Overall Record (started Week 2): 114-66-1

Houston Texans (9-4) vs New York Jets (4-9)

Saturday, 3:30 (NFL Network)

The Colts finally ended the Texans’ nine game winning streak Sunday, who failed to capitalize on a stunning loss by New England in Miami. After a comeback win Sunday, albeit against Buffalo, Jets fans should feel optimistic for what could be in store with a healthy Sam Darnold under center in the future. Their defense showed some life, led by star second-year safety Jamal Adams. Nonetheless, the Texans will get back in the win column with the hopes of starting another win-streak and passing the Patriots to obtain a first round bye.

Pick: Texans 28, Jets 16

Cleveland Browns (5-7-1) vs Denver Broncos (6-7)

Saturday, 7:20 (NFL Network)

After an impressive win against the Carolina Panthers, the Browns have plenty to look forward to next year. They have finally found their guy at quarterback, after countless years of misses, and have taken major strides from a winless season just last year. Interim head coach Greg Williams is 3-2 since Hue Jackson’s departure, and they should keep the good times going again this week, especially after the Broncos failed to take a game they needed to have in San Francisco.

Pick: Browns 24, Broncos 20

Dallas Cowboys (8-5) vs Indianapolis Colts (7-6)

Noon (FOX)

This is one of their more compelling games of the week featuring two red-hot teams. The Colts proved they are for real, and linebacker Darius Leonard is on pace for a historic rookie season. Additionally, they have won four straight home games and have completely shut down the running game for opposing teams. They will need all the help they can get against a sizzling Cowboys’ team, as the new three-headed monster of Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper will eventually find a way to bust out and lead their team to victory.

Pick: Cowboys 30, Colts 23

Washington Redskins (6-7) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)

Noon (CBS)

With what both of these two teams have been getting from the quarterback position, especially the Jaguars because they have not dealt with injury, both are now just going through the motions to finish the season. The Redskins are onto their fourth quarterback this year, who was at home just a week ago. There really is not much to look forward to, but the Jaguars at least still have a quarterback who started the season on their initial roster. Based off that, the Jaguars will get their fifth victory in a season that has not lived up to playoff run of from a season ago.

Pick: Redskins 13, Jaguars 17

Oakland Raiders (3-10) vs Cincinnati Bengals (5-8)

Noon (CBS)

After playing the Ravens and Chiefs tough the previous two weeks, the Raiders pulled off a major upset against the first place Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals, meanwhile, have lost five straight, but gave the Chargers a run for their money last week. The Raiders inability to rush the quarterback has been a constant struggle, but facing a backup quarterback will help ease the struggle. Chucky prevails again, however, has some serious work to do this off-season.

Pick: Raiders 24, Bengals 17

Tennessee Titans (7-6) vs New York Giants (5-8)

Noon (CBS)

After a career day from Derrick Henry, the Titans kept their playoff aspirations alive and well last Thursday night against Jacksonville. The status of Giants’ Odell Beckham remains unknown, but the Titans’ defense have done enough to keep their team in the playoff chase with or without help of injury to opposing players. Saquon Barkley will play a major factor in deciding this game, however, the Titans have too much at stake to come out without a victory.

Pick: Titans 27, Giants 21

Miami Dolphins (7-6) vs Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1)

Noon (CBS)

The Dolphins and their fans are riding high after a miracle win at home vs. New England. With a victory, Miami saved their season last week, but have another tough task this Sunday. Minnesota is coming off another lethargic performance on offense; they fired offensive coordinator John DeFilippo after a Monday night loss in Seattle. Minnesota is still hanging onto the final wild card spot but need to play well this week to restore their confidence. Kirk Cousins will put together his best game of the season and prove he is worth the $84 million investment the team made on him during free agency this past off-season.

Pick: Dolphins 27, Vikings 30

Baltimore Ravens (7-6) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-8)

Noon (FOX)

Pat Mahomes’ latest installment of late game heroics proved too much for a stout Ravens’ defense, which failed to seal the game in the final minute on a fourth and long. With a victory, the Ravens could have moved into sole possession of first place, but failed to execute. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have played better of late, especially Jameis Winston when it comes to turnovers. On the other side, Lamar Jackson’s ankle holding up will be a major concern because maneuvering with his legs to make plays has been his specialty as he continues to work on his craft in the passing game. Although the Bucs’ defense has improved, the Ravens’ defense will back up their quarterback and make the necessary plays to keep the pressure on the Steelers.

