A few playoff spots are still up for grabs in the NFL, and as far as the coalition goes, there are a couple races up for grabs. Taking all of Week 17 into account (as we split it into two parts), Adam and I split our two disputed games, while Joe took five of seven from each of us. As a result he's come roaring back into a giant bunch in the middle of the pack.
That pack of us is really only fighting for the column title at this point, as we are well off the pace at the top. That title is a two-horse race between Geoffrey and Jim, who have caught fire as the season has gone along.
You can view how we've all picked in relation to each other here. I think the thing I'm most happy with, besides leading the hero win rate race even with a small sample size, is that barring a collapse we're looking at a phenomenal consensus win rate. Unless we go 0-5 this week, we'll finish above .500 for the fourth time in the last five seasons, and we're currently on track to finish with the best mark in that category since we started keeping track in 2016.
And so as we look ahead to the final round, Adam and I disagree on a whopping 10 games, Joe and I on just three, and the two of them on seven games out of 16. For the final time this season... let's get to it!
Saturday Afternoon
Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens (-17.5)
Lucas: Browns. Only because three scores is a lot to lay in a game like this. I wouldn't be shocked if the Ravens did it, especially given that they lock up the AFC North if they win, but it's a lot of points to try and lay.
Adam: Browns. I don’t see this going that high, even if the Browns have nothing to play for and Ravens are playing for the AFC North title. But once it becomes obvious, Baltimore will pull the starters.
Joe: Browns.
Saturday Night
Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5)
Lucas: Bengals. While I don't know that they'll make the playoffs, Joe Burrow is going to try to drag them kicking and screaming if he can. Especially since Mike Tomlin hit the 10 win threshold and they're on track for their early playoff exit as is tradition.
Adam: Bengals. This is one of a handful of games that both teams need/want to win. Cincy needs to win to even have a chance to make the playoffs, and Pittsburgh is trying for the AFC North title (though that won't happen if Baltimore wins earlier in the day).
Joe: Bengals.
Sunday, Early Afternoon
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons (-7.5)
Lucas: Falcons. It's a bit of an ask, but Penix looked good last week, and I think it'll be enough to have this group fighting for a division title.
Adam: Panthers. I like Atlanta to win, but Carolina covers.
Joe: Falcons.
Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys (+3.5)
Lucas: Commanders. With the likelihood of holding the 6 seed, they'll be ready.
Adam: Cowboys. This had visions of being a battle for playoffs or NFC East title written all over it in preseason... it did not live up to its hype. Also have to point out my correct hot take: In my group chat with Lucas and Joe, I called that the Garbage Eating Bovine Boning Heiferladies would not be over .500. Nailed it.
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (-9.5)
Lucas: Packers. Ownership must continue. Do I hear 12?
Adam: Bears. Chicago just needs to see what they have in some of their backups already. Plus I don’t think Green Bay has much to play for other than seeding for a wildcard road game.
Joe: Packers.
Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans (-4.5)
Lucas: Texans. Yes, even though they have absolutely nothing to play for.
Adam: Texans. Line seems way too short. Even with neither team playing for anything, Houston wins.
Joe: Texans.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts (-5.5)
Lucas: Jaguars. Doesn't quite match the choke of a couple years ago, especially since this game is in Indy, but I can't trust the Colts all the same.
Adam: Colts. Another game that has absolutely zero impact on playoffs. I’ll take the home team just because.
Joe: Colts.
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots (+2.5)
Lucas: Bills. New England, you are on the clock.
Adam: Patriots. Because it seems like the right play. The Bills will be resting players.
Joe: Bills.
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)
Lucas: Eagles. I get wanting to rest him for the playoffs, but Nick Sirianni not giving Saquon a shot at the record is disappointing. I look forward to spamming the crap out of this for the next however long.
Joe: Eagles.
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-13.5)
Lucas: Saints. Two touchdowns is a lot. I look forward to Baker continuing his heater from last week and making me look stupid.
Adam: Buccaneers. Baker will Bake. Win and in, I’ll take that and lay the two touchdowns.
Joe: Buccaneers.
Sunday, Late Afternoon
Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos (-8.5)
Lucas: Chiefs. I imagine the regulars will get at least some time with the bye secured. It'll be enough that I don't think Denver covers.
Adam: Chiefs. A game Denver needs to win, and KC is going to rest like everyone. So I am liking a Denver falter and Chiefs win outright.
Joe: Chiefs.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Las Vegas Raiders (+5.5)
Lucas: Chargers. Even though Aidan O'Connell will try to screw up the tank as best he can.
Adam: Chargers. How is this line like this? I am sure Chargers have something to play for... *checks notes* nope, just playoff seeding for a road game.
Joe: Chargers.
Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams (+0.5)
Lucas: Rams. I... do not get this line. The Rams are clearly the superior team, have been playing better of late, and are at home (for what it's worth) while also fighting for seeding.
Adam: Seahawks. Just because they want a win over the divisional rival as a nice way to end a just a bit outside season.
Joe: Rams.
Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets (+2.5)
Lucas: Dolphins. I probably shouldn't (you know, the whole Tua in the cold thing if he plays), but the Jets are broken. As is Rodgers.
Adam: Jets. Go out with a bang, A A Ron.
Joe: Dolphins.
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (+0.5)
Lucas: Cardinals. I went away from it last week, but I'm coming back one last time. Solidarity pick. Beat Mount Union.
Adam: Cardinals. Taking the home team like before.Set to take the grandest stage ever afforded a @NCAADIII championship, @football_ncc faces Mount Union for a fifth postseason meeting Sunday with the Stagg Bowl trophy in the balance.
— NCC Cardinals (@NCC_Athletics) January 2, 2025
Our preview: https://t.co/1d70AJ9Obn#WeAreNC #d3fb 🏈
Joe: Cardinals.
Sunday Night
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions (-2.5)
Lucas: Vikings. Because of the above, this game is second on my priority list on Sunday night. But honestly, I'm just playing into the memes. Watching a Vikings team that should have been in a rebuilding year ride the GEQBUS to the #1 seed in the NFC only for them to then crash and burn in the divisional round would be *chef's kiss*. More so if my dad hadn't already been broken by them one too many times, but still. Detroit's defense is broken, and if they struggled some against an injured to hell Niners team, how much more against this Viking offense?
Adam: Lions. It is impressive that the NFC North has produced two teams that will fight it out for the top seed and wild card week bye.
Lucas note: Think I saw that this is the first even regular season game between two teams with at least 13 wins... and 14.
Joe: Lions.
Records So Far
Lucas: 132-124 (7-9 last week)
Adam: 133-123 (7-9 last week)
Joe: 132-124 (10-6 last week)
Geoffrey: 143-113 (12-4 last week)
Jim: 143-113 (12-4 last week)
John: 132-124 (8-8 last week)
Matthew: 126-130 (8-8 last week)
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