Broncos-Chiefs and Week 17 Picks

The Broncos got embarrassed on Christmas Day to the Rams 51-14, and the result was that Denver fired Nathaniel Hackett without even letting him finish his first year as head coach. This Broncos season has been the most disappointing season in my entire life as a Broncos fan. It has been really tough to deal with, and the only hope is that they will find the right head coach to right the ship. That is for another time and another discussion. Now, there are two games left and Denver heads to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs. It is hard to believe that the Broncos will be competitive in this game, and even if interim head coach Jerry Rosburg gets them to play better than they did last week, it still won't be enough. KC needs this game to keep pace for the #1 seed in the AFC, and they will take it to Denver once again.

Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-12) over Denver

Final Score: Chiefs-34 Broncos-10

Now, Onto the picks for Week 17...

Last Week's Record: 9-5-2

Overall Record: 121-104-16

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

ATLANTA (-3) over Arizona:  The Falcons are 5-10 and the Cardinals are 4-11. Both teams are looking to next season. 

Chicago (+6) over DETROIT: The Lions are 7-8 and still have a shot to make the playoffs in the NFC. They need a win here at home over the 3-12 Bears. I think Detroit wins, but I feel like the Bears will keep it close.

Jacksonville (-4) over HOUSTON: The Jags are 7-8 and if they win out, they will win the AFC South. I think they will take care of business over the lowly Texans to set the stage for Week 18 against the Titans. 

NEW ENGLAND (-3) over Miami: Tua Tagovailoa is out again with another concussion, so Teddy Bridgewater steps in to replace him. Miami is 8-7 and clinging to the #7 seed in the AFC. The Pats are 7-8, but if they win out, they can get in. I know Miami has owned the Pats in recent years, but I have a feeling that NE finds a way to win and keep their playoff hopes alive. 

GIANTS (-5) over Indianapolis: The Giants are 8-6-1 and with a win over the 4-10-1 Colts on Sunday in the Meadowlands, they will clinch their first playoff berth since 2016. Brian Daboll has done a phenomenal job in his first year with the Giants, and I think this game might be trick for awhile, but look for the G-Men to punch their ticket back to the playoffs.

PHILADELPHIA (-5) over New Orleans: The Eagles need one win to clinch the NFC East and the #1 seed in the NFC. Although it looks like Jalen Hurts will miss this game due to a shoulder injury, I think the Eagles will take care of business and lock it all up this week.

TAMPA BAY (-3) over Carolina: The Bucs are 7-8 and lead the NFC South by one game over the 6-9 Panthers. As disappointing Tampa Bay has been this year, they can still win the division and host a playoff game. I think this will be back and forth, but I expect the Bucs to pull it out.

Cleveland (+3) over WASHINGTON: The Commanders are 7-7-1 and currently hold the #7 spot in the NFC. They are going back to Carson Wentz at QB this week. I just have a bad feeling that this won't work out well for them. The Browns are 6-9 and out of playoff contention, but I can see them being a tough game for Washington this week.

San Francisco (-9) over LAS VEGAS: Weird week in Vegas. The Raiders benched Derek Carr for the remainder of the season, and even at 6-9 they still have a chance at the playoffs. It won't matter because the 49ers and that defense will come to town and take them down. SF will move to 12-4.

SEATTLE (+2) over Jets: The Jets are 7-8, but still have a realistic chance to make the playoffs if they win out. The Seahawks are 7-8, and are in the same position as the Jets. A lot of people like the Jets in this game, but I think Seattle gets it done at home.

GREEN BAY (-3) over Minnesota: The Packers are 7-8 and can make the playoffs if they win their last two games and get some help. The Vikings are 12-3 and looking for that #1 seed. I think GB wins this one at home and stays alive in the playoff chase.

Rams (+7) over CHARGERS: The Chargers have clinched a wild card spot in the AFC, but now are playing for seeding. I'm not sure how much motivation they will have. I think they win the game but this is too tricky and I could see the Rams playing hard again.

Pittsburgh (+3) over BALTIMORE: The Steelers are 7-8 and have a chance at the playoffs. The Ravens are 10-5 and have already clinched a spot. Look for Pittsburgh to pull the upset in Baltimore. 

