’t want any part of him come Sunday, but they can’t run away. Or maybe they can? Take the Chiefs.

Cardinals (-3) vs. Titans

Cardinals 31-24 (Cardinals cover spread)

Arizona trails the 49ers by one-game in the NFC playoff picture for the second wild-card spot. At 8-5, the Cards have overachieved this season and look to stamp their place in the postseason in the tough NFC West. They will have to hold serve the next two weeks and set up a potential winner-take-all matchup with the 49ers in Week 17. Tennessee got torched by Denver and QB Peyton Manning last week, and will have their hands full again with another very capable offense. At 5-8, they have razor thin playoff hopes, and will likely need to win-out and get a ton of help to squeak into the postseason. Arizona has much more to play for at this junction, and despite QB Carson Palmer’s high interception count, he has thrown for 20 touchdowns and 3,458 yards. Palmer and the underrated Cardinal defense will lead Arizona to a second-straight win and keep them alive in the playoff hunt.

Saints (-6.5) vs. Rams

Saints 35-22 (Saints cover spread)

The Saints made a statement to their division rivals and the rest of the NFC last week. They are one of the toughest home teams to face in the NFL, but the questions remain on the road. A win here won’t do much to shake that belief, but New Orleans isn’t worried about outside noise. QB Drew Brees will be too much to handle for the 19^th ranked Ram defense, and will continue his impressive season behind center. QB Kellen Clemens has done a decent job filling QB Sam Bradford’s void, but will not ‘wow’ anyone at the quarterback position. Look for RB’s Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles to take some of the pressure off Brees in a game that will be decided by halftime.

Packers vs. Cowboys (-7)

Cowboys 33-23 (Cowboys cover spread)

QB Aaron Rodgers has still not been medically cleared to play on Sunday as of today. This is a deciding factor in taking the spread or not in this game, as Rodgers is one of the best in the business. For now, I would take the Cowboys to cover because, despite their porous defense, I believe in QB Tony Romo’s abilities much more than QB Matt Flynn’s. Dallas’ defense will be able to manage Flynn and the offense, but if Rodgers were to be cleared to go I would be fearful of picking Dallas. Romo will have his way with the Green Bay defense at home, and RB DeMarco Murray could be in for another big game. If Rodgers remains inactive, take the ‘Boys with the spread, but if he gets clearance, take the Pack to beat the spread.

Bengals (-3) vs. Steelers

Bengals 27-24 (Bengals cover spread)

Cincinatti is in firm control of the AFC’s 3^rd seed, while Pittsburgh was barely eliminated from playoff contention last week because WR Antonio Brown stepped out of bounds in a potential last-second game-winning play. This figures to be a tight, divisional affair in Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football, as AFC North battles always seem to be. Cincy can put themselves in great position to clinch no worse than the third seed if they win and the Colts lose; therefore, they will come out with intensity from the first snap. QB Ben Roethlisberger is enjoying another quality season as a pro, throwing for 24 touchdowns to 10 interceptions along with 3,724 yards. He will find it tough against the 8^th ranked Cincinatti defense, but will manage to put up solid numbers. In the end, the team that needs the game more will come away with the victory and cover.

Ravens vs. Lions (-6)

Lions 34-30 (Ravens beat spread)

Detroit got absolutely manhandled by the Philadelphia offense, specifically the running game, in the blizzard at the Linc last week. The Lions still own the lead in the NFC North by virtue of tiebreakers, but Chicago and Green Bay are right on their heels. They are a completely different animal to deal with at Ford Field, and the Ravens will soon discover that. QB Matt Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson are arguably the most dynamic, threatening QB-WR tandem in the NFL. Stafford also has other weapons at his disposal with the likes of TE Brandon Pettigrew, WR Nate Burleson and RB Reggie Bush. Baltimore will need to be ready to come out and play in tough environment with the Miami Dolphins nipping at their heels in the AFC playoff race. Expect a nice day from QB Joe Flacco and co. in order to keep this one close. The Lions come out on top in the final score, but do not cover.

ADAM

Chargers vs Broncos (-10.5)

34-24 Broncos

This one is going to be a shootout for sure. Both teams are coming off impressive offensive showings. The Broncos will be without Wes Welker who is sidelined with a concussion but Peyton has enough options to get the win at home and cover the spread.

