NFL insider Matt Verderame makes his picks of the week, even going so fat to almost pick the Cleveland Browns on the road.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-16)
Historically, the Rams (4-9) give the Seahawks (8-4-1) plenty of problems, regardless of venue. That said, Seattle needs this game and is going to pound Los Angeles, which is still ecstatic after firing Jeff Fisher.
Pick: Seattle 23, Los Angeles 3
Miami Dolphins (-2.5) at New York Jets
Matt Moore and Bryce Petty. This game is going to be uglier than Lenny Dykstra’s credit score. The Dolphins (8-5) have to win, though, and the Jets (4-9) are ready to lay down.
Pick: Miami 19, New York 13
Detroit Lions at New York Giants (-4)
A sneaky good game. The Lions (9-4) are actually the second seed in the NFC, while the Giants (9-4) are quietly playing great defense. Look for New York to keep rolling.
Pick: New York 24, Detroit 21
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-6)
(Promo voice) Blake Bortles. Brock Osweiler. The Jaguars (2-11). The Texans (7-6). It’s Sunday on CBS. We’re sorry.
Pick: Houston 20, Jacksonville 16
Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills (-10)
The Bills (6-7) are in the midst of another mediocre season in purgatory, but that’s heaven compared to where the Browns (0-13) this year.
Pick: Buffalo 29, Cleveland 10