Last week’s record: 12-4
Overall record: 133-91
An abbreviated picks article this week as we all prepare for the Christmas holiday. We here at TheAOSN would like to wish all our readers and followers a very merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a happy 2016!
What does the NFL hold in store for us this week? Already, 2 playoff spots have been clinched in the AFC, as the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals have wrapped up their division titles, with the Patriots also sealing a playoff bye. The race is tight in the AFC South and AFC North, where the leaders cling to a one-game lead heading into these final two weeks of the regular season.
As for the NFC, the undefeated Carolina Panthers continue their roll, and have also clinched a first-round bye along with the Arizona Cardinals. The Seattle Seahawks have claimed one of the Wild Card spots while the Green Bay Packers have won the NFC North, which leaves the NFC East and one more Wild Card to be determined.
Plenty of scenarios remain in play, and while the playoff picture in both conferences should be clearer by the end of this week’s play, there will still be much to play for in the final week of the regular season next week, especially since the entire schedule in Week 17 is comprised of division matchups.
First things first: Who will take care of business this week?
No real upset picks this week. The Philadelphia Eagles will tighten things up even more in the NFC East with a home win over the Washington Redskins that will leave things up in the air until the conclusion of Week 17.
Elsewhere, a New York Jets loss should ensure that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs wrap up the AFC Wild Cards, since they both have favorable matchups this week. On top of that, both the Steelers and Chiefs hold the tiebreaker over the Jets.
A Houston Texans win eliminates the Jacksonville Jaguars, but all credit goes to Gus Bradley and the Jaguars for playing themselves into contention this deep into the season, an unfamiliar position for the much-maligned franchise. As for the Texans, this win will leave them needing just one slip-up by the Indianapolis Colts in the remaining two games to ensure their playoff berth.
The Monday night matchup comes with huge playoff implications, as a Cincinnati Bengals win will wrap up the AFC’s #2 seed and a first-round bye, while the Denver Broncos, who were in pole position just a couple of weeks ago, vie to stay alive for the precious bye. The matchup will also be pleasant viewing for those who took a flyer in betting on an A.J. McCarron vs. Brock Osweiler matchup.
Once again, have a merry Christmas and happy holidays from us here at TheAOSN!