With only one quarter of the NFL’s regular season remaining, the playoff picture shifts into high gear as the winter worsens.
All lines are courtesy of OddsShark.
New Orleans Saints (-1.5) at Atlanta Falcons
The Saints (9-3) might be the best team in football, but they’ll be in for a huge challenge on Thursday night. The Falcons (7-5) are desperate and on a short week, beating them won’t be easy. Still, New Orleans is better, and with Alvin Kamara and a solid defense, look for the Saints to win again.
Pick: New Orleans 31, Atlanta 27
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals (-6)
This game should break everybody’s will to live. The Bengals (5-7) had a chance to get into the playoff race but then blew a 17-point lead to the Steelers. Meanwhile, John Fox is playing out the string with the Bears (3-9). It’s going to be ugly.
Pick: Cincinnati 23, Chicago 19
Dallas Cowboys (-4) at New York Giants
The Cowboys (6-6) are cooked, but they should handle business against the Giants (2-10). The only question is whether New York plays hard, or if they continue to mail it in even with a new coach.
Pick: Dallas 30, New York 17
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NO LINE)
If Matthew Stafford plays, the Lions (6-6) should win this game. Still, last week’s loss to the Ravens is the end of Detroit going to the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers (4-8) have to get Jameis Winston straightened out, or the losing will continue.
Pick: Detroit 24, Tampa Bay 21