GAMES OF THE WEEK
Seahawks at Cardinals, 8:15, Ch. 8 | Seahawks by 7½, 36½
Arizona needs a win to clinch the NFC West and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. To do so, the Cardinals will need a solid performance from their revolving door at quarterback. Ryan Lindley is expected to make his first start in two years today, although the Cardinals said they could sprinkle rookie Logan Thomas into the game plan. Even if they're enough to get Arizona past Seattle and one of the league's top defenses, it's hard to see them carrying the Cardinals to the Super Bowl. Matt Baker's pick: Seahawks, 17-14
Broncos at Bengals, 8:30 Monday, ESPN | Broncos by 3, 47½
Denver clinches a first-round bye with a win today. All three of the Broncos' losses have come on the road, where Peyton Manning's completion percentage is almost 10 points worse than at home. Cincinnati's solid pass defense will test him; the Bengals dominated rookie Johnny Manziel last week and held the Bucs' Josh McCown without a touchdown pass three weeks ago. Denver has had injury problems (and lost LB Danny Trevathan to IR this week) but still remains a team to beat in the AFC. Matt's pick: Broncos, 24-21
WORTH WATCHING
Vikings at Dolphins, 1 | Dolphins by 6, 42
Minnesota's Teddy Bridgewater has quietly had a solid rookie season, completing at least 70 percent of his passes in each of the past three games. His problem this week will be a Miami team that's still fighting for the playoffs and boasts one of the league's best pass defenses. Matt's pick: Dolphins, 27-20
Falcons at Saints, 1 | Saints by 6½, 56
The NFC South could come down to this matchup. Atlanta could be without WR Julio Jones (again), and fellow receivers Roddy White and Harry Douglas are both dinged up. It's hard to imagine a limited offense keeping up with Drew Brees at home. Matt's pick: Saints, 31-23
Chiefs at Steelers, 1 | Steelers by 3, 47½
Hard to imagine, but Kansas City still hasn't thrown a touchdown to a wide receiver this season. The Steelers have the league's leading receiver (Antonio Brown), No. 2 rusher (Le'Veon Bell) and No. 2 passer (Ben Roethlisberger), plus a strong homefield advantage. Matt's pick: Steelers, 24-20
Lions at Bears, 1 | Lions by 8½, 44½
Only worth watching because of Detroit's playoff implications. A win seals the Lions' trip to the postseason. That shouldn't be an issue against Chicago, which is giving QB Jimmy Clausen his first start since 2010. He's 1-9 as a starter. Matt's pick: Lions, 28-14
Colts at Cowboys, 4:25, Ch. 10 | Cowboys by 31/2, 551/2
Reports are that Dallas RB DeMarco Murray will play, six days after having surgery on his left hand. The Cowboys need him to keep the ball away from Andrew Luck and the league's top passing offense. Luck should exploit Dallas' secondary but is prone to turnovers that could be costly in a high-scoring game. Matt's pick: Cowboys, 31-28
Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene
Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter
You’re all signed up!
Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.
Explore all your optionsDON'T EVEN BOTHER
Browns at Panthers, 1 | Panthers by 4, 41
Cam Newton should be back for Carolina, while Johnny Manziel's first career start ended in one of the 100 worst passer ratings (27.3) since 1960. Matt's pick: Panthers, 21-17
Ravens at Texans, 1 | Ravens by 5, 42
Houston's quarterback options are down to Case Keenum and Thaddeus Lewis. Yuck. Matt's pick: Ravens, 24-17
Patriots at Jets, 1 | Patriots by 10½, 46½
New England should have no problem securing a first-round bye with one more win over Rex Ryan's team. Matt's pick: Patriots, 28-14
Giants at Rams | 4, Rams by 6½, 43½
Overlooked stat: St. Louis has given up six points total over the past three games. Matt's pick: Rams, 20-13
Bills at Raiders | 4:25, Bills by 6½, 39½
Buffalo's defense has shown that last week's 21-13 win over Green Bay isn't a fluke. Matt's pick: Bills, 24-10