Last week's decent performance was enough to push me over the mark to guarantee a .500 record this season. I'll take it. Even if I go 0-16 this week I'll still finish with 132 wins, but I'm aiming for loftier heights. And a playoff berth for my team, but that's another story.
So below, you can see my final batch of NFL picks against the spread for 2013.
Sunday, Early Afternoon
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons (+7.5)
Lucas: Panthers. Anyone else scared of the prospect of playing these guys in January?
Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5)
Lucas: Ravens. Cincy has a first round bye on the line, while the Ravens are fighting for their playoff lives. I don't think Flacco lets his team go down without a bitter fight.
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5)
Lucas: Steelers. Originally I was taking the points, but thinking more, the way Pittsburgh handled adversity on Sunday to beat Green Bay, they can beat the spread here.
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)
Lucas: Lions. The Metrodome might not get the kind of sendoff Vikings fans want. Detroit is definitely way more talented, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them pull a weird win out of their behind this week to somehow salvage an 8-8 season and, to the delight of fans of every other team in the NFC North, let Jim Schwartz keep his job.
Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans (-6.5)
Lucas: Titans. I've stuck to my guns this long. I can't in good conscience even take the points when Houston is involved. I'm not sure how we all whiffed so badly on these guys.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts (-11.5)
Lucas: Jaguars. As inconsistent as the Colts have been this year, I have to take the points in this one. Yes, the talent gap is huge this year, but 11.5 points is a lot to ask.
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins (-6.5)
Lucas: Jets. Look, as hilarious as I find all the panic coming out of New York regarding how huge a disappointment sports in 2013 were for the city, I'm not 100% sold on Miami. Tannehill is questionable as of Wednesday, so I think that's part of it. Also, this might be enough to let Rex Ryan keep his job again, which would at least leave some level of humor for the coming 2014 campaign.
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants (-3.5)
Lucas: Giants. As bad as Washington's defense is, Eli could throw like four picks and still do enough to win the game. Which, let's be honest, would be pretty funny because it would give the Rams an even better draft pick this year. That RGIII trade... not looking so bad now.
Sunday, Late Afternoon
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots (-9.5)
Lucas: Bills. I figure New England wins this game, but I want to take the points. It's okay, Tom, I'll high-five you.
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears (-3.5)
Lucas: Packers. GOOD GAWD, THAT'S AARON RODGERS' MUSIC!
Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders (+12.5)
Lucas: Broncos. I'm hoping for a Brock Osweiler start where, just to mess with the football gods and Peyton, he throws for eight touchdowns against a terrible Raider defense.
Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers (-9.5)
Lucas: Chiefs. Look, I know San Diego has the world to play for and the Chiefs have absolutely nothing to play for. But 9.5 points?! I'm not seeing it.
St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks (-10.5)
Lucas: Seahawks. We've learned that yes, Seattle is mortal at home. Against the Rams at home... not so much.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints (-12.5)
Lucas: Saints. Don't underestimate the Superdome. Even though in the grand scheme of things, it probably won't matter because the Panthers likely win the South and force Brees and company on the road for the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (+2.5)
Lucas: Cardinals. Arizona is playing for their lives as well, but don't control their playoff fate. I think they give the Niners all they can handle with their tough defense. Sadly, with the Saints winning, they won't make the playoffs. And let's be honest, they probably deserve it more over both the North and the East winner. Yes, that includes Green Bay.
Sunday Night
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys (+6.5)
Lucas: Eagles. "So with these fractions here, you have to make sure that your denominators are exactly the same before you can add or subtract them." "That's all fine and good, Mr. Kitna, but it doesn't answer my question of why you'd go to Dallas when you had to have known they'd lose in Week 17 because that's what they always do." "...Timmy, just solve the equation. I'm giving the money from my game check to the school, what more do you want?"
Record So Far
Lucas: 132-108 (9-7 last week)
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