Hey everybody – we’re in the second to last week of the 2025-2026 NFL season. What a season it has been! There are several teams that have cemented themselves as the best of the best, and even more teams fighting for the final playoff spots. Let’s get into the games this weekend, starting on Christmas Day!
PICKS (155-85 Overall)
Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) @ Washington Commanders (4-11)
- Both of these teams are eliminated from playoff contention, which makes this a perfect Christmas morning game. Don’t worry about watching this one and focus on spending time with friends and family, celebrating the Christmas season! I’ll take the more talented Cowboys team on the road.
Detroit Lions (8-7) @ Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
- Detroit is technically still alive in the playoff race, but last week’s wild home loss to the Steelers was exactly what they didn’t need. From here on out, they need to win both of their final games, needing plenty of help from other teams as well. I think they win in their rematch against Minnesota.
Denver Broncos (12-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)
- The Chiefs’ season just continues getting worse, with QB Gardner Minshew tearing his ACL last weekend against the Titans. The Chiefs can aim to play spoiler against a divisional foe in the Broncos, but I think Denver takes care of business here.
Houston Texans (10-5) @ Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)
- Here’s a great Saturday game, which is a rematch of last year’s wild card matchup. The Texans defense struggled a bit last week against a terrible Raiders team, which I’m sure they are hoping is an outlier for the season. I think this defense will be too much for the Chargers’ offensive line, and Houston wins a tight one.
Baltimore Ravens (7-8) @ Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
- Speaking as a Steelers fan – I am rooting hard for the Packers this Saturday. If the Ravens lose to Green Bay, Pittsburgh officially locks up the AFC North, meaning they can rest their starters for the final two games of the regular season. I think Green Bay wins at home.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) @ Cleveland Browns (3-12)
- I’m making my pick based on if the starters play this week for the Steelers. It’s traditionally hard to win in Cleveland in December, but I think the Steelers have figured some stuff out and will pick up their tenth win on the season.
New England Patriots (12-3) @ New York Jets (3-12)
- A VERY lopsided divisional matchup here. The Patriots are still fighting for the #1 overall seed in the AFC, which means they have something to play for. I think Drake Maye goes off and the Patriots win easily.
New Orleans Saints (5-10) @ Tennessee Titans (3-12)
- Tyler Shough continues to play pretty well in his rookie campaign, and he has another strong chance to pick up a win against a bad Titans team. Even though Tennessee is off of a win against the Chiefs, I’ll take New Orleans here in what could be a field goal fest.
Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) @ Indianapolis Colts (8-7)
- After starting 7-1, the Colts have lost 6 of their last 7. Yikes. Jacksonville, however, is off of a HUGE win in Denver, as they also have a chance for the #1 overall seed. I think the Jags keep it rolling here on the road in Indy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) @ Miami Dolphins (6-9)
- The Disappointment Bowl in Florida. Tampa needs to win out in order to keep their playoff chances alive, while Miami is trying to play spoiler. Miami decided to bench Tua Tagovailoa a couple weeks ago, so I’ll take the more talented and desperate Bucs team.
Seattle Seahawks (12-3) @ Carolina Panthers (8-7)
- Seattle is coming off of a HUGE win against the Rams, in a game which they almost gone blown out in by halftime. Carolina comes into this matchup winning a big one against the Bucs, taking the lead in the NFC South. I don’t think they can hang with the star power of this Seattle team, but they’ve proven themselves as worthy adversaries at home this season.
Arizona Cardinals (3-12) @ Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
- This game doesn’t mean a whole lot, with both teams being eliminated already. I think Joe Burrow is going to try and finish the season on a strong note, and he has a great chance to put up some stellar numbers against Arizona. I’ll take the Bengals at home.
New York Giants (2-13) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)
- Yup, definitely won’t be watching this game for any reason. Raiders, I guess?
Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) @ Buffalo Bills (11-4)
- This is the exact matchup I picked before the season for the Super Bowl this year. Both teams have had their ups and downs, but lately, the Bills have really turned it on in November and December. I think their offense will overpower the Eagles, as they win a close one in a game that could feature some fun weather.
Chicago Bears (11-4) @ San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
- The Bears have clinched a playoff spot, while the Niners quietly continue their campaign in the NFC to climb up the seeding. While the Bears have been very formidable this season, I think the Niners will run up the score against Chicago’s defense in a matchup that we could potentially see again in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Rams (11-4) @ Atlanta Falcons (6-9)
- The Rams have Atlanta’s first round draft pick for next year’s draft, meaning they have more incentive to win this game than they already had. I don’t see a world where the Falcons can stay close with this Rams team. Rams by a touchdown.
BETS (28-19 Overall)
Broncos -13.5 (-110)
Kenneth Gainwell Anytime TD (+210)
Saints/Titans Over 38.5 (-118)
FANTASY
Last Week’s Pick: Jacoby Brissett (not great – 11.62 points).
Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Wilson is a must-start as he continues to put on a show in the second half of this season.
Merry Christmas everybody!