1PM GAMES
Houston Texans (-3.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Reports out of Jacksonville are that the stables are back up and running and horse face is ready to hit the scene again. They’d love to play spoiler for their division foe as the Texans have a tough closing stretch of games as they try to win the division and hold off the Colts. The Jags feel like a team that could either lose all their remaining games by 40, or find a spark and become a berserker down the stretch. Regardless, those weirdos in Duval will be out and about, freaking everybody out. 
Tennessee Titans @ Washington Commanders (-6)
The Commies absolutely need one here to stop the skid. After starting as the hottest team in football they’ve been tripping over their own feet stumbling bumbling to a 7-5 record and flirting with missing the playoffs. Hopefully that can all be attributed to Jayden Daniels playing injured and if he can get back to full health they’ll be back to being a real team. Until then, they can’t be trusted to beat even a crap Titans team. Although, to the Titans credit, they beat the Texans last week. So maybe they have a little somethin somethin going on. Secret time: I think the Texans just stink. 
Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) @ New England Patriots
Both franchises are hoping to rekindle the Manning-Brady rivalry in Richardson and Maye. That would be a welcome sight because what used to be such a fun matchup is now mostly sad and irrelevant. Hope is not entirely lost for the Colts, though it’s darn close. They basically need to win out, 5 in a row, and hope the Texans drop a few games to sneak a division championship. The good news is that the Colts play the Pats, Broncos, Titans, Giants, Jags. And the Texans play the Jags, Dolphins, Chiefs, Ravens, Titans. So you’re telling me there’s a chance.
Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings (-3)
Two of the happiest surprises in the NFL this year. And both teams that are fun to root for: Kyler Murray is an electric factory and Sam Darnold is one of the rare QB redemption stories in the league. Both teams have a lot to play for as well. The Cardinals are land locked in a near four way tie in the NFC West, and the Vikings trail the Lions by 2 games. This game should be fun and competitive. Hot take: this one is decided by some two point conversion goofiness. 
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals (-3)
The Bengals are clinging to the slimmest playoff chance… a loss here would fully kill it. While a win would spark a little hope in the Queen City. The Steelers have been rolling, but as always seems to be the case when Pittsburgh starts off hot: everyone feels like they could be fraudulent. Hence the spread in this game. This game is destined to be close and hard fought, as seemingly all AFC North games are. Joey B has to put the city on his back and emerge victorious. Has to.
Seattle Seahawks (-1) @ New York Jets
I see the Jets and cringe. This thing could not have gone worse. They’ve now fired the coach and general manager, and reports are that the owner wanted to bench Aaron Rodgers weeks ago. The Jets seem destined to fail until Woody Johnson croaks. Although, in a hilarious twist, he’s expected to once again be appointed as the US ambassador to the UK in the Trump administration. Meanwhile, in a real football organization, the Seahawks are starting to round into form in the vision of new head coach Mike Macdonald. If they take another step forward they shouldn’t have any trouble with a Jets team that has likely quit on the season. 
Los Angeles Chargers (-1) @ Atlanta Falcons
Both fringe playoff teams fighting to stay atop the heap. The Chargers will be duking it out to earn a wild card spot, while the Falcons hold a one game lead in the NFC South. The Falcons have one of the worst pass rushes ever, which will give Justin Herbert room to laser show this thing. Pew pew pew. 
4PM GAMES
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-6) @ Carolina Panthers
Baker Mayfield continues to be one of the most fun players to watch. Dude is a dog. Throwing bombs, laying blocks downfield, scrapping left and right. The Bucs need this one to get a game on the Falcons. But the Panthers look a little feisty lately! They took the Chiefs to the wire last week in Bryce Young’s best game. They would absolutely love to play spoiler down the stretch and let Bryce notch a couple wins.
Los Angeles Rams (-2.5) @ New Orleans Saints
I really can’t figure out the Saints. And I hate them.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Baltimore Ravens (-2.5)
Good litmus test for both teams. This is a potential Super Bowl matchup as both make my shortlist of actual contenders. Jalen Hurts & Saquon Barkley vs. Lamar Jackson & Derrick Henry. Pure adrenaline. Can’t you just picture the drunks fighting in the parking lot all day? It’s beautiful. This feels like it should be prime time, but we’ll let it slide because it gives us at least 1 good game in the evening slate.
