Final Thursday matchup forgettable
The final Thursday night game of the season couldn’t be much more forgettable.
Denver and Indianapolis are hard enough to watch with a full week to prepare. On short notice: UGH!
The Broncos (4-9) have been one of the league’s major disappointments, and they broke an eight-game skid last Sunday by manhandling the undermanned Jets. Indianapolis (3-10) has dropped four straight and seven of eight. Enough said. Denver is a 1-point favorite at Lucas Oil Stadium. At least the Colts won’t have to freeze in a blizzard as they lose this one.
BRONCOS, 13-10
Knockout League Tip
Of all the choices Pro Picks has ever made for this category, none has been worse than taking Cincinnati over Chicago last Sunday. Thanks for not showing up, Bengals.
Regardless, we march on with NEW ORLEANS.
Packers (+2) at Panthers
After barely escaping Cleveland, not buying Packers, not even with A-Rod.
BEST BET: PANTHERS, 26-20 Rams (+2 1-2) at Seahawks
Seahawks are too darn undisciplined as well as injured.
UPSET SPECIAL: RAMS, 31-21 Patriots (-2 1-2) at Steelers
Not quite Game of the Millennium anymore, but still a good one.
PATRIOTS, 33-27 Chargers (+1 1-2) at Chiefs,
Saturday
Another huge matchup in the playoff race. Bolts are charging, but ...
CHIEFS: 21-20 Cowboys (+1) at Raiders
The other AFC West contender is getting desperate.
RAIDERS, 24-21 Eagles (-7 1-2) at Giants
Foles won’t fail the Eagles, at least not this week.
EAGLES, 20-10 Bengals (+10) at Vikings
Will Bungles, uh, Bengals show up this time? Have our doubts.
VIKINGS, 27-16 Falcons (-3 1-2) at Buccaneers
This is simple: Falcons are better team by more than this spread.
FALCONS, 27-17
Texans (+9 1-2) at Jaguars
A win and Jaguars are in playoffs. Say what?
JAGUARS, 26-10 Jets (+16) at Saints
How, exactly, are the Jets going to score? Maybe on defense, but ...
SAINTS 30-6 Cardinals (+6) at Redskins
Two teams destroyed by injuries this season.
CARDINALS, 22-17 Ravens (-7) at Browns
Seems a matter of time before Browns win one. Actually, no.
RAVENS, 17-13 Titans (+2 1-2) at 49ers
Titans could short-circuit playoff chances by flopping here.
TITANS, 20-16
Bears (+5 1-2) at Lions, Saturday
“The Last Jedi” opens this week. Good time to go see it.
LIONS, 16-13 Dolphins (OFF) at Bills
Forget last week, Dolphins don’t like Western New York. BILLS, 17-15 •••
2017 RECORD
Last week: Against spread (6-8-2). Straight up (8-8)
Season Totals: Against spread (96-96-8). Straight up: (128-78)
Best Bet: 8-6 against spread, 9-5 straight up.
Upset special: 8-6 against spread, 8-6 straight up