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Last week, MDS and I agreed on all six games. We got four right. Against the spread, MDS went 3-3. I was a pathetic 2-2.
This week we disagree on one of the four games. For the only three, we have the same winner both straight up and against the spread.
Check out all the choices below and call your own in the comments.
Rams (+6.5) at Packers
Taking MDSs: Aaron Rodgers plays his best football, and the Rams will go with an injured Jared Goff or an injured John Wolford. There are other lenses for viewing this game, and some prefer the Rams, which is that the Rams have the superior defense. But even if that defense plays well against Rodgers, I think Rodgers and Davante Adams will end up making enough big plays to win this game.
MDS’s choice: Packers 30, Rams 20.
Florio takes: The Packers need to run back Aaron Jones to put in a solid performance on his way to free agency. They also need quarterback Aaron Rodgers to find splinters and creases in which the ball can be thrown to receiver Davante Adams, even when covered by Ram’s cornerback Jalen Ramsey. In defense, Green Bay has to sell out to stop the flight and force the Rams to beat them by throwing the ball through the cold Lambeau air.
Florio’s choice: Packers 31, Rams 21.
Ravens (+2.5) at Bills
Taking MDSs: In recent weeks, the Bills may have been playing better than any team in the NFL. The Ravens also play good football at the right time, but I don’t think I would pick anyone to go to Buffalo and beat the Bills.
MDS’s choice: Accounts 27, Ravens 20.
Florio takesThe Ravens remain the hottest team in the NFL and the Bills had a near-foul against the Colts. Baltimore can run the ball really well, and the Bills can’t. That could be the difference, especially when it snows.
Florio’s choice: Ravens 24, Bills 21.
Browns (+10) at Chiefs
Taking MDSs: The Browns poured it in early and never looked back against the Steelers, but the well-equipped Chiefs are just the better team. Patrick Mahomes will outsmart Baker Mayfield and I expect the Chiefs to get at least one big game in special teams.
MDS’s choice: Chiefs 35, Browns 21.
Florio takesBest case for the Browns includes slowing things down, shortening the game, and limiting the number of assets Kansas City will have. Even then, can Cleveland score better than a Kansas City team that always finds a way? It’s questionable.
Florio’s choice: Chiefs 35, Browns 24.
Buccaneers (+3) at Saints
Taking MDSs: Tom Brady vs. Drew Brees should be an NFL playoff classic, and it’s a game that can easily go both ways. The Saints favored and handily won both regular gatherings, but I just feel like the Bucs are peaking at the right time, while the Saints are slowing down as the season goes on.
MDS’s choice: Buccaneers 28, Saints 27.
Florio takes: Discard the first two parts of this series; the Buccaneers have improved dramatically since week one and week nine. Tom Brady has played 17 games with his new team and the attack is peaking. In what will likely be the last career game for Drew Brees, it might be another heartbreaking postseason exit for the Saints.
Florio’s choice: Buccaneers 24, Saints 23.