by Nick Stasiak – Wannamakeabet Staff Writer
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions (-5.5)
Every year towards the end of the season the NFL starts putting a few games on Saturday. This is the first one this year, kicking off at 4:30 on Saturday. This game doesn’t have many playoff implications on the line. The Lions are alive, but they need to win out and get a lot of help. But it is a division rivalry game. The Bears are coming off a dominating win over the Bengals. People could think they are about to go on a roll towards the end of the season. But don’t get fooled by that one game. The Bears have a rookie QB under center and they rank 30th in total offense. The Lions rank in the top half of the league in offense, averaging nine more points per game than the Bears. The Bears come into the game riding some momentum, but with the Lions fighting for their playoff lives and at home, don’t expect it to continue.
The Pick: Lions -5.5
Baltimore Ravens (-7) @ Cleveland Browns
Last week the Ravens looked like they were going to go into Pittsburgh and pick up a big win over the Steelers. But then the Steelers charged back late and won it. Even with losing, the Ravens are starting to play really good football. Two weeks ago they scored 44 points and this past week they scored 38. They’re starting to look like a team that you don’t want to see in the playoffs. They now travel to Cleveland to take on the 0-13 Browns. It should be an easy win for the Ravens, right? Wrong. The Browns have actually been playing better football recently but then don’t make the plays needed to win games in typical Browns fashion. Believe it or not, the Browns are the sixth best run defense in football. Alex Collins has been hot recently for the Ravens and the Browns could be able to stop him. The Browns also got Josh Gordon back and he definitely helps their offense and DeShone Kizer. Call it a hunch, but the Browns could be able to keep this one close, and maybe even pull out a win.
The Pick: Browns +7
New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers (O/U 53.5)
This is one of the most anticipated regular season games of the season. It more than likely will decide who will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs and that could go a long way in deciding who goes to the Super Bowl from the AFC. The last time these two met was last seasons AFC Championship Game in New England and the Patriots won 36-17. So far this season, the Patriots are averaging 28.3 points per game and the Steelers are averaging 24.6, both of which rank in the top 10 in the league. On Monday night the Patriots defense struggled with Kenyan Drake and Jarvis Landry and now they have to go up against Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. After a terrible start, the Patriots defense started to play better but had a step back last week. Now they are in for a big test this week. The same could be said for the Steelers defense. They struggled big time with Ravens on Sunday night, giving up 38 points. And now Tom Brady and company come to town. No matter who wins this game, expect a high scoring game.
The Pick: Over 53.5