This Week's NFL Games

A potential AFC Championship preview. Denver at 12-2 has been the NFL's best story - Bo Nix has developed into a legitimate franchise quarterback, and Sean Payton's offensive system has maximized every piece of this roster. The Broncos are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Jacksonville's 10-4 record shows Trevor Lawrence has finally put it together. The Jaguars' offense is explosive, and their defense has been opportunistic. Travis Etienne has been a revelation out of the backfield, and the receiving corps gives Lawrence multiple weapons.

This is the marquee matchup of the late window. Only 3.5 points separates these teams despite Denver's home field advantage at altitude. Both teams are playing for first-round byes.

Two disappointing teams meet in the desert. Atlanta's decision to stick with Kirk Cousins over rookie Michael Penix Jr. has backfired spectacularly - Cousins has looked washed, and the Falcons are 5-9 in a division they were supposed to contend for.

Arizona at 3-11 has been a disaster despite Kyler Murray's return from injury. The Cardinals have no running game, no defense, and no hope for this season. Jonathan Gannon's rebuild is going to take longer than expected.

Three points on the road for a struggling Falcons team. Neither team inspires confidence, but Atlanta at least has the offensive weapons to outscore a porous Cardinals defense.

A potential playoff preview between two teams that love to run the ball and play physical defense. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson has revitalized his career in Mike Tomlin's system, and Najee Harris is running with purpose. The Steelers' defense remains elite when T.J. Watt is hunting quarterbacks.

Detroit's 8-6 record is a disappointment after last year's NFC Championship run, but the Lions are still dangerous. Jared Goff runs the offense efficiently, and the defense - when healthy - can make stops. Ben Johnson has been the difference after taking over as head coach.

Seven and a half points at Ford Field. The Lions are the better team at home, and their crowd will be rocking. This spread feels about right for a game with massive playoff implications.

The Raiders at 2-12 are the NFL's biggest disaster. Antonio Pierce's first full season as head coach has been a nightmare, and there's no quarterback, no running game, and no hope. Las Vegas is playing out the string and counting down to the offseason.

Houston's 9-5 record has them in control of the AFC South. C.J. Stroud continues to play like a franchise quarterback, and Stefon Diggs has given him a true number one receiver. The Texans' defense has been opportunistic, generating turnovers at an elite rate.

Fourteen and a half is a massive number, but the Raiders have been getting blown out regularly. Houston should cruise to a comfortable home win with their playoff seeding on the line.

The Sunday Night Football showcase features a Patriots team that's shocked everyone. New England at 11-3 has been the NFL's biggest surprise - Drake Maye has developed into a franchise quarterback faster than anyone expected, and Bill O'Brien's offense has been dynamic. The defense, rebuilt through the draft, is playing at an elite level.

Baltimore's 7-7 record is a massive disappointment. Lamar Jackson has been inconsistent, and the Ravens' running game - usually their identity - has been unreliable. Derrick Henry was supposed to be the missing piece, but the offensive line hasn't given him the holes he needs.

Only 3 points for the home team in primetime. The market respects what New England has built, and this game feels like a toss-up. The Patriots can win this outright.