Sunday
Dallas Cowboys (-7.5) vs. Green Bay Packers; 50.5 or higher
In this case, perfect conditions would likely favor the favorite. The Cowboys are 8-0 at home, winning by an average of 21.5 points per game. After losing to the Giants on Dec. 11, the Packers went 2-5 on the road, but continued to win against Carolina (2-15) and quarterback-less Minnesota.
The Packers are on a three-game winning streak and are looking pretty good. They have scored at least 17 points in 10 straight games and I believe Jordan Love will have some success against the Dallas defense, which is why I get the over.
But this should be a boat race for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and the Cowboys offense.
Score prediction: Cowboys, 38 wins, 20 losses.
Los Angeles Rams (+3) vs. Detroit Lions; less than 51.5
Here we introduce Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff Bowl. Both appeared in the Super Bowl with the Rams, with Stafford winning the championship. Both were part of the Lions' journey, perhaps forever in vain.
The Rams are getting really hot. They've won seven of their last eight games, with that loss coming in overtime against Baltimore, and Stafford is averaging 31.3 ppg in his last six games. Los Angeles' injury situation has improved, with running back Kyren Williams and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua all healthy.
The Lions have also been on a roll, winning three of their last four games, with their loss coming to a disputed game against Dallas. The difference here could be the status of Lions tight end Sam Laporta, who injured his knee in a meaningless Week 18 game.
It's risky, but I'm going under and hoping a few long drives result in field goals or missed fourth downs. This is a huge number for this season.
Score prediction: Rams, 27 wins, 23 losses.
Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers (+10) vs. Buffalo Bills; 36 and under
Once again, Mother Nature will be the MVP of the NFL playoff game. Orchard Park's forecast calls for 1 to 2 feet of snow to accumulate Saturday morning through Monday night. Six to 10 inches is expected Sunday. Fortunately, his two teams are well suited to cold climates and he doesn't complain about the weather.
Heavy snow doesn't necessarily lead to a low-scoring game, but strong winds usually do. So I think this game will be about field position for both sides and getting that one touchdown that will be tough to overcome.
It's never good for the Steelers to be without TJ Watt, but they may be able to survive this week since Josh Allen is unlikely to throw from the pocket.
Score prediction: Bills, 17-10.
Philadelphia Eagles (-3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers; under 43.5
In previous games you could bet on either team, but in this game you don't want to favor either team.
The Bucks have won five of six games and remain healthy on the starting lineup chart. However, they lost to the Saints two weeks ago and were able to defeat the Panthers, who had won two straight, 9-0 to win the NFC South.
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The Eagles have lost five of six games and have a “Q” next to every top-skilled player, from quarterback Jalen Hurts to running back D'Andre Swift to receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. It's like remembering a million years ago when they traveled to Tampa in Week 3 and won 25-11. Somehow, Nick Sirianni went from just one flag away from winning the Super Bowl to an impressive 10-1 start.
Perhaps this is the Eagles of today. The team lost 24-0 to the Giants before Hurts left with a finger injury. I hope they rediscover their former selves, even if it's just for one day.
Score prediction: Eagles, 20-7
last week: Overall 12 wins 4 losses, Best bet 3 wins 0 losses
This week's lock: Browns (2023 regular season, Rocks 5-12-1).
