Mac’s Picks finished the regular season 22-12 on the Moneyline (12-5 on Giants games and 10-7 on Jets games). Now, let’s make some predictions on games that really matter!
San Diego Chargers (11-6) at Houston Texans (10-7)
Saturday 4:30p CBS/Paramount+
While DeMeco Ryans doesn’t have to worry about his job like fellow former linebackers Jerod Mayo and Antonio Pierce, he does have to worry about matching wits with Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers are one of two road favorites (-3) this weekend (Minnesota is the other) and we believe that Justin Herbert is primed to get his first playoff win.
Mac’s Pick – Chargers 24 Texans 19
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) at Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Saturday 8p Amazon Prime Video
The fact that these are division rivals is a good thing for the Ravens who could be easily lulled to sleep by the fact that they are coming in hot (having won 4 straight) and the Steelers limped home (losing 4 straight). The Ravens are overwhelming favorites (9 ½ points) behind our choice for MVP Lamar Jackson.
Mac’s Pick – Ravens 31 Steelers 17
Denver Broncos (10-7) at Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Sunday 1p CBS/Paramount+
Sean Payton warned us about Nathaniel Hackett, and he showed us that it’s possible to coach up a QB in his rookie season. The Bo Nix we saw throw for 60 yards in Week 4 against the Jets is not the same player who has averaged 240 ypg in the 13 games since. Unfortunately, the wild ride back to playoffs ends Sunday against the 9-point favorite Bills.
Mac’s Pick – Bills 24 Broncos 17
Green Bay Packers (11-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Sunday 430p Fox
Nick Sirianni sat Saquon Barkley (our projected MVP runner-up) to have him ready for this game, and we expect Barkley, Jalen Hurts and the “Tush Push” to set the tone early and often. We do not normally make predictions using the point spread, but if you need some action this weekend, this is the one, with the Eagles giving 5 points. Mac’s Pick – Eagles 31 Packers 17
Washington Commanders (12-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Sunday 8p NBC/Peacock
IF there is a “flip a coin” game this weekend, this is the one. Jayden Daniels has had an amazing rookie season and has the Commanders on a 5-game winning streak. On the other side of the field Baker Mayfield is one of the most resilient players in the game. Based on homefield the Bucs are 3 points favorites but our coin came up tails.
Mac’s Pick – Commanders 38 Buccaneers 35
Minnesota Vikings (14-3) at Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Monday 8p ESPN/ABC/ESPN+
Considering how many teams are monitoring the Vikings QB situation, this game could have the most intrigue around the league. Does a Viking win make it more likely JJ McCarthy would be traded? Does a second consecutive flop (after last week’s game against Detroit) make it more likely that Sam Darnold will become a free agent? Vikes are 2 ½ point road favorites.
Mac’s Pick – Vikings 28 Rams 20
Disclaimer: Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. “Mac” is not a professional prognosticator and doesn’t claim to be able to able to predict the future. Use this information at your own risk.
