Pro Picks: Bills will edge Eagles
and 49ers will beat the Bears
[December 26, 2025]
By ROB MAADDI
Eleven teams are in the NFL playoffs. Six more are battling for the
final three spots.
The playoff picture will become more clear in Week 17. The slate
kicked off with a tripleheader on Christmas Day. The Lions were
eliminated from the playoffs with a 23-10 loss to the Vikings. The
Cowboys beat the Commanders 30-23 and the Broncos defeated the
Chiefs 20-13 on Thursday night.
The Eagles-Bills matchup on Sunday is a potential Super Bowl
preview. Texans-Chargers, Bears-49ers and Seahawks-Panthers could
end up playing again in the playoffs.
Pro Picks aims to continue a hot streak:
HOUSTON (10-5) at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (11-4)
Line: Chargers minus-2
C.J. Stroud and the Texans are still in the race for first place in
the AFC South. Houston’s top-ranked defense has something to prove
after a subpar performance in a win over the Raiders. Justin Herbert
wasn’t sacked last week for the first time this season, but the
Chargers aren’t facing the Cowboys this week.
UPSET SPECIAL: TEXANS 23-20
BALTIMORE (7-8) at GREEN BAY (9-5-1)
Line: Packers minus-4 1/2
The Ravens are eliminated with a loss. Lamar Jackson is dealing with
a back injury and is doubtful. Jordan Love is trying to come back
from a concussion and backup Malik Willis hurt his shoulder. If
Jackson plays, the desperate Ravens have a chance. If not, Tyler
Huntley gets the start and tries to keep their season alive.
PACKERS: 22-20
ARIZONA (3-12) at CINCINNATI (5-10)
Line: Bengals minus-7 1/2
The Cardinals could be headed toward a coaching change after
Jonathan Gannon’s third straight losing season. The Bengals could be
in a similar spot with coach Zac Taylor, and quarterback Joe Burrow
hasn’t seemed happy in Cincinnati.
BENGALS: 27-23
PITTSBURGH (9-6) at CLEVELAND (3-12)
Line: Steelers minus-3
Mike Tomlin, Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers could have clinched the
AFC North by kickoff if the Ravens lose to the Packers on Saturday
night. Myles Garrett is one sack away from breaking the
single-season record of 22 1/2 that is shared by Pro Football Hall
of Famer Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt.
STEELERS: 23-17
NEW ORLEANS (5-10) at TENNESSEE (3-12)
Line: Saints minus-2 1/2
The Saints are 4-3 with rookie QB Tyler Shough and aiming to finish
strong in a weak division in which they’re 3-2. Rookie QB Cam Ward
is coming off his best game and another win would hurt Tennessee’s
draft positioning.
SAINTS: 20-16
JACKSONVILLE (11-4) at INDIANAPOLIS (8-7)
Line: Jaguars minus-6 1/2
The Jaguars clinch the AFC South if the Texans lose to the Chargers
or with a win. They’re still in play for the No. 1 seed. Philip
Rivers’ return to the NFL has been impressive, but the Colts are 0-2
and would be eliminated if Houston wins.
COLTS: 24-23
TAMPA BAY (7-8) at MIAMI (6-9)
Line: Buccaneers minus-6
The Buccaneers have gone from 6-2 to possible elimination this week
if they lose and the Panthers win. But Tampa Bay controls its
future. Two wins and the Bucs are in. Quinn Ewers makes his second
start for the Dolphins. He’s facing a shaky defense.
BUCCANEERS: 26-23
NEW ENGLAND (12-3) at NEW YORK JETS (3-12)
Line: Patriots minus-12 1/2
The Patriots are coming off an impressive win over the Ravens and
still have a shot to secure the AFC’s No. 1 seed. The Jets are
playing for the best draft pick, as usual this time of year.
PATRIOTS: 30-13
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) hands off against the
Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game in
Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
SEATTLE (12-3) at CAROLINA (8-7)
Line: Seahawks minus-7
Coming off a thrilling comeback win in overtime to take over first
place in the NFC West, the Seahawks need to win to stay on top and
hold the No. 1 seed. They can finish as low as sixth in the NFC. The
Panthers could clinch the NFC South with a win and a loss by the
Buccaneers. But if Tampa Bay beats Miami, this game is meaningless
for Carolina. The Panthers would still have to beat the Buccaneers
next week.
SEAHAWKS: 24-19
NEW YORK GIANTS (2-13) at LAS VEGAS (2-13)
Line: Giants minus-1
This is the NFL’s version of a Toilet Bowl in fantasy football
leagues. The winner is really a loser because they’ll lose the No. 1
overall pick. Jaxson Dart had a rough game against the Vikings. But
he’s the Giants’ quarterback of the future. The Raiders need a
franchise quarterback, so a loss would be beneficial. They should
bench Ashton Jeanty — they won’t — to improve the possibility of a
loss.
RAIDERS: 23-21
PHILADELPHIA (10-5) at BUFFALO (11-4)
Line: Bills minus-1
The Eagles are almost locked into the No. 3 seed, though they can
move up to No. 2 or drop to fourth. Jalen Hurts led them to a
comeback win in overtime against Buffalo in 2023. Josh Allen and the
Bills still have an outside chance to win the AFC East.
BILLS: 26-24
CHICAGO (11-4) at SAN FRANCISCO (11-4)
Line: 49ers minus-3
Caleb Williams and the Bears keep finding ways to win. They’re
coming off a late comeback against the Packers. The 49ers, despite a
depleted defense, can secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed with two wins.
Christian McCaffrey is 151 yards receiving away from his second
career 1,000/1,000 season.
49ERS: 26-24
LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-4) at ATLANTA (6-9)
Line: Rams minus-8
Matthew Stafford and the Rams dropped from first in the NFC West to
sixth in the conference with a loss to Seattle. They need to win out
to have a shot to get back on top. Kirk Cousins and Bijan Robinson
won’t make it easy for Los Angeles.
RAMS: 30-20
____
Last week: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 11-4-1.
Overall: Straight up: 169-70-1. Against spread: 127-106-7.
Prime time: Straight up: 30-22-1. Against spread: 24-29.
Best Bet: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 8-7-1.
Upset Special: Straight up: 12-4. Against spread: 12-4.
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