The Publish’s Dave Blezow provides his predictions for Texans-Chiefs, Commanders-Lions.
Welcome to the most effective weekend of soccer the NFL has to supply every year, for my cash.
4 video games over two days. All the powerhouses are right here — the Chiefs and Lions and Eagles and Ravens and Payments. They’re joined by the upstart Commanders and rookie QB Jayden Daniels, and the still-rising Texans and second-year QB C.J. Stroud.
Then there are the Rams, led by the Tremendous Bowl-winning coach-quarterback combo of Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford, recent off their rout of the Vikings in a recreation relocated to Arizona as a result of Los Angeles wildfires.
Let’s take it from the highest:
SATURDAY
Houston Texans (+8.5) over KANSAS CITY CHIEFS; Over 41.5: Fascinating matchup each on the sphere and the betting display.
When the groups met at Arrowhead 4 days earlier than Christmas, the 14-1 Chiefs have been favored by simply 3.5 factors at residence over the 9-5 Texans. The rationale for the small line was that Patrick Mahomes had suffered what a severe ankle harm the earlier week vs. Cleveland.
After being questionable all week, Mahomes got here on after a Stroud interception and led an 11-play, 66-yard, six-minute-plus drive that culminated in his 15-yard landing run. The Chiefs went on to win, 27-19, and canopy the unfold, however that margin wouldn’t be sufficient right here.
For Chiefs backers, it’s simple to make the case that they’ll beat the Texans by extra this time with Mahomes wholesome, and Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo having simply seen what Houston has to supply.
Texans bettors can level to WR Tank Dell struggling a severe harm within the third quarter at 17-16 and the workforce nonetheless hanging robust all through. The latter is the place I’m touchdown, with the thought that the Texans will profit from their latest go to to Arrowhead.
Although Unders have been 5-1 within the wild-card weekend, this quantity appears low. The groups mixed for 46 factors on Dec. 21, and that was with Mahomes ailing and 6 drives of not less than 10 performs sapping the clock.
Chiefs, 27-20.
DETROIT LIONS (-9.5) over Washington Commanders; Beneath 55.5: Probably the most spectacular teaching feat I’ve seen this season was carried out by Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
In Week 18, with first place within the NFC North and a first-round bye on the road, Glenn’s protection turned Sam Darnold right into a pumpkin and left the Vikings flying machine in items on the bottom. Not solely that, Glenn confirmed the Rams the way to do the identical factor, as they KO’d the Vikings from the playoffs.
It’s superb we’re speaking in regards to the Lions protection in any respect contemplating the juggernaut the workforce possesses on the opposite facet of the ball. Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs and Co. ought to do large harm in the event that they get the ball again rapidly and in good subject place.
Each the road and whole are in such precarious spots, which makes it robust to be a handicapper and bettor. Can the Lions draw back sufficient to inoculate their backers from a Jayden Daniels backdoor cowl? Will the Commanders offense contribute sufficient to push it over an enormous quantity? However for this reason it’s so enjoyable.
Lions, 38-17.
Betting on the NFL?
LOCK OF THE WEEK: Lions (Locks 8-9 in 2024-25).
LAST WEEK: 5-7 (2-4 sides, 3-4 Over/Unders).
Why Belief New York Publish Betting
Dave Blezow’s one of many longest tenured NFL handicappers on the Publish with picks relationship again 31 years. He gained the Publish’s NFL betting standings in 2021 and the Playoffs most not too long ago in 2023.
