Now that Thanksgiving is done, you can officially start decorating for Christmas. NFL teams will be gearing up for a last play-off push.
The AFC is almost locked up but there is still hope for teams like the Bengals and Browns who despite been given a 2% chance of making it still technically have a chance.
In the NFC it’s a bit more open with teams like the Bucs, Rams and Cardinals all within a sniff. The only team fully out of contention is the New York Giants, but we sort of knew that before the season kicked off.
Plenty of teams get a rest this week, the Broncos, Colts, Patriots, Commanders, Ravens and Texans all get to put their feet up and watch just like the rest of us.
Back-to-back home TNF games for the Detroit Lions who can clinch a play-off berth with a win.
Two of the best teams in the NFC who’s offenses have been humming so you might be surprised to hear me take the under on this one. Last time these two met in in November, the Lions came out on top 24-14, totalling 38 points.
Because of both sides elite defences it’ll stay tight so I wouldn’t mind Packers +3.5 but would rather take under 51 total points.
Jahmyr Gibbs has been a machine this season both for the Lions and for punters. Now I’m not sure what we can expect from him after ‘leaking’ part of their playbook while doing a tiktok dance.
For that reason I’m staying away from his props, and I’ll look at the running back on the other side of the field. Yes the Lions have the best run defence in the league but last time out, Josh Jacobs rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown.
They’re down a few injuries as well which will make them more vulnerable, even more reason to back Jacobs.
My Bets:
- Under 51 Total Points
- Josh Jacobs Anytime Touchdown Scorer
- Josh Jacobs Over 69.5 Rushing yards
The Cleveland Browns beat the Steelers a few weeks back but they come to Pittsburgh without a regular season win for more than 20 years.
The Steelers roll into this one after a big win in Cincinnati and will be out for revenge against Cleveland who have now lost three of their last four games.
Turnovers have been an issue for Jameis Winston and the Browns, something the Steelers defence will capitalise on. With that in mind I think the Steelers should be able to keep this one out of reach.
Russ has been balling for the Steelers and I expect that to continue this week. After eclipsing 414 yards last week I like our chances for Russ to go big again.
That leads nicely into George Pickens having a day too, chuck em’ in there.
My Bets:
- Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5
- Russell Wilson to have 250+ Passing Yards
- George Pickens to have 80+ Receiving Yards
Josh Allen just strengthened his MVP case with a huge win in a snow-bowl classic over the 49ers. He had a passing touch down, rushing touchdown and caught a lateral which he ran in for the score too.
The Rams also had a 21-14 win last week over the Saints to move to 6-6 on the season.
This game could sneakily be the game of the week but the Bills are looking very very good and going to be hard to beat.
My Bets:
- Buffalo Bills -3.5
- Over 49.5 Total Points
- Kyren Williams 80+ Rushing Yards
I’m actually not sure how the Chiefs have been able to continue winning these one score games. They’ve not covered a spread for the last six games and this Chargers side has been rolling.
Pat Mahomes threw for 300+ yards last week but struggled in the redzone, I think as the start to ease Pacheco back into it we’ll start seeing him used more in the redzone like they’ve done in the past.
The Chargers should be able to keep the chains moving through the air this week, the Chiefs defence has shown some crack recently and Herb should be able to dice it up this week. If Aidan O’Connell can do it, Justin Herbert can too.
My Bets:
- Los Angeles Chargers +4
- Isiah Pacheco Anytime Touchdown Scorer
- Justin Herbert to have 250+ Passing yards
The Simpsons broadcast is the main reason for watching this game let’s be honest.
Statistically the Bengals are still in the hunt but they can’t buy a win at the moment. No matter how good Joe Burrow plays they just can’t get over the line.
By no means are the Cowboys a good team but they’ve just won two straight divisional matchups and find themselves at home this week.
The way to pick this game, back the team with the better qb production. If the Bengals defence can show a little bit of fight and produce some stop they should come out on top in Dallas.
My Bets:
- Cincinnati Bengals -5.5
- Joe Burrow to have 275+ Passing Yards
- Chase Brown 80 + Rushing Yards