With virtually all 12 of the playoff spots locked in, the final week of the 2018 NFL season brings a different handicapping angle. The two main questions are: Who will play? and who will care?
The one game where both teams will play and care, Indianapolis at Tennessee, has a Line of IND -3, which pretty much jives with my IND -2.175 CRS spread, so there's no advantage thus no betting recommendation.
As for the rest of Sunday's schedule, I've identified 5 match ups with a reasonable edge. All plays are 1 unit:
1:00pm: DETROIT LIONS at GREEN BAY PACKERS
It's been a tough rookie year for Lions head coach Matt Patricia, but a win here against a divisional foe gets his squad to 6-10. The Packers will be looking for a new head coach in 2019, and this uncertainty may bring some ambivalence amongst the Green Bay players in the finale. PICK: DETROIT LIONS +8 (-110)
1:00pm: DALLAS COWBOYS at NEW YORK GIANTS
The Cowboys have the NFC East locked up and will host a wild-card game next week. Nothing to play for here, and with their 2-5 road record, I would be hesitant to take them even if they did. Giants head coach Pat Shurmer would certainly like to end his initial season in NY on a high note at home, and Eli Manning should be motivated to prove he is not done, yet. PICK: NEW YORK GIANTS -6 (-115)
4:25pm: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at WASHINGTON REDSKINS
The defending Super Bowl champs Eagles are clinging to playoff hopes as they need to win and a Vikings loss to sneak in. The 7-8 Redskins will be less than motivated after being eliminated last week. PICK: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -6.5 (-115)
4:25pm: CLEVELAND BROWNS at BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Ravens will claim the AFC North with a win over Cleveland or a Steelers loss to the Bengals. The Browns could boast a winning season with a win. Baltimore is simply the better team and will be properly motivated relative to the playoffs. PICK: BALTIMORE RAVENS -5.5 (-110)
4:25pm: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS at DENVER BRONCOS
At first glance, the Chargers seem to be the easy pick here. 1st round bye, home field both still in play with a win. But, consider that NE and KC are at home vs. NYJ and OAK respectively, then the excitement diminishes. The Broncos will be motivated enough to at least cover. PICK: DENVER BRONCOS +6.5 (-110)
Good luck, players!
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