The lines are from Vegas and the home teams in CAPs.
Indianapolis +14 over BALTIMORE
As bad as the Colts may be, the Ravens shouldn’t be giving two touchdowns. And if you think anybody is giving up free time on Saturday to watch this one, you’re insane.
Minnesota -9 over GREEN BAY
Aaron Rodgers tried to get the Packers to the playoffs but fell short. With nothing to play for, we’re not sure what kind of motivation Green Bay will have in this one – even if it is a rivalry game.
CINCINNATI +4.5 over Detroit
The Lions may have an outside shot at the playoffs and the Bengals are just playing out Marvin Lewis’ final games as coach, but never discount the fact that the Lions struggle to put teams away. It’s not like the Bengals don’t have some talented players still, either.
Los Angeles Rams -6.5 over TENNESSEE
The Titans are going to fall out of a playoff spot – you heard it here first. Tennessee just flat-out isn’t a good team, as the line here evidences. Time will show that this season under Mike Mularkey hindered the development of Marcus Mariota quite a bit.
Los Angeles Chargers -6.5 over NEW YORK JETS
Bryce Petty and the Jets covered in New Orleans last week, but this time won’t be as lucky. L.A. needs to shake off last week’s stink bomb and get back on track here to keep their playoff dreams alive.
KANSAS CITY -10.5 over Miami
The Chiefs are picking things up and are starting to resemble the red-hot offence that started the season. We’re worried about Kenyan Drake, who has been great since the Jay Ajayi trade, but the cold and home-field advantage should be too much.
CAROLINA -10 over Tampa Bay
Another team getting hot at the right time, the Panthers shut put away the visiting Bucs easily. Tampa got a bit lucky against Atlanta last week with Julio Jones – who usually crushes them – hobbled.
Denver +3.5 over WASHINGTON
The Broncos might’ve finally found something, looking decent the past two games and shutting some admittedly bad offences. Washington isn’t much better than average and might have a tough time without a running game.
NEW ORLEANS -6 over Atlanta
The difference in the Falcons’ win two weeks ago was that Alvin Kamara got hurt early on. He’s fine for this one while Julio Jones is on the limp for Atlanta. Could be a big win for the home team.
NEW ENGLAND -12 over Buffalo
The Pats can’t let up in their pursuit for home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Bills do have a shot at making it, but surprisingly can still do it with a loss. Tom Brady won’t struggle like he did in Buffalo, either.
Cleveland +6.5 over CHICAGO
This seems insane, but I’ll actually bet that Hue Jackson keeps up his streak of only winning Christmas Eve alive. Of course, this probably means that Mitchell Trubisky roasts the Browns secondary, but it’s worth a shot.
Jacksonville -4.5 over SAN FRANCISCO
Dare us go against the legend of Jimmy G? The hype is getting a bit big and he’s finally facing a great defence. Don’t forget that the rest of this 49ers team had just one win before Garoppolo showed up.
DALLAS -5 over Seattle
The return of Ezekiel Elliott, Sean Lee’s influence on Dallas’ defence and the fact that it looks like the Seahawks are completely imploding, with their stars calling each out. Of course, Russell Wilson could take this one over, but it might not be enough.
New York Giants +3.5 over ARIZONA
With Drew Stanton starting for the Cards, Arizona is as good as done. Eli Manning and Co. looked good against the vaunted Eagles defence last week and could certainly cover in the desert.
Pittsburgh -9 over HOUSTON
The Steelers won’t need Antonio Brown to beat the Texans. Le’Veon Bell should be able to run over the Texans, who are just playing out the stretch.
PHILADELPHIA -8.5 over Oakland
The Raiders literally let one slip away against the Cowboys last week, but going on the road to face the Eagles on Christmas night isn’t a great spot for them to bounce back.
Last week: 6-7-2
This season: 112-91-9