Overall Record (started Week 2): 92-46-1

Last week was full of many surprises, to say the least. I finished with a 6-6 record, but it certainly could have been much worse. After a thrilling Monday night Chiefs-Rams game, football already returned with our turkeys yesterday. I hope you are not still full of food and football, as there are still many games that have enormous playoff implication this Sunday. This Sunday’s slate is sure to not disappoint, to our viewing delight. Here is The Forest Scout’s predictions to what will unfold this upcoming Sunday:

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7) vs Buffalo Bills (3-7)

Noon (CBS)

Just a season removed, both of these teams squared off in the AFC Wild Card Round. However, this season, both teams have not duplicated anywhere near the success from last season, largely because of the underwhelming play from the quarterback position. The Bills have had a revolving door at quarterback ever since rookie first rounder Josh Allen went down in Week 6 with an elbow injury. Meanwhile, Jaguars’ quarterback Blake Bortles has failed to improve on his turnover problem from past seasons, as the team is most likely already looking for his replacement. Jacksonville might have officially closed the book on Bortles and their season last week after failing to close out a victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game the Jaguars’ defense dominated until the final minutes with the lack of help from the offense. Although playing ultra-conservative proved costly last week, if the Jaguars can establish the running game, they should win this game because of the mismatch their defense presents to the apathetic Bills’ offense; the Jaguars must hope their defense plays hard after last weeks heartbreak, however.

Pick: Jaguars 23, Bills 16

Cleveland Browns (3-6-1) vs Cincinnati Bengals (5-5)

Noon (CBS)

After another loss last week, now losing four out of the last five, missing the playoffs is becoming more of a reality for Bengals fans once again this season. After blowing a lead last week in Baltimore, the Bengals must win this week to keep any playoff hope alive and to avoid becoming closer to reaching the AFC North cellar. Cleveland, meanwhile, is well rested and coming off an impressive victory against Atlanta two weeks ago. Even though the playoffs are probably out of the question this season, Browns fans have found their franchise quarterback they have been searching for years. This game might not feel like a whole lot, but if Baker Mayfield can lead his team to some more victories, a rebuild in Cleveland might be closer to complete than just getting underway.

Pick: Browns 27, Bengals 23

New England Patriots (7-3) vs New York Jets (3-7)

Noon (CBS)

Both teams are coming into this game fresh off a bye, which was especially a positive for New England. After an embarrassing loss in Tennessee, the Patriots have had time off to rethink their game plan and get back to better health. They should have tight end Rob Gronkowski back this Sunday, and the Jets will yet again be without rookie Sam Darnold at quarterback. Given Bill Belichick’s track record, he will do whatever he must to ensure his team avoids another embarrassing loss. Sony Michel has big day on the ground.

Pick: Patriots 35, Jets 17

New York Giants (3-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)

Noon (FOX)

Winners of two straight, the New York Giants are somewhat alive again. The NFC East remains wide open; Dallas defeated the Washington Redskins last night, moving themselves into first place. The mess, in what is the NFC East, is still in grasp for the Giants if they can pull out a victory. However, the Eagles seem to be moving in the opposite direction after getting blown out in New Orleans last Sunday, and they have lost their whole secondary in the last few weeks. If Philadelphia can somehow pull out a victory, they will remain in the thick of things in the division, as they will be just a win off the division leader, however, the Giants are the better football team as of late and will pull out a victory. Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham have monster performances with a depleted Eagles’ defense.

Pick: Giants 30, Eagles 23

San Francisco 49ers (2-8) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-7)

Noon (FOX)

In terms of the playoff picture, this is one of the games this weekend does not have much to offer. The Nick Mullens experiment will continue this week for San Francisco, and Jameis Winston returns for the Buccaneers. Although Winston has been turnover prone during his tenure in Tampa, he still has playmakers all around him to help put up points. Both teams have struggled on the defensive side, but Winston, based off experience, will edge the rookie at home, but each could make plenty of mistakes.

