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Mr. Bitter 42
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WFDevTeam 41Top posts: NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 1, 2025 - Early Games (13) • 2026 NFL Mock Draft (4) • 2027 NFL Mock Draft (3)
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42yardline 19
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jrkloster 18Top posts: 2026 NFL Mock Draft - Round 1 (1-16) - Charlie Campbell (9) • 2026 NFL Mock Draft (5) • 2027 NFL Mock Draft (3)
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Billl2021 15Top posts: NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 1, 2025 - Early Games (15)
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The Champ 12
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petermwb 11Top posts: 2026 NFL Mock Draft (11)
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iEatCrayons 11Top posts: NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 1, 2025 - Early Games (11)
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Osmodiar 9
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JRO60 8Top posts: 2026 NFL Mock Draft (2) • 2026 NFL Mock Draft - Round 1 (1-16) - Charlie Campbell (2) • 2027 NFL Mock Draft (2)
Unless something wild happens this season, Nico is not only not a first-round pick, he's undraftable.
Nico had one barely-200-yard game against a halfway decent secondary in 2025 [the last game, USC].. and exactly zero of those in 2024. He is not an NFL-level talent at the sport of football.
And his decision making off the field regarding his transfer to UCLA was a complete trainwreck, which has to be a big red flag to GMs. Browns draft picks improved tremendously once the guy who was only good at baseball [DePodesta] left to join the Rockies.. so I don't think the Browns will be anywhere near him.
Also, Nick Marsh is on Indiana for the 2026 season.
@jrkloster
He looked good enough against PSU but no, those stats aren't great.
@BuckeyeFan
All I did was watch highlights of Nico and loved his lanky, Randal Cunningham, type look. Those stats aren't great.
I could see the Bills falling off. I don't think firing the coach was the right answer and getting something like that wrong can set a team back.
@jvkeb
Thanks for the heads up
Jaguars and Eagles listed as First day losers instead of Third day losers, no link for Third day losers
As a Jags fan I'm disgusted at their draft. Although they targeted older players, they didn't draft me. I'm older, 6' and 195 lbs. which an ideal size/weight for a CB. I can run the 40 in ... well, I can run 40 yards.
Whoever wrote the draft player grades is a fucking idiot. You gave the best player in the draft a D because of the team that picked him. You gave Tate a B and Jordan Tyson an A, I watched every Sun Devil game and Tyson is a marginal 1 who was always hurt. They took Tate because he's a much better prospect without being injured constantly.
You give the Jets an A for drafting a bunch of receivers with nobody to throw them the ball, and the Cardianls a D because they drafted a RB with no line? Are you fucking retarded?
Wilken Formby is now at Texas A&M.
I don't see that Mateer goes in Round 1.
Just a question for you and Walter. Both of you have a different draft order for teams as you select your choices for the 2027 draft. Many teams that you both have drafting near the bottom of round 1 are not good teams amd have little chance of drafting low. Do each of you just pick team names out of a hat?
the jets had the best draft with bailey, sadiq, and cooper. only one direction that the jets can go from here and that is up.
strange fact --rory mcilroy has won 2 masters since the last time the jets got an interception.
here are a few players who will be an NFL bust.
1 peter woods DT clemson very overrated
2 carsen beck miami--he just does not have it
3 T J parker clemson another overrated clemson lineman
4 emmett johnson RB nebraska not much athletiic ability and slow
"Garrett is in his 30s..."
Literally just turned 30. Talk about making it as negative as possible. Zion Young is no Garrett. LOL
@Mr. Football
So which team is Pickens getting traded to?
@Mr. Bitter
I agree with both you and The Champ for the likeliest first round pick for the Bills. CJ Allen and Cashius Howell make the most sense, although I wonder if Howell will still be available at 26.
This year's first round should be a lot more challenging to predict than recent years. Have your wings, pizza, and beer ready by 8P EST on Thursday, April 23rd for a very entertaining evening.
@The Champ
This draft is giving me 2018 vibes when it comes to the O-linemen. If you project Mauigoa strictly as a guard, he's a clean, plug-n-play bulldozer with All-Pro upside, much like Quenton Nelson in '18, when he was the first O-lineman off the board at 1.6. Freeling is like Kolton Miller, the late-rising LT specimen drafted at 1.15.
I could see the Browns taking Mauigoa at 1.6 as the foundational piece for the O-line rebuild (even if he's just a guard), then Freeling popping off from 1.10 to 1.13.
@42yardline
I think Cashius Howell would be a great fit for BUF. Fast, intense, alpha 3-4 EDGE that they need, especially with Bosa and Epenesa FAs.
