NFL Dec. 1st Picks
Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots - 1:00 PM
The Colts' offense has struggled to find consistency this season, especially with their passing game. Their run game, led by Jonathan Taylor, remains a strength, but the Patriots' defense has shown the ability to contain the ground game effectively. On the other side, New England's offense has been inconsistent, but playing at home and with a slight edge in coaching, they should be able to keep this one close or even secure the win outright.
Pick: Patriots +2.5
Final Score: Colts 25 - Patriots 24
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals - 1:00 PM
The Bengals are coming off an impressive stretch where their offense has started clicking, led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Meanwhile, the Steelers' defense is formidable but not infallible, especially if they can't generate turnovers. Offensively, Pittsburgh struggles to sustain drives, and Cincinnati's defense is good enough to make things difficult for Kenny Pickett and company.
Pick: Bengals -3
Final Score: Steelers 44 - Bengals 38
Los Angeles Chargers @ Atlanta Falcons - 1:00 PM
The Chargers, despite their inconsistency, are a better team on paper and have Justin Herbert leading the charge. The Falcons' defense is vulnerable, especially through the air, which plays into the Chargers' strengths. Atlanta may find success running the ball, but they lack the offensive firepower to keep up with the Chargers if Herbert finds his rhythm.
Pick: Chargers -1
Final Score: Chargers 17 - Falcons 13
Seattle Seahawks @ New York Jets - 1:00 PM
The Seahawks have been overachieving this season, with their offense performing well under Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker anchoring the run game. The Jets' defense is solid, but their offense is unreliable, especially if they fall behind early. Seattle's ability to exploit mismatches makes them a strong underdog play.
Pick: Seahawks +1
Final Score: Seahawks 26 - Jets 21
Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars - 1:00 PM
The Texans have been surprisingly competitive in recent weeks, and their defense has stepped up in key moments. The Jaguars, while improving, still struggle with turnovers and consistency. Houston's ability to control the clock and take advantage of Jacksonville's mistakes makes them the better choice to cover this spread.
Pick: Texans -3.5
Final Score: Texans 23 - Jaguars 20
Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings - 1:00 PM
The Cardinals have a knack for keeping games close with their explosive offense. Kyler Murray's dual-threat ability should give the Vikings' defense trouble, especially with Minnesota's secondary showing weaknesses in coverage. While the Vikings have been solid at home, Arizona’s ability to score quickly makes them appealing as an underdog.
Pick: Cardinals +3
Final Score: Cardinals 22 - Vikings 23
Tennessee Titans @ Washington Commanders - 1:00 PM
The Titans have shifted to a more balanced offensive approach since moving on from Derrick Henry. While their running game is no longer a focal point, their passing game has seen improvements, and their defense remains a key strength. The Commanders’ offense has been inconsistent, often struggling to sustain drives against well-coached defenses like Tennessee's. Expect the Titans' defense to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers, keeping them within the spread or even securing a road win.
Pick: Titans +6
Final Score: Titans 19 - Commanders 42
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers - 4:05 PM
Baker Mayfield has been steady under center for the Buccaneers this season, and they’ve shown flashes of being a complete team. The Panthers, on the other hand, are still struggling to find an offensive identity, and their defense hasn’t been strong enough to compensate. With Tampa’s defense likely to dominate and Mayfield capable of making plays against a weak secondary, the Bucs should control this game and cover the spread.
Pick: Buccaneers -6.5
Final Score: Buccaneers 26 - Panthers 23
Los Angeles Rams @ New Orleans Saints - 4:05 PM
This game features two struggling teams trying to salvage their seasons. The Rams have been inconsistent, but they still have enough talent to stay competitive, even with their offensive line issues. The Saints, on the other hand, have shown little on either side of the ball to inspire confidence. Their offense has been sluggish, and their defense hasn’t been the dominant unit it was expected to be. While it may not be pretty, the Saints should be able to keep this one close and potentially pull off the upset.
Pick: Saints +3
Final Score: Rams 21 - Saints 14
Philadelphia Eagles @ Baltimore Ravens - 4:25 PM
This game features an intriguing battle of two elite running backs: Saquon Barkley for the Eagles and Derrick Henry for the Ravens. Barkley has been a key piece for the Eagles, giving their offense balance and making them a threat both on the ground and through the air. On the other hand, Henry remains the centerpiece of Baltimore's attack, wearing down defenses with his power running. While both teams boast dynamic offenses, the Eagles’ ability to stay efficient and capitalize on the Ravens' late-game struggles gives them the edge in what should be a close matchup.
Pick: Eagles +3
Final Score: Eagles 24 - Ravens 19
San Francisco 49ers @ Buffalo Bills - 8:20 PM
Buffalo in December means one thing: cold weather and the potential for snow, and this game won’t disappoint. The frigid conditions are likely to favor the Bills, who are built to thrive in tough weather. Josh Allen’s arm strength and mobility are huge assets in these elements, and the Bills’ defense has been excellent at forcing turnovers and shutting down opposing offenses. The 49ers, while talented, might struggle to adapt to the conditions, particularly with their California roots. Expect Buffalo to control the pace and pull away late.
Pick: Bills -6.5
Final Score: 49ers 10 - Bills 35
Good luck, whether tailing or fading!
Yesterday's Record: 9-3
Overall Record: 14-5
