NFL January 4, 2026

The Texans have locked up the AFC South, but don't expect them to coast. Houston's been building something special at NRG Stadium, and C.J. Stroud wants to make a statement heading into the playoffs. The Colts limped into Week 18 after Daniel Jones's devastating Achilles injury ended their season weeks ago.

Indianapolis has been rolling out backup quarterbacks and the results have been predictable. Their offense has sputtered without a reliable signal-caller, averaging just 14 points per game over their last four contests. Houston's defense, meanwhile, has been feasting on inferior quarterbacks all season.

The Texans should handle business here. They've won five straight at home and haven't lost to a division rival since early October. Lay the points with confidence.

This NFC North showdown might not have division title implications, but the pride factor is off the charts. The Vikings have dominated at home all season with that deafening U.S. Bank Stadium crowd, and they're not about to let their division rival walk in and spoil the party.

Green Bay's young roster has exceeded expectations, but road games in domes have been their Achilles heel. Jordan Love has struggled with the noise and timing in indoor environments, throwing five picks in dome games this season compared to just two outdoors.

Minnesota's offense has been clicking on all cylinders lately. Justin Jefferson is making his case for MVP consideration, and the supporting cast has stepped up when needed. The Vikings should control this game from start to finish, but the Packers have enough firepower to keep it interesting.

The Battle of Ohio has lost some luster with both teams eliminated from playoff contention, but don't tell that to these divisional rivals. Cincinnati has been the better team all season, and Joe Burrow will want to finish strong heading into what could be a pivotal offseason.

Cleveland's season went sideways early, and they've been playing out the string for weeks. Their defense has shown flashes, but the offense has been anemic without consistent quarterback play. Deshaun Watson's struggles have defined their season.

The Bengals have the motivation to put up a crooked number here. Ja'Marr Chase is chasing receiving records, and Burrow's been in vintage form down the stretch. Take Cincinnati to cover comfortably in what should be a showcase for their explosive offense.

Jacksonville's remarkable turnaround has put them in position to claim the AFC's top seed with a win and some help. Trevor Lawrence has silenced the doubters with a career year, and Doug Pederson's offensive scheme has finally clicked with this talented roster.

The Titans come in with nothing to play for, which is both dangerous and advantageous for the Jaguars. Tennessee could play loose and free, but they also might not match Jacksonville's intensity in a game with massive playoff implications.

The Jaguars should take care of business at home. Their defense has been stout against the run, and Tennessee's offense doesn't have the firepower to keep up in a shootout. Expect a professional performance from Jacksonville as they chase history.

The NFC South rivalry continues in a game between two teams that have disappointed expectations. Atlanta was supposed to be a playoff contender, while New Orleans has been searching for an identity since their hot start fizzled.

The Falcons have the home-field advantage and the better roster on paper, but they've been maddeningly inconsistent all season. Bijan Robinson has been electric when healthy, but the passing game has struggled to find rhythm.

New Orleans has nothing but pride to play for, which can be dangerous in rivalry games. However, Atlanta's talent advantage should win out in the dome. The Falcons need a confidence-building win heading into the offseason, and this is their chance.

This is the game of the day for AFC playoff implications. Denver controls its own destiny for the #1 seed - win and they're the top seed in the conference. The Broncos have been the AFC's most consistent team down the stretch, and the thin air at Empower Field is a notorious equalizer.

Los Angeles has been a pleasant surprise under Jim Harbaugh, but altitude games have historically been their kryptonite. Justin Herbert is as talented as any quarterback in the league, but even elite passers struggle when the ball doesn't behave normally.

Denver's defense has been suffocating at home, allowing just 16 points per game in their last five home contests. The Broncos are the pick here - they're better at home, they have more to play for, and the altitude advantage is real.

The NFC West is decided, but pride is on the line in this divisional matchup. The Rams have been playing inspired football at home, and Sean McVay's offense has rediscovered its rhythm in recent weeks.

Arizona's young core has shown flashes all season, but consistency has been their enemy. Kyler Murray has been electric at times and invisible at others, making the Cardinals impossible to predict week-to-week.

Los Angeles should control this game at SoFi Stadium. Their offensive line has gelled, and Puka Nacua has emerged as one of the league's best young receivers. The Rams are playing their best football of the season at the right time.

The Chiefs might rest starters with their playoff positioning secured, but Andy Reid never likes to go into the postseason cold. Expect to see the starters for at least a half before the backups get their reps.

Las Vegas has been one of the league's most disappointing teams, and their season mercifully ends here. The Raiders have struggled in every phase of the game, and their offense has been among the worst in the NFL.

Even a half-effort from Kansas City should be enough to cover this number. The talent gap is enormous, and the Chiefs' backups are better than most teams' starters. Take KC and don't look back.

New England clinched the AFC East last week, but they're not coasting into the playoffs. The Patriots have been the surprise of the NFL season, and their defense has been the backbone of their success.

Miami's season has been a massive disappointment. Tua Tagovailoa's health issues derailed what was supposed to be a Super Bowl-contending roster, and the Dolphins never recovered from his extended absence.

This line feels wrong. The Patriots are at home, they're playing well, and they might rest some starters but their depth has been impressive. Don't be surprised if New England wins outright, but Miami's talent should keep it close.

The NFC East rivalry is alive and well, and Lincoln Financial Field will be rocking for this one. Philadelphia has been one of the league's best home teams, and the Eagles faithful are ready for a playoff run.

Washington's rookie quarterback has been a revelation, but road games in hostile environments are a different animal. The Commanders have exceeded expectations, but this is a tough spot against a veteran-laden Eagles team.

Philly's offensive line is the best in football, and they should control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Eagles are the pick to cover, but Washington's ceiling makes this a dangerous game to lay big numbers.

This is why we love football. Winner takes the AFC North. Loser goes home. It doesn't get any better than this for primetime drama.

The Ravens come in as favorites, and rightfully so. Lamar Jackson has been playing at an MVP level all season, and their offense is one of the most explosive in the league. Baltimore's defense has improved down the stretch, and they're peaking at the right time.

Pittsburgh has home-field advantage and a defense that can make life miserable for anyone. T.J. Watt is the best defensive player in football, and he'll be hunting Jackson all night. The Steelers' offense has been inconsistent, but they find ways to win ugly in big games.

This game will come down to the fourth quarter. Both defenses will make plays, and turnovers could decide everything. The Ravens have the edge in talent, but never count out Pittsburgh in a win-or-go-home scenario at home. Take the under and buckle up for a classic.