Pick: 49ers 24, Bucs 34

Seattle Seahawks (5-5) vs Carolina Panthers (6-4)

Noon (FOX)

Compared to the other games being played Sunday, this game might have the biggest playoff implications. Both of these clubs know they are not winning their divisions and need this game to remain in the wild card conversation. In what seems like ages ago, the Seahawks rallied to defeat the Packers on Thursday night football last week. On the other side, Carolina had another embarrassing loss, this one in Detroit. However, this team is better than their recent struggles and should turn the ship back around at home at Sunday, but a victory will not be handed by any stretch.

Pick: Seahawks 24, Panthers 30

Oakland Raiders (2-8) vs Baltimore Ravens (5-5)

Noon (CBS)

Lamar Jackson kept the Ravens season alive with his legs last Sunday, coming even with their win-loss record and regaining the final position in the AFC playoff picture. Jackson will need to use his legs again in his second career start against a Raiders’ defense that has done the very minimal in stopping opposing offenses this season. Oakland managed to find themselves with their second victory this season but hardly present any hope they can actually win two games in a row this season. Jackson has another impressive day on the ground and will find the endzone throwing the ball multiple times.

Pick: Raiders 14, Ravens 27

Arizona Cardinals (2-8) vs Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)

3:05 (FOX)

The Chargers loss at home to Denver last Sunday was undoubtedly the most disappointing loss of Week 11, however, have another favorable matchup this Sunday. The division is still not out of reach after the Chiefs too lost last week, but a victory last week would have helped close the gap. The Chargers must win this week with the Chiefs on idol; expect Philip Rivers to add another spectacular showing to his outstanding season.

Pick: Cardinals 16, Chargers 34

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2-1) vs Denver Broncos (4-6)

3:25 (CBS)

This game on paper looks like a surefire victory for Pittsburgh, however, the Broncos’ rush defense has been stout in the past couple of weeks. Denver has cleaned up their rush defense to the point which could present problems to the Steelers, however, must tighten up their leaky secondary. Being at home will certainly be an advantage for Denver, but sooner than later, Big Ben will wear down the Broncos’ secondary and will outplay his counterpart Case Keenum. Steelers win their seventh game in a row.

Pick: Steelers 31, Broncos 20

Miami Dolphins (5-5) vs Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

3:25 (CBS)

Based off recent performance in past seasons, this game does not feel like it has much implications, however, this game can make-or-break both of these two teams. The Dolphins are coming well rested from their bye week, but get no favors, having to face the sizzling Colts. The Colts will win this game because Andrew Luck’s offensive performance has lead his team to four straight wins and Miami gets Ryan Tannehill back; although getting Tannehill will be a positive for Miami, he has not played since Week 5, and it is not fair to expect him to be an automatic spark plug for a struggling offense.

Pick: Dolphins 24, Colts 30

Green Bay Packers (4-5-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (5-4-1)

7:20 (NBC)

The Vikings get a double dipping of Sunday Night Football as they will be back on primetime for the second straight week. Minnesota better hope they can win this game to avoid going 0-3 on SNF and more importantly, keeping pace with the surging Chicago Bears. This undoubtedly is a must win for both teams, but even more so more Green Bay, as they can come even with their division rival. When both teams faced in Week 2, that game resulted in a tie, which is becoming more critical each week. Both want a win in this one, but the Vikings will outduel Rodgers, as Kirk Cousins will finally introduce himself to primetime after an underwhelming showing last week against the Bears.

Pick: Packers 27, Vikings 30

Tennessee Titans (5-5) vs Houston Texans (7-3)

Monday, 7:15 (ESPN)

This Monday night matchup is another crucial game on this week’s slate, to say the least. Tennessee expects Marcus Mariota to start Monday, but if not, Blaine Gabbert will start in replacement; he defeated Houston back in Week 2. The Texans are a completely different team since that game, winners of seven straight, and they look to take control of the AFC South with a victory. Even if Mariota starts, the Texans’ defense has been amongst the best in the league, as Mariota’s injury certainly will not help his team. Tennessee has found miraculous ways to escape with victories against better teams this season, but that will not happen in this one. Houston’s defense comes up with a monster performance.

Pick: Titans 17, Texans 34