Teams to continue to jockey for playoff position, but at least this week there were fewer upsets.
Power Rankings [Last week's rank]
1. BALTIMORE RAVENS (13-3) [1]
2. San Francisco 49ers (12-4) [2]
3. Dallas Cowboys (11-5) [5]
4. Buffalo Bills (10-6) [4]
5. Miami Dolphins (11-5) [3]
6. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) [7]
7. Detroit Lions (11-5) [6]
8. Cleveland Browns (11-5) [9]
9. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) [8]
10. New Orleans Saints (8-8) [10]
11. Los Angeles Rams (9-7) [12]
12. Houston Texans (9-7) [15]
13. Green Bay Packers (8-8) [16]
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) [18]
Divisional Rankings [Last week's rank]
1. AFC North [1]
2. NFC North [2]
3. AFC East [3]
4. NFC West [4]
5. AFC South [8]
6. AFC West [6]
7. NFC East [7]
8. NFC South [5]
Picks this week will be interesting. It is common for temas who have already locking in playoff positions to "rest" their starters. This year we are still jockeying for position, so there aren't many games like that. I will note those that I am picking based on "resting".
Saturday games
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens : This game is one of those "resting" games. The Ravens have a lock on the top seed in the AFC, so they don't need this game. They will likely rest most of their starting offense, especially Lamar Jackson. Their defense might still play, which will make things hard for the Steelers. However, I think they will edge out a win, as they won't have to score too much to win. STEELERS,13-10
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts : Both of these teams are playing fo the playoffs, but only the winner has a shot. CJ is back, so the Texans offense will move much smoother than the Colts. TEXANS, 23-20
Sunday early games
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints : The Saints need a win for a shot at the playoffs. The Falcons have a remote shot with a win, but they'd need lots of help. The key is the victory. The Falcons come in after an embarrassing loss to the Bears, so they have a reason to finish the season strong, whether they gain a playoff spot or not. The Saints need a win and a Bucs loss to win the division. Both are highly motivated, but I like the Saints a bit more. SAINTS, 20-17
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals : The Browns are locked into the fifth seed in the AFC, so there is nothing for them to achieve. They will likely rest their starters, allowing Cincy to complete the season with a win. BENGALS, 17-13
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans : The Jags haven't won the division yet, so this game is important. JAGS, 17-13
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions : The Lions have won the division and the second seed, so what do they need to play for? They may sit some starters, but the Vikings are struggling under their third-string QB, so even with a restful Lions, I prefer them. LIONS, 24-13
New York Jets at New England Patriots : Neither team is heading to the playoffs, so this one is for ego. Nobody has bigger egos than the Jets. JETS, 10-6
Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers : The Bucs need a win to capture the division. They should get it. BUCS, 24-10
Sunday late games
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers : A win gives the Pack a wildcard spot. That's mighty incentive. The Bears are on a roll, though, so it won't be easy. PACK, 24-17
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders : For Dallas, it's easy -- they win, they win the division and the second seed in the NFC. COWBOYS, 34-17
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders : Another game where both teams are out of the playoffs. It's indicative of this year that there are so few of them. This game will represent which team has improved the most this season. BRONCOS, 20-17
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers : The Chiefs are locked into their playoff position, so they have reason to rest their starters. However, their offense still needs practice, so I think they will play like this is an important game. As preparation for the playoffs, it is. CHIEFS, 23-16
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers : Here is the last game where the favorite will sit starters, giving the Rams a chance to make the playoffs. RAMS, 20-16
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants : The Eagles are hoping the Cowboys lose, so that a win here clinches the division. They have already clinched the playoffs, so the division is all they are playing for. They will fight hard, but updates announced at Giants Stadium may dishearten some of the players, giving the Giants a chance. Still, it will be a close game, and the Eagles have won many close games this season. EAGLES, 23-20
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals : Even if they weren't playing for a playoff spot, the Seahawks would be able to beat the struggling Cardinals. SEAHAWKS, 23-10
Sunday night
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins : Here's a fun game. Buffalo is not only playing for a playoff spot, but can clinch the division title with a win. The Dolphins are playing with a deficit, as some key players wre injured in last week's game. That gives the Bills the edge. BILLS, 24-17
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