I’m coming off a fairly good week with my NFL picks, straight up, not against the spread: 11-5. Hopefully, you’ll find some holiday cheer with this week’s selections. Keep in mind, there was no Thursday game this week:
Indianapolis (3-11) at Baltimore (8-6), Saturday, 4:30 p.m. EST
(TSN; via NFL Network)
KRYK PICK: Baltimore
Game means all to the Ravens, whose defence leads the league in interceptions (22) and is seventh in sacks (38), and Indy’s Jacoby Brissett has been sacked the most of any NFL QB (49 times).
Minnesota (11-3) at Green Bay (7-7), Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
(CTV, TSN; via NBC)
KRYK PICK: Minnesota
With Aaron Rodgers back on IR, what with Green Bay officially eliminated from post-season contention, it’s Brett Hundley’s turn again to struggle against one of the NFL’s best defences.
Tampa Bay (4-10) at Carolina (10-4), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
KRYK PICK: Carolina
With just about every decent Bucs defender now on IR (there sure weren’t many to begin with), the Panthers ought to control this game on the ground – then harass Jameis Winston once the Bucs fall behind.
Cleveland (0-14) at Chicago (4-10), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
KRYK PICK: Chicago
Last time the Bears played a woeful AFC North team, two weeks ago, they destroyed the Bengals in Cincinnati. The Browns defence still plays hard, though, so this should be close deep into the second half.
Detroit (8-6) at Cincinnati (5-9), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
(TSN; via FOX)
KRYK PICK: Detroit
Likely last home game of the 15-year Marv Lewis era. Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther reportedly could be a top candidate to replace Lewis as Bengals head coach. If so, Guenther’s D had better shine.
Miami (6-8) at Kansas City (8-6), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
KRYK PICK: Kansas City
If the Dolphins and Jay Cutler could play like crap when they still had a decent playoff chance last week at Buffalo, well, extrapolate. Chiefs should be able to run well for the third straight game.
Buffalo (8-6) at New England (11-3), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
(CTV Toronto-Montreal-Atlantic-Kitchener-Saskatchewan-Northern Ontario; via CBS)
KRYK PICK: New England
Since Tom Brady became Patriots starter in 2001, Buffalo has won in Foxboro twice: when Brady played only two quarters of the meaningless 2014 finale, 17-9; and last year, 16-0, when Brady was suspended.
Atlanta (9-5) at New Orleans (10-4), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
(CTV Ottawa; via FOX)
KRYK PICK: New Orleans
Falcons just can’t seem to find that cruising gear they had a year ago. Everything in 2017 is a struggle. Even against bad teams. Losing safety Kenny Vaccaro hurts the Saints, but they’ll win this on the ground.
LA Chargers (7-7) at NY Jets (5-9), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
KRYK PICK: Los Angeles
Another chance for third-year Jets QB Bryce Petty to show what he’s got (which isn’t much) against one of the league’s fiercest pass rushes. Chargers probably are out of it, but will be motivated to win, and will.
LA Rams (10-4) at Tennessee (8-6), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
(CTV BC-Alberta-Winnipeg; via FOX)
KRYK PICK: Los Angeles
The Titans somehow still have a winning record and are close to nailing down a playoff spot. Barring a huge surprise, they should get man-handled the next two games. Even so, they could still make the playoffs!
Denver (5-9) at Washington (6-8), Sunday, 1 p.m. EST
(CTV, TSN; via CBS)
KRYK PICK: Washington
Meaningless game. The Broncos finally stopped their slide last week, but was that the last solid performance we’ll see from a team that won a Super Bowl 22 months ago? QB Brock Osweiler likely starting for them.
Jacksonville (10-4) at San Francisco (4-10), Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EST
(TSN; via CBS)
KRYK PICK: Jacksonville
Jaguars are on so huge a roll, even QB Blake Bortles has played superbly this month. Seriously, look it up. The guy’s on fire. So’s Jimmy Garoppolo. But all those Niners field goals probably won’t be enough.
NY Giants (2-12) at Arizona (6-8), Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST
(CTV Montreal; via FOX)
KRYK PICK: Arizona
With a win, Bruce Arians would tie Ken Whisenhunt for the Cardinals franchise record for most victories by a head coach, with 49. If so, Arians could get the record alone on New Year’s Eve at Seattle.
Seattle (8-6) at Dallas (8-6), Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST
(CTV Ontario-BC-Alberta-Saskatchewan-Winnipeg; CTV Two Atlantic; via FOX)
KRYK PICK: Dallas
Even if the Seahawks defence had all starters healthy, and not bickering at one another, I’d pick the Cowboys. Don’t think Zeke Elliott doesn’t want to top what Todd Gurley of the Rams did to embarrass this D a week ago.
Pittsburgh (11-3) at Houston (4-10), Monday, 4:30 p.m. EST
(TSN; CTV Two; via NBC)
KRYK PICK: Pittsburgh
Probably this will be the first game for the Steelers in more than a month that doesn’t come down to either a last-play game-winning Pittsburgh field goal or a ruinous TD overturn.
Oakland (6-8) at Philadelphia (12-2), Monday, 8:30 p.m. EST
(TSN; via ESPN)
KRYK PICK: Philadelphia
The Raiders will see what heights a highly motivated, well-coached team can reach in all three phases over 60 minutes, rather than in just two or three surges a game. These Eagles are good, Wentz or no Wentz.
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BYES THIS WEEK: None. All done.
SEASON RECORD: 143-81 (.638), through Week 15.