The NFL playoffs are almost here, and the stage is set for a whirlwind of high-stakes games. Ten teams have already secured a spot, while eight others fight for the final four berths. By Week 17, the picture will crystallize, but the current slate of games already hints at a potential Super Bowl showdown.
The Playoff Landscape
The Eagles and Bills face off in a matchup that could be a glimpse of the championship. Meanwhile, the Texans vs. Chargers, Bears vs. 49ers, and Seahawks vs. Panthers are all positioned to meet again in the postseason if they advance. Pro Picks, a weekly column by AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi, is aiming to extend a hot streak with its latest set of predictions.
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Line: Broncos minus-12½
- Best Bet: Broncos 27-6
The Broncos are chasing the No. 1 AFC seed after an 11-game winning streak was halted by the Jaguars. Denver’s defense is poised to make the game tough for third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun.
Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers
- Line: Chargers minus-2
- Upset Special: Texans 23-20
C.J. Stroud and the Texans remain in the race for first place in the AFC South. Houston’s top-ranked defense seeks redemption after a lackluster win over the Raiders. Justin Herbert was not sacked last week for the first time this season, yet the Chargers are not facing the Cowboys this week.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
- Line: Cowboys minus-8½
- Prediction: Cowboys 27-22
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are fighting to avoid a losing season. The Commanders, who began the season with high hopes after reaching the NFC title game, are playing for pride in a dismal campaign.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Line: Lions minus-7
- Prediction: Lions 24-16
The Lions must win out while Green Bay needs two losses to secure a spot. The Vikings beat Detroit in Week 9 with J.J. McCarthy, who is again sidelined.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers
- Line: Packers minus-3
- Prediction: Ravens 22-20
The Ravens are eliminated with a loss. Lamar Jackson is dealing with a back injury. Jordan Love is attempting a comeback from a concussion, and backup Malik Willis has a shoulder injury. If Jackson plays, the desperate Ravens still have a chance.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Line: Bengals minus-7
- Prediction: Bengals 27-23
The Cardinals could face a coaching change after Jonathan Gannon’s third straight losing season. The Bengals are in a similar spot under coach Zac Taylor, and quarterback Joe Burrow appears unhappy in Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
- Line: Steelers minus-3
- Prediction: Steelers 23-17
Mike Tomlin, Aaron Rodgers, and the Steelers could have clinched the AFC North by kickoff if the Ravens lose to the Packers on Saturday night. Myles Garrett is one sack away from breaking the single-season record of 22½ shared with Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt.
New Orleans Saints vs. Tennessee Titans
- Line: Saints minus-2½
- Prediction: Saints 20-16
The Saints are 4-3 with rookie QB Tyler Shough and aim to finish strong in a weak division where they’re 3-2. Rookie QB Cam Ward is coming off his best game, and another win would hurt Tennessee’s draft positioning.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts
- Line: Jaguars minus-6½
- Prediction: Colts 24-23
The Jaguars clinch the AFC South if the Texans lose to the Chargers or with a win. They’re still in play for the No. 1 seed. Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL has been impressive, but the Colts are 0-2 and would be eliminated if Houston wins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins
- Line: Buccaneers minus-5½
- Prediction: Buccaneers 26-23
The Buccaneers have gone from 6-2 to possible elimination this week if they lose and the Panthers win. Tampa Bay controls its future. Quinn Ewers makes his second start for the Dolphins, facing a shaky defense.
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
- Line: Patriots minus-12½
- Prediction: Patriots 30-13
The Patriots are coming off an impressive win over the Ravens and still have a shot to secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed. The Jets are playing for the best draft pick, as usual this time of year.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers
- Line: Seahawks minus-7
- Prediction: Seahawks 24-19
Coming off a thrilling comeback win in overtime to take over first place in the NFC West, the Seahawks need to win to stay on top and hold the No. 1 seed. They can finish as low as sixth in the NFC. The Panthers could clinch the NFC South with a win and a loss by the Buccaneers. If Tampa Bay beats Miami, this game is meaningless for Carolina.
New York Giants vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Line: Raiders minus-1
- Prediction: Raiders 23-21
This is the NFL’s version of a Toilet Bowl in fantasy football leagues. The winner is really a loser because they’ll lose the No. 1 overall pick. Jaxson Dart had a rough game against the Vikings. He’s the Giants’ quarterback of the future. The Raiders need a franchise quarterback; a loss would be beneficial. They should bench Ashton Jeanty- they won’t- to improve the possibility of a loss.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Buffalo Bills
- Line: Bills minus-1
- Prediction: Bills 26-24
The Eagles are almost locked into the No. 3 seed, though they can move up to No. 2 or drop to fourth. Jalen Hurts led them to a comeback win in overtime against Buffalo in 2023. Josh Allen and the Bills still have an outside chance to win the AFC East.
Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Line: 49ers minus-3
- Prediction: 49ers 26-24
Caleb Williams and the Bears keep finding ways to win. They’re coming off a late comeback against the Packers. The 49ers, despite a depleted defense, can secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed with two wins. Christian McCaffrey is 151 yards receiving away from his second career 1,000/1,000 season.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons
- Line: Rams minus-8
- Prediction: Rams 30-20
Matthew Stafford and the Rams dropped from first in the NFC West to sixth in the conference with a loss to Seattle. They need to win out to have a shot to get back on top. Kirk Cousins and Bijan Robinson won’t make it easy for Los Angeles.
Record-Keeping Summary
- Last week: Straight up 11-5. Against spread 11-4-1.
- Overall: Straight up 169-70-1. Against spread 127-106-7.
- Prime time: Straight up 30-22-1. Against spread 24-29.
- Best Bet: Straight up 11-5. Against spread 8-7-1.
- Upset Special: Straight up 12-4. Against spread 12-4.
About Pro Picks
Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.
Source
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
