I, literally, got out of my chair and applauded when I heard broadcaster, Jim Nantz, say during a telecast that this is one of the weirdest years in NFL history. It made me feel better about having a down year picking games.

I did have a decent week as I went 11-5 straight up on my picks. I also nailed the score of the Atlanta-Arizona game right on the money (26-19). Just like the San Francisco 49ers, I may be heating up at just the right time. Although, football is different from sports betting. In football, everyone starts the playoffs 0-0. In betting, you can't erase everything that came before it.

I would tread cautiously these next two weeks. Only bet on games where you know both teams are playing for something – making the playoffs, winning a division, seeding in their conferences.

Here are my results so far:

Last Week

• Straight Up: 11-5
• Against the Spread (ATS):  7-8
• Over/Under: 9-7

For the Season

• Straight Up: 144-91 (61.28%)
• Against the Spread (ATS): 110-127 (46.41%)
• Over/Under: 115-121 (48.73%)

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Texans (10-5) at Chargers (11-4)

Kickoff: 4:30 PM • NFL Network
Spread: LAC -1.5
Total: 40.5

The Texans have won seven in a row and the Chargers have won four in a row. The Chargers have managed to not only survive, but flourish since Justin Herbert suffered a fracture in his left hand – beating Dallas, Kansas City, and Philadelphia. Houston has won three out of the last four matchups.

Final Score Prediction: Texans 23, Chargers 20. Take the TEXANS and the OVER.

Ravens (7-8) at Packers (9-5-1)

Kickoff: 8:00 PM • Peacock
Spread: GB -2.5
Total: 38.5

This is going to be a battle of backup quarterbacks. The Ravens need to win the division to make the playoffs – a wildcard spot is not an option. They need to win their last two and hope the Steelers lose one of their last two.

Final Score Prediction: Ravens 17, Packers 16. Take the RAVENS and the UNDER.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Buccaneers (7-8) at Dolphins (6-9)

Kickoff: 1:00 PM • FOX
Spread: TB -5.5
Total: 44.5

What can you say about the Bucs? They are 1-6 in their last seven games. One or two more wins during that span and they could be giving Baker Mayfield some much needed rest in preparation for the playoffs.

The Dolphins looked flat in losses each of the last two weeks after showing signs of life – winning five of their previous six. I'm going to keep rolling with Tampa, but I don't feel good about it.

Final Score Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Dolphins 19. Take the DOLPHINS and the UNDER.

Cardinals (3-12) at Bengals (5-10)

Kickoff: 1:00 PM • FOX
Spread: CIN -7
Total: 53.5

I mean – the Bengals just epitomize my season. They score 32, 34, and 45 points in three out of their last four games, but they got shutout in the one other game. How do you explain that?

Final Score Prediction: Bengals 33, Cardinals 27. Take the CARDINALS and the OVER.

Patriots (12-3) at Jets (3-12)

Kickoff: 1:00 PM • FOX
Spread: NE -13.5
Total: 42.5

Mike Vrabel has already ruled out several players including Kayshon Boutte, Mac Hollins, DeMario Douglas, TreVeyon Henderson, Robert Spillane, Jared Wilson, and Khyris Tonga. It will be interesting to see how they approach the last two games now that they have a playoff spot clinched. Will they go full out to try to win the division and, possibly, win the #1 seed in the AFC?

Final Score Prediction: Patriots 26, Jets 13. Take the JETS and the UNDER

Steelers (9-6) at Browns (3-12)

Kickoff: 1:00 PM • CBS
Spread: PIT -3
Total: 34.5

The Steelers are almost at the finish line of winning the AFC North. Not many people believed they would, even after getting off to a 4-1 start.

Final Score Prediction: Steelers 21, Browns 10. Take the STEELERS and the UNDER.

Saints (5-10) at Titans (3-12)

Kickoff: 1:00 PM • CBS
Spread: NO -2.5
Total: 39.5

Is there a hotter team in the NFL over the last three weeks than the New Orleans Saints. They knocked off the two teams competing for their division title during that time.

Final Score Prediction: Saints 26, Titans 21. Take the SAINTS and the OVER.

Jaguars (11-4) at Colts (8-7)

Kickoff: 1:00 PM • FOX
Spread: JAX -5.5
Total: 48.5

The answer to the above question is, "Yes, there is a hotter team than the Saints." They are called the Jaguars. They have won six in a row including a convincing win over the Denver Broncos, 34-20, in Denver last week.

Final Score Prediction: Jaguars 30, Colts 16. Take the JAGUARS and the UNDER.

Seahawks (12-3) at Panthers (8-7)

Kickoff: 1:00 PM • CBS
Spread: SEA -7
Total: 42.5

The Seahawks had an emotional come-from-behind win against the Rams last week. They are now in control for claiming the top seed in the NFC. The Panthers are in control for winning the NFC South. This is a game that matters for both teams.

Final Score Prediction: Seahawks 30, Panthers 17. Take the SEAHAWKS and the OVER.

Giants (2-13) at Raiders (2-13)

Kickoff: 4:05 PM • CBS
Spread: NYG -2.5
Total: 41.5

The same can't be said about this game mattering for both teams. Although it will mean something for the top overall draft pick in next year's draft. I feel the Giants may be trying harder in order to get some momentum going into next season with their young quarterback, Jaxson Dart.

Final Score Prediction: Giants 26, Raiders 20. Take the GIANTS and the OVER.

Eagles (10-5) at Bills (11-4)

Kickoff: 4:25 PM • FOX
Spread: BUF -1.5
Total: 44.5

Both these teams have clinched playoff spots. The Bills still have a chance to win the AFC East. The Eagles have already clinched the NFC East, but seeding will be a huge factor in a very competitive NFC conference (which I think will produce the Super Bowl winner).

Final Score Prediction: Eagles 27, Bills 26. Take the EAGLES and the OVER.

Bears (11-4) at 49ers (11-4)

Kickoff: 8:20 PM • NBC/Peacock
Spread: SF -3
Total: 52.5

The 49ers are hitting on all cylinders at just the right time. Super Bowl champions are not won by teams that had the better regular seasons, but by teams who get hot at the end of the season. This should be a high-scoring affair.

Final Score Prediction: 49ers 34, Bears 30. Take the 49ers and the OVER.

Monday, December 29, 2025

Rams (11-4) at Falcons (6-9)

Kickoff: 8:15 PM • ESPN
Spread: LAR -7.5
Total: 49.5

The Rams can't feel too good after blowing their game against the Seahawks last week. It was a golden opportunity for them to wrap up the top seed in the NFC. The Falcons are still playing hard as Kirk Cousins has revenge on his mind.

Final Score Prediction: Rams 33, Falcons 23. Take the RAMS and the OVER.