With the 2025 NFL season already flying by, we have officially entered the home stretch. Here is a game by game breakdown including odds, score predictions, and playoff implications.
Cowboys (6-5-1) at Lions (7-5)
Thursday, Dec. 4 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Lions -3
Back to back victories against last year’s Super Bowl teams have vaulted the Cowboys back into the thick of the NFC playoff race. They took care of the Chiefs 31-28 following another stellar performance from CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Dallas most likely needs to win out for a shot at the postseason, but with how they have been playing, stranger things have happened.
Following their second loss to the Packers this year, the Lions suddenly sit on the outside looking in while trying to take back the NFC North. Jameson Williams had a huge game filling in at WR1, but it was not enough. This matchup against Dallas is essentially a playoff game because Detroit’s playoff hopes are fading fast.
Prediction: Cowboys 34, Lions 31
The Cowboys passing attack will be too much to overcome.
Titans (1-11) at Browns (3-9)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 1 p.m. | Line: Browns -3.5
After scoring a field goal on the opening drive, the Titans failed to score for the rest of the game. Their offensive possessions were ruined by three and outs, turnovers, and failed fourth down conversions. A season filled with offensive woes rages on as Tennessee continues to search for a silver lining.
Cleveland collected a loss at home to the 49ers thanks to a sloppy offensive showing. What began as a competitive game slipped away because the defense could only hold on for so long. After a season of defensive dominance and offensive inefficiencies, it is clear the Browns need to bolster their skill positions in the coming offseason.
Prediction: Browns 23, Titans 6
The Browns defensive line wreaks havoc on Cam Ward and the Titans.
Seahawks (9-3) at Falcons (4-8)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 1 p.m. | Line: Seahawks -7
Once again the Seattle defense took over a game and made the opposing quarterback’s life miserable. Despite a lackluster showing on offense, the Seahawks pitched their first shutout since 2015, winning 26-0. As Seattle barrels toward the postseason, it remains to be seen whether the offense will be able to keep up.
A big day for Bijan Robinson that included 193 total yards and a touchdown was not enough as the Falcons disappointing season stretches on. This was a team with high expectations for a breakout year from many of their young players. Instead, they have been outplayed and outcoached all season long.
Prediction: Seahawks 27, Falcons 16
The Seahawks keep rolling and find a way to win on the road.
Colts (8-4) at Jaguars (8-4)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 1 p.m. | Line: Colts -1.5
The Colts fall from grace has been rough, and it has allowed the rest of the AFC South to tighten the race. Indianapolis has lost three of its last four games, most recently to the Texans. Jonathan Taylor averaged just 62.7 yards per game during those losses, but averaged 91.2 the rest of the season. Getting Taylor back to early season form is crucial for their playoff push.
With their 25-3 win over the Titans, the Jaguars have surged back and now lead the AFC South. This has felt like a “prove it” season for Trevor Lawrence, who is on a massive contract but has yet to win anything meaningful. An opportunistic defense that boasts the league’s best run defense can take this team far in January.
Prediction: Jaguars 27, Colts 24
The Jaguars passing attack finds rhythm as the Colts continue to slide.
Commanders (3-9) at Vikings (4-8)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 1 p.m. | Line: Commanders -1.5
The Commanders suffered a heartbreaking 27-26 overtime loss after a failed two point conversion against the Broncos. It has been that kind of season for Washington, whose seven game losing streak is tied with Tennessee for the longest in the league. The offense put together a solid effort, especially against one of the NFL’s best defenses.
The Vikings quarterback issues grew worse against the Seahawks as rookie Max Brosmer made his first career start. Four sacks and four interceptions led to a disastrous offensive showing. Minnesota’s season is winding down, and it has left them with more questions than answers at quarterback.
Prediction: Commanders 23, Vikings 17
Washington’s defense stands tall and ends the long losing streak.
Bengals (4-8) at Bills (8-4)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 1 p.m. | Line: Bills -5.5
For maybe the first time all year, the Bengals looked like a complete team. They crushed Baltimore on Thanksgiving behind a smothering defensive effort that forced five turnovers. Joe Burrow’s return means Cincinnati will be a tough out the rest of the way even if their postseason hopes are slim.
James Cook and the Bills rushing attack have been the heartbeat of the offense this season. It was no different in their 26-7 rout of the Steelers. Cook rushed 32 times for 144 yards and also led the team in receiving. The defense suffocated Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers from start to finish. It was a huge win for Buffalo, who now holds the last AFC wild card spot.
Prediction: Bills 33, Bengals 28
The Bengals put up a valiant fight to extend their season but fall short.
Saints (2-9) at Buccaneers (7-5)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 1 p.m. | Line: Buccaneers -8.5
A slow start doomed the Saints against the Dolphins. On their first six drives, they totaled four three and outs, a fumble, and an interception. They trailed 16-0 before they could settle in. Coaching seems to be an issue, as Kellen Moore has struggled in his first season as head coach. The Saints numerous offensive questions will lead to an important offseason.
Despite being outgained on offense, the Buccaneers found a way to win 20-17. It was not a promising performance, but Tampa Bay maintains its half game lead over the Panthers. The final five weeks will decide everything, including two upcoming matchups with Carolina.
Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Saints 20
The Buccaneers earn a win at home and extend the division lead to a full game.
Steelers (6-6) at Ravens (6-6)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 1 p.m. | Line: Ravens -5.5
A classic rivalry renews as the AFC North heavyweights play the first of two games that will likely decide the division. The Steelers are coming off a rough loss to Buffalo that featured very little offense. They face another tough defense this week and need a much better showing to steal a win on the road.
The Ravens were embarrassed on Thanksgiving. Ball security was a glaring issue as they fumbled four times. Something feels off with the Baltimore offense, and for several weeks they have allowed below average defenses to look dominant. With the defense suddenly carrying the load, Baltimore needs both sides of the ball to elevate during this playoff push.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Ravens 22
The Steelers defensive line is the X factor and should take advantage of a struggling Ravens offensive line.
Dolphins (5-7) at Jets (3-9)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 1 p.m. | Line: Dolphins -3
The late season surge for Miami continued with their third straight win. They took down the Saints despite a second half offensive collapse. Tua did not look great, and we may be nearing the end of his career in a Dolphins uniform. Meanwhile, De’Von Achane had another excellent performance and remains one of the best running backs in the league.
A back and forth game ended with a Nick Folk 56 yard game winning field goal, lifting the Jets to their third win. Adonai Mitchell played a major role with eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. Although the win hurts their draft position, it gives New York something to build on heading into next season.
Prediction: Dolphins 23, Jets 17
Miami keeps riding its winning streak and moves past the Jets.
Broncos (10-2) at Raiders (2-10)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Broncos -7.5
The Broncos escaped Landover by a fingertip after Defensive Player of the Year candidate Nik Bonitto swatted away the game winning two point conversion. In recent weeks, Denver has needed its defense to carry the load. When the defense faltered this week, the offense stepped up and got the job done. This is a sign of good coaching and a solid team, but both sides will need to be in sync come January.
After heading into halftime tied 7-7, the Raiders were outscored 24-7 in the second half in a blowout loss. Pairing Pete Carroll with Ashton Jeanty looked like the perfect match early in the season, but Jeanty has averaged just 3.5 yards per carry during a disappointing rookie year. Building around him will be a priority because he was the No. 6 overall pick.
Prediction: Broncos 34, Raiders 17
A decisive win keeps the Broncos in line for a shot at the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Rams (9-3) at Cardinals (3-9)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Rams -8.5
Turnovers doomed the Rams in their 31-28 loss to the Panthers. Matthew Stafford had his first bad game in weeks with two interceptions and a fumble on the potential game winning drive. The loss bumps the Rams out of sole possession of the NFC’s No. 1 seed, and now they need a Chicago loss to reclaim it.
The Cardinals dropped another close one, meaning seven of their nine losses have come by four points or fewer. Jacoby Brissett has boosted the Arizona passing attack, but it has not been enough to translate into wins. A bad offensive line and poor run game only add to their mounting offseason issues.
Prediction: Rams 38, Cardinals 23
The Rams bounce back with a scoring frenzy against their NFC West foes.
Bears (9-3) at Packers (8-3-1)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Packers -6.5
The Ben Johnson effect is in full swing as the Bears have won five straight and now sit atop the NFC. They beat the defending Super Bowl champions behind a dominant rushing effort. Kyle Monongai and D’Andre Swift combined for 40 carries, 255 yards, and two touchdowns. Chicago controlled the ball for nearly twice as long as Philadelphia, which proved decisive.
The Packers are riding high after a massive divisional win over the Lions that kept their NFC North hopes alive. Jordan Love threw four touchdowns and Green Bay continues to find ways to finish tight games. With two games against Chicago remaining, the battle for the division and the No. 1 seed is about to intensify.
Prediction: Packers 28, Bears 27
Green Bay reclaims the division with a win at home.
Texans (7-5) at Chiefs (6-6)
Sunday, Dec. 7 – 8:20 p.m. | Line: Chiefs -3.5
After starting 3-5, the Texans have stormed back with four straight wins and are now only one game out of both the division and the wild card. They have beaten quality opponents, and three of the four recent wins came against current playoff teams. The defense is dominant, but Houston will need more from C. J. Stroud and the offense in January.
This is it for the Chiefs. They have five games left and probably need to win all five to reach the postseason. Nothing has been disastrously wrong, but the spark from previous seasons has been missing. Their defense could not keep up with the Dallas passing attack on Thanksgiving, and now they need a miracle.
Prediction: Texans 24, Chiefs 20
The Chiefs struggle against strong defenses, and Houston’s may be the best in the league.
Eagles (8-4) at Chargers (8-4)
Monday, Dec. 8 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Eagles -2.5
Another week of uninspiring offensive football leaves the Eagles in a strange spot. The loss drops them further from the No. 1 seed, and a division race that once seemed secure is suddenly tight again. This is a huge chance for Philadelphia to prove it remains a contender.
The Chargers moved closer to the postseason with a 31-14 win over the Raiders. Their defense has been the driving force behind their success, highlighted by a strong pass rush and one of the league’s best pass defense units. The offense, however, has been inconsistent all season.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Chargers 23
The Eagles notch an important victory and find their form again.
On Bye: Panthers, 49ers, Patriots, Giants
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