The playoff picture is coming into focus, which means some teams are grasping to slim postseason hopes while others already are investigating their options for next year.
Such uncertainty can wreak havoc on picking winners, as teams that looked to be all-in seven days ago might all of a sudden have an epiphany that playing for a good draft pick isn’t the worst idea. As much, NESN.com’s team of super-pickers focused on teams that are feeling good about their playoff hopes heading into Week 13.
Tom Brady’s Emails, NESN.com’s entrant into the Westgate SuperContest as a member of Team OddsShark, remains in the hunt for the team crown, but barely. Yet another winning week for the trio of Mike Cole, Ricky Doyle and Ben Watanabe puts TBE 7 1/2 points back in the Team OddsShark standings, with the finish line coming into view.
Here’s who we’re locking up this week:
Houston Texans (+3) vs. Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, N.Y.
The Texans are rolling, going 5-1 ATS in their last six games and holding three of their last four opponents to less than a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Bills have put up a fight against the Chiefs and Patriots, who look like two of the better teams in the AFC, yet are just 2-3 ATS at home this season despite a reputation for being strong at Ralph Wilson.
Arizona Cardinals (-5.5) vs. St. Louis Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m.
Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Mo.
The Rams’ offense is a substantial problem area, Todd Gurley’s rushing and Nick Foles’ freak 228-yard passing performance last week notwithstanding. St. Louis hasn’t posted an ATS victory since Nov. 1, and while the Cardinals have failed to cover in their last two games, they remain 4-2 ATS in their last six on the road.
Denver Broncos (-4) vs. San Diego Chargers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
The Chargers are winless ATS in their last five home games and 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games overall, as well as 1-5 ATS in their last six at home against the Broncos. Something’s got to give, since Denver is 8-11-4 ATS over its last 23 matchups with the Bolts, and it’s probably San Diego, which has no weapons left around Philip Rivers.
Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5) vs. Oakland Raiders, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
O.co Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
You’d be foolish to bet against the Chiefs, who are on a five-game SU and ATS win streak. Yes, the Chiefs are 3-6 ATS in their last nine road games, but that’s warped by their difficult early schedule. Oakland is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 at home against Kansas City, and is 2-3 ATS versus teams that currently have winning records.
Washington Redskins (-4.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys, Monday, 8:30 p.m.
FedExField, Greater Landover, Md.
History hasn’t been kind to the favorites, who are only 3-7 ATS in the last 10 games in this series. But the Cowboys are a lofty 3-8 ATS this season and remain winless SU without Tony Romo, who is shelved for the season after re-breaking his collarbone.
Thumbnail photo via Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports Images
