NFL MATCHUPS

So much for the supposed parity in the NFL this season.

Amid a back-and-forth season, the predictable has happened: The revitalized New England Patriots (9-4) are atop the AFC, just as they’ve been for the better part of the past two decades, and the Kansas City Chiefs, which have won the past two conference titles, are not far behind.

Teams should begin determining their postseason fates this week.

In two divisional games, the Dallas Cowboys and Washington will be jockeying in the top-heavy NFC, as the Cleveland Browns try to prevent the Baltimore Ravens from gaining ground on the Patriots (who have a bye). Then, the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, two of the five NFC teams jostling for home-field advantage in the playoffs, will headline Monday night’s matchup.

Byes: Colts, Dolphins, Eagles,

Patriots

Last week’s record: 9-5

BROADCAST LOCALLY

Raiders at Chiefs

11 a.m. CBS

Line: Kansas City -9.5 Total: 49

After dispatching the Broncos, the Chief (8-4) could increase their distance from the rest of the AFC West by beating the Raiders (6-6), who have a 14 percent chance of reaching the postseason, according to a playoff predictor.

Kansas City’s defense has improved after a slow start to the season and has held each of its past five opponents — including the Raiders in Week 10 — to under 20 points. Meanwhile, the offense seems to have adjusted to feasting on sure gains since opponents have limited Patrick Mahomes’ downfield strikes. Kansas City is clearly the better team and should easily dole Las Vegas its fifth loss in six games.

Pick: Kansas City -9.5

Lions at Broncos

2:05 p.m. Fox

Line: Broncos -8 Total: 42

The Broncos (6-6) are a quarterback away from truly contending. Teddy Bridgewater can lead the team under ideal circumstances, but in less perfect scenarios, his mediocre play is wasting a talented crop of skill-position players and a respectable defense. The Lions (1-10-1), finally won a game last week after having been on the verge of other victories that they squandered with untimely turnovers, bad luck and inexcusable coaching decisions. Detroit has played competitively against teams that are better than Denver, which makes the Lions a safe bet to keep the score within the spread.

Pick: Lions +8

Bills at Buccaneers

2:25 p.m. CBS

Line: Buccaneers -3 Total: 52

Expect the Bills (7-5) to play motivated. While it won’t be as cold as last week’s game in Western New York, Sunday’s forecasts call for windy and rainy weather in Tampa, Fla., where the Buccaneers (9-3) will certainly pass more than the Patriots did. Tom Brady leads the league in yards (3,771) and touchdowns (34), and should test the Bills’ top-ranked passing defense, which has allowed only 1,983 yards.

Despite the absence of top cornerback Tre’Davious White and potentially playing without linebacker A.J. Klein (COVID-19), Buffalo should get back on track, or at least keep the score close.

Pick: Bills +3

Bears at Packers

6:20 p.m. NBC

Line: Packers -12.5 Total: 44

The NFL flexed last week’s Sunday night game and would be wise to do so again. Even with the storied rivalry between the Packers (9-3) and the Bears (4-8), this iteration is unappealing. Chicago’s offense is putrid, scoring the third-fewest points per game (16.8) and ranking 30th in yards per game (298.8). They’ll be outmatched by the Packers, one of the best teams in the league, who could realistically put the game out of reach by halftime. Temperature at kickoff is expected to hover near freezing, but with little chance of snow and no wind expected, there won’t be any impediment to Green Bay’s onslaught, regardless if Andy Dalton starts at quarterback or if Justin Fields (ribs) returns from injury.

Pick: Packers -12.5

Rams at Cardinals

6:15 p.m. Monday ESPN

Line: Cardinals -2.5 Total: 52

In their Week 4 meeting, the Cardinals (10-2) unknowingly offered the rest of the league an early blueprint to beat the Rams (8-4): Arizona rushed for more than 200 yards, forced two turnovers, including an interception, and schemed its offense away from Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. In later weeks, San Francisco, Tennessee

and Green Bay mimicked that strategy, and the Rams’ new additions, receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and pass rusher Von Miller, have not been able to change the outcome, putting Los Angeles in jeopardy of a fourth prime-time embarrassment in six weeks.

Arizona has shown few weaknesses and looked reenergized with Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins back last week after each missed multiple games. The Rams’ recent performances against strong competition makes them a risky bet, especially on the road.

Pick: Cardinals -2.5

OTHER GAMES

Cowboys at Washington

11 a.m.

Line: Cowboys -4 Total: 43

Washington (6-6) has slowly crept into the playoff conversation, with three NFC East teams in as of Thursday morning. A win against the Cowboys (8-4) could further shake the division race as January approaches. Washington has won four consecutive games, a stretch in which Taylor Heinicke has completed more than 70 percent of his passes. Washington’s defense has also not allowed more than 100 rushing yards in three of those four games.

