In the first late Saturday matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs, featuring star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will take on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, who have claimed the AFC South title. Following that contest, the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Russell Wilson, will face off against the Baltimore Ravens and their quarterback Lamar Jackson in a crucial AFC North clash.
The week commenced with the Los Angeles Chargers claiming a 34-27 victory over the Denver Broncos, with Pro Picks backing the Chargers to cover a 2.5-point spread.
**Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) at Washington Commanders (9-5)**
**Line: Eagles -3**
The Eagles bounced back offensively thanks to Jalen Hurts, who significantly improved the passing game, resulting in stellar performances from wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who each recorded over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown last game. Washington, on the other hand, narrowly secured a win against New Orleans, with Jayden Daniels struggling under pressure, giving up eight sacks last week. The Commanders’ defense could falter if they can’t protect their quarterback.
**Best Bet: Eagles win 26-17**
**Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)**
**Line: Raiders -1.5**
This matchup has significant implications for the NFL draft order. A Jacksonville victory would hinder the Raiders’ chances for the first overall pick. Currently, the Jaguars are positioned sixth but can move into the top five with a loss.
**Upset Special: Jaguars win 23-20**
**Houston Texans (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)**
**Line: Chiefs -3.5**
Mahomes is set to play despite nursing a mild high ankle sprain as Kansas City seeks the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Chiefs recently achieved their first win by more than a touchdown since Week 7. The Texans hold a 6-6-2 record against the spread this season.
**Chiefs win 24-19**
**Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5)**
**Line: Ravens -6.5**
The Steelers have shown vulnerability against the pass, especially without key wide receiver George Pickens. Baltimore has lost four straight matchups against Pittsburgh but has a chance to tie for the division lead with a victory. Pittsburgh is performing well against the spread this season, while Baltimore has had inconsistent results as home favorites.
**Ravens win 23-18**
**Cleveland Browns (3-11) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)**
**Line: Bengals -8**
Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaces Jameis Winston as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. The Bengals are facing a disappointing season despite Joe Burrow’s stellar play. Cleveland’s struggles continue, as they’ve lost six consecutive road games and are underperforming against the spread.
**Bengals win 27-17**
**New York Giants (2-12) at Atlanta Falcons (7-7)**
**Line: Falcons -8.5**
Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. steps in for Kirk Cousins as the Falcons pursue a playoff spot. Minimizing turnovers will be essential for Penix, particularly as the struggling Giants continue their search for the top draft pick.
**Falcons win 24-16**
**Detroit Lions (12-2) at Chicago Bears (4-10)**
**Line: Lions -6.5**
With injuries plaguing the team, the Lions need to stay healthy as they chase the top NFC seed. Jared Goff has had a standout performance, throwing five touchdown passes despite a loss last week. The Bears are on an eight-game losing streak, and the Lions appear to be the stronger team.
**Lions win 33-17**
**Tennessee Titans (3-11) at Indianapolis Colts (6-8)**
**Line: Colts -3.5**
Mason Rudolph will start for Tennessee after replacing Will Levis, while the Colts are facing a favorable slate of opponents with low winning percentages. Indianapolis needs to capitalize on this stretch if they want a shot at a winning record.
**Colts win 23-17**
**Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at New York Jets (4-10)**
**Line: Rams -3.5**
The Rams have gained momentum in the NFC West, winning seven of their last nine games. Matthew Stafford is thriving with solid protection, whereas Aaron Rodgers is beginning to look like himself for the Jets, but it may be too late for their playoff hopes.
**Rams win 23-20**
**Minnesota Vikings (12-2) at Seattle Seahawks (8-6)**
**Line: Vikings -3**
The Vikings are chasing the NFC North title and the top seed in the conference. However, a road matchup against Seattle poses significant challenges, especially with Geno Smith recovering from injury. Seattle hopes to get running back Kenneth Walker back as well.
**Seahawks win 22-19**
**Arizona Cardinals (7-7) at Carolina Panthers (3-11)**
**Line: Cardinals -4.5**
Arizona remains competitive in the NFC West, needing to avoid any slip-ups against Carolina. Kyler Murray has improved, and addressing protection for quarterback Bryce Young will be crucial for the Panthers, especially given their defensive struggles.
**Cardinals win 20-16**
**New England Patriots (3-11) at Buffalo Bills (11-3)**
**Line: Bills -14**
Josh Allen is determined to steer the Bills toward the top of the AFC standings. The Bills are not overlooking their matchup against the Patriots, whose only redeeming quality is rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
**Bills win 33-16**
**San Francisco 49ers (6-8) at Miami Dolphins (6-8)**
**Line: Dolphins -1**
The 49ers are struggling to remain in playoff contention, while Miami’s defense is aiming to rebound after previous inconsistencies. Tua Tagovailoa needs to increase his ball security to avoid turnovers if they hope to win this matchup.
**49ers win 21-20**
**Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) at Dallas Cowboys (6-8)**
**Line: Buccaneers -4**
With Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans leading the charge, the Buccaneers are on a four-game winning streak and are vying for the NFC South. They must remain cautious against a Cowboys team that has the potential to disrupt their plans.
**Buccaneers win 24-17**
**New Orleans Saints (5-9) at Green Bay Packers (10-4)**
**Line: Packers -14.5**
Quarterback Jordan Love is playing error-free football in recent games, and the Packers are gearing up for a playoff run. The Saints face an uphill battle in attempting to pull off an upset.
**Packers win 30-13**
**Previous Week Recap:** Last week, the overall picks revealed a strong performance with a record of 13 wins and 3 losses straight-up and 12 wins against the spread. The cumulative season record currently stands at 157 wins and 68 losses straight-up, and against the spread, it shows 124 wins, 98 losses, and three ties. In prime-time games, results show 38 wins and 13 losses straight-up, with 28 wins and 22 losses against the spread. The best bets have yielded a straight-up record of 9 wins and 6 losses, and against the spread, there are 8 wins and 7 losses. The upset specials highlight a success rate of 8 wins and 7 losses straight-up along with an equal spread record of 8 wins and 7 losses.
