We’re finally here, the last week of what has been one of the craziest regular seasons in NFL history. Controversy and injuries marred the league while never before seen parity left no team without its flaws. We have to be careful when making our picks this week because starters are being rested and some coaches (like Jim Caldwell and John Fox) already know they’re on their way out. We’ve got three picks with all that in mind that you can take to the bank to finish out the season. All lines from Bovada.
Detroit Lions (-7) vs Green Bay Packers
54 percent of the Packer’ TDs are going to be out against the lions, in fact about 7 members of the offense will be out. Not to mention a guy called Aaron Rodgers. On the other side of things word is out that Lions HC Jim Caldwell will be coaching his last game for Detroit and I believe they will play hard for him and pull out the win.
Washington Redskins (-3) at New York Giants
The Giants couldn’t wait till the end of the season to clear house and with it came the return of franchise QB Eli Manning as starter. This didn’t fix the anemic offense however as they’ve continued to struggle and were shut out in their last game against the Cardinals. The Redskins have disappointed as well and dealt with a slew of injuries but they haven’t really been GIANTS level bad, HC Gruden is at least closing out the season. Also they still have Kirk Cousins who creates plays when his offensive line fails him (they usually fail him.) He will create on offense and Eli will not and that will be enough to cover the 3 point spread. Now Jets fans let’s hope we jinxed it and Eli throws 500 yds with 6 TDs so the Giants keep him and let Rosen fall to us.
Minnesota Vikings (- 12 ½) vs Chicago Bears
Another team with a head coach about to be fired, Chicago goes up against one of the strongest teams in the NFC. Picking on Brett Hundley for your coach is one thing, going up against a Vikings juggernaut, that is playing for a first round bye, is an entirely different matter. The Vikings have endured more than any other team this season and overall it has been a rough few years (decades?) where a team loaded with talent always seems snake bitten. This game in front of the home crowd will be a cathartic release of emotions at the expense of the Bears I expect an absolute massacre that Vikings fans will remember for years to come. Also can we think of a better sign that 2018 will be a better year than 17 than Case Keenum beating Tom Brady in a Super Bowl?