Home team in CAPS:
After last week’s emotional loss to Buffalo, the Chiefs are very likely to win this straight up — but the question may be how much punishment they want to dole out to Bill Belichick in remembrance of things past.
Patrick Mahomes may just be keeping one eye out for the Elf on the Shelf.
The line in this game has moved substantially in recent days, making Miami more attractive at the current price.
This is the second of two meetings between the divisional rivals.
Those inclined to lay the points at this price still may want to consider that the Dolphins could be looking ahead to bigger games — in the form of a visit from the Cowboys, a trip to Baltimore and a return home for their regular-season finale against Buffalo — a stretch which should separate the sheep from the goats.
Jets QB Zach Wilson may have had some success in Week 14, but Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa faces a significant career opportunity here and must be respected in this spot.
With a three-way deadlock atop the NFC South, the Saints are hoping minimally to hold position (or optimally to gain a clear lead) by denying the Giants and their latest hero Tommy DeVito any Cajun hospitality.
Justin Fields and the Bears have suddenly come to hand after a modest start, but could well become even more dangerous if they maintain optimal health.
Montez Sweat is thriving in his new home, and circumstances continue to develop apace.
I respect Joe Flacco, but Bears could get very, very good in short order.
The Packers have steadily invaded the list of the league’s top dozen most effective clubs and show scant signs of slowing down, unless they falter.
Won’t be surprised if they regress at this point, though.
QB Jordan Love surely seems to know the way.
The Texans are going to be good, but perhaps not just yet.
Give the Titans an edge at this number, but a small one.
Lean to the visiting Falcons at the quoted price.
But it’s no bargain, and there are better things to do Sunday.
At 1-12, Carolina is at least one season away from respectability.
You may like the 49ers, but you’d be paying bust-out retail.
San Francisco may be looking beyond this week to bigger game, and the less said the better.
Expect a businesslike victory, but not necessarily a rout — and a close cover at this substantial number.
The Bills have been good enough, holding the fort when they fended off Kansas City.
Those who believe they may have passed their peak are getting more concerned as Sean McDermott tries to keep things on an optimal track.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is hard-pressed to curb his enthusiasm about the Dallas roster.
As a group, they’ve taken long, significant strides forward.
This is a solid, representative Rams team, up against a Commanders team in rebuilding mode.
The Rams should carry themselves to the postseason, as capable QB Matthew Stafford makes the most of his opportunities.
The Jags would seem to be outclassed here.
Sure, they lead their AFC South Division, but we’d be mildly surprised if the NFC North-leading Ravens fail to defeat the Jags at this point in time.
The Ravens are in a fierce battle for the second No. 1 playoff seed in franchise history (2019) — that will include facing first-place teams San Francisco and Miami in the next two weeks before the regular-season finale with archrival Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia stepped off to a roaring start, but they’ve encountered significant issues maintaining the powerful momentum they established early on.
After this trip to the Great Northwest, they’ll wrap up the season home and home with the Giants and with Arizona New Year’s Eve.
Expect Eagles to seek to maintain that momentum.
Last week: 4-9-1
Season: 80-87-8