Happy New Year! For one last time in the regular season, I will attempt to pick the winners from the upcoming games. I have been keeping track over the festive period, going 10-6 in Week 16 and 13-3 last weekend (Week 17). That takes my season record to 173-85. Here we go!
Cleveland Browns (3-13) at Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
The Ravens need to win here to take the AFC North title and I cannot see any way they slip up, even though they lost to the Browns in Cleveland in November. Lamar Jackson leads the NFL with 43 total touchdowns and Baltimore's defense has shown signs of life over the past two games.
Neil's Pick… Baltimore
Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Joe Burrow has been sensational all season long, but I fear his Bengals may have left it too late. They need a win against the Steelers and losses from Denver and Miami on Sunday to get in. I also fear for the Steelers, who have lost three in a row and seem to have lost their way on offense.
Neil's Pick… Cincinnati
Carolina Panthers (4-12) at Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
Intriguing game. The Falcons need the win and must hope for a Tampa Bay loss at home to New Orleans. This will go down as a season of failure for Atlanta if they cannot make the playoffs, but they like what they're seeing from Michael Penix. Is this Bryce Young's final game for Carolina?
Neil's Pick… Atlanta
Washington Commanders (11-5) at Dallas Cowboys (7-9)
Washington are already into the NFC playoffs but head coach Dan Quinn insists they are going to fight hard to hold on to the number six seed. As it stands, that would mean a trip to face the Rams instead of the Eagles. That is quite a different scenario. Dallas are likely already on the beach.
Neil's Pick… Washington
Chicago Bears (4-12) at Green Bay Packers (11-5)
I still find it incredible that the Bears last won a game in mid-October when at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. We left that contest considering Chicago as a playoff contender in the NFC. The Packers have not been able to beat the NFC heavyweights, but they can easily take care of business here.
Neil's Pick… Green Bay
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) at Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
At the start of the year, both clubs would have dreamed of a Week 18 division decider with Trevor Lawrence going head-to-head with Anthony Richardson. But this game is meaningless as Mac Jones likely takes on Joe Flacco. Will this be Doug Pederson's last game in charge of the Jags?
Neil's Pick… Indianapolis
Buffalo Bills (13-3) at New England Patriots (3-13)
Josh Allen will play briefly and then head to the bench as there is nothing the Bills can do to improve on their second seed in the AFC. And they cannot lose that placing, either. Even with Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback, the Bills will have way too much for the listless Patriots.
Neil's Pick… Buffalo
New York Giants (3-13) at Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
The Eagles have nothing to play for as the number two seed in the NFC, but Kenny Pickett would love to put more good film on tape if he can overcome his rib injury. Saquon Barkley is sitting for this game and not chasing Eric Dickerson's single season rushing record. It likely won't matter.
Neil's Pick… Philadelphia
New Orleans Saints (5-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
The Bucs should roll to a comfortable victory here and that would give them a fourth straight NFC South crown. They have a wonderful balance on offense right now. Baker Mayfield is rolling with Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan at receiver and the run game is inspired by Bucky Irving.
Neil's Pick… Tampa Bay
Houston Texans (9-7) at Tennessee Titans (3-13)
Houston cannot change their fourth seed, but I don't think they should be resting their offensive starters. Rest is important, but how about finding some rhythm? Houston have scored 21 total points over their last two games and have not topped 30 since a November 18 win over Dallas.
Neil's Pick… Philadelphia
San Francisco 49ers (6-10) at Arizona Cardinals (7-9)
At the start of the season, I expected San Francisco to be playing a meaningless game in Week 18 – because I thought they would have the one seed locked down and be resting key players! Josh Dobbs should start in place of the injured Brock Purdy. I fancy the Cardinals to win at home.
Neil's Pick… Arizona
Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) at Denver Broncos (9-7)
This is a tough game to pick because the Chiefs are resting Patrick Mahomes at QB, but they cannot sit everyone. But Denver need this one to clinch a playoff spot and Bo Nix has shown that the future is going to be bright for the Broncos. They also have a fearsome pass rush.
Neil's Pick… Denver
Seattle Seahawks (9-7) at Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
The Rams could rest some starters having already won the NFC West courtesy of nine victories from their last 11 games. But that will depend on the earlier result of the Tampa Bay game. Even though the Rams could get the three seed, I think Seattle will take this one to get to 10 wins.
Neil's Pick… Seattle
Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) at Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)
If the Steelers were to lose to Cincinnati on Saturday night, the Chargers will have a great incentive for Sunday. A win would give them the five seed and a first-round trip to Houston instead of Baltimore. Either way, Jim Harbaugh will push his team hard to gain an 11th win of the season.
Neil's Pick… Los Angeles Chargers
Miami Dolphins (8-8) at New York Jets (4-12)
If Denver lose to Kansas City, Miami can sneak into the playoffs with a win over the Jets. But the Dolphins are preparing to start Tyler Huntley at QB once again and that will hamper their attack. Could Aaron Rodgers be playing his final NFL game? He will chase his 500th career TD pass.
Neil's Pick… Miami
Minnesota Vikings (14-2) at Detroit Lions (14-2)
This is being billed as the most important regular season game in NFL history. The winner will be the NFC's one seed and get a first-round bye, the loser drops to the five seed and goes on the road in the playoffs. Detroit's defense is a concern, but I think the Lions find a way at home.
Neil's Pick… Detroit
