Welcome to the final week of the NFL regular season! The season finale kicked off with the Chiefs clinching a top-2 seed, and the Cowboys destroying the Eagles. Today’s the last day of the regular season, and there are still playoff spots and divisions up for grabs. We’ll also take a look at this week’s college basketball games. Anyways, here are my picks:
NFL:
Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) at Cleveland Browns (7-9) (-6)
The Browns are abysmal on offense, and it doesn’t help to have Baker Mayfield out. They have a better defense, which will help lead them to victory as Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon are out for the Bengals.
Tune into Bengals at Browns at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Green Bay Packers (13-3) (-3.5) at Detroit Lions (2-13-1)
This game will most likely be treated as a preseason game for the Packers. The Packers have already clinched the #1 seed in the NFC, so there’s no reason to keep your starters in the entire time. The Lions could certainly pull off a win to end the season. However, with an injury-riddled team, even the backups for Green Bay could stand out more.
Tune into Packers at Lions at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Chicago Bears (6-10) at Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
The Vikings lost their chance at a playoff spot after losing to the Packers, especially with Kirk Cousins out that week. It’s a meaningless game between two eliminated teams. The Vikings have more talent and it helps that they’re at home to end the season. I’m curious to see what the Vikings do about Mike Zimmer in the offseason.
Tune into Bears at Vikings at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Washington Football Team (6-10) (-6.5) at New York Giants (4-12)
Not only do I think Washington will win this game, I think they will destroy the Giants. The Giants have looked worse than awful the past few weeks and I think there have to be changes made in the organization this offseason. Even though this is a meaningless game, Washington will make this a blowout even in the first half.
Tune into Washington Football Team at Giants at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Indianapolis Colts (9-7) (-14) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
The Colts should win this game, but being a 14-point favorite is way too much. The Colts have not won in Jacksonville since 2014, so this is definitely a game to keep your eye on. Considering how bad the Jaguars looked against the Patriots, I expect the Colts to win, but closer than you think.
Tune into Colts at Jaguars at 1 PM ET on CBS.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7-1) at Baltimore Ravens (8-8) (-3)
This game is meaningful for both teams because the winner still has a long shot at the playoffs. If this is Ben Roethlisberger’s last game of his career, I expect him to end his career on a good note. He certainly did that on Monday night against the Browns in what could be his final game at Heinz Field. Lamar Jackson is out for the Ravens, so Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback. The Steelers win by a touchdown.
Tune into Steelers at Ravens at 1 PM ET on CBS.
Tennessee Titans (11-5) (-10.5) at Houston Texans (4-12)
If the Titans win this game, they will clinch the #1 seed in the AFC. If they don’t, it’s the Chiefs who will get that spot. The Texans haven’t been awful this year, even though their record suggests they have been. I’ve actually been impressed by Davis Mills, who has been the second-best rookie quarterback in the league. However, the Titans have their eyes on the first-round bye, which I think they will obtain.
Tune into Titans at Texans at 1 PM ET on CBS.
New Orleans Saints (8-8) (-4) at Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
The Falcons haven’t been able to beat the Saints in Atlanta since 2018. This is a meaningful game for the Saints. If they win and the 49ers lose, the Saints are in the playoffs as the #7 seed. I expect the Saints to at least keep their hopes alive with a win against the Falcons today.
Tune into Saints at Falcons at 4:25 PM ET on FOX.
New York Jets (4-12) at Buffalo Bills (10-6) (-16)
Even though the Jets aren’t good, 16 points is a lot considering the Jets have won two of the last three games in Buffalo. The Bills only have to win to clinch the AFC East, which I think will happen. They’re likely to face off against their rival Patriots for the third time in the wild card round. Kevin Harlan is on the call, maybe we’ll get another “I’m calling both games” moment. As a Patriots fan, I’m rooting for the Jets to win, but being realistic means I have to pick the Bills.
Tune into Jets at Bills at 4:25 PM ET on CBS.
New England Patriots (10-6) (-6) at Miami Dolphins (8-8)
The toughest place for the Patriots to play is Hard Rock Stadium, as the Dolphins have won six of the last eight games in Miami against the Patriots. Especially towards the end of the regular season, the Dolphins have been able to hurt the Patriots in many ways. That’s why I think six points is too much for the Patriots to be favored by. I think they’ll win, but a lot closer than that.
Tune into Patriots at Dolphins at 4:25 PM ET on CBS.
San Francisco 49ers (9-7) at Los Angeles Rams (12-4) (-3.5)
The Rams are looking to stay the #2 seed in the NFC, and with a win, they will clinch the NFC West and become the #2 seed. This game is more important to the 49ers, however. With a win, the 49ers would sweep the season series against the Rams and clinch the playoffs, eliminating the Saints. Saints fans become huge Rams fans today as well. With a loaded roster, I’ll take the Rams.
Tune into 49ers at Rams at 4:25 PM ET on FOX.
Seattle Seahawks (6-10) at Arizona Cardinals (11-5) (-5.5)
The Cardinals have a losing record at home this season, but they can move up to 4-4 at home with a win against the Seahawks, who have been able to beat the Cardinals in six of the last eight matchups in Glendale. Cardinals win by 10.
Tune into Seahawks at Cardinals at 4:25 PM ET on FOX.
