It’s been a volatile NFL season to date. Who had the Patriots and the Broncos as the top seeds in each division back in September? And who could have foreseen the wicked fall experienced by the Chiefs, the Cowboys, and the Lions? There are still teams hanging on by their fingernails, so what are the games to watch—and to bet—this Christmas week?
Ravens at Packers (-2.5 OU 40.5)
The Ravens are desperate. They must win out, including the last game vs. the Steelers. But the way they performed against the Patriots on Sunday night wasn’t a good look. The injury to QB Lamar Jackson still lingers, so if Todd Huntley has to go in his place, things are even messier.
For the Packers, they still have an outside chance to catch the Bears by winning out and hoping Chicago drops one. But with Jordan Love on the shelf with concussion protocol and second-string Malik Willis also questionable, Green Bay will be just happy to sneak into the playoffs.
Pick: Packers -2.5 and Under 40.5
Seahawks at Panthers (-7, OU 42.5)
The Carolina Panthers are still alive and have a chance to win the NFC South, remarkably. They lead the division and are barely over .500 with an 8-7 record, just ahead of the slumping Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Former #1 pick Bryce Young has done just enough to keep his club in contention, but he’s facing a vaunted Seattle defense in Week 17.
For the Seahawks, they need to keep winning to have a shot at the NFC first-round bye and also to keep pace ahead of the 49ers and Rams. Sam Darnold has been aggravatingly inconsistent in late-season games in his career, but last week, he delivered a great come-from-behind win against the Rams, so maybe that’s a thing of the past.
Pick: Panthers +7
Bears at 49ers (-3, OU 52.5)
This is a big game for both teams. For Chicago, it would mean winning the NFC North for the first time since 2018. Caleb Williams has blossomed under new coach Ben Johnson, but it hasn’t always been Williams. A healthy running game led by D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, complement a receiving corps including DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
After the 49ers crushed the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, they are within reach of the top spot in the NFC West. The under-rated Brock Purdy threw for five TDs, and the offense is finally healthy with Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle leading the way. Since the game is in California, give the edge to the Niners.
Pick: San Francisco -3
Giants at Raiders (-1.5, OU 41.5)
We’ll call this one the Bottom Feeder Bowl. Both these teams are abysmal, with identical 2-13 records. The loser of this game will win the #1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. If the Giants lose (or win, depending upon which way you look at it), they’ve got a decision to make. Is their QB, Jaxon Dart, their quarterback of the future? He’s shown flashes since he was named the starter early in the season, but he’s also not been able to rally the team to any significant victories.
For the Raiders, the choice is simple. If they win the top pick, they have to choose a quarterback. Geno Smith has had a terrible year, and the backup, Kenny Pickett, isn’t any better. But is the Heisman Trophy winner, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, a can’t-miss prospect in the NFL? That’s why this game has gone back and forth in terms of the favorite.
Pick: Giants +1.5 and Under 41.5
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