Bob Balfe
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #460
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
The Packers take the road with a slim statistical chance to make the playoffs, but they will not. The Panthers have been out for weeks, so we will see them playing loose under their new head coach. The Packers are hurting at wide receiver as they deal with many injuries. Carolina has a decent defense that will continue to fight. The Panthers offense has held them back, but they get the luxury of a few Packers injuries in the secondary and should keep the game close. Take the Panthers.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #462
Texans +3 over Browns
Cleveland hits the road with a 79% chance to make the playoffs. The Texans need a win desperately to have any chance at the #7 seed. Cleveland is a great home team but becomes very average on the road. Joe Flacco has been a great story, but I don’t trust him on the road. Hoston has a renewed fan base after years of being a bad team. The home crowd brings the energy, which should be enough for them to get the home win. Case Keenum is a good backup and should fill in nicely for CJ Stroud. Take the Texans.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #467/468
Lions/Vikings Over 47.5
The Lions are in firm playoff control, going against a Vikings team desperate for a victory. Today’s game will make or break Minnesota’s playoff chances. Detroit has many outstanding receivers that should be able to create mismatches as soon as they line up. The Vikings are missing cornerback Byron Murphy today, so the Lions get the luxury of facing a thin secondary. The Vikings have struggled with Joshua Dobbs at QB, but he can create first downs with his legs. Detroit will be without Jerry Jacobs today, so both teams are thin at the corner, and I expect the offense to exploit them. Look for a lot of points. Take the Over.
NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation #474
Bears -3.5 over Cardinals
The Bears have been playing well the last month and, shockingly, are a favorite today. Neither team will make the playoffs, so this game is about who is playing better. Arizona has lost 3 of 4 and has dealt with many injuries this season. Kyler Murray only played half the year. Zach Ertz was injured and released, and today, they will be without Marquise Brown. The status of Greg Dortch is up in the air. Chicago is the healthier team on defense and should cash in at home. Justin Fields is making better decisions and should finish the season strong. Take the Bears.
We will see you Monday at 10 AM EST.
