NFL Picks for 1/8/23
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #477
Patriots +8.5 over Bills (loss)
Buffalo plays with heavy hearts today for Damar Hamlin. The Bills can’t earn a first-round bye, but they can win today, and then if they face the Chiefs in the AFC Title game, the contest will be on a neutral site, which is terrible for generating revenue. The Patriots’ road to the playoffs is easy, win and advance. Buffalo didn’t practice much this week, as their minds were on Hamlin and not the Patriots. The spread is too high for a division game where both teams know each other like a book. You hear a lot of talk about how the Bills will pound New England to honor their teammate, but why get anyone else hurt? Bill Belichick is a master in these situations, so this high point spread looks valuable. Take the Patriots.
NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation #473-474
Cowboys/Commanders Over 40.5 (loss)
Dallas needs to win today to have a shot at the NFC East and possibly the number 1 seed overall. The Cowboys will need Philly to lose, or they will be the #5 seed in the NFC Playoffs. Sam Howell gets his first NFL start for the Commanders. Washington is looking for their future QB and will let Howell throw the ball today. The Commanders will give their division rival a test today. Howell is a tough QB and is a duel threat. The total is set too low in this game. Look for a lot of quick and early points. Take the Over.
NFL
8:20 PM EST
Rotation #460
Packers -4.5 over Lions (loss)
The Packers will make the playoffs if they win. The Lions need the Rams to upset the Seahawks earlier in the day. The Lions could be eliminated from the playoffs before kickoff. Detroit improved tremendously on offense this year, but their defense still is weak, and they are taking on a surging Green Bay team that is hitting on all cylinders heading into tonight’s game. Homefield advantage is crucial for Green Bay as the Lions are a dome team and would prefer to play indoors. The weather will be 20 degrees and will favor the Packers. Look for Aaron Rodgers to step up and be the superstar we know him to be and for the running game and defense to do their part. Take the Packers.