All eyes will be on MetLife Stadium in the early window Sunday when the 7-6 New York Jets take the field against the 6-7 Detroit Lions. Not only is the game a critical for both teams playoff chances, but for Jets quarterback Zach Wilson this could easily be his last, best shot to reclaim his starting quarterback job.
Wilson got the nod Friday after the Jets declared that Mike White was not medically cleared for contact to the chagrin of many Jets fans on social media.
Yes, the Jets went 5-2 when Wilson was the starter, but there was a bad taste in the mouths of many after Wilson’s poor statistical performances, capped off by the Jets 10-3 loss to New England on November 20. His lack of accountability for that loss ruffled the feathers of many, and the Jets opted to go with White, who played very well the pas three weeks.
With White now out due to a “fractured rib,” Wilson gets his shot at redemption. It helps that Detroit is ranked 31st in total defense. That being said the Lions are roaring right now, having won five of its last six. Were it not for a late implosion vs. Buffalo on Thanksgiving, the Lions would be on a six-game winning streak.
Look for Wilson to have some good moments, as well as a number of bad moments on Sunday. He has to avoid the big turnover if the Jets have any shot of winning. Wilson also must be accurate and can ill afford the overthrows that became too commonplace.
PREDICTION: LIONS 19 – JETS 17
This has ugly field goal fest written all over it. Wilson will be ok, but will have struggling moments. The Lions and Jared Goff will do just enough to position themselves for a late victory.
NY Giants (7-5-1) @ Washington Commanders (7-5-1)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 04: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders runs against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 04, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The slumping Giants shoot on down to Maryland to take on the Commanders in a critical match-up for an NFC Wild card berth. When these two met two weeks ago, neither team wanted the game as it ended in a 20-all tie.The G-Men are still banged up on both ends of the field, and Washington is starting to get healthier. Word is they could have both cornerback Benjamin St. Juste and all pro defensive end Chase Young on the field tomorrow. That will be hard on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and this Giants offensive line. The G-Men have to get Saquon Barkley going if they have a shot of getting off the skids.
PREDICTION: COMMANDERS 23 – GIANTS 17
The Giants will make some plays, but Taylor Heinicke will make a few more with his arm and legs to make the difference.Miami Dolphins (8-5) @ Buffalo Bills (10-3)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 02: A field crew member uses a blowing machine to move snow on the field prior to the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
This is gonna be a rough one for Miami. Snow has blitzed Buffalo, New York once again, and here come the Fish riding a two-game losing streak into Buffalo. A win by the Bills and they can start thinking about popping champagne on another AFC East title.
Expect Josh Allen and crew to have a big night, while Tua Tagovailoa struggles in the windy conditions. The freefall continues in South Beach.
PICK: BILLS 27 – DOLPHINS 6
Dallas Cowboys (10-3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 11: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jaguars defeated the Titans. The Jaguars defeated the Titans 36-22. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Are the Jaguars ready to make a late, surprising run at the playoffs? A lot of people are believing. Trevor Lawrence is having a tremendous season, threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns against Tennessee last week. This is the kind of game people look at and think, ‘Dallas is walking into a hornets nest.’
Maybe so. But Dallas knows with a win they can get a playoff berth locked up, and they still have an outside shot at Philadelphia atop the NFC East. They can ill afford a slip up. Cowboys are also 9-1 in the month of December under Mike McCarthy.
PICK: COWBOYS 37 – JAGUARS 31
Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 23: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts in the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Does Tom Brady have anything left? Can the Bucs finally put together a complete game? As this season has progressed, age has finally caught up to the seven-time Super Bowl winner. The latest hint that time is up came last week in San Francisco when Brock Purdy became a super star for the 49ers. Now Brady and the Bucs have to go up against Joe Burrow and the sizzling Bengals. Not an ideal match-up. Upset is possible, but not likely.
PICK: BENGALS 27 – BUCCANEERS 20
Tennessee Titans (7-6) @ LA Chargers (7-6)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 11: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Very intriguing game between two inconsistent teams. Both teams have playoff potential. The Titans are in a huge slump. They have lost three in a row, yet still maintain first place in the dreadful AFC South. The Titans have prided themselves on being a physically imposing team on both sides of the ball, but injuries and poor play have cost this team its identity. Look no further than the firing of General Manager Jon Robinson a couple weeks ago.The Chargers are madly inconsistent at home; just 3-3 so far this season. This team is immensely talented, but they have a propensity to spit the bit in big spots.
PICK: CHARGERS 26 – TITANS 23.
