With so many playoff spots either already clinched or requiring a collapse, the key to this week’s games are for playoff or draft positioning. Only two games this week include two teams that aren’t already in or fighting to get in the playoffs, which should make for a strong Christmas Week of games.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Kansas City Chiefs (-160) at Pittsburgh Steelers (+135)
The Chiefs are road favorites (3 points at -105 Chiefs, -115 Steelers). Any time past Dec. 1, betting against Patrick Mahomes is a loser. Betting against Russell Wilson? That’s easy. Take the Chiefs and lay 3 points (-105).
Baltimore Ravens (-250) at Houston Texans (+200)
The Over/Under is kind of high (46.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). In their last nine wins, the Ravens have scored 30 or more points in all of them. They’re 5.5-point favorites in this game. Take Over 46.5 points (-110).
Seattle Seahawks (-190) at Chicago Bears (+160)
The Over/Under is low (43.5 points at -110 for both). The Bears have scored 20 or fewer points in eight of their last nine games, averaging 15 points per game. The Seahawks have scored 20 or fewer in five of their last eight. Take Under 43.5 points (-110).
Los Angeles Chargers (-210) at New England Patriots (+175)
The Chargers are strong road favorites (4 points at -110 for both). The Chargers beat teams they’re supposed to beat given the time they are supposed to win. The Patriots have a premium draft pick to play with. Take the Chargers and lay 4 points (-110).
Denver Broncos (+140) at Cincinnati Bengals (-165)
The Bengals are typical homes favorites (3 points at +100 Broncos, -120 Bengals). Cincy should win this game – perhaps big. Denver is a cool story but not necessarily this time. Take the Bengals and lay 3 points (-120).
Arizona Cardinals (+225) at Los Angeles Rams (-275)
The Rams are big favorites (6.5 points at -110 for both). Division games late in the year tend to uptick when survival is on the line. You could lay the Rams at 5 points and get by with it … 6.5 points is asking a little too much. Take the Cardinals plus 6.5 points (-110).
New York Jets (+400) at Buffalo Bills (-550)
The O/U is high (46.5 points at -110 for both). The Jets have enough firepower to compete when down by double digits. Barring snow, this looks like Aaron Rodgers trying to keep up with Josh Allen. Take Over 46.5 points (-110).
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Las Vegas Raiders (-120) at New Orleans Saints (+100)
The O/U is the lowest of the week (37.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Sans defensive/special teams touchdowns, neither offense is equipped to top this number by offensive firepower. Take Under 37.5 points (-110).
Carolina Panthers (+320) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-400)
The Bucs are big favorites (8 points at -110 for both). The Panthers have continued their growing pains, but the Buccaneers aren’t worth giving away that many points, regardless of record. Take the Panthers plus 8 points (-110).
Tennessee Titans (-105) at Jacksonville Jaguars (-115)
The O/U is low (40 points at -110 for both). Neither offense is worth watching. There should be no reason to expect more than three touchdowns from teams that don’t score them with regularity. Take Under 40 points (-110).
Indianapolis Colts (-400) at New York Giants (+310)
The Colts are big road favorites (8 points at -110 for both). The Colts aren’t a playoff-quality team, but the Giants are bums who lose with consistency and significance. Take the Colts and lay 8 points (-110).
Dallas Cowboys (+360) at Philadelphia Eagles (-500)
The Eagles are huge favorites (9.5 points at -110 for both). The Cowboys are running on fumes, but if Jalen Hurts is out, this line drops hard. If he’s back, Dallas takes it hard. Take the Eagles and lay 9.5 points (-110).
Miami Dolphins (-300) at Cleveland Browns (+240)
The Dolphins are big road favorites (6.5 points at -110 for both). Nothing about the 2024 Dolphins says they should be a TD favorite in a cold-weather game against a solid defense. Take the Browns plus 6.5 points (-110).
Green Bay Packers (+100) at Minnesota Vikings (-120)
The O/U is high (49 points at -110 for both). As a 1-point favorite, Minnesota feels disrespected for being 13-2. The Vikings and Packers are both capable of lighting up the scoreboard and this has a 27-24 feel to it. Take Over 49 points (-110).
Atlanta Falcons (+170) at Washington Commanders (-210)
The Commanders are solid favorites (4 points at -110 for both). Jayden Daniels has made his case to be Offensive Rookie of the Year. He cements it with this game. Take the Commanders and lay 3 points (-110).
Detroit Lions (-210) at San Francisco 49ers (+170)
The Lions are on a mission for the No. 1 seed in the NFC and are road favorites (3.5 points at -110 for both). That requires a win against the injury-depleted 49ers. There’s no time for a stumble at his point. Dan Campbell’s aggression typically doesn’t cost his team until the playoffs. Take the Lions and lay 3.5 points (-110).