Abe’s (51-30) Predictions:

Bears vs. Eagles:

The Bears have yet to play their best football and yet they lead the NFC North. If they can find a way to get their offense to play complimentary in regards to their run/pass game the Bears are a scary team. Caleb Williams has over time started trusting Ben Johnson’s offensive play-action scheme. You have to be willing to turn your back to the blind side defensive end or else the play action does not work, Williams has become more and more comfortable doing so. 

The Eagles used AJ Brown heavily to start last week’s game and then did not really utilize him down the stretch resulting in a loss. However using Brown heavily was a good sign for the Eagles and their pass offense. If they continue to use Brown and rely on his big body to impose his will on defensive backs the run game will follow suit. The defense has been inconsistent but nothing to truly worry about. 

Prediction: Eagles 27-25

Actual score: Bears 24-15

Saints vs. Dolphins:

Two teams competing for a top draft pick, the Saints have been terrible this year. Since benching Spencer Rattler the chances for them to win games has gone down heavily. Alvin Kamara is set to miss time with an injury so rookie Devin Neal will take the lead in the backfield. Neal was efficient last week in the pass game with five catches for 40+ yards. 

There have been two bright spots for the Dolphins this season; De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle. The two Pro Bowl caliber players have carried the lackluster play from Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins should win this game by two scores but somehow it will be a close game towards the end. 

Prediction: Dolphins 24-20

Texans vs. Colts:

Daniel Jones is iffy to play this week with an injury late into the week. The Colts last to the Chiefs last week, the Colts needed Jones to make plays and he could not. So far the blueprint to beat the Colts has been loading the box with eight to nine players sometimes and force Jones to make throws outside the numbers. If Jones plays against the No.1 scoring defense in the Texans, things could look real tricky for the Colt offense. However if Jones does not play and Anthony Richardson does instead things will get out of hand fast in favor for the Texans. 

Davis Mills has played well since taking over for CJ Stroud who is dealing with an injury. Their offense has found a spark to lead the offense to scoring they had not seen all season. If they are able to stop the run the Texans should not struggle to win this game at all no matter who is in at QB. 

Prediction: Texans 23-17

Falcons vs. Jets:

The Jets have found some life at receiver with John Metchie since Garret Wilson has been put on injured reserve. Aside from that there is nothing to look forward to in a Jets team in a complete rebuild. 

The Falcons may be without Drake London for a second game in a row, against the Saints they did not struggle winning 24-10. However with no London there is no reason All-Pro RB Bijan Robinson does not get 25-30 touches against a mediocre Jets defense. 

Prediction: Falcons 31-17

Vikings vs. Seahawks:

The Seahawks are coming off a win against the Titans 30-24. The game should have been nowhere near as close as it was, however a few mistakes will do that to you. If the Seahawks want to shake off this whole “not real contenders” label since losing to the Rams 21-19. They need to dominate the Brian Flores’s coached Vikings defense, 30+ points will do just that. On offense there is not much to worry about with the Vikings as JJ McCarthy is a bust and his backup is unproven and not ready for the best defense in the league. 

For the Vikings they have to get the run game going to compete in this game. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason have to find ways to beat Seattle’ s heavily talented front seven who have stopped every back they have played. They will also need superstar wide-out Justin Jefferson to have a masterclass and beat out Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s historic production. Without those two things happening the Seahawks will blowout the Vikings. 

Prediction: Seahawks 34-16

Conner’s (51-30) Predictions:

49ers vs. Browns:

Brock Purdy is arguably coming off his worst game since Christmas 2023. However, the Niners’ defense stepped up last week to hold the Panthers (6-6) to nine points. Granted, Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense is not that great, but the 49ers held them to three points on three interceptions. Christian McCaffrey had another great performance with 142 total scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. Their defense now also has four interceptions in the last two games, a huge step-up for a team that had one coming in weeks 1-through-10.

The Browns (3-8) defeated the Raiders (2-9) to get their first win since week 7 last week. Shedeur Sanders played okay in his first start, throwing for 209 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also threw for 209 yards but completed just 55% of his passes. The Browns’ defense mainly won them the game. They held the Raiders to 10 points and had 10 sacks. Their record is not representative of how they perform.

As for this game, I think the 49ers (8-4) will pull it off. Their defense has played better in recent weeks and Sanders did not play that well against the Raiders, a team that is allowing 25.2 points a game. The Niners’ defense has also been heating up recently. However, the Browns have the second-best defense in the game in terms of yards allowed per game (273). They have the second-most sacks in the NFL (42). The 49ers’ offensive line is not the best, so Purdy will be under pressure all game. Nonetheless, I still expect the Niners’ offense to perform enough with McCaffrey and George Kittle to get the job done. Also, the Niners have much more to play for in this one, so I believe they will find a way to win.

