Bob Balfe:
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 335-336
Saints/Bucs Over 44.5
The Tampa Bay Bucs control their destiny. With a win today against the Saints, they will be the #4 seed in the NFC. New Orleans has struggled this year as they are down their starting quarterback and will be without Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller at running back. Backup quarterback Spencer Rattler will get to showcase his arm today against a Bucs secondary that is missing many key players. Tampa just got the horrible news that Jordan Whitehead will miss the rest of the year due to a car accident yesterday. The Saints will have opportunities to throw deep. Tampa QB Baker Mayfield has a cannon of an arm and has been playing outstanding. Tampa should have no problem putting points up on the board. I would only hesitate to take them as such big favorites because of their secondary issues. The weather will be perfect in Tampa. Look for Mike Evans to have a big day. Take the Over.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 332
Falcons -7.5 over Panthers
Carolina was out of the playoff run in October, yet they weathered the storm and played good football with nothing on the line. The Panthers are currently #6 in draft order when most thought they would be the worst team in football. There isn’t anything left for them to prove, and they must start looking at their future. Lady Luck was not kind to the Panthers, as the injury bug hit them as hard as anybody in the NFL. Atlanta needs a little help today, which they probably won’t get. Tampa has to lose, and the Falcons must win to sneak into the playoffs. Atlanta lost a golden opportunity to control their destiny last Sunday night and needs to finish the season on a strong point, if anything, to see if Michael Penix will be their quarterback in the future. Look for Bijan Robinson to have a good day on the ground, as the Falcons should attack the depleted Panthers front seven. Atlanta still has a heartbeat and should get a big win. Take the Falcons.
NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation # 347
Chargers -6.5 over Raiders
The Chargers could win the #5 seed in the AFC today. Vegas has been playing well with nothing on the line and currently is #8 in the draft order. They have nothing to prove and must start thinking about their draft stock. Vegas is thin at running back, so I expect the Chargers to pin their ears back to get after Aidan O’Connell. The Chargers have been on a roll for the last few weeks and need to head into the postseason on a high note. Justin Herbert will look to attack the Raider’s secondary, and JK Dobbins is eager to get more carries in the absence of Gus Edwards. Take the Chargers.
NFL
8:20 PM EST
Rotation # 363
Vikings +3 over Lions
The winner of this game will get the #1 seed and home-field advantage. The loser will be the #5 seed on the road. This game means everything. Both teams played in a thriller in October, and I expect another close game. The Lions are undoubtedly the better team if their defense is healthy, but they have lost more players on the front seven than any team in the NFL, and it has shown. The Vikings might not be as gifted collectively, but they still have Justin Jefferson as a receiver. Minnesota is a more well-rounded football team. Sure, the Lions’ offense is outstanding, but it’s unrealistic in today’s NFL to think you can score on every drive. Minnesota needs to control the clock with Aaron Jones and keep the ball out of Jared Goff’s hands. Tonight’s game isn’t an official playoff game, but it is. The Lions are forcing a few players back at linebacker, but I don’t know if it will be enough. It’s hard to need around 40 points to win continuously. Take the Vikings.