@Coherent37 Yeah I had him going 5th to the Giants for a while but now I've dropped him to Miami at 11. I think Miami would pick him over even Mauigoa, the local product, and my reasoning is that the Packers value versatile OL's. And while Mauigoa may not be a RT and a G instead, Fano can apparently play all 5 positions. Almost sounds like Elgton Jenkins. Of course, new Miami GM Jon-Eric Sullivan comes from the Packer front office.
As neither Fano nor Mauigoa are LT's, I actually think Monroe Freeling has a good chance to be the first OL chosen.
@chuckbaker512 next year's QB class will be better: Arch, Dante Moore, Sayin, even Chambliss with another year of SEC experience.
Was hoping the Browns might somehow get Moore this year - I think he'll be much better than Mendoza in the long term. Wouldn't mind them taking a flyer on Drew Allar this draft, if they have an extra 4th or something. He's from half an hour south of Cleveland.
@petermwb
The Browns have a history of trading up to the 22nd pick and taking a QB. A miserable history involving 3 QBs.
@NoHeroes94 The Rams will take Lemon if he is there at 13.
Also, not even the Jets are dumb enough to pick Simpson at 2 overall. His play was inconsistent and he doesn't have plus traits and he doesn't even have much experience. Maybe the Jets are dumb enough to pick him at 16, but not at 2.
This site seems extremely low on Makai Lemon versus consensus. In my non-expert opinion, he's the best receiver in the class. I think he'll go 2nd or 3rd because he's a slot-only receiver, but he is a likely top-16 pick.
Wonder if Charlie has heard something the rest of the world hasn't.
You need to go back and look at what is going on in Cleveland for the past 4 years with this offense. We’ve had nothing but injuries, aging, and 3rd and 4th string linemen. No wonder we cant keep a QB healthy. Not that I’m advocating for Watson, they can throw him in Lake Erie with the owner. But if Shaduer had the same line that Baker had, i believe he'd be successful.
I think these teams are pretty evenly matched in terms of player talent and both coaches are talented as well but I'll go with the Patriots because I think their staff has the edge due to Vrabel and McDaniels experience.
Vrabel has been great at game management and handling a gauntlet of tough defenses this playoffs. The Seahawks, OTOH, have beaten up an injury riddled 49ers and nearly gave away the Rams game numerous times.
I’d rather the Ravens take P.Woods over K.Faulk.
While we're waiting until next week for Walter's SB picks, I guess I'll go first. I expect this will be a field goal game, so I'm a bit surprised Seattle is -5.
I'll take the Seahawks on the money line, and I'm leaning slightly on the game being under 45.5 points.
Many of this year's playoff games have been close, and I'm hoping that trend will continue. Good luck to you all, but most of all enjoy this game - we won't see another until September.
Excuse my English, LBLD
I can't comment in hiring and firing grade page... walter, you're fucking idiot... as ravens fan. He's just shitty motivational and CEO HC. When coordinators mess up so gawkbaugh(yes I insulted "greatest ravens HC" and fuck gawkbaugh lovers) blame them for didn't follow his gameplan when his gameplan is shit... gawkbaugh didn't think of anything for counter when Mike tomlin knew lamar jackson since he scouted lamar before draft 2018 which 3-7 for lamar... gawkbaugh trust lamar too much. And gawkbaugh is one who hired worst of all OL coaches in nfl history. Check warhop coach history... he got his own teams in 4th for division... even warhop helped texans got higher overall pick to draft QB CJ... you can research that if true or not... so how i view gawkbaugh as tier? Tier 3 or lower... if not for legendary D in 2008 then flacco will be bust and gawkbaugh will be firing in 2010 or 2011... before disagree with me... did lamar save his ass in 2018? He was about being firing... and why GM didn't firing him yet? Cause owner Steve is one who have power to decide, not GM so now GM EDC(nickname) have power to get new HC or firing since gawkbaugh is gone. When I saw Mike tomlin step down and stoolers hired new HC. I was like ??????????????????????????????
They didn't trust Tomlin! Tomlin is CEO but schemer which he can let his DC know about lamar weakness. So tomlin is gone, stoolers will NEVER sweep ravens AGAIN until lamar injured or leave or minter out of ravens
LAR at SEA really comes down to if you think LAR seeming drop in play is real...they peaked early...or not versus if you think SEA's strong finish was the sign of a team getting better, or just variance. I'm leaning on the LAR peaked early, SEA got better, side but can easily imagine being proven wrong here. Great matchup for sure.
