Full disclosure - the point spreads for these games became final on Thursday, I am writing this on Saturday night. Obviously there have been developments in several games that definitely swung the late lines. Miami @ Buffalo - Week 16 hero Ryan Fitzpatrick is one of many around the league to land on the COVID list, so it's sink or swim or Tua Tagovailoa this week. Weather does not appear to be a factor for this game so will go with Miami to lock up a playoff spot. Cincinnati @ Baltimore - Bengals come off two very nice wins, but Ravens are suddenly hot. Huge spread but will go with B-More covering. Pittsburgh @ Cleveland - The Browns picked a bad time to pick up the virus, but still favored by at least nine on most books. Mason 'The Brown-Nosed Reindeer' starts for Pittsburgh, Myles Garrett nearly made him history last season. Cleveland might win but will not cover. Minnesota @ Detroit - All-Pro RB Dalvin Cook will miss the game following the death of his father. Will still pick Vikes over Lions team that was completely lifeless last time out. NY Jets @ New England - Once and for all the media suggestions that the Jets purposely lose all their games to ensure the No. 1 overall draft pick has proved ridiculous. NYJ will either be able to trade down, or trade Sam Darnold and will get either Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields. That said, Pats could improve their chances of landing a quarterback with a rare early first round pick with another loss. The firing of Adam Gase is a fait accompli, but Jets send him out on a three-game win streak.
Dallas @ NY Giants - Go with the hot team, Cowboys win fourth in a row to keep division title hopes alive pending Washington's Sunday night game. Atlanta @ Tampa Bay - Mission accomplished for Tom Brady Buccaneers, first playoff appearance in 13 years. This game has meaning because Tampa does not want to risk falling to the No. 6 seed. Look for Atlanta to come with a strong effort and at least cover. Green Bay @ Chicago - The David Bakhtiari season-ending injury has caused spread for this gamed to drop from GB -5.5 to -4. Was still leaning towards taking Chicago. Aaron Rodgers finds Davante Adams late to give Pack a 28-24 win.
Las Vegas @ Denver - Raiders went from being a 1-point underdog early in the week to a 2.5 point favorite. Will go with the home dog. Jacksonville @ Indianapolis - Blue Horseshoe is not guaranteed a playoff spot even with a win. Look for them to hold up their end of the bargain and cover two-TD spread. LA Chargers @ Kansas City - Chargers have won last three games, all by three points - if they do the same this week they will not cover against the skeleton KC squad who will be in preseason Week 4 mode. Chargers 21, KC 17. Arizona @ LA Rams - Rams suddenly in danger of missing postseason altogether with a loss coupled by a Chicago win. Jared Goff is out while Kyler Murray will give it a go. Cards backup is University of South Dakota product Chris Strevler, who threw 18 touchdowns against 18 interceptions over the past two years in the Canadian League, but also offers running ability. Go with AZ in pick 'em tilt. Seattle @ San Francisco - I would only put 1 confidence point on this game. SF will play strong, but game will be played in Arizona and Seahawks still in play for a No. 2 or even No. 1 seed, so will pick Seattle to cover. New Orleans @ Carolina - Was already going to go with Panthers squad and the points before Saints entire running back stable ruled out due to contact tracing. ALVIN!!!!!!!!! Tennessee @ Houston - Titans flat last week in Green Bay, do not expect repeat performance with division title on the line. Titans win big.
Philadelphia @ Washington - Addition by subtraction with Ron Rivera cutting ties with embattled QB Dwayne Haskins. Look for Washington to grab NFC East automatic bid. LOCKS: Pittsburgh @ Cleveland, NY Jets @ New England, Arizona @ LA Rams, Carolina v. New Orleans, Tennessee @ Houston.
Overall Record: Last Week 9-6-1, Season 105-120-6
Locks Last Week 2-3, Season 42-36-2