After struggling through consecutive losing weeks, the NFL prognosticator was back in his usual form over the Thanksgiving holiday and finished with an 11-5 tally, which means a return to naming the predicted winner of each game. Now 102-74 on the season (.580) there is still hope to finish the year at .650 or better.
December games are often the most difficult to predict, because if the match up is between two teams vying for playoff position anything might go, while teams with nothing to play for can go either way — they can lay down and die or suddenly rise up as players try to prove their value.
Many of the eyes reading these picks will also have a vested interest in several of the collegiate games being played Saturday, so predictions for a few of those will be tossed in at the end.
And so …
Thursday’s Game
PACKERS at LIONS, 7:25 p.m.
The Packers will be motivated for revenge, and with Eddie Lacey apparently back in form are likely to get it … GREEN BAY 34-17.
Sunday’s Games
TEXANS at BILLS, 12 p.m.
The Houston defense is starting to make an impression, making the Texans a tempting pick over the drifting Bills. Tempting, yes, but not enough … BUFFALO 24-16.
FORTY-NINERS at Da BEARS, 12 p.m.
Playing the “with your heart” card here … CHICAGO 23-13.
BENGALS at BROWNS, 12 p.m.
The Brownies are a complete mess … CINCINNATI 27-10.
RAVENS at DOLPHINS, 12 p.m.
The Crows have specialized in losing games by eight points or less and are coming off an emotional win while Miami is not as good as everyone thought in August … BALTIMORE 20-12.
SEAHAWKS at VIKINGS, 12 p.m.
If the Vikings want to be taken seriously they cannot continue laying eggs at home. Here is hoping they deal a devastating blow to Seattle’s postseason prospects … MINNESOTA 27-23.
PANTHERS at SAINTS, 12 p.m.
The Panthers are about to be 12-0. Go figure … CAROLINA 26-19.
JETS at GIANTS, 12 p.m.
Once upon a time this was the Bronx vs. Queens, now it is Jersey vs. Joizee and aside from those in the area, only the national media really gives a damn … GIANTS 8-3.
CARDINALS at RAMS, 12 p.m.
The Rams have been too erratic as of late to take them over a Cardinal team with much to play for … ARIZONA 20-17.
FALCONS at BUCCANEERS, 12 p.m.
The Falcons have been a major disappointment as the season has unfolded and are susceptible to a loss that should not happen, at least on paper … TAMPA BAY 24-20.
JAGUARS at TITANS, 12 p.m.
The Titans are absolutely horrible, especially at home, but for this afternoon, at least, there will be joy on the banks of the Cumberland … TENNESSEE 16-14.
CHIEFS at RAIDERS, 3:05 p.m.
An old AFC hate-fest that still has plenty of bad blood left in it. Something tells me not to do it, but the pick is … KANSAS CITY 21-14.
BRONCOS at CHARGERS, 3:05 p.m.
No Peyton? No problem — at least not this week … DENVER 28-13.
EAGLES at PATRIOTS, 3:25 p.m.
Eventually the Patriot house of cards has to collapse (right?) but the Eagles are not good enough on either side of the ball to give Pretty Boy back-to-back losses … BOSTON 30-14.
COLTS at STEELERS, 7:30 p.m.
Last week my brother from another mother, Bill, called me out for picking his Stillers to lose. Bad call, bro. He will like this one better … PITTSBURGH 23-17.
Monday’s Game
COWBOYS at REDSKINS, 7:30 p.m.
All five Redskins wins are at home, all six loses on the road. It says here the game is in the District … WASHINGTON 20-17.
Last week: 11-5. Season: 102-74 (.580).
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PAC 12 Championship Game
No. 20 USC vs. No. 7 STANFORD
The Cardinal will be hoping for a big win and an upset in the top two. They will get the one, not the other … CARDINALS 34-20.
ACC Championship Game
No. 1 CLEMSON vs. No. 10 NORTH CAROLINA
It has became fashionable in some places to talk about the Tar Heels has having a chance. They do, especially considering Chokeson’s recent history, but their big collapse is one game away … TIGERS 30-23.
SEC Championship
No. 2 ALABAMA vs. No. 18 FLORIDA
The eighth meeting in the SEC title game between these two rivals, who first met in the first such game in 1992. That game was a close one; this one won’t be. If you have not paid attention to the Alabama defense, particularly the front seven, or do not know how impressive a weapon the Bull Deuce, Derrick Henry, is, tune in … CRIMSON TIDE 37-13.
BIG ‘TEN’ Championship
No. 4 IOWA vs. No. 5 MICHIGAN STATE
My dream would be to see Iowa have to face Alabama in the playoffs. Problem is, Michigan State is simply the better team and is going to prove it. Hey, Hawk fans, 12-1 and a Fiesta Bowl gig with Notre Dame is not a bad consolation prize, and one you would have happily taken before the season started … MICHIGAN STATE 30-17.
Based on the above, I predict the playoff to be: Clemson vs. Oklahoma and Alabama vs. Michigan State (but please, please, please be Iowa instead …)
