Bob Balfe
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #457-458
Falcons/Saints Over 42
The loser of this game is out of the playoffs, while the winner will need a little help. The Falcons have a 33% chance to make the playoffs, and the Saints have a 48% chance. The coaching staff will have their teams ready to play regardless. Atlanta has a lot of outstanding receivers. If the Falcons retain them and get better at the QB position, they will be a tough team to beat next year. The Saints are shorthanded at the running back position, which will have them throwing the ball more. Atlanta should find holes in the banged-up Saints secondary. I don’t think this game will be a shootout, but it will surpass this low total. Take the Over.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #473
Jaguars -4.5 over Titans
The scenario in Nashville is simple. That Jags must win to make the playoffs. Tennesse is playing for draft pick positioning, and I don’t see them playing spoiler with the offensive line injuries they have. Every team in the NFL is hurting at this point in the year, but the Titans are feeling the full effects of it. The Titans need more depth on their defense and should pack it in with nothing to play for. The Jaguars have yet to play well down the stretch but have a lay-up today if they take advantage. Look for the Jacksonville running game to get going and for QB Trevor Lawrence to bounce back. The Jacksonville defense should create turnovers and short fields. Jacksonville made it hard on themselves the last month but will make things right with a win today. Take the Jaguars.
NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation #451
Cowboys -13.5 over Commanders
Cowboys/Commanders Over 46.5
The Cowboys are leading the NFC East. All they have to do is beat one of the worst teams in the league to achieve their goal, which will give them the #2 seed. The Cowboys should attack the Commander’s secondary that lost more than half of their two deep. It’s clear by who is not playing today that the defense has packed it in. The Commanders do have a decent offense. Sam Howell will get better over the summer, and if Washington keeps their offensive weapons, they will not finish in the basement of the NFC East next season. Dallas should beat the breaks off the Commanders today to achieve their goal. Look for a high-scoring game that Dallas dominates. Washington will get the #2 pick in the draft if they lose today. Why not! Take the Cowboys and the Over.
NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation #463
Bears +3 over Packers
Green Bay has won nine games against the Bears, including this year’s prior meeting. Why are the oddsmakers only making a desperate Packers team just a 3-point favorite? The Bears have been playing better and will get the #1 pick next year. Chicago has something to be excited about next year but can jump-start that with a win today. Both teams hate each other, so the Bears will not lie down even with nothing to play for. Green Bay is shorthanded at the receiver position due to injury, and their running game is not 100% healthy. Bears QB Justin Fields has improved tremendously this season and will play to spoil the Packer’s playoff hopes. The Packers choked in this spot last year, needing to win their final home game to get into the playoffs. The pressure is on, and we will see if they crack again. Look for a physical game. Green Bay doesn’t have much depth on defense, so Chicago has a shot at playing spoiler. Take the Bears
