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Indianapolis (8-6) @ Tennessee (4-10)
Indy pulled off the minor upset and now has control of their own destiny with regards to the playoffs, after what has been a challenging season. Tennessee has had a rough season of their own, and for some reason has had a tough time getting over the hump against the Colts. I don't see Indianapolis taking this game lightly, and once the playoffs start, all bets are off, so the Colts Express might still have a few more stops to make. Indianapolis 31 - Tennessee 21[/b]
Chicago (13-1) @ Detroit (8-6)
if not for a last minute hiccup against the Eagles, the Bears would be coasting into the playoffs already having wrapped up the top seed as well as the NFC Central crown; as it stands, they are almost there, but still need to take care of business this week. Detroit took a bit of a beating last week, as the Giants avoided their top CB's for the most part and simply ran the ball down their throats, dominating both the scoreboard and TOP. Expect pretty much the same treatment this week as the Bears continue their march to the post-season. Chicago 35 - Detroit 10[/b]
Atlanta (1-13) @ Cincinnati (11-3)
Cincinnati has not officially wrapped up the division, but would need a world of stuff to happen to them not to secure a bye and the division by the end of this week. Atlanta is already awaiting their new signal caller in the draft, and even if they were scouting the Bengals, I'm not so sure they have the weapons at this point of the season to make it stick. Nino should get the banner ready for their home game next week as their season is secured. Atlanta 7 - Cincinnati 28[/b]
Los Angeles (A) (6-8) @ Carolina (2-12)
The Chargers continue their end of the season roll this week, this time in Carolina, where the beat up Panthers host LAC. Carolina continues their path towards the top non-QB in the draft, while the Chargers look to finish the season on a winning note (note here...any major slip up by the Giants and Detroit, and the Chargers still are looking at a possible playoff berth...just sayin'). Yes, Mahomes is Mahomes, but he needs someone to throw the ball to, and Burrow is more than capable of making teams pay as well. Los Angeles (A) 28 - Carolina 10[/b]
Minnesota (6-8) @ Tampa Bay (4-10)
I'm sure that Eric is scouring the trade, draft and waiver wires for who wants to take over for one Matt Ryan, and it probably won't be a tearful exit up in Skol-land. Minnesota still has an outside shot and securing a winning season, though to do so means getting past those pesky Buccaneers. For those who might have forgotten, the Bucs slipped past the Vikings back in Week 9, so while a winning season is still on the table for the Minnesota Vikings, so is a basement finish in the division. I am predicting the Vikes split the season series, though I doubt it will be so much due to Ryan's stellar play as it will have to do with Tampa just being beat up at this stage of the season. Minnesota 24 - Tampa Bay 17[/b]
Cleveland (11-3) @ Buffalo (11-3)
For the 2nd time in 5 weeks these two teams meet, with Buffalo dominating the first meeting; this time, the Browns are dealing with major injuries, and will be on the road dealing with those Buffalo wind gusts at the end of the season (have Buffalo in another league). They do have a healthy Joe Mixon, so getting the ground game going will go a long way, but even without Dalvin Cook, the Bills have Lamar, even with his fatigue on the cusp. I think this will be a closer game than last time, but think the home field advantage, along with health of the secondary, will allow the Bills to sweep the season series. Cleveland 21 - Buffalo 24[/b]
Arizona (11-3) @ Washington (4-10)
Arizona has managed to do just enough to lead the NFC West at this point, though they have their work cut out for them as the season winds down with the final two games against their division rival Rams, and winding up against the Cowboys. That said, the Commanders can hardly be taken for granted, as they have played above their paygrade all season long. While the Cardinals should win this game, it is one that could be troublesome, and probably will be closer than anticipated. Arizona 28 - Washington 21[/b]
Philadelphia (11-3) @ Dallas (10-4)
The Eagles have climbed back in this race to take over the lead in the NFC East, and could all but wrap up the division with a win this week against the Eagles. Likewise, if the Cowboys were to pull this game off, they would also manage the season sweep over Philly and would own the H2H tiebreaker over the Eagles going into the last 2 weeks of the season. Right now, injuries still affect the Cowboys more than they do the Eagles, and while it would hardly be a shocker for either team to win, I have to give the slight nod to the Eagles, given their recent play. Philadelphia 27 - Dallas 24
New York (N) (8-6) @ New Orleans (3-11)
For all intents and purposes, the Giants have been in playoff mode the last few weeks, needing to secure wins against Dallas and Detroit just to be in position to have a shot at the final playoff spot. This week, they catch their breath just a bit, as New Orleans is limping to the end of the season in more ways than one. While the Giants are dealing with injuries of their own, particularly at LB, they have enough pieces available to be able to secure a win, and quite possibly, be in position to wrap up a playoff berth next week against Philly. New York (N) 28 - New Orleans 14
Los Angeles (N) (10-4) @ Green Bay (6-8)
The Rams just keep grinding forward, as they look forward to the matchup that should decide the NFC West next week; meanwhile, they have the Packers on the docket for this week, and while Green Bay can be a handful, they have had a tough road of it the 2nd half of the season, going 1-5 in their last 6 games. Between injuries and the schedule, Green Bay is also looking to the off-season, but with a young talent coming on board, the future should be looking up in Lambeau...just not this week. Los Angeles (N) 32 - Green Bay 21
Jacksonville (14-0) @ Las Vegas (9-5)
Las Vegas escaped by the hair of their chinny-chin-chin last week, scoring the last 14 points to come from behind and effectively gain a 3 game lead in the AFC West (by virtue of the season-sweep by the Raiders). That is a good thing too, as the Raiders now host a Jaguars team looking to continue their perfect season. Certainly Las Vegas has the talent to pull off the upset, but I am not going to be bulletin board material another week forr the Jacksonville locker room. If someone is going to ruin the perfect season, it won't be included in my predictions going forward. Jacksonville 31 - Las Vegas 24
Seattle (1-13) @ San Francisco (7-7)
San Francisco has had a great run this season, but the heartbreaking loss last weeks puts them behind the 8-ball going forward; essentially they need to win out and hope Colts take a loss somewhere. While the last game against Detroit will be a good one, the cards are stacked in favor of the 49ers to at least win out and see what happens. Seattle is in draft mode going forward, with visions of a new QB in their future, and I doubt they will throw San Francisco off the scent this week. Seattle 10 - San Francisco 24
Miami (5-9) @ Kansas City (3-11)
This should actually be a good game, as both teams have managed to play better than their records have indicated as of late. Paul has Ja'Marr Chase on the cusp of a 2000 yard receiving season, and I don't see the Dolphins being able to shut him down. While it should be close, let me go out on a limb and take the underdog here, as I can see the Chiefs scoring just enough to get past the Dolphins. Miami 21 - Kansas City 24
Pittsburgh (3-11) @ Denver (6-8)
Denver busted out of their scoring slump last week, throwing up 59 points against the Chiefs, after KC started the game hot. This week, the Broncos face a Steelers team that has their own issues on defense, and should be able to continue their play on offense for at least another week. While Rudy still has a shot at a winning record this year after last year's Super Bowl appearance, it won't be a walk in the park, but for this week, he should be dancing in the streets after this one. Pittsburgh 17 - Denver 28
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