Prediction: 49ers 23-17

Rams vs. Panthers:

The Rams (9-2) are arguably the best team in the NFL right now. They are coming off a dominant 34-7 win over the Buccaneers (6-5). Albeit, the Bucs had to play a large part of the game with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. Nonetheless, Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP-level, having not thrown an interception since week three. He currently has 30 touchdown passes. Their defense has also been elite as of late, allowing an average of 12 points over their last six games.

The Panthers (6-6) had the opportunity to control their own path in the NFC South with a win over the 49ers last week, but failed to win. Whenever they have played a team other than the Falcons or the Cowboys, they have failed offensively. In their last four games, not including their win over the Falcons, they have scored an average of 10.25 points a game. It does not help either that their defense has kept them in these games too. They picked off Brock Purdy three times last game, but their offense scored just three points from those turnovers.

This game really should be dominated by the Rams. They are a much better team and have played like it in recent weeks. Bryce Young has been playing at a mediocre-level recently, having thrown just four touchdowns to three interceptions in his last three games. The Panthers defense is also just okay, so Stafford should be able to carve them up. I see the Rams continuing their dominance this week.

Prediction: Rams 27-17

Jaguars vs. Titans:

After falling off a bit, the Jaguars (7-4) have resurged the past four weeks. They have won three of those games, and it would have been four if they did not have a terrible choke against the Texans (6-5) in week 10. However, Trevor Lawrence has still not been performing. In the last four weeks, he has thrown five touchdowns and six interceptions. Their defense has been key, getting to the opposing quarterback nine times over the last two weeks. It also helps that they have had Travis Etienne Jr. heating up at the right time, scoring a touchdown in his last three games.

The Titans (1-10) continue to be one of the worst teams. They lost by six last week to the Seahawks (8-3), but cannot find ways to win games. Four out of their 10 losses have been by one-score. Cam Ward is still yet to have a multi-touchdown passing performance, but he has not thrown an interception since week 8. Their passing defense, currently No. 20 in the NFL, has been solid, and their defense has held their own late in games.

Overall, since it is a divisional matchup, this would be a game the Titans could win. The Jaguars have even been relatively inconsistent this season, especially offensively. However, they have been heating up offensively recently, and they know they need to win this one. Even though I envision this one being somewhat close, the Titans are one of the worst teams in recent memory. They do not know how to win, and I Lawrence will do enough against their mediocre defense to get the job done.

Prediction: Jaguars 24-20

Cardinals vs. Buccaneers:

The Cardinals (3-8) fell short 27-24 last week against the Jaguars in overtime. They had a real chance to win it but failed after Jacoby Brissett threw an interception in overtime. Had Brissett maybe not taken the deep shot, the Cardinals could have won that game. Regardless, every week the Cardinals, as long as Kyler Murray does not play, have a chance to win. Brissett is leading the Cardinals to 24.2 points a game. It also helps that Michael Wilson has stepped up in Marvin Harrison Jr.’s absence, having 303 receiving yards in his last two games.

As for the Bucs (6-5), they have truly fallen off since starting out 5-2. It does not help that Baker Mayfield got hurt in last week’s 34-7 loss to the Rams. Chris Godwin Jr. came back last week but had just nine receiving yards. The one silver lining is that the Bucs are likely to get running back Bucky Irving back. Regardless, with Mayfield’s status being uncertain, it is not looking too promising for the Buccaneers. Mayfield also only put up seven points in the half he did play last week, and the Bucs are only rushing for 111.2 yards a game (20th in the NFL).

Personally, I think the Cardinals pull off an upset. Other than their two losses to the Niners and Hawks, the Cardinals have kept games close recently, and the Bucs have had nothing going for them. Even if Mayfield plays, he will not be his full self, which may not be enough to take down the Cardinals, a team that intercepted Lawrence three times last week. The Bucs are allowing the 27th-most pass yards a game (243.5), and I think Brissett can air it out and be efficient passing the ball. In general, the Cardinals have been close a couple times to getting their fourth win, but I think they finally get it done as long as Brissett does not turn the ball over. The Bucs have also had nothing going for them in recent weeks, and I think this negative momentum will again carry over, especially if Mayfield does not play.

Prediction: Cardinals 27-23

Bills vs. Steelers:

The Bills (7-4) are coming off a crushing 23-19 loss to the Texans. Josh Allen did not play well in the game but almost made up for it in the end. Had there not been a false start penalty on the fourth-down play on the last drive of the game, there’s a good chance the Bills would have won. Regardless, the Bills did not win, and continue to prove they are a mildly inconsistent team.

The same goes for the Steelers (6-5). They have once again proved they are no better than 9-8. Mason Rudolph played just an okay game, throwing for 171 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Also, their defense, after one good game against the Bengals, returned to its former self. Going into the season, everyone thought they would have one of the best defenses so their offense would just need to play decently. However, so far, that has not been the case, hence their 6-5 record. Their offense has also been just okay.

