Hot off the press after the Commanders’ upset over the Lions and I am 2-3 after one day of picks. Not bad, but not the worst – I have nobody to blame but myself for the Lions jinx. I knew the Lions were beat to hell on defense, but I thought the moment would be too big for Washington… I stand corrected. Tip of the cap to Jayden Daniels and the Commanders… are Bears fans really going to have to hear about Jayden Daniels going to the Super Bowl as a rookie? I hope not because that sounds no fun. On to Sunday:
I’m pumped for these last two games to close out this round, but boy am I torn about what I think is going to happen. On one hand, I root for Jalen Hurts because of Bama, but I also know he’s not that good. Saquon is incredible, but is he going to be dominant enough to win the game if the passing game continues to fail? Can never overlook McVay either – this is just as much the Rams game to lose as it is the Eagles.
Then Ravens/Bills… I’ll be rooting my tail off for either of these teams against the Chiefs, but am pulling for Lamar over Josh Allen because I think him winning a Super Bowl this year would be a lot cooler… but also perhaps because I have a future on the Ravens. I see the Ravens winning, but is my judgement clouded? I’ll figure it out by the end of this post.
Rams @ Eagles (-6.5) – Sunday 2:00 PM Central
The Eagles are the better overall team in this game, but -6.5 seems a tad aggressive. The Rams didn’t look great against Minnesota, but I still feel like they’ve got too much talent with Puka, Kyren, and Kupp to not bounce back. Don’t have a great lean on who wins so sticking with my heart again. Home field advantage, cold weather, and Saquon Barkley are the difference here (plus Jalen not playing like a JV backup). I’m expecting a back and forth game with improved play from Jalen Hurts/AJ Brown, a whole lot of Saquon, and a whole lot of Puka Nacua. Tight game throughout but Eagles seal a gritty victory to face the Commanders in an NFC East showdown for the NFC Championship.
Final Score: Eagles 24 Rams 20
Bets:
AJ Brown 60+ Rec Yards + Devonta Smith 40+ Rec Yards (+122)
Puka 8+ catches (+105)
Saquon ATTD (-160)
Ravens (-1.5) @ Bills – Sunday 5:00 PM Central
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson duking it out for the rights to take a stab at Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City for a chance at a Super Bowl?? This League! The DRAMA! If only Joe Burrow was the 4th QB in the Divisional Round instead of Stroud… would’ve been so electric. For now though, this matchup was the one everyone had their eyes on since the seeding was locked in.
I don’t see how this isn’t a shootout. Both teams are gonna trade haymakers and I hope the Ravens win, but would absolutely not be surprised to see the Bills win and then poop their pants against the Chiefs. All I think about this one is Derrick Henry is going to stuff the stat sheet. Give the King his crown on his way to snatching another from Mahomes next week to top the AFC.
Final Score: Ravens 31 Bills 28
Bets:
Derrick Henry 2 TDs (+275)
Isaiah Likely 25+ Rec Yards + Khalil Shakir 40+ Rec Yards (+100)
Current Record: 2-3 after the Commanders shocked the Lions
Also, don’t look now but updated 2025 NFC North Standings just dropped. Bear Down. Ben Johnson is #OpenToWork