Pick: Ravens 27, Bucs 24

Arizona Cardinals (3-10) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-9)

Noon (FOX)

The Falcons have now lost five games in a row, scoring 20 points just once in that stretch. Atlanta’s next attempt to reach the win column is against an adequate Cardinals’ defense that can stop the pass. The defense has done more than enough as of late for the Cardinals, but need the offense to start stepping up their game. Although this game means nothing in the grand scheme of the season, Matt Ryan will play his best of the year in front of the home crowd.

Pick: Cardinals 20, Falcons 34

Green Bay Packers (5-7-1) vs Chicago Bears (9-4)

Noon (FOX)

In the first week since Mike McCarthy’s firing, the Packers kept their small playoff chances alive, however, must win at Soldier Field Sunday to save their season for another week. Aaron Rodgers has owned the Bears throughout his career, especially at Soldier. Bears fans have seen enough of Rodgers’ excellence and have a golden opportunity to turn the lights out on the playoffs against the same team that gave them a gut-wrenching Week 1 defeat. How sweet would that be? However, the Bears might actually be better for the loss because it has brought the team closer together, and a victory this Sunday would be symbolic in showing how the team has literally come full circle since that loss. Rodgers will play the Bears to the end, but Khalil Mack will dial up the pass rush and give the Bears their first division title since 2010.

Pick: Packers 24, Bears 28

Detroit Lions (5-8) vs Buffalo Bills (4-9)

Noon (FOX)

Although the season has not gone to script, both teams have demonstrated effort is not the issue. However, the Lions should be concerned with the way Matthew Stafford and the offense have played, especially due to the fact they are paying Stafford $27 million dollars annually. Meanwhile, the Bills’ defense have kept the team competitive, and getting Josh Allen back certainly helps ease their load. Finally, remember back in mid-November when the Lions practiced outside in a light snow when their next four games were in climate-controlled climates? Well, that move still is puzzling, but I might have found the answer. Detroit was trying to get ahead of the game and prepare for the Bills Mafia way ahead of time. Nah, that will not work, no one can compete with them in the cold. Bills win.

Pick: Lions 17, Bills 21

New England Patriots (9-4) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5-1)

3:25 (CBS)

After two disappointing defeats last Sunday, both teams need to have this game of the week. The Patriots lost on a miracle ending by the Dolphins, and the Steelers lost to the undermatched  Oakland Raiders. The Steelers have the advantage of being at home, but the Patriots have owned the Steelers. Tom Brady has had Ben Roethlisberger’s number, and that will continue, especially with Big Ben not at full health. Pats win and hold onto the second seed.

Pick: Patriots 31, Steelers 24

Seattle Seahawks (8-5) vs San Francisco 49ers (3-10)

3:05 (FOX)

Seattle comes into this game riding high after a dominant defensive performance on Monday night, now winning six of their last eight. After a major upset in defeating the Denver Broncos last Sunday, Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers have shown they have not given up on the season even though they are clearly out of contention. However, Seattle is the better team and are well on their way to a playoff berth in a season that has exceeded all expectations. After a morale boosting victory, the 49ers might have some confidence, but that will not be enough in the end to upset Seattle.

Pick: Seahawks 28, 49ers 17

Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) vs Los Angeles Rams (11-2)

7:20 (NBC)

After falling short to complete the arduous task of defeating the red-hot Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles are playing for their playoff lives Sunday — but get no favors in Los Angeles Rams. Additionally, the Eagles will be without Carson Wentz and turn to Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles to take the reins under center. The chance Foles recaptures his heroics from the last time Wentz went down is slim, but he could be a spark for the Eagles, however, will not be enough against a Rams’ team that is hungry to get back into the win column. After a substandard showing Sunday night in Chicago, the Rams will pounce on the Eagles’ defensive weaknesses. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley both have bounce-back performances as the Rams take this one handily.   

Pick: Eagles 21, Rams 35

New Orleans Saints (11-2) vs Carolina Panthers (6-7)

Monday, 7:15 (ESPN)

After looking like a playoff team just six weeks ago, the Panthers have lost five straight and find themselves in a strenuous position to keep themselves afloat in the NFC playoff picture. New Orleans, meanwhile, got themselves back in the win column, got their offense back on track, and moved into first place in the NFC with a Rams loss. Drew Brees will get the best of Cam Newton Monday night, who has thrown for eight picks during the Panthers five game skid.

Pick: Saints 31, Panthers 23