Meanwhile, I think Stidham comes in and plays like its the Casino's money and the result is they win outright. Good luck to all. Stay within your means.
“Branch (5-10, 180) flashed with the Bulldogs in 2024 with 47 receptions for 503 yards and a touchdown. He was capable of producing more, but Georgia dealt with streaky quarterback play with Carson Beck.”
Branch was on USC in 2024
@DoctorJ
You will notice that Parent Comment Deleted always refers to Broncoselway. My guess is that if you don't agree with him he responds with inappropriate language that Walter deletes so that his website is not filled with profanity by idiots.
NFL Conference Championship Picks:
Take Seattle -2.5 over the Rams (tough choice)
Take New England -5.5 over Denver (easy choice)
Denver + 4-
Over Den 42-
La Rams +2-
Under La Rams 47-
@Mr. Bitter And I will guess that Minnesota ends up trading for Mac Jones. They still have a championship-level defense and they cannot possibly go into next season with McCarthy as the starter. Jones has some Darnold-esque qualities and would be taking on almost the exact same path that Darnold did. Yeah, they'll likely have to part with a 2nd/3rd Round pick (and maybe an additional later pick) to acquire him, but Adofo-Mensah has to be on the hot seat because they chose to not only draft McCarthy, but then chose not to make a serious offer for Darnold, and look where Seattle is now. If they don't make the playoffs next season, I believe he's going to get fired. As such, I don't think he stakes his job on hoping that Kyler Murray rebounds, not to mention that his cap hit would be a lot higher. Jones' isn't, which allows them to keep paying their defense and offensive skill positions.
As to where Murray winds up, I truly have no idea. Maybe the Steelers? I could see them in the Willis business too, and if that did happen, then maybe Murray would make some sense for the Jets. But I really do like the Mac Jones fit for Minnesota. Would just seem to fit the KOC system really well and because he's under contract cheaply he fits their roster structure of a win-now, highly paid defense. (And Justin Jefferson.)
Has anyone else noticed that when Broncoselway makes a comment he always gives himself a "thumbs up"? Check all of his comments.
That is such a Bush League move. He must be very insecure - don't you think?
@broncoselway
No one cares.
@Billl2021
Maybe that is where Walt is getting his picks!
@broncoselway
I just found out Pete Prisco is on the Broncos. He like Walt is 1-9 in the playoffs. Good luck on your ace!
Brother, outside of Tet McMillan look at who Bryce has to throw to. Now look at the Texans roster and get back to me.
@broncoselway
You probably haven't bet since 2014 when the Broncos got beat in the superbowl 43-8. I heard they are bringing Peyton back for this superbowl run!
Since most of us don't bet in-game, I wish you would separate the computations between in-game and pregame. It is disheartening to take a bath on your picks, only to have you say, "But I was awesome in-game!" When we take a bath, we want to think you are asking for the soap, as well. Long-time reader.
&l <
@broncoselway
It is at 5.5 WTH are you talking about? Broncos just won their Superbowl beating the Bills. (with refs help) The luck is about to run out with your team. Better get Uncle Rico in to save the day!
@broncoselway
Past season results mean nothing, Brady and Elway are long retired.
I'm hoping for another close playoff game - but I just don't see it. Stidham hasn't played in 2 years, and he has predominately been a career backup in the NFL. If he can hold Denver to just a 7 point loss it will be a big feather in his cap.
I believe it will be a 10-14 point NE victory. By the way, its now Monday night and the Patriots are favored by 5.5 points. Watch that spread continue to rise as the week goes on.
@42yardline
The Rams would have been my pick to win it all a few weeks ago. They aren't the same team that dominated the regular season.
@broncoselway
You better go get Uncle Rico to play QB for your Broncos.
@JRO60
Thanks for the heads up. It wasn't Charlie. Something went wrong with my process in pushing his latest version up. Its fixed now.
@42yardline
AJ Brown wouldn't be able to deal with being WR2 in NY. First things first: Our inevitable overpay for Malik Willis or trade for Mac Jones or Kyler Murray.
Saturday's Predictions
BUF +1
The team that wins the LOS wins this game. As good as the DEN defense is, I like Allen/Cook behind that seasoned, cohesive BUF O-line better than I like Nix/Harvey. There's also a good amount of "Josh Allen is just better than Bo Nix" baked into my pick. If Ed Oliver plays, I'm sprinkling some on BUF.