Bills (-1) vs Jaguars

21-17 Jaguars

It’s amazing how different the Jaguars look now compared to the beginning of the season. Currently riding a 3 game winning streak the Jaguars are feeling good about themselves coming into this matchup against the Bills. The Jaguars will get an improbable 4^th win in a row at home.

Bears vs Browns (-1)

27-24 Bears

This matchup showcases two of the hottest receivers in the league right now, Josh Gordon and Alshon Jeffrey. The Browns lost a game they really should’ve won last week to New England and the Bears pummeled the Cowboys on Monday night. I’m going to give the edge to Chicago in this one. I think their offense, which scored on every possession against Dallas, will be too much for Cleveland.

Texans vs Colts (-6)

23-14 Colts

The Texans have lost 11 in a row right now and just fired their head coach. I can’t see a Wade Phillips lead Texans team taking down the Colts even with how bad the Colts have looked. Colts get the win here.

Patriots (-2.5) vs Dolphins

23-20 Patriots

The Pats seem to be losing a big time player every week. This week, and for the rest of the season, they will be without Gronk. There is something about this Patriots team though that makes me think that as long as Tom Brady is playing, it doesn’t matter who is out there with him, they will win. Pats hold on for a slim win

Eagles (-6) vs Vikings

35-20 Eagles

The Eagles are unstoppable at this moment. I don’t see them slowing down at all especially when they will playing indoors this week and snow will not be a factor. Foles and the Eagles keep rolling and take care of the Vikings.

Seahawks (-7.5) vs Giants

31-21 Seahawks

The Seahawks didn’t play their best last week in San Francisco and will be sure to bounce back against the Giants on Sunday. Seattle’s defense will be all over the G-Men and Russell Wilson will return to his MVP caliber form.

49ers (-6) vs Buccaneers

17-13 49ers

This one is going to be close. The Buccaneers continue to be the best bad team in the NFL and their defense will be able to keep this one close. In the end, the 49ers defensive pressure will get the best of Mike Glennon.

Redskins vs Falcons (-7)

           

23 – 10 Falcons

The Falcons are starting to turn things around while the Redskins have hit rock bottom. RGIII has been benched for Kirk Cousins and Mike Shanahan seems to have one foot out the door. Falcons will get the win at home.

Jets vs Panthers (-11.5)

28-14 Panthers

Geno against the Panthers defense doesn’t bode well for my Jets. Their defense will force Geno into making some mistakes and Cam Newton will bounce back after a tough showing last week. Panthers cover the spread.

Chiefs (-6) vs Raiders

23 – 13 Chiefs

The Chiefs need to beat the Raiders to clinch a playoff spot. That should be enough motivation for Andy Reid and his boys to get the job done on Sunday. Chiefs win and cover the spread.

Packers vs Cowboys (-7)

24 - 17 Cowboys

I have to go with the Cowboys since it looks like Aaron Rodgers will be sitting this one out. Dallas needs a win in a big way after last weeks beating in Chicago. Their passing game will be too much for the Packers D to handle. Romo leads the Cowboys to victory.

Saints (-6) vs Rams

31-13 Saints

This one is simple. Saints are great and the Rams are terrible. Drew Brees continues his great play and has an easy day against the Rams defense. Saints win and cover the spread.

Cardinals (-3) vs Titans

24 – 17 Cardinals

The Cardinals need this win in a big way. The Titans offense will have limited success against the Cardinals defense who will be the deciding factor in this matchup.

Bengals (-3) vs Steelers

20 – 13 Bengals

This one will be a classic AFC North matchup except this time the Steelers aren’t playing for a playoff spot, the Bengals are. The Bengals offense exploded last Sunday and Andy Dalton will do enough to help lead the Bengals to a big victory.

Ravens vs Lions (-6)

31 – 21 Lions

The Lions got embarrassed last weekend in Philadelphia. They will be back at home on Monday night and will play like the Lions team we know them to be. The Ravens will put up a fight with playoff implications on the line in this one but the Lions offense will be the deciding factor.