In this matchup, I’m taking the Bills. They have the better defense and are allowing the fewest passing yards per game (168.2). Whether the Steelers have Aaron Rodgers or Rudolph, that is not good for them. I do not like the Steelers’ defense against Josh Allen in this one either. It is a must-win game for the Bills, and the Steelers are allowing the second-most passing yards per game in the NFL (258.7). Allen is also 4-1 against the Steelers in his career. However, the Steelers do have a chance if they can run the ball well, which they have in recent weeks. The Bills are allowing nearly 150 rushing yards a game.

Nonetheless, I think the Bills will gameplan to stop the Steelers’ rushing attack, so they should be able to at least limit the amount of rushing yards the Steelers have. Then, the Bills just need to stop either Rodgers or Rudolph and not turn the ball over, which they should do just fine.

Prediction: Bills 30-20

Raiders vs. Chargers:

The Raiders (2-9) have continued to prove that they should not be taken seriously. The only good they can take out of their most recent 24-10 loss to the Browns is that Geno Smith did not throw an interception. However, their offense line gave up 10 sacks to the Browns, and in the past three games, they have allowed 20 sacks. Their defense also gave up 24 points to the Browns, a team that is currently scoring under 17 points a game. 

As for the Chargers (7-4), they come into this matchup off a bye week. In week 11, they played the Jaguars and got destroyed 35-6. Throughout the entirety of the season, they have been inconsistent. They have defeated teams such as the Broncos (9-2), the Steelers (6-5) and Chiefs (6-5), but they have also lost to teams such as the Giants (2-10) and the Commanders (3-8). Even Justin Herbert and their defense, two aspects of their team that were elite at the beginning of the season, have been more inconsistent on a week-by-week basis.

I have the Chargers getting the job done. The Raiders have one of the worst offenses in the league, hence why they have a new offensive coordinator going forward. Their defense has not been great either, allowing over 25 points a game. Although I am not very high on Justin Herbert right now, I think he should be able to perform against a mediocre pass defense. Also, the Chargers need this win to keep up in the AFC wildcard race, and they are 4-1 in their last five games against the Raiders. The Chargers’ defense should also be able to stand its own. The Raiders’ offense is horrible and I do not think Greg Olson will be able to produce in his first game as offensive coordinator.

Prediction: Chargers 27-13

Broncos vs. Commanders:

The Broncos (9-2) have been one of the best teams in the NFL all season. This is mainly because of their defense, which is allowing 17.5 points per game and the third-fewest yards a game (274.4). They also have the most sacks (49). When a defense is playing this well, you do not have to do much offensively to win games. Bo Nix has been just okay this season, throwing 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. However, he has played a big role late in games to seal or win games for the Broncos.

The Commanders (3-8) have been a complete disappointment this season. Just one year removed from an NFC Championship game appearance, they are unlikely to even have a winning record. Granted, they have had several injuries, especially at quarterback and receiver. Nevertheless, they have lost their last six games and have been hard to watch. Marcus Mariota is yet to win a game as a starter and has thrown seven touchdowns and five interceptions. Their defense is allowing 27 points a game, and they are allowing the second-most yards per game (387).

Overall, this game should be a blowout win for the Broncos. Although the Commanders may have Terry McLaurin back and are coming off a bye week, they are not going anywhere with Mariota under the helm, especially against this Denver defense. The Broncos are also coming off a bye, and the Commanders’ defense has been mediocre, so Bo Nix should have a “get right” game. As long as the Broncos’ offense shows up at all, they will get it done. 

Prediction: Broncos 21-13

Giants vs. Patriots:

The Giants (2-10) continue to choke games away. Last week against the Lions (7-4), they had a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter and found a way to lose. They also allowed Jahmyr Gibbs to go off for 14.6 yards per carry. He also had three touchdowns. Jameis Winston went off, throwing for 366 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. However, he could not get it done in overtime.

The Patriots (10-2) won 26-20 last week against the Bengals (3-8). Drake Maye did not have the best game throwing a touchdown, an interception and completing 62.9% of his passes. However, he did enough to get it done. He also did benefit from a pick-six that Joe Flacco threw to Marcus Jones in the second quarter.

Overall, this game is a trap game for the Patriots, but I still think they will win. They are 4-2 at home, while the Giants are winless on the road. Even though Jaxson Dart is returning, the Patriots have one of the best defenses in the league. As a result, I think Dart will struggle. The Giants’ defense is also allowing the third most yards per game (385) and 27.8 points on average. Offensively for the Patriots, Maye is leading them to 26.5 points a game and throwing for 247.5 yards on average. 

It is also important to note that the Giants simply do not know how to win football games. They have been in six one-score games and have won two of them. The Patriots, on the other hand, have been winning no matter what.

Prediction: Patriots 24-16