Welcome back to another NFL weekly preview! We’re entering the final month of the regular season, with the playoff picture still very much undecided. Last weekend had two key injuries, with both Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons tearing their ACL’s in losses. The Packers are still fighting for the NFC North title, but the Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday’s loss. This week’s slate has some exciting divisional games, and quite a few BORING games with neither team having anything to play for. As the regular season comes to a close in a few weeks, let’s see if we can go on a heater with our picks!
PICKS (144-80 Overall)
Los Angeles Rams (11-3) @ Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
- This NFC West matchup has so much at stake for both of these teams, as well as the Niners. If either of these teams win out, they win the division and lock up the #1 overall seed in the NFC. However, the Niners still have a chance for the division title and the #1 seed, based on how these two teams do to finish out the season. There is supposed to be a bit of weather in Seattle, which is already such a tough place to play as a road team. I’ll take the Seahawks, in what I expect to be an instant classic on Thursday night.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) @ Washington Commanders (4-10)
- The Commanders have decided to sit Jayden Daniels for the rest of the season. Even if he did play, I would pick the Eagles, which could win the division if they handle the Commanders here.
Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) @ Chicago Bears (10-4)
- The first matchup between these two was an incredibly close game, ending on a Caleb Williams interception in the end zone. With the Packers losing Micah Parsons like I mentioned earlier, I think Caleb Williams has a big game and keep the Bears’ playoff and division crown hopes alive.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) @ Detroit Lions (8-6)
- Detroit has been dealing with injuries all season, specifically on their defense. The Steelers played their best game of the season on Monday night, and they look like they’re starting to round into form with the playoffs on the horizon. The Lions are significant favorites at home, but I’ll take my Steelers in an upset.
New York Jets (3-11) @ New Orleans Saints (4-10)
- Rookie QB Tyler Shough has not looked bad in the first starts of his career – in fact, he’s looked pretty good! The records of these teams make this game seem pretty lame, but I am expecting an exciting contest here. I’ll go Saints at home.
Buffalo Bills (10-4) @ Cleveland Browns (3-11)
- The Bills need to win out, and get some help in order to claim the AFC East crown. While it is difficult to win in Cleveland in December against that defense, the Bills are used to the cold and any weather present. I’ll go Bills.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) @ Tennessee Titans (2-12)
- Unfortunately for Chiefs’ fans, Patrick Mahomes is out for the year with a torn ACL, and the Chiefs are eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Remarkably, Mahomes already had a successful surgery, with hopes of returning to start the 2026 season. I think Andy Reid cooks up a solid game plan against a bad Titans team.
Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
- The Chargers control their own destiny in order to make the playoffs, and they need to win these “easier” games in order to make it in. Dallas might be without stud DL Quinnen Williams, meaning RB Omarion Hampton should have plenty of opportunities to take over this game.
Minnesota Vikings (6-8) @ New York Giants (2-12)
- Here’s one of the meaningless games this week. I don’t have too much to say about this one, other than the fact that the Vikings are a better coached team. I think they pick up a road win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) @ Carolina Panthers (7-7)
- The battle for the NFC South is on! Nobody probably thought it would be between these two teams, but the Panthers have picked up some crucial wins over the past few weeks. The Panthers are also very good at home, but I think the Bucs are the more talented team. I’ll take the Bucs, but we’ll see when they play again in a couple weeks.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) @ Miami Dolphins (6-8)
- Another meaningless game, as both teams are officially eliminated from the playoffs. The Dolphins have benched QB Tua Tagovailoa, meaning rookie 7th rounder Quinn Ewers will get his first NFL start. He should be able to have success against this Bengals defense, but I trust Joe Burrow and this offense more.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) @ Denver Broncos (12-2)
- Denver is on a ROLL. Actually, all of Denver’s sports teams are on fire, with the Avalanche and Nuggets both looking worthy of championships in the NHL and NBA. I think the Jags are a bit on fraud watch for me, meaning I’ll have to see more in order to believe in them. Give me Denver at home.
Atlanta Falcons (5-9) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
- This is another meaningless game, but this one has the potential to be a shootout. The Cardinals’ offensive players have put up some crazy numbers this year, mostly because they’ve had to play from being down 40 points a lot of the season.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) @ Houston Texans (9-5)
- Raiders suck, and the Texans defense is one of the best we’ve seen in years. Texans.
New England Patriots (11-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
- This is a very fun Sunday Night Football matchup! I know the Patriots have an 11-3 record, but I personally do not believe in them quite yet. If they beat the Ravens in Baltimore, I could be convinced that they can make a deep playoff run. However, I like the Ravens in this one.
San Francisco 49ers (10-4) @ Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
- Is San Francisco the sneakiest team in the NFL? I don’t see anybody talking about them, and they have quietly won 10 games. Now they get to face Old Man Rivers in his second start since coming out of retirement. I think the Niners blitz the heck out of Philip Rivers, and they make life very difficult on the old quarterback.
BETS (25-19 Overall)
Texans/Raiders Over 37.5 Points (-115)
Michael Wilson Anytime TD (+125)
San Francisco 49ers -5.5 (-110)
FANTASY
Last Week’s Pick: Brock Purdy (26.20 points)
I think Arizona Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett is a great start this week, as he goes against a pretty bad Falcons defense.
Have a great weekend!