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Last week, MDS and I agreed on all six games. We hit four of them. Again the spread, MDS was 3-3. I was a pathetic 2-2.
This week, we disagreed in one of the four games. For the only three, we have the same winner, both up and against the spread.
Check out all the options below and add yours in the comments.
Rams (+6.5) in Packers
Take from MDS: Aaron Rodgers is playing his best football, and the Rams will go with an injured Jared Goff or an injured John Wolford. There are other lenses to watch this game, and some of them favor the Rams, namely that the Rams have a superior defense. But even if the defense plays well against Rodgers, in the end I think Rodgers and Davante Adams make moves big enough to win this game.
Choice of MDS: Packers 30, Rams 20.
Florio making: Packers need Aaron Jones’ running back to have a solid performance as he walks towards the free agency. They also need defender Aaron Rodgers to find splinters and creases in which the ball can be thrown at receiver Davante Adams, even though he is covered by Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. In defense, Green Bay needs to sell itself to stop the race and force the Rams to win them by throwing the ball in Lambeau’s cold air.
Choosing florio: Packers 31, Rams 21.
Ravens (+2.5) in the accounts
Take from MDS: In the past few weeks, Bills may be playing better than any NFL team. The Ravens are also playing good football at the right time, but I don’t think I would choose anyone to go to Buffalo and beat the Bills now.
Choice of MDS: Bills 27, Ravens 20.
Florio making: The Ravens remain the hottest team in the NFL, and the Bills almost failed against the Colts. Baltimore can run the ball very well, and the Bills cannot. That can be the difference, especially if it snows.
Choosing florio: Ravens 24, Bills 21.
Browns (+10) on Chiefs
Take from MDS: The Browns started early and never looked back against the Steelers, but the well-rested Chiefs are simply the best team. Patrick Mahomes will beat Baker Mayfield and I hope the Chiefs will get at least one great play on special teams.
Choice of MDS: Chiefs 35, Browns 21.
Florio making: The best case for the Browns includes slowing things down, shortening the game and limiting the number of possessions Kansas City will have. Still, can Cleveland beat a Kansas City team that always finds a way? It is doubtful.
Choosing florio: Chiefs 35, Browns 24.
Buccaneers (+3) in Saints
Take from MDS: Tom Brady vs. Drew Brees should be a classic in the NFL playoffs, and it’s a game that could easily happen anyway. The Saints are the favorites and have won both regular season meetings handily, but I have a feeling the Bucs are peaking at the right time, while the Saints are slowing down as the season progresses.
Choice of MDS: Buccaneers 28, Santos 27.
Florio making: Throw away the first two installments of this series; corsairs have improved dramatically since week one and week nine. Tom Brady played 17 games with his new team, and the attack is reaching its peak. In what will likely be the last game of Drew Brees’ career, it will likely be another painful post-season exit for the Saints.
Choosing florio: Buccaneers 24, Santos 23.