We are down to the final three weeks of the season, with several games having huge playoff implications. Here are my previews and score predictions for the week for every NFC team.
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers
The 7-7 Cardinals ended a three-game losing streak by beating the Patriots 30-17. They were led by RB James Conner who rushed for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns. He should lead them again this week vs. a very bad Carolina run defense. The 3-11 Panthers couldn’t stop Dallas RB Rico Dowdle or WR CeeDee Lamb as they lost 30-14 to the Cowboys. It didn’t help that the offense committed 4 turnovers as QB Bryce Young was under pressure all game. The Panthers will need to get RB Chuba Hubbard more running lanes because the offense goes, and he goes. In the end, I think the Cardinals will find a way to get it done in a close one.
Score Prediction: Cardinals 23 – Panthers 20
San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins
The 6-8 49ers have been all but eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Los Angeles Rams. They will try to get their offense back on track after only scoring 6 points. The 6-8 Dolphins also have been all but eliminated as they lost to the Houston Texans. They will need a much better performance from QB Tua Tagovailoa, who is coming off throwing 3 interceptions. I think we can flip a coin in this one, but I think the 49ers are a better all-around team.
Score Prediction: 49eers 24 – Dolphins 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
The 8-6 Buccaneers are gelling as they rolled past the Chargers 40-17. Their offense is well-balanced, as QB Baker Mayfield has been extremely accurate, and the running game is solid with backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. The 6-8 Cowboys had their way with the Carolina Panthers as RB Rico Dowdle and WR CeeDee Lamb had big games. The defense also was dominant, as they created 4 turnovers. They will need QB Cooper Rush to be sharp, as the Cowboys will need to throw to win against a bad Tampa secondary. This game should go down to the wire, but I think the Buccaneers should squeak it out.
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 30 – Cowboys 27
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
The 5-9 Saints almost came back to beat the Commanders late. They scored on the game’s final play but missed on what would have been the game-winning 2-point conversion. The 10-4 Packers got back in the win column, led by RB Josh Jacobs, who set the tone early. He had over 130 combined yards and a touchdown. The defense also did their part, as they had 7 sacks and 2 interceptions. I think the Packers can name the score in this one, as I predict a dominating blowout.
Score Prediction: Packers 38 – Saints 10
Los Angeles Rams at New York Jets
The 8-6 Rams are now tied at the top of the AFC West after beating the 49ers last week. They were led by their defense that only allowed 6 points after giving up 42 to Buffalo the week before. This week, they will need QB Matt Stafford to lead a much better offensive output to beat the Jets. The 4-10 Jets scored 15 fourth-quarter points to come back and beat the Jacksonville Jaguars. They were led by WR Davante Adams, who had a monster game with 198 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. They will need QB Aaron Rodgers to continue to be sharp if they want to keep up with the high-flying Rams. I like how the Rams are playing, and I expect WR Puka Nacua to make the plays that make the difference.
Score Prediction: Rams 31 – Jets 2
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
The 12-2 Lions lost in a shootout to the Buffalo Bills and are now tied with the Minnesota Vikings at the top of the NFC North. They will be without RB David Montgomery which means the running game will lie mostly on RB Jahmyr Gibb’s shoulders. The 4-10 Bears dropped their eighth straight with a loss in Minnesota on Monday Night. They will need better offensive line play, and QB play from Caleb Williams, as he wasn’t able to find the open man downfield. These two teams met on Thanksgiving with the Lions winning as the Bears let time expire on the final pass play. I think the Lions will find a way again.
Score Prediction: Lions 27 – Bears 19
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
The 12-2 Eagles just keep rolling as they have won their tenth straight game by dominating the Pittsburgh Steelers. QB Jalen Hurts had no problem getting his top receivers involved as A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for 19 catches, 219 yards, and 2 scores. The 9-5 Commanders jumped out to a 17-point third-quarter lead and held on by stopping a New Orleans Saints 2-point conversion on the game’s final play. WR Terry McLaurin had two touchdowns and will need another big game if they want to stay in this one. The Eagles have too many weapons and the better defense in this one.
Score Prediction: Eagles 34 – Commanders 20
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
The 12-2 Vikings have won seven straight after disposing of the Chicago Bears on Monday Night. The defense set the tone by stopping the Bears on 4th and short and creating a first-quarter turnover. The 8-6 Seahawks were crushed by the Green Bay Packers, losing sole possession of first place in the NFC West. The defense could not stop RB Josh Jacobs, and the offensive line could not stop the Packer’s fierce pass rush. I think Seatle will play much better this week, and I feel they have a good shot of winning as long as QB Geno Smith plays.
Score Prediction: Seahawks 26 – Vikings 23
New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons
The 2-12 Giants season can’t get over fast enough. Losers of nine straight games with no identity on offense or defense will look to play spoiler against an Atlanta team desperate for a win. The 7-7 Falcons ended a four-game losing streak by sneaking past the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. QB Kirk Cousins has been unimpressive and has been benched for Michael Penix Jr. Can he give the passing game a much-needed spark? He may not have to do much as running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier should run over a weak Giant’s defense.
Score Prediction: Falcons 27 – Giants 13