I did it.
I did it.
I did it.
I had a winning week. Finally. It’s a Christmas miracle.
After weeks of horrible pickings, so bad I even had to laugh at myself, I finally had a winning week both against the spread and straight up.
Phew.
I went 13-3 in a row to bring my season record to 141-83-0, and I went 11-5 against the spread to bring that record to 101-119 -4. The ATS record isn’t where it should be, but a few more 11-5 weeks will change that.
I feel so much better now after this winning week and my confidence is growing. That means I’m going to continue with another big week here with the picks. It’s time to build momentum as we head into the playoffs.
Let’s go.
Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
This is a good Thursday night game between two teams that would currently be in the playoffs. The Chargers have lost two games in a row and didn’t play well last week against the Bucs. They will play better here. The defense will limit Bo Nix And Justin Herbert will make a few timely throws down the field to win it.
Take: Chargers 24, Broncos 17
Prime: We can tell you that SportsLine pundit Matt Severance, who is betting the Broncos 23-7, is also leaning toward this primetime game. To find out which side he’s supporting in this massive AFC West showdown, head over to Sports Line.
Saturday, 1 p.m. ET (NBC, fubo try for free)
Patrick Mahomes East hampered by a sprained anklebut he could play. If he does, it makes things a lot easier for the Chiefs. But I think they win this game whether he plays or not. If it is Carson Wentzthe defense wins. The Texans just haven’t been great this season. Leaders understand.
Take: Chiefs 23, Texans 17
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
This is a huge game in the AFC North. The Ravens lost to the Steelers earlier this year, but this is the time they get some revenge. Lamar Jackson was limited in terms of production in this game, but he won’t be there. He will get the most out of the Steelers defense as the Ravens make the division a race.
Take: Ravens 27, Steelers 20
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
The Falcons beat the Raiders Monday evening, but Kirk Cousins hasn’t looked good and now he’s become a very expensive replacement for first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr. Look for Atlanta’s offense to show a spark — it can’t get much worse — while the defense will limit an undermanned Giants offense. . Big hawks.
Take: Falcons 31, Giants 14
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
It’s a long journey for the Cardinals, who are coming off a bounce-back win to end a losing streak. They played better in this victory against the Patriots. Carolina didn’t play well losing to the Cowboysbut I think it plays better here as the offense gets back on track. The panthers keep him close.
Take: Cardinals 23, Panthers 21
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
The Lions are decimated by injuries to their defense, which will make the task difficult. The Bears are on an eight-game losing streak and haven’t played well over the past two weeks. But something says they’re hanging around against this beat-up Lions defense. The Lions win, but the Bears stay close.
Take: Lions 28, Bears 24
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Colts are alive in the playoff race – barely. The Titans are finished and could be making a quarterback change. The Colts did some good things in losing to the Broncos last week in a game they should have won. They bounce around here. The Colts take him.
Take: Colts 24, Titans 17
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
It’s a long journey for the Rams, but they’re playing well. The Jets are coming off a victory against the JaguarAnd Aaron Rodgers It looked a lot better the last couple of weeks. The Jets defense is having problems. Look for a lot of points here while the Jets hang around, but the Rams find a way.
Take: Rams 30, Jets 29
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
This is a big game in terms of the playoffs. The Eagles are riding a 10-game winning streak, while the Commanders have won their last two. The Eagles are coming off a tough and physical game against the Steelers, which can wear down a team. Washington needs this game more, and it will play out that way.
Take: Commanders 21, Eagles 20
Prime: Kudos to the SportsLine projection model, which also has the Commanders +3.5 as part of its best bets parlay. Discover the other four stages of the debate on Sports Line.
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Bengals still have some playoff hopes, but they would have to win. We know they can score. The Browns struggled to score. To research Joe Burrow and Cincinnati’s passing game to continue scoring a lot, with the passing game becoming important again. The Bengals take it.
Take: Bengals 31, Browns 17
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo try for free)
The Seahawks might not have a quarterback Geno Smith in this game. If he plays with this injured ankle, he will be limited. That counts against a good, aggressive Vikings defense. Sam Darnold will get back on track after a lackluster performance last week as Minnesota continues to climb into first place.
Take: Vikings 30, Seahawks 21
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
It’s the dog game of the week. The loser could end up with the first overall pick. That means it’s a win worth losing. So who is the winner when losing? Give me the Raiders. The Jaguars will find a way to win this game with a strong rushing attack.
Take: Jaguars 24, Raiders 20
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
It’s a long journey for the 49ers as they are coming off a disappointing home loss to the Rams. It was last Thursday, so they get a little extra rest. The Dolphins suffer a disappointing loss to the Texans. Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t played well and I think the 49ers defense will limit him again. San Francisco takes it.
Take: 49ers 26, Dolphins 23
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Bills are in great shape after their impressive victory against the Lions. Returning home after two away games, they face a New England team that is not playing well. To research Josh Allen to keep the MVP push going as he lights up the Patriots.
Take: Bills 36, Patriots 17
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, fubo try for free)
The Bucs are playing back-to-back road games, which isn’t easy. But they are playing their best football. The Cowboys did some good things in beating the Panthers last week, but this is a big step forward in class. The Cowboys haven’t been great at home, so look for the Bucs to continue.
Take: Buccaneers 27, Cowboys 20
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, fubo try for free)
The saints are without Derek Carrwhich means it could be Jake Haener Again. Plus, how concentrated will they be in the cold Green Bay night? The Packers are headed to the playoffs and are coming off an impressive performance in Seattle. They continue like this Jordan Love have a great evening.
Take: Packers 31, Saints 19