Picks for 12/28/25
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 407-408
Cardinals/Bengals Over 53.5 (loss)
The Bengals are looking to pick on a Cardinals team that has just about every player in the secondary on the injury list. When Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are on the field together, the Bengals are one of the better teams in the NFL. Sadly for them, that has not been the case as much as they hoped the last few seasons, but both players are healthy and looking to end the year on a strong note. It will be a bit windy today, so it’s always concerning when you are banking on points being put up on the board, but I don’t think the Cardinals are going to go down without a fight, especially with Trey Hendrickson on IR for the Bengals and Joseph Ossai out and BJ Hill nursing an ankle injury. Who is going to get to the quarterback? Jacoby Brissett is a good backup quarterback, and if given time, can look like a starter. Arizona should be able to do enough to help turn this into a high-scoring game. The Bengals have a big offensive line that should keep Burrow upright for him to find his targets and for Chase Brown and Samaje Perine to find running lanes. Look for a lot of points. Take the Over.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 424
Colts +5.5 over Jaguars (loss)
The Colts’ playoff hopes were hanging by a thread, but with a Texans win, they were officially eliminated last night. Interestingly, the betting line has not moved, even with the public wagering heavily on Jacksonville. The Jaguars are playing outstanding football, with their eyes still set on improving their playoff seeding. The Colts, behind 44-year-old Philip Rivers, are looking to play spoilers. Rivers has shown he can keep his team competitive, and if we can get any improvement from a defense that looked lost last week, we could see a competitive game that comes down to the wire. Indianapolis couldn’t have envisioned its season going the way it did, but injuries are a part of the game. The Colts roster has a lot of talent on both sides of the football and should play well enough to stay inside the generous number. Look for the legs of Jonathan Taylor to help keep Indianapolis well-balanced on offense. Take the Colts.
4:25 PM EST
Rotation # 427-428
Eagles/Bills Over 44.5
Both teams are trying to improve their playoff seeding. Philadelphia is likely to be a three seed. The Eagles need just one more win or a Panthers loss. Carolina plays earlier in the day, so it’s wise not to play a lot of games in these later weeks, because sometimes the team you wanted to bet on has their fate decided before kickoff. The Eagles’ offense has struggled this year, but it has looked decent over the last few weeks and will want to keep that up heading into the playoffs. The Bills’ run defense has struggled this season, which will give Saquon Barkley a shot at a productive afternoon. The Eagles themselves sport the league’s youngest defense and are weak against the run. James Cook looks like the Barkley of last year. Both starting quarterbacks are mobile and have big offensive lines that give them time to throw and, more importantly, set up the running game. There will be a bit of rain, but the temperatures will be mild for this time of year, and the wind won’t be a major factor. Look for both running games with the ability of Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts to move the chains with their legs to set them up on key 3rd downs. Look for a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
8:20 PM EST
Rotation # 429
Bears +3.5 over 49ers
The Bears won the NFC North and will be no lower than a three seed. The 49ers are still looking to move up with their seeding. If the Seahawks somehow slip, both teams are still in the hunt for a #1 seed. Every team is hurting at this point of the season, but the 49ers have been hit hard by the injury bug on both sides of the ball. Tight end George Kittle probably won’t suit up tonight, but it’s been the loss of Fred Warner and Nick Bosa that has the defense in a vulnerable spot. The 49ers will be without starting cornerback Renardo Green. The Bears will look to win in the trenches and pound the rock with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, which can then allow QB Caleb Williams to connect with his targets. Chicago is coming off an emotional win against their Green Bay rivals, and the 49ers are coming off a win against the Colts, but their defense was embarrassed for most of the night against a quarterback who hasn’t played in 5 years. Chicago getting a few points has value, as I believe they should be the favorites. Take the Bears.