Buffalo (+1) over CINCINNATI: This is the game of the year in the AFC. The 12-3 Bills visit the 11-4 Bengals. Both teams can still get the #1 seed in the AFC. If Buffalo wins this game and next week, then they win the #1 seed. If Cincy wins this game and next week, and KC loses one game, then the Bengals will get the 1 seed. Simply put: This game is huge. It's cool that it is on Monday night and a standalone game. I think the Bills and Josh Allen will find a way to win the game and get closer to that #1 seed. 

Week 17 TNF Pick

 Dallas (-7) over TENNESSEE

Broncos-Rams and Week 16 Picks

The Broncos and Rams meet on Christmas Day and this game looked really good on the schedule in May. With both teams at 4-10, it is not the same matchup that the NFL wanted. 

Denver (+2) over RAMS

Final Score: Broncos-20 Rams-17

Now, Onto the picks for Week 16...

Last Week's Record: 7-8-1

Overall Record: 112-99-14

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

BALTIMORE (-7) over Atlanta: Even if Lamar Jackson is out, I like the Ravens chances to get to 10-5.

CAROLINA (+4) over Detroit: I think the Lions will win. At 7-7, a win here gives them a chance at the playoffs. I do think that it will be a close game and look for the Panthers to cover.

CHICAGO (+9) over Buffalo: The Bills are 11-3 and looking for the #1 seed. Look for them to win in Chicago but the Bears will keep it close. 

CLEVELAND (-3) over New Orleans: The Browns will keep their small playoff chances alive and improve to 7-8 with a home win over the Saints. 

Seattle (+10) over KANSAS CITY: The Chiefs will win at home and improve to 12-3 but I think the Seahawks will keep it close. 

MINNESOTA (-3) over Giants: The Giants are 8-5-1 and in good shape to make the playoffs even if they lose this game. The Vikings are 11-3 and looking at a top seed in the NFC. I like the Vikes at home.

Cincinnati (-3) over NEW ENGLAND: The Pats are 7-7 and coming off that terrible loss to the Raiders last week. The Bengals are 10-4, winners of six straight games, and look like a legitimate contender in the AFC. I like them on the road here. 

Houston (+6) over TENNESSEE: The Titans are likely going to be without Ryan Tannehill, and I just don't have a lot of faith in Malik Willis. They might win the game, but give me the Texans and the points.  

Washington (+7) over SAN FRANCISCO: I think the Niners win and get to 11-4, but I have a feeling that Washington will play them tough and keep this game close. 

DALLAS (-1) over Philadelphia: Dallas is 10-4 and the Eagles are 13-1, so Dallas trails Philly by a two games with three to play in the NFC East. I think the Cowboys will find a way to win this game.

PITTSBURGH (-2) over Las Vegas: The Steelers are 6-8 and the Raiders are 6-8. Both are clinging to very faint playoff hopes. Look for the Steelers to win this one at home. 

Green Bay (+5) over MIAMI: At 6-8, Green Bay has to win their final three games and get help to get a playoff spot. Miami is 8-6 and still fighting for a wild card spot. Look for a close game in South Beach. 

Tampa Bay (-3) over ARIZONA: At 6-8, Tampa Bay needs to win this game and stay atop the awful NFC South. Arizona is down to Trace McSorely starting at QB with Kyler Murray and Colt McCoy both out. Look for Tom Brady and his Bucs to get the win in Arizona. 

Chargers (-3) over INDIANAPOLIS: I think the Chargers are about to go on a run here and get hot heading into the playoffs. At 8-6, they could definitely win their last three games. It starts on Monday Night Football in Indy. 

Week 16 TNF Pick

 Jacksonville (+1) over JETS

Broncos-Cardinals and Week 15 Picks

Looks like it will be Colt McCoy against Brett Rypien on Sunday in Denver. Russell Wilson will most likely be out with a concussion and Kyler Murray tore his ACL last week. Either way, I don't expect the Broncos to win

Prediction: Arizona (PICK) over DENVER

Final Score: Cardinals-19 Broncos-16

Onto the picks for Week 15....

