Just four weeks of the regular season remain and the race to the NFL playoffs is really heating up. This should be a time to back those who need it most, but history tells us to always expect the unexpected on the NFL front. I went 9-4 on my picks last week, taking my season total to 137-73. Here are my selections for what could be a pivotal slate of games across the league.
Los Angeles Rams (7-6) at San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
The Rams showed us everything they could possibly be down the stretch in last week's win over Buffalo. And this Matthew Stafford-led team has won six of its eight games coming out of the bye.
Neil's Pick… Los Angeles Rams
Dallas Cowboys (5-8) at Carolina Panthers (3-10)
The Cowboys may have two more wins, but it is the Panthers who have their tails up and who have more to play for down the stretch as they continue to develop Bryce Young. That matters.
Neil's Pick… Carolina
Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) at Cleveland Browns (3-10)
Patrick Mahomes will get sacked 21 times and the Chiefs will be held to just 13 points. But they will win on Matthew Wright's 85-yard field goal that is carried on gale-force winds as time expires.
Neil's Pick… Kansas City
Miami Dolphins (6-7) at Houston Texans (8-5)
Do Miami have the defense to exploit Houston's biggest weakness (their pass protection)? I think the Dolphins will see a heavy load of Joe Mixon, testing their much-talked-about toughness.
Neil's Pick… Houston
New York Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10)
I visited both training camps in the summer and hopes were high. Just goes to show you have to be careful about getting carried away too soon. I trust Aaron Rodgers more than Mac Jones here.
Neil's Pick… New York Jets
Washington Commanders (8-5) at New Orleans Saints (5-8)
Winning this one against a playoff-chasing Commanders team will be a harder ask of the Saints if Spencer Rattler starts at QB in place of the injured Derek Carr. Jayden Daniels and co. should roll.
Neil's Pick… Washington
Baltimore Ravens (8-5) at New York Giants (2-11)
This simply cannot be one of those occasions where the Ravens play down to the level of their opposition. They have a chance to crush the lowly Giants early and leave some gas in the tank.
Neil's Pick… Baltimore
Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) at Tennessee Titans (3-10)
In Joe Burrow we trust. Oh, and Ja'Marr Chase. Outside of those two – and a dash of Tee Higgins – there is not too much to get excited about when it comes to this game.
Neil's Pick… Cincinnati
New England Patriots (3-10) at Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
The schedule-makers have presented the Cardinals with the perfect opportunity to halt their three-game losing streak. That should happen, but only if Kyler Murray takes care of the football.
Neil's Pick… Arizona
Indianapolis Colts (6-7) at Denver Broncos (8-5)
A huge game in the AFC playoff race. Both teams have beaten those they were expected to top, but they lack quality wins. The Colts have the easier run-in, which makes this one vital for Denver.
Neil's Pick… Denver
Buffalo Bills (10-3) at Detroit Lions (12-1)
Detroit's ground attack can really put a dent in Buffalo's defense, which has been poor against the run. But I feel like Josh Allen is going to don his Superman cape and produce more QB greatness.
Neil's Pick… Buffalo
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)
The Bucs have won three in a row powered by one of the best attacks in the league. The Chargers are tough on defense and that unit will need to step up big to keep Baker Mayfield in check.
Neil's Pick… Los Angeles Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)
This is a coin flip game. Both teams have talent on both sides of the ball and both are enjoying really good seasons. So, it could come down to coaching. Give me Mike Tomlin over Nick Sirianni.
Neil's Pick… Pittsburgh
Green Bay Packers (9-4) at Seattle Seahawks (8-5)
The Seahawks have won four in a row and have grown on both sides of the ball. But Green Bay – led by Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs – are the more talented team. I'll take the Pack on the road.
Neil's Pick… Green Bay
Chicago Bears (4-9) at Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
The Sam Darnold-led Vikings will clinch a playoff spot with a win at home against the Bears, who have lost seven in a row. I see no reason why Chicago should spring any kind of upset here.
Neil's Pick… Minnesota
Atlanta Falcons (6-7) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
The Falcons have been making plenty of supportive noises, but this has to be a get-right game for Kirk Cousins, who has struggled through a four-game losing streak. There can be no excuses here.
Neil's Pick… Atlanta