Carolina Panthers (5-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4) (-9.5)
The Buccaneers have a small chance to become the #2 seed in the NFC, but they are rooting for the 49ers in order for that to happen. The Panthers have not been impressive all year, and this is likely to become the worst game of the day in my opinion, even though there are seeding implications with this game. The Buccaneers win by at least two touchdowns.
Tune into Panthers at Buccaneers at 4:25 PM ET on CBS.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-7) (-3) at Las Vegas Raiders (9-7)
Sunday Night Football is a battle that ends in the winner clinching the playoffs. This could end in a tie, because if the Jaguars win and this game is a tie, both the Chargers and Raiders make the playoffs. How crazy is that? I don’t pick games to end in ties. I’ve never liked that rule. With Justin Herbert leading the way, I think the Chargers clinch a playoff spot tonight.
Tune into Chargers at Raiders at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.
NCAA Basketball:
#23 Wisconsin (12-2) at Maryland (8-6)
Johnny Davis: remember that name. He has become one of the best players in college basketball, helping the Badgers beat Iowa, Purdue, Indiana, Houston, Saint Mary’s, and Marquette. Wisconsin has built a promising resume so far. Wisconsin is 6-5 against Maryland since the Terps joined the Big Ten, and I think that becomes 7-5 after tonight.
Tune into Wisconsin at Maryland at 7:30 PM ET on Big Ten Network.
#25 Texas Tech (11-3) at #1 Baylor (15-0)
Baylor remains one of the only undefeated teams in college basketball (the other being USC), and the defending National Champions boast a top-ten offense and defense. With a home-court advantage, I think Baylor handles their business, even though Texas Tech earned a huge win over Kansas yesterday.
Tune into Texas Tech at Baylor on Tuesday at 7 PM ET on ESPN2/ESPN3.
#11 Iowa State (13-2) at #6 Kansas (12-2)
Kansas’s offense vs. Iowa State’s defense is the matchup to look out for. If Iowa State can stand their ground on defense, their fast break points could be what wins the game for them. However, Iowa State doesn’t have a great offense, and with the game at the Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas wins.
Tune into Iowa State at Kansas on Tuesday at 8 PM ET on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
Oklahoma (12-3) at #14 Texas (12-3)
This game should be pretty even, especially as it’s a rivalry game. Texas is at home, which is a big advantage for them. Oklahoma earned a huge win over Iowa State, but I don’t think the same outcome happens against the Longhorns.
Tune into Oklahoma at Texas on Tuesday at 8:30 PM ET on Longhorn Network.
#3 Purdue (13-2) at Michigan (7-6)
Michigan has been extremely disappointing considering how good they were last year. Purdue has the #1 offense according to KenPom, but it can be close if Michigan can score as well. Michigan may have the home-court advantage, but Purdue will show they are the better team.
Tune into Purdue at Michigan on Tuesday at 9 PM ET on ESPN2.
#9 Auburn (14-1) at #15 Alabama (11-4)
This rivalry game should be excellent, as both teams are at the top of the SEC. Auburn’s defense against Alabama’s offense should be a great matchup, but with Alabama’s home-court advantage, I think the Crimson Tide win the first game of the two played this season.
Tune into Auburn at Alabama on Tuesday at 9 PM ET on ESPN.
#16 Providence (14-2) at Creighton (10-4)
Providence is at the top of the Big East, which is rare considering Villanova usually is. Creighton isn’t the three-point shooting team we saw last year, but inside the arc, they are #15 in the nation. Add that onto the fact that the Bluejays have the home-court advantage, and I think there will be an upset in Omaha.
Tune into Providence at Creighton on Tuesday at 9 PM ET on FS1.
#19 Villanova (11-4) at #22 Xavier (12-2)
I was going to go with Xavier, due to home-court advantage and how unimpressed I have been with Villanova. However, Villanova still runs the Big East. They’re trending upwards. That’s scary for every Big East team. A huge win on the road would be great for them.
Tune into Villanova at Xavier on Wednesday at 6:30 PM ET on FS1.
#13 Ohio State (9-3) at #23 Wisconsin (12-2)
Ohio State destroyed Wisconsin in Columbus, so they have the advantage there. However, Wisconsin is hot right now, and Johnny Davis will give it his all against the Buckeyes. With the home-court advantage in Madison, the Badgers pull off the upset.
Tune into Ohio State at Wisconsin on Thursday at 7 PM ET on ESPN2/ESPN3.
Indiana (11-3) at Iowa (11-4)
This game was a coin flip for me. Both teams have National Player of the Year players in Keegan Murray (Iowa) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana). Iowa doesn’t have a great defense, but their offense makes up for it. Expect a close one, but with the home-court advantage, I’ll take the Hawkeyes.
Tune into Indiana at Iowa on Thursday at 9 PM ET on FS1.
BYU (14-3) at #4 Gonzaga (12-2)
Two of the best teams in the West Coast Conference battling it out. Obviously, Gonzaga is so dominant, but if any team can beat the Bulldogs, it’s BYU this year. Unluckily for the Cougars, this game is in Spokane. Going against one of the best atmospheres in college basketball is even tougher knowing how talented Gonzaga is. Gonzaga handles business at home.
Tune into BYU at Gonzaga on Thursday at 11 PM ET on ESPN2.
Calhoun's Corner 