The NFL will have an interesting week ahead. Most teams are playing on less rest because a majority of the games will be played on Christmas Eve. There will be added tension from teams desperately trying to stay in the playoff picture. How teams respond to that will set the last few weeks of the season in motion.
Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears
Bills vs. Bears Predictions
Best Bet: Over 40.5 Points
The Bills and Bears may be stuck in nasty weather this weekend. However, both offenses are equipped to move the ball through many conditions. Buffalo has an effective passing offense and a quarterback Josh Allen, who is equally capable as a passer and runner. The Bills put up 27.5 points per game and will go against a sketchy Chicago defense.
The Bears defense has been terrible so far this season, giving up 25.6 points per game. Chicago’s offense can also score, but will face a stiff test from the Buffalo defense.
Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers
Lions vs. Panthers Predictions
Best Bet: Over 44 Points
The Lions are heating up. Detroit has a balanced offense that is capable of pushing the pace against every team. Both Detroit and Carolina are on the fringes of the playoff race. The Panthers are in the race for the NFC South and the Lions are hoping to chase down a wild card spot.
Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots
Bengals vs. Patriots Predictions
Best Bet: Under 39.5 Points
The Bengals showed that they could score quickly and in a hurry last week. After Cincinnati fell behind by double-digits to Tampa Bay last week, the Bengals roared back to grab a big win. The Bengals will be looking to make a serious push to grab the AFC North crown by beating the offensively challenged Patriots.
New England will struggle to score against a solid Cincinnati defense.
New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings
Giants vs. Vikings Predictions
Best Bet: Under 47.5 Points
The Vikings defense hasn’t been good, but New York’s offense isn’t necessarily a quick-strike unit. The Giants lean on their running game to move the ball. Minnesota will hope to have things more under control after surviving a wild affair with Indianapolis last week.
While this game will be indoors and won’t be impacted by weather, the Giants will try to control the clock and keep the score low.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Texans vs. Titans Predictions
Best Bet: Under 38 Points
The Titans offense only averages 18.2 points per game and has been limited to 20 points in three of the past four games. Tennessee will be matched up with Houston, which has similarly had struggles with scoring points. The Texans have only scored 16.8 points per game, which ranks 30th in the league.
Houston and Tennessee will play a slow-paced game and stay under the total.