The Cowboys’ offense has underperformed in recent weeks largely because of questionable play-calling and a failure to run the ball well (Dallas had fewer than 100 rushing yards in two of the past three games). If they can revert to their prolific running in the first half of the season and if the defense, led by Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, continues to create turnovers, the Cowboys should win.

Pick: Cowboys -4

Saints at Jets

11 a.m.

Line: Saints -6 Total: 43.5

Taysom Hill is expected to start again at quarterback for the Saints (5-7) and play through a finger injury. New Orleans is also hopeful to return running back Alvin Kamara, who has missed four games with a knee injury. If Hill can reduce his turnovers (he threw four interceptions against the Cowboys), the Saints should beat the Jets (3-9), who lost Corey Davis, the team’s second-leading receiver, to season-ending core muscle surgery. A loss to the Jets, though, would be unacceptable for New Orleans.

Pick: Saints -6

Falcons at Panthers

11 a.m.

Line: Panthers -3 Total: 43.5

After starting 3-0, the Panthers (5-7) have struggled offensively, ranking 24th in points scored per game (19.7) and 29th in yards per game (308.7). That is unlikely to improve as their best weapon, running back Christian McCaffrey, was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

The inefficiency caused coach Matt Rhule to fire offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Despite the Panthers’ offensive troubles, Carolina’s defense, which ranks second in fewest yards allowed, should be able to contain the Falcons (5-7), whose offense relies on just three players — receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, tight end Kyle Pitts and quarterback Matt Ryan. Neither of these teams are likely to make the postseason but Carolina should have bragging rights after this one.

Pick: Panthers -3

Seahawks at Texans

11 a.m.

Line: Seahawks -7.5 Total: 42.5

Why would you watch this game, let alone bet on it?

The Seahawks (4-8) have drastically underwhelmed and have become one of the worst teams on offense and defense. The Texans (2-10) have been as bad as predicted. Houston’s journeyman quarterback Tyrod Taylor was benched for rookie Davis Mills in a blowout loss to the Colts, and coach David Culley said he will “evaluate everything” regarding which passer starts for the remainder of the season.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, signed future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson to revive a pedestrian rushing attack, and are motivated to finish the season strong. It’s tempting to take the over, but Houston’s holistic performances have been so poor that Seattle, despite its many offensive deficiencies, should cover.

Pick: Seahawks -7.5

Jaguars at Titans

11 a.m.

Line: Titans -10 Total: 45.5

It seems like the Jaguars (2-10) are the league’s universal “get-right” opponent. A week after taking a beatdown from the Rams, Jacksonville must play the Titans (8-4), who lost back-to-back games before their bye. Tennessee designated receiver Julio Jones to return from injured reserve, which should help the team’s passing attack operate without A.J. Brown, who is still recovering from a chest injury. The Titans’ replacement cast of running backs has also shown it can operate respectfully while Derrick Henry rehabs his foot injury. Jacksonville’s recent performances offer no reason to think that taking the over makes sense.

Pick: Titans -10

Ravens at Browns

11 a.m.

Line: Browns -2.5 Total: 42.5

A bye last week should mean Baker Mayfield will return rested, if not completely healed, of the shoulder and foot injuries that diminished his recent performances. An emphasis on the passing attack for the Browns (6-6) could exploit the Ravens (8-4), who lost for the season their third member of the secondary, cornerback Marlon Humphrey (torn pectoral muscle).

Lamar Jackson threw four interceptions against Cleveland two weeks ago, but the Ravens still won because the Browns wasted possessions and rushed for only 40 yards. If Baltimore’s front seven can again hinder the Browns’ running and play-action passing, the hallmarks of the offense, Mayfield will have fewer opportunities to play where he’s comfortable.

Ravens +2.5

Pick: Giants at Chargers

2:05 p.m.

Line: Chargers -10 Total: 45.5

Justin Herbert may be without his top two receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, because the Chargers (7-5) placed them on the COVID-19 list. The Giants (4-8) may also be short-handed as quarterback Daniel Jones is likely to sit for a second consecutive game with a neck injury. It is unclear whether Mike Glennon, who is in the concussion protocol, or Jake Fromm, whom the Giants recently signed, will start. Regardless, Los Angeles’ defense ranks seventh in fewest passing yards allowed per game (209.5) and should be excited to face either quarterback.

Pick: Chargers -10

49ers at Bengals

2:25 p.m.

Line: 49ers -1 Total: 47.5

Both the 49ers (6-6) and the Bengals (7-5) lost key games last week just as they were gaining momentum ahead of the playoffs. Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow dislocated the pinkie finger on his throwing hand against the Chargers, but played through the injury and should not miss any time. It’s unclear how that will affect his performance going forward.

For San Francisco, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is questionable with a high ankle sprain and running back Elijah Mitchel is in the concussion protocol. It’s also unknown whether receiver Deebo Samuel (groin) and linebacker Fred Warner (hamstring), two of the team’s top four players, will return after missing last week. This game should be competitive, but the Bengals should win at home against a 49ers team contending with injuries.

Pick: Bengals +1