Last week, I went 8-6, rebounding from the 3-10 record I posted in Week 10. Five of my six losses last week were my upset picks.
This week starts the home stretch as contenders either prove they belong or fold and look ahead to next season.
Without further ado, here are my picks for this week.
Colts 20, Texans 24
Deshawn Watson will bounce back from last week’s loss to the Ravens. Jacoby Brissett will play well but come out on the losing end, tightening the AFC South race.
Broncos 17, Bills 24
The Bills will get the win in this game to keep pace in the playoff race and stay a close distance behind the Patriots in the AFC East.
Buccaneers 17, Falcons 27
Matt Ryan and the Falcons will continue their winning ways. Jameis Winston will struggle against the Falcons’ defense.
Jaguars 17, Titans 31
Derrick Henry will flirt with 200 yards rushing in this game, leading the Titans to victory over their division rivals. The loss will dim the Jaguars’ postseason hopes even more.
Upset: Giants 17, Bears 13
The Giants will pull out the upset here. Daniel Jones will get them back in the win column.
Steelers 17, Bengals 20
The Bengals played a solid game against the Raiders last week. I think they will play the same way this week but this time pull out the victory — their first of the season.
Dolphins 17, Browns 31
How will the Browns’ defense look without Myles Garrett? This week, it won’t matter much. Odell Beckham, Jr. is overdue for a big game, and this could be it.
Panthers 20, Saints 34
The Saints have been rolling, minus their loss to the Falcons a couple weeks ago. I see another big game from Drew Brees. Christian McCaffrey will have a decent game for the Panthers, but it won’t be enough.
Raiders 27, Jets 24
Sam Darnold and the Jets will keep it close, but the Raiders will get big games from Derek Carr and Josh Jacobs. They will get the win on the road and keep pace with the Chiefs in the AFC West.
Upset: Seahawks 34, Eagles 20
Russell Wilson will keep his name in the MVP conversation with another stellar performance. Carson Wentz will struggle against the Seahawks’ defense.
Lions 17, Redskins 24
Dwayne Haskins will get the win at home against the Lions. It will give the Redskins’ faithful a sense of promise for next year.
Upset: Cowboys 27, Patriots 24
Dak Prescott will get a rare win for a road team in Foxboro. Tom Brady will have another rough game against the Cowboys’ defense.
Packers 24, 49ers 20
This will be a close game throughout. Aaron Rodgers will lead the Packers to victory. The win will move Green Bay closer to a home playoff game and also put the Seahawks into first place in the NFC West.
Ravens 40, Rams 21
Lamar Jackson will have a Monday Night performance for the ages with another four-touchdown performance against the Rams. Those fans who’ve only seen Ravens highlights will actually get to see them live, and it will be jaw-dropping.
