Playoff races are heating up around the NFL, and this weeks games will have a big impact on them. Here are previews and predictions for every NFC team this week!
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
The 7-5 Seahawks have won three straight and lead the NFC West. The offense is well-balanced and led by QB Geno Smith. The defense has also been playing well and has only given up over 285 total yards during their winning streak. The 6-6 Cardinals dropped a heartbreaker to the Minnesota Vikings. A game they led by two scores in the second half but just couldn’t put the game away. They will need QB Kyler Murray, who threw two 4th quarter interceptions, to have better ball control to win this one. I think the Seattle defense has been too consistent and I think they will take this rematch.
Score Prediction: Seahawks 24 – Cardinals 17
Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles
The 3-9 Panthers are coming off back-to-back heartbreaking losses, losing by a FG in each. The losses really don’t matter but what matters is the offense is showing improvement. QB Bryce Young has been effective, and the offense has received a boost with the return of WR Adam Thielen. The 10-2 Eagles have won eight straight games. They battled with the Ravens last week and were able to take over in the second half. They look like the best team in the NFC. Even though the Panthers have improved their poor run defense is no match for RB Saquon Barkley.
Score Prediction: Eagles 38 – Panthers 17
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings
The 6-6 Falcons are coming off their third straight loss and will need to get back on track if they want to stay atop of the NFC North. QB Kirk Cousins is making his return to Minnesota after coming off a 4-interception game. The 10-2 Vikings have won five straight after coming back to wipe a two-score deficit vs. the Arizona Cardinals. QB Sam Darnold has thrown for two touchdowns in each of his last three games. He will need to continue that streak in what could be a high-scoring game. I think the Vikings can force Cousins into more mistakes as their blitzing pass rush should put pressure on the immobile QB.
Score Prediction: Vikings 31 – Falcons 23
Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys
The 4-8 Bengals lost in another high-scoring game. They have four losses in which they have scored at least 33 points. There isn’t much more that QB Joe Burrow can do, as he has been lighting up the scoreboard. A solid defensive effort would go a long way to the team’s success. The 5-7 Cowboys have a two-game winning streak after beating the Giants on Thanksgiving. They will need to win out to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive. They will need QB Cooper Rush to exploit a very bad Bengals pass defense but may have to do so without WR CeeDee Lamb, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. I don’t think the Cowboys have the firepower to stay in this one.
Score Prediction: Bengals 34 – Cowboys 24
Las Vegas Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 2-10 Raiders have dropped eight straight, but their offense has shown significant improvement in the passing game. TE Brock Bowers has been dominant, and QB Aiden O’Connell has made some great throws, but the team has just come up short. The 6-6 Buccaneers are coming off an improbably overtime win in Carolina. They tied the game late and forced a fumble in overtime to seal it. The offense has relied on the running back Bucky Irving but will need a better, more consistent passing game out of QB Baker Mayfield to beat a pesky Raider team. I think this is going to be a close game, but I think the Buccaneers should prevail at home.
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 26 – Raiders 23
Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers
The 4-8 Bears have found the wackiest ways to lose late. They have lost on a Hail Marry, a blocked FG, in overtime and last week by letting the clock tick down on the games final play. QB Caleb Williams is improving, and they figure to win one of these close games sooner or later. The 5-7 49ers have lost three straight and have probably lost their hope to make the playoffs. Both running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason have been placed on injured reserve. Plus, the passing game has suffered without WR Brandon Aiyuk. I think the Bears will find a way to win now that head coach Matt Eberflus has been fired.
Score Prediction: Bears 26 – 49ers 17
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
The 10-2 Bills have won seven straight and appear to be the best team in the AFC. Led by superstar QB Josh Allen and a formidable defense, they have very few weaknesses. The 6-6 Rams kept themselves in playoff contention with a 21-14 win vs. the New Orleans Saints. Most focus on the passing game led by QB Matt Stafford and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp but they will need a big game from RB Kyren Williams. If there is any weakness for Buffalo, it is their run defense. Williams will need at least 100 yards on the ground. I think this game will be close, but I have to back the surging Bills.
Score Prediction: Bills 31 – Rams 27
New Orleans Saints at New York Giants
The 4-8 Saints dropped a close one at home to the Los Angeles Rams and lost TE Taysom Hill for the season with a torn ACL. Expect a heavy dose of RB Alvin Kamara, as he could have a huge game against the Giants. The 2-10 Giants are looking to break a seven-game slide. They will need a solid running game from both Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy, along with some solid third-down throws from QB Drew Lock to get back on track. I think WR Malik Nabers makes a few big plays for a Giants upset.
Score Prediction: Giants 20 – Saints 17