Last Week's Record: 7-6-0

Overall Record: 105-91-13

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

MINNESOTA (-4) over Indianapolis: The Vikings are 10-3 and looking to clinch the NFC North. The Colts are 4-8-1 and playing out the string. Look for a dominant win for Minnesota on Saturday afternoon.

CLEVELAND (-2) over Baltimore: The Ravens are 9-4 and need a win to keep pace in the AFC North. The Browns are 5-8, but have Deshaun Watson back from suspension. Lamar Jackson is still out for the Ravens, and there is uncertainty if Tyler Huntley will play due to a concussion. I like the Browns at home to pull off the upset.

BUFFALO (-7) over Miami: The Bills are 10-3 and fighting for the #1 seed in the AFC. The Dolphins are 8-5, coming off two losses in a row, and fighting for a wild card spot. This seems like a tough spot for the Dolphins on Saturday night in Buffalo.

NEW ORLEANS (-3) over Atlanta: The Saints are 4-9, and the Falcons are 5-8. Somehow, both of these teams are still alive in the NFC South. I think the Saints will get the win at home.

CAROLINA (-2) over Pittsburgh: Carolina is 5-8 and only a game back in the NFC South. They have played better since they fire Matt Rhule. The Steelers are 5-8 and might be without Kenny Pickett this week. I like the Panthers to keep it rolling at home.

CHICAGO (+9) over Philadelphia: The Eagles are 12-1 and cruising to the #1 seed in the NFC. The Bears are 3-10 but they have gotten a lot out of Justin Fields this year. The Eagles will win but look for the Bears to keep it close.

Kansas City (-14) over HOUSTON: The Chiefs are 10-3 and closing in on another AFC West crown. The Texans are 1-11-1 and looking at the #1 overall pick in April's draft. I like the Chiefs to roll and take care of business. 

JACKSONVILLE (+5) over Dallas: The Jags are 5-8 and only two games out of the wild card and the AFC South lead. They still have a chance. The Cowboys are 10-3 but it is unlikely they will catch the Eagles for the NFC East lead. Look for the Jags to keep it close at home.

JETS (PICK) over Detroit: The Jets are 7-6 and tied for the last wild card spot in the AFC. Although they are 1-2 since Mike White took over at QB, their offense looks better. The Lions are 6-7 but have won 6 out of their last 7 games. They could find a way to get into the playoffs. I think the Jets hold serve at home and get to 8-6.

New England (PICK) over LAS VEGAS:  The Patriots are 7-6 and tied for the last playoff spot in the AFC. The Raiders are 5-8 after a brutal loss to the Rams last week. I think the Pats will find a way to win an ugly game in Vegas.

Tennessee (+3) over CHARGERS: The Titans are 7-6 and need a win in this spot. This is when Mike Vrabel usually gets his team to step up and play well. The Chargers are 7-6 and fighting for that last spot in the AFC wild card picture. They can lose here and still make it with their last three games. I'll take the more desperate Titans. 

Cincinnati (-3) over TAMPA BAY: The Bengals are 9-4 and are looking to take the AFC North over Baltimore. They have been playing really well since Halloween. I like them in this spot over the 6-7 Bucs, who are struggling. 

Giants (+5) over WASHINGTON: This game got flexed to Sunday Night Football and it features these two NFC East rivals coming in at 7-5-1. They tied each other in the Meadowlands a few weeks ago. I have a gut feeling the Giants will find a way to pull this one out somehow someway. 

GREEN BAY (-7) over Rams: This looked liked an amazing matchup when the schedule was released in May, but the Packers are 5-8 and the Rams are 4-9. Baker Mayfield will get the start for the Rams after his great comeback win over the Raiders last week. Mayfield got claimed off waivers only a few days prior to that game. I think the Packers and Aaron Rodgers will put an end to Baker's little run here and win at home on Monday Night Football. 

Week 15 TNF Pick

 SEATTLE (+4) over San Francisco

Broncos-Chiefs and Week 14 Picks

Prediction: Kansas City (-9) over Denver

Final Score: Chiefs-27 Broncos-10

Now, onto the picks for Week 14....

