Anyone searching for free picks knows it's nitty-gritty time in the NFL, with just two weeks remaining in the regular season, and that means we'll see some very important matchups remaining on the schedule. Let's make picks for a few noteworthy games.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New England Patriots
Sunday, December 27, 1:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook favorite: Patriots -7.5
It sure doesn't feel like the Patriots have won two straight games, does it? But that's the impression we've gotten watching the Pats try to move the ball lately. Tom Brady hooked up with Randy Moss once last week but let's face it; they aren't connecting right now. For whatever reason, Brady is off; he's topped 250 passing yards once and thrown more interceptions (six) than touchdown passes over his last four games. Protection isn't the issue; he's been sacked just twice over that span. It doesn't help that Moss is quitting on plays, too.
In theory, a matchup versus Jacksonville's pass defense, which ranks 27th in the league, should remedy New England's offensive woes. Brady has been superior at home, throwing 13 touchdown passes versus three interceptions at Gillette Stadium. Since the Pats are also 7-0 at home, it's hard to imagine them losing this one.
However, I'm not too confident that they'll win by more than a touchdown. New England kept the Panthers and Bills' offenses in check over the last two weeks but those were one-dimensional units that struggle to pass the ball. David Garrard is no star but he's much more capable than Matt Moore or Ryan Fitzpatrick. He'll keep the Pats honest and help open up room for Maurice Jones-Drew to pound the rock. As long the Jags stay close and can still run the ball, I think they'll lose by seven points or less.
NFL odds pick: Jaguars +7.5
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, December 27, 1:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook favorite: Steelers -2.5
Just when we thought the Steelers were totally hopeless, Ben Roethlisberger threw for 500 yards and stole a game from the Green Bay Packers in Week 15, keeping the Black and Gold mathematically alive in the AFC playoff hunt. Does that mean we can expect another strong performance from the Steelers at home this week?
This is a tough pick for football handicappers. On one hand, Pittsburgh seems energized. They're a different team when Big Ben is clicking and the Ravens' secondary has been beatable since it lost Fabian Washington. On the other hand, Pittsburgh has been torched regularly since it lost Troy Polamalu and Joe Flacco has the arm strength to do it again. Ultimately, these two teams are almost mirror images. Both stop the run well, both make mistakes against the pass, and both are well-rounded offensively. Troy Polamalu's absence may make the difference. Pick Baltimore but switch to Pittsburgh if Troy miraculously returns from his PCL sprain. Also remember that the Steelers are just 1-4 against their own division this season.
NFL odds pick: Ravens +2.5
