Picks for 12/16/24
NFL
8:00 PM EST
Rotation # 482
Vikings -7 over Bears (win)
The Bears took the Vikings to the wire in their week 12 matchup, but that was at Soldier Field before the firing of Matt Eberflus. Last week was the first game for interim head coach Thomas Brown, and it couldn’t have gone worse. Chicago is gearing up for vacation plans while the Vikings are trying to leapfrog the Lions, who lost yesterday. The Vikings coaching staff has been together for a few years, while the Bears staff is new and dealing with multiple in-season switches. Chicago is dealing with a hobbled running back room, and I don’t trust Caleb Williams to beat the Vikings’ defense. Caleb Williams gets sacked more than any quarterback in the league, and things won’t get better tonight with left tackle Braxton Jones out. Nothing kills a drive like getting behind the chains. Minnesota played around too much in the fourth quarter of the prior meeting. I don’t expect Chicago to make a late push on the road tonight. Jordan Addison had a career day in the week 12 matchup. Look for Justin Jefferson to play much better and for the running game to break the Bear’s spirits. Take the Vikings.
NFL
8:30 PM EST
Rotation # 483-484
Falcons/Raiders Over 44.5 (loss)
The Raiders might start the ex-Falcons Desmond Ridder tonight as Aidan O’Connell is dealing with a knee injury. Sincere McCormick’s play in the Raiders’ running game was a huge surprise as he came out of nowhere to top the depth chart. The Falcons are trying to stay in the playoff race and can’t afford another loss, but I wonder if a Falcons team that hasn’t won in over a month and is below .500 is worthy of being such big favorites. The Raiders will be without Maxx Crosby for the rest of the year, so Sam Darnold could have a productive night if the Falcon’s offensive line can keep him upright. Bijan Robinson can move the chains with his running ability, which helps the Falcons’ offense be unpredictable. One thing I like about both teams is that they have not been wasting time snapping the ball lately. Nothing hurts a total like teams wasting time at the line of scrimmage as the play clock ticks away. Atlanta’s passing defense has struggled this season, so there is no reason to think the Raiders can’t keep it close. Look for a higher-scoring game. Take the Over.