The Denver Broncos are still fighting for second place in the AFC West. The Atlanta Falcons will need a little help this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Kansas City Chiefs are on their way to the top of the conference and the Las Vegas Raiders are fighting for the number one pick in the NFL Draft.

Buccaneers (7-6, +2.5) at Chargers (8-5, -2.5) O/U 45

With the Broncos facing a game where they can essentially clinch a playoff spot, they could set their sights on advancing to a higher spot in the playoffs. That could mean overtaking the Chargers, who play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home this week.

The Bucs also have a lot to offer. The NFC South is a hodgepodge of mediocrity, but Baker Mayfield has the weapons on offense to cruise to a division championship. This means both teams will be hungry for a win. The Chargers were overtaken by the Broncos, but are still in the direct duel in the division.

This late in the season, injury reports often look like a who’s who of players dealing with pressing issues. Mike Evans is still dealing with a groin injury, which is why he was listed as questionable for the Bucs. The Chargers are without Will Dissly and Ladd McConkey is dealing with shoulder and knee problems.

The sportsbooks basically have this game as a selection game. The Broncos would like to get some help from the Bucs this week and could finish alone in 2nd place if the week goes well.

Chiefs (12-1, -4.5) at Browns (3-10, +4.5) O/U 43

The surprising thing here is the spread. The Chiefs should win this game. The last time the Broncos played, they pulled off a crazy win while experiencing the full Jameis Winston Experience.

Still, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are currently number one in the AFC. It stands to reason that they should be able to handle a 3-10 Cleveland team. However, what we’ve seen from Andy Reid’s team this season is a far cry from the explosive, soul-destroying team of recent seasons.

They strive for victories. They get lucky or find ways to win. I expect this trend to continue. The Chiefs defense, led by Chris Jones, is one of the best in the NFL. They will take advantage of Winston’s penchant for losing the ball and should win at the Dog Pound.

Falcons (6-7, -4) at Raiders (2-11, +4)

We all know where this is leading. The Raiders and New York Giants are in the Cam Ward or Shadeur Sanders business. This business requires losses. The Falcons aren’t out of the NFC South discussion despite Kirk Cousins ​​leading to a turnover waiting to happen.

With every single game, the Raiders get a little closer to the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. I know players don’t throw plays, but Desmond Ridder will likely be the starting QB. That doesn’t exactly scream victory. It actually whispers, “We’re done.”

I don’t have much for this game, but it gives me the opportunity to complain.

What is the NFL doing? This week’s primetime programming is the worst I’ve seen in a long time. I guess Sunday night’s game goes well, with the Packers and the Seahawks. But look at how terrible Monday night will be. In this Falcons and Raiders game, there are just two bad football teams on display to the world, but not alone.

There is a second MNF game for all of us to watch. A real treat when the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings. I guess that’s not too terrible. Caleb Williams gets a primetime presentation. But when you compare it to what happens during the afternoon slot on Sunday, you really start to wonder.

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburg Steelers are playing in a big game. In the other big affair, the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions meet. Both are potential Super Bowl previews, and the NFL has decided not to show either in a primetime slot.

What are you doing? Instead, they are in direct competition with each other and we are treated to three mediocre to bad games during prime time this week. Such a failure by the NFL.

I mean, we’ll all still be watching, but perhaps the most-watched primetime week in NFL history will be a bit of a memorable fart in the wind.