Last Week's Record: 7-8-0

Overall Record: 98-85-13

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

BUFFALO (-9) over Jets:

CINCINNATI (-5) over Cleveland:

Houston (+18) over DALLAS:

Minnesota (+2) over DETROIT:

Philadelphia (-6) over GIANTS:

Baltimore (+2) over PITTSBURGH:

TENNESSEE (-3) over Jacksonville:

Tampa Bay (+4) over SAN FRANCISCO:

SEATTLE (-3) over Carolina:

CHARGERS (+3) over Miami:

New England (-1) over ARIZONA: 

Week 14 TNF Pick

 RAMS (+6) over Las Vegas

Broncos-Ravens and Week 13 Picks

The Broncos nightmare season continues as they head to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. There is no way the Broncos are beating the Ravens on the road this year, and this loss will send Denver to 3-9 for the year. 

BALTIMORE (-8) over Denver

Final Score: Ravens-27 Broncos-6

Now, onto the picks for Week 13....

Last Week's Record: 9-6-1

Overall Record: 91-77-13

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

ATLANTA (+1) over Pittsburgh: Atlanta is 5-7 but still has a chance to win the NFC South. The Steelers are 4-7 and holding onto hopes to make a run at a wild card spot. I think the Falcons find a way to win this game at home.

Green Bay (-4) over CHICAGO: At 4-8, the Packers are pretty much done in the NFC playoff picture. The Bears are 3-9 and looking to continue to develop Justin Fields the rest of the season. Look for the Packers to continue their dominance over the Bears. 

DETROIT (+1) over Jacksonville: The Lions are 4-7 but have played hard, close games each week. The Jags are 4-7 and coming off a win over the Ravens. Someone is getting to 5-7 after this game, and I think it will be the Lions. 

Cleveland (-6) over HOUSTON: Deshaun Watson returns after his suspension to lead the 4-7 Browns down the stretch run. Naturally, he faces his old team in his return. The Browns will take care of Houston in Watson's 2022 debut. 

Jets (+3) over MINNESOTA: The Vikings are 9-2 and comfortably lead the NFC North. The Jets are 7-4 and battling for the final wild card spot in the AFC. All week I liked the Vikings, but I think the Jets are going to pull this game out somehow.

GIANTS (+3) over Washington: The Giants are 7-4 and Washington is 7-5, so this is a huge game in the NFC. I think the G-Men stop their slide and get a big, home win over Washington. 

Tennessee (+5) over PHILADELPHIA: The Titans are 7-4 and looking like they will take the AFC South once again. The Eagles are 10-1 and looking for the #1 seed in the NFC. I think this is a good game, but I'll take the Titans and the points. 

Seattle (-7) over RAMS: The Rams are 3-8 and having an awful season. The Seahawks are 6-5 and in the thick of the playoff race in the NFC. I can't see the Rams, all banged up and beat up, giving Seattle much of a game here. 

SAN FRANCISCO (-4) over Miami: This is a very interesting game on Sunday. Miami is 8-3 and the 49ers are 7-4. It pitts Kyle Shanahan vs his old protege, Mike McDaniel. Good matchup between two good teams. I like the 49ers to pull through in the end. 

Kansas City (-2) over CINCINNATI: Another big game in the late, afternoon window on Sunday. The Bengals are 7-4 and fighting for 1st place in the AFC North. The Chiefs are 9-2 and looking to get the #1 seed in the AFC. I think the Chiefs get revenge on the Bengals from last year's AFC Championship Game. 

Chargers (-1) over LAS VEGAS: The Chargers are 6-5 and fighting for the last wild card spot in the AFC. The Raiders are 4-7 but winners of their last two games. This is a big game for the Chargers, and I think they get it done on the road. 

DALLAS (-10) over Indianapolis: The Cowboys are 8-3 and still in the mix in the NFC East for the division title. The Colts are 4-7-1 and look like they are done. Take the Cowboys at home. 

TAMPA BAY (-3) over New Orleans: The Saints are 4-8 and the Bucs are 5-6, with Tampa Bay leading the NFC South. I think the Bucs will find a way to get the win at home and get to 6-6. 

Week 13 TNF Pick

 Buffalo (-3) over NEW ENGLAND