Giants (8-5-1) at Minnesota Vikings (11-3), 1 p.m., Fox
Line: Vikings -3 | Total: 47.5
This sport ought to be entertaining if nothing else. The Vikings will make sure that of it. They’ve received 11 video games and 10 of them have been by 8 factors or fewer. Last week, they fell behind to the Colts 33-0 simply to arrange the best comeback in N.F.L. historical past and win, 39-36. The Giants are coming off their largest win of the season in opposition to (*16*), practically guaranteeing an look within the playoffs. Just just like the Vikings, the Giants play shut video games. None of their eight wins have been by multiple rating. Odds are this sport shall be shut, too. The Giants bottom-feeding protection (twenty ninth in D.V.O.A.) might give the Vikings the slight edge. Pick: Vikings -3
Cincinnati Bengals (10-4) at New England Patriots (7-7), 1 p.m., CBS
Line: Bengals -3.5 | Total: 41.5
The Bengals are enjoying a number of the finest soccer within the N.F.L. proper now, and the Patriots are enjoying to not lose every week. The level unfold appears puny relative to the obvious hole in every of those groups’ performances not too long ago. But regardless of 86 p.c of the bettors backing Cincinnati, 68 p.c of the cash has been on the Patriots. Such is the worth of home-field benefit, which narrows the hole between these two groups barely. The Patriots have the most effective defenses within the league, and their coach is aware of methods to handle a sport and maintain the workforce ready to pounce on opponents’ errors. They simply must keep away from making any boneheaded errors of their very own. Pick: Patriots +3.5
Detroit Lions (7-7) at Carolina Panthers (5-9), 1 p.m., Fox
Line: Lions -3 | Total: 44.5
The Lions are doing the unthinkable: They are making a professional playoff run. They’ve received six of their previous seven video games. A win in opposition to the Panthers would deliver their playoff probabilities as much as round 56 p.c. Last week, the Panthers misplaced to the Steelers after placing up a complete of 21 speeding yards, their fewest since 2012. D’Onta Foreman had rushed for greater than 70 yards in every of their two wins going into the Pittsburgh sport. The Lions protection has been enhancing, however their common opponent’s yards per play continues to be the league’s worst. If the Panthers can get again to the run sport that helped them beat Seattle and Denver, and Detroit’s protection regresses to the imply, the Panthers can cowl the three factors as residence underdogs. Pick: Panthers +3
Atlanta Falcons (5-9) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5), 1 p.m., Fox
Line: Ravens -7.5 | Total: 37.5
Quarterback Desmond Ridder’s debut final week didn’t go effectively. He threw for 97 yards on 26 cross makes an attempt and leaned closely on Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson to maneuver the ball within the 21-18 loss to the Saints. Allgeier had a career-high 139 yards and a landing, and he averaged 8.2 yards per carry. The Ravens had hoped to see Lamar Jackson return to the workforce this week, however he has been dominated out once more. Since Jackson left the sport within the first quarter of their Week 13 sport in opposition to Denver, the Ravens have scored two touchdowns in three video games. Last week in opposition to the Browns, they didn’t attain the top zone as soon as. The Ravens will want their protection, which has held groups to three.8 yards per carry, to close down Allgeier. Pick: Ravens -7.5
(*16*) Commanders (7-6-1) at San Francisco 49ers (10-4), 4:05 p.m., CBS
Line: 49ers -7.5 | Total: 38.5
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to the Seahawks final week and clinched the N.F.C. West. Purdy has managed the workforce effectively, however has thrown solely three passes greater than 20 yards. Perhaps the 49ers merely haven’t wanted him to throw it deep. Their offense is a well-oiled machine, with a league finest factors per play margin over the previous three weeks. They have constructed up huge first half leads of their previous 5 video games. If they will do the identical factor this week, and nurse the lead within the second half, the Commanders can sneak in a canopy. Pick: Commanders +7.5
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