We’re limping to the finish line in a year where favorites have been king. As usual, I feel really good about these three dogs – it’s never too late to turn things around!
Cowboys +7 ½ at Eagles
Normally, this would be a spot to fade the Cowboys. They’re playing out the string for a lame-duck coach, have shut down CeeDee Lamb, and are facing an Eagles team coming off a costly loss to a division rival.
But this is not a normal year, and the Cowboys are playing hard, competing, and getting healthier on defense. They likely won’t have Jalen Hurts to deal with and won’t fear Kenny Pickett at all. Their loss last week has pretty much locked up the 2-seed for the Eagles: they need to win out, have the Lions go 0-2, and the Purple 1-1 to steal the top seed.
It’s possible, and motivation won’t be the issue, but the Cowboys will dare Philly to throw the ball, and I don’t think Pickett is up to the challenge. Fees like a 20-14 kind of game to me.
Panthers +8 at Bucs
Turns out I jumped on the Panthers bandwagon a bit too early. They have been a covering machine lately as long as they’re underdogs. The one time they were favored, they got steamrolled by the Cowboys.
Here’s another instance of one team being super motivated, but like Dallas, Carolina is playing hard. They’re not looking to improve their draft stock, they’re looking to just improve, and their franchise QB is starting to actually look like one. They can also run the ball, and they’ll need to move it because the Bucs won’t have a huge issue doing it themselves.
These teams played a month ago, with Tampa Bay winning in overtime, but the Panthers should’ve closed them out in regulation. Why is this number so high? Makes no sense to me. Yes, the Bucs are coming off a loss and will be angry, but they still won’t have Antoine Winfield, and Cade Otton is out, too. They’ll get the win, but it will be a one-score game.
Falcons +4 at Commanders
I can’t wait to watch this one as two rookie quarterbacks take the field in prime time. This will be the first real test for Michael Penix Jr. in his second career start, and he faces a Washington flying high after their stunning win over the Eagles.
I think they’re prime for a letdown. Remember, they’re just two weeks removed from almost letting Spencer Rattler beat them with a two-point conversion. Let that sink in.
This up-and-coming team will earn a playoff spot with a win or a Bucs loss. I’m guessing they don’t handle their success well with the world watching. Penix is a wild card, but I think he’s special, and having Bijan Robinson to hand off doesn’t hurt. Wouldn’t be shocked if the Birds spring the upset, but it seems like a field goal game either way to me.
Last Week: 0-3
Season: 18-30
