Merry Christmas Manoverse!! To be honest I’ve struggled a bit to find my holiday mojo this year, but there have been moments. Unfortunately last weekend was not a seasonal highlight, as Zach (3-2) bested me (1-4), although I am holding on…barely…to the overall lead. This is an odd week, as the vast majority of games are being played on Saturday. There are Thursday & Monday night games, as well as a triple header on Christmas Day. So it looks like I’ll be flipping backing forth between football & movies for four days, which is fine with me. Who needs a wife, children, joy, and a house filled with love & happiness?? 👀

My Season: 50-54

Zach’s Season: 49-55

Seattle at Kansas City (-9.5)

At 7-7 the Seahawks haven’t been eliminated from playoff contention, but they’ve lost 4 out of the last five games and seem to be on a downward spiral. Conversely, the Chiefs have won 7 out of 8 and will win their division for the seventh consecutive year. Their goal now is to overcome Buffalo for the AFC’s top seed & a first round bye. Seattle will be without receiver Tyrone Lockett, which simplifies things for KC’s defense. I’d love to see a competitive contest, but I don’t think we will. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Kansas City 

Z’s Pick: Kansas City 

Cincinnati (-3.5) at New England 

The Bengals have once again proven to be the best team in the AFC North, though they haven’t clinched the division title just yet. Meanwhile, the once mighty Patriots need a little help to back into the postseason. This is one of those games where I wish both teams could lose, but since that isn’t possible I believe Cincy goes into enemy territory & comes out with a hard fought victory. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Cincinnati 

Z’s Pick: Cincinnati 

Philadelphia at Dallas (-5.5)

Philadelphia is the best team in the NFC, although if the season ended right now Dallas would be in the playoffs too. The last time these teams met in Philly in mid-October the Cowboys lost by nine points, and despite the possibility that Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts could be sidelined with a shoulder injury I don’t think the outcome will be any different. Zach agrees. 

My Pick: Philadelphia 

Z’s Pick: Philadelphia 

Green Bay at Miami (-4.5)

Despite an atrocious 6-8 record the Packers have not been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but they need a whole lot of things to go right. The Dolphins would be in the playoffs right now, but they’ve lost three straight games, a trend that has to stop immediately. It is certainly advantageous to be playing in the coziness of South Florida instead of the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field, but battling Aaron Rodgers with his back against a wall is dangerous. Zach, on the other hand, foresees Miami snagging a close victory late in the game. 

My Pick: Green Bay 

Z’s Pick: Miami 

Tampa Bay (-6.5) at Arizona 

Perhaps the only thing scarier that Rodgers in a must-win scenario is Tom Brady backed into a corner. The 6-8 Bucs play in the worst division in the NFL, so theoretically they could lose and still be okay, so long as Carolina, Atlanta, & New Orleans continue to be terrible. Meanwhile, the 4-10 Cardinals will be starting their third string QB due to injuries. On paper this should be a massacre…but will it be?? I gotta tell you folks…The Voices are screaming at me to roll the dice on this one…but I just can’t. I’d love to, but it wouldn’t be smart. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Tampa Bay  

Z’s Pick: Tampa Bay