The NFL has bestowed upon us the greatest early Christmas gift that they could possibly think of: A full slate of games on Christmas eve! It wouldn’t have been smart to jam pack a Sunday full of games when everybody is sitting down with their families. At least when the NBA does it, they’re back-to-back-to-back affairs, so there’s not too much to digest with your turkey.
We’ve even got some nice divisional matchups and a lot of playoff stakes on the line. This is crunch time so let’s hope the stars aren’t caught dreaming of a white Christmas and focus on their tasks at hand.
The lines are from 5dimes and the home teams are in CAPS.
KANSAS CITY -1 over Oakland
The Chiefs really must have hated Todd Haley, right? I can see them eliminating the Raiders from playoff contention here.
Denver -3 over BUFFALO
How do the Bills go three straight home games without selling out? And you fans want to keep your team? Pathetic. Broncos specialize in the running the ball and the Bills can’t stop the run.
Jacksonville +7.5 over TENNESSEE
Maurice Jones-Drew should be enough to keep the Jags within a touchdown.
Arizona +4 over CINCINNATI
The Cardinals have quietly stepped up their defence and Josh Skelton is winning them games.
Miami +10 over NEW ENGLAND
The Dolphins aren’t terrible, despite firing their coach, and could run the ball fairly well against the Pats.
BALTIMORE -13 over Cleveland
After Sunday night’s embarrassment, expect the Ravens to come out flying at home.
New York Giants +3 over NEW YORK JETS
Both teams tend to shine in these late-season must-win scenarios, so take the points.
Minnesota +6.5 over WASHINGTON
Adrian Peterson has at least one big game left in him and if the Vikes go down, they can bring in Joe Webb and come back.
CAROLINA -7.5 over Tampa Bay
The poor Bucs are just terrible and Cam Newton is so electric, he’s using plays from 90’s kids movies.
PITTSBURGH (NL) over St. Louis
Even if it is Charlie Batch at QB, this should be a cake walk for the Steelers.
San Diego +3 over DETROIT
San Diego’s late-season charge won’t be slowed by the menacing Lions.
San Francisco -1.5 over SEATTLE
The 49ers defence is just too tough for the Seahawks to do anything against.
Philadelphia +3 over DALLAS
The Eagles are peaking at the right time after being written off about 1,000 times earlier this season.
GREEN BAY -13 over Chicago
Josh McCown should be an upgrade over Caleb Hanie, but not by that much.
NEW ORLEANS -7 over Atlanta
This one is for their division, one that nobody wins twice in a row, so expect the Falcons to go down.
This week: 0-1
Last week: 9-7
This season: 113-107-2