Another massive week is ahead in the NFL. There are only three guaranteed games left for every team. A few matchups on the schedule for this week between teams in the mix will have a huge impact on whether they make the playoffs. The first three games, all before Sunday, are all tremendous matchups for competitive teams. On Sunday, some crucial division games are scheduled.
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San Francisco 49ers at Tennessee Titans
This is a fantastic game to start the week. The 49ers have continued their hot streak and are nearing a playoff berth. On the other hand, the Titans’ struggles have continued. Offensively, they simply lack the skill talent to be efficient. Expect big games from Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. For the 49ers’ defense, a successful pass rush will once again be key. For the Titans to have a chance, their defense will have to create multiple turnovers. The 49ers will win by one possession.
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers
The first of two games scheduled on Christmas. Simply put, the Browns have to win this game to keep their slim playoff chances afloat. Unfortunately for them, they are playing arguably the best team in the league on the road on a short week. Nick Chubb and the Browns’ offensive line have to be dominant to give the Browns a chance. For the Packers, expect Aaron Rodgers to continue his greatness in this one. The Packers will win this one by a touchdown.
Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals
An exciting matchup here. The Colts had an impressive win a week ago and look to solidify their playoff berth. For the Cardinals, recent struggles continued a week ago. Bouncing back in this one will be pivotal. Kyler Murray and James Conner will have to control this game. Slowing down Jonathan Taylor is essentially impossible to do right now. The Cardinals will have to do what they can to contain him and force the Colts to throw. The Colts will win this game by one score.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
A division battle that should be won by the Eagles with ease. The Giants are a struggling team lacking the ability to compete with the Eagles. Anticipate the Eagles ground attack led by Jalen Hurts to be successful in this one. Defensively, the Eagles should dominate the Giants across the board. The Eagles have a very good chance of making the playoffs and have a great opportunity to take care of business here. They will win this one by at least 10.
Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings
A fascinating NFC game on the schedule. Neither team won too convincingly in their last game. Each team has everything to play for with their playoff seed. For the Rams, big things should continue with Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. With the Vikings, establishing a balance between run and pass will be key. The Rams have a talented defense across the board. Getting the football to all of the talented skill position players the Vikings have will be important. This will be a close game the Rams win by a field goal.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
A great AFC East battle with major playoff implications. The Patriots basically wrap up the division with a home victory. They will be looking to bounce back this week. Establishing their running game offensively will be important. For the Bills, their passing attack will have to have a big day led by Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Gabriel Davis. The Patriots’ defense will make things tough. For the Bills defense, generating interceptions will be needed to win. This game will go down to the wire with a Patriots victory.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
The Buccaneers need to get back to winning and have a perfect chance to do so here. Despite their injuries a week ago, the Panthers’ great struggles have continued. Their offense should not make much of an impact in this game. For the Buccaneers, limiting mistakes will be key for them to win this game. Expect a much better outing from Tom Brady. The Buccaneers will win by at least 10.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets
A game between two of the worst teams in the league. The Jets’ defense has been bad but could have one of their better performances of the year in this one. For Trevor Lawrence, attaining success against a struggling Jets defense would be ideal. Zach Wilson should build on some of the encouraging things he showed a week ago. Expect this game to be a close one the Jets win.
Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons
An NFC battle the Falcons need to keep their season alive. Their offense continues to be led well by Matt Ryan, Cordarrelle Patterson, Russell Gage, and Kyle Pitts. A successful day should be expected from them to win. For the Lions, their offensive line will have to make a difference for them to have a chance to win. Expect a Falcons win by about a touchdown.
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
Following a tough loss, the Chargers enter this one on extra rest and should be ready to go. Expect big performances from Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. The Chargers defense needs to put together a good game and has a chance to do so here. For the Texans, hopefully, Davis Mills builds on last week’s encouraging game. The Chargers will win this one by 10.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
A great AFC North battle here. The Bengals enter off a solid win on the road. For the Ravens, the injuries and struggles continue. Offensively, the Bengals should have a big day led by Joe Burrow and all of their skill talent. Their defense should continue its stellar play in this one. For the Ravens, whether it is Lamar Jackson or Tyler Huntley, they will need to control this game on the ground to have a chance. The Bengals will win by one score.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
An NFC battle between two teams out of it. For the Seahawks, the season has been as disappointing as it gets. In this one, their defense should have a productive day. Ultimately, how Russell Wilson plays will likely determine the outcome for them. For the Bears, progress from Justin Fields would be great. Relying on David Montgomery will be important. At home, the Seahawks will win by one possession.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs enter this one as winners of seven in a row. Anticipate that continuing for them after this one. Patrick Mahomes should have a productive outing against the Steelers’ pass defense. On the other side, the Chiefs’ defense should have a great day. Their turnaround has been special. For the Steelers, getting big plays from Diontae Johnson will be needed as usual. The Chiefs will win this game by a touchdown.
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders
A big game for both of these AFC West teams. Both teams are on the outside looking in what it comes to the playoffs. A loss here practically eliminates any chance of making it. For the Raiders, Derek Carr and Hunter Renfrow will have to have big days. Going against a great Broncos defense should be a fun battle. For the Broncos offense, success running the football will once again be key. The Broncos will win a close game by a field goal.
Washington Football Team at Dallas Cowboys
An NFC East battle Washington has to have in order to maintain their playoff aspirations. Getting many players back healthy for this one will be a big help. The Cowboys’ defense enters this game with a ton of momentum led by DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, Micah Parsons, and Trevon Diggs. However, their offense is the complete offense currently. Dak Prescott needs to have a better week. Either way, the Cowboys are the better team and will win this game by a touchdown.
Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints
An intriguing Monday night matchup to round out the week. The Dolphins enter as winners of six in a row. For the Saints, an impressive division road win last week made two straight for them and right back in the middle of the playoff mix. Big plays will be needed from Alvin Kamara in order to do anything offensively. The Saints’ defense should keep up its great play. For the Dolphins, Jaylen Waddle will need to have a big game. The Saints’ tremendous pass defense will make things tough. The Saints will win this one by a touchdown.
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