SEA -7
I have a hunch this is the weekend the magic ends for DEN, CHI (late-game comebacks) and SF (injury-decimated). This is usually the time of year where the unsustainable catches up and the more balanced, boring teams advance. Darnold scares me, but he doesn't have to be pretty as long as Walker/Charbonnet continue to bite off explosive plays and the defense does its thing. I just see no reason why SF will fare any better than they did in WK 18, especially without Kittle.
@Billl2021
Darnold basically said it isn't a big deal, but I've got my eye on the injury reports and for any indication that the sharps smell blood.
@broncoselway
Is everyone in Denver as ignorant as you? Calling the Bills a losing franchise and the Broncos winners is just pure, unadulterated gibberish.
Let's talk about FACTS:
Since 2018 the Bills have won 89 games while Denver has won 62. That's 67.4 % for the Bills and 46.6 % for the Broncos.
My friend, perhaps some day you will learn that FACTS tell the true story.
No commenrs on Darnold’s oblique or Collins’ concussion. An update would be nice.
Must be Walt’s day off.
@Mr. Bitter
Sound logic on your Saturday Divisional pcks, I agree. Also, your Jets have some money to spend and the need is there- should the Jets trade for A.J. Brown or do you think he would be reading too much Grisham and Baldacci while on the bench?
@WFDevTeam
RJ Harvey sure doesn't run mean. He runs tentatively and inefficiently. I don't think DEN will be able to fully take advantage of BUF's greatest weakness.
@WFDevTeam
SEA has been so consistent under MacDonald. I thought SEA -7 was on the nose for a bit, but then I figured that SEA beat SF by 10 in Frisco, and now SEA is rested and at home. Also: SEA gets back Cross, while SF loses Kittle. Unless Darnold implodes, I just see SEA giving SF a workmanlike beating.
@broncoselway
I get paranoid by made up stories in my head such as 'doesn't the league want Josh Allen to win this game?'
@Mr. Bitter
Walt's take away from the Broncos Packers game isn't the same as mine. At the beginning of that game I remember the Broncos getting into the Packers faces about something. They strike me as a 'mean' team. Its not my favorite look in sports but usually teams with a streak of mean to them fair well. Enough for me to not want to touch that game.
I do think SF is around because the Eagles offense self-destructed. SEA has shown they won't do that. The number looks on the money though. Wouldn't be surprised if SEA wins by 7 on the dot.
Josh Allen is a beast in the playoffs. Great playoff games so far this weekend. But Lawrence was no match for Allen (although it was a back and forth game). Lawrence at home threw 2 picks while Allen completed 80% with no picks.
Allen has said he wants to play for a very long time. I'm sure his future opponents don't want to hear that. Get him a couple of good receivers (or even one) and the Bills will be a major player for quite a few years to come.
Sorry Bills haters, but this is just the truth.
@Mr. Bitter
Good one, Bitter. You always have a timely comment.
@broncoselway
Jax killed your Broncos, and we just beat Jax. Do the math.
@broncoselway
Fortune cookies are wrong all the time.
my pick of the Divisional round:
10 degrees, 10-20 mph winds, Stafford's bad finger, Rams playing in weather they are not used to.
Under 48.5
@Billl2021
Just my view, but I see no value in factoring stats from previous seasons to make picks on what is going on this season. The past is the past.
Don't mean to knock you for picking Pitt over Hou in the Wildcard round, but Pitt's Monday night record of 38-10 over the years is not a valid reason to pick them - this year is this year.
@broncoselway
If anyone is going to do the smoking its the red-hot Josh Allen. Bo Nix vs, Allen - are you kidding me?? Walter said it best- Denver barely wins against weak opponents - he picked Buffalo for 8 units in this weekend's Divisional games.
I'll bet you the world famous Buffalo wings against whatever Denver is known for (unbreathable air) ?
Just one whiff ATS so far this weekend, and -of course - it was my lone money game. (Thanks, Eagles. Jesus.) I'm with Walt tonight and like PIT to win SU.
I know PIT should have lost to BAL. I know about Anderson and Hunter screaming off the EDGE. I know about Stingley and Lassiter at the boundaries. The thing is - and as Walt described - the PIT offense will be attacking the HOU LBs and safeties with quick shots to Gainwell and the TEs...and the HOU LBs and safeties can be had in coverage. (Especially To'oTo'o, a miserable coverage LB.)
I'm not sold on the Texans, and this is a spot (home dogs, MNF, getting disrespected a lil' bit-type game) where PIT traditionally cashes. Unless HOU jumps on PIT early, PIT will drag HOU into a low-scoring brawl in which the Steelers and their formidable front seven will gain confidence by the minute. PIT by a Boswell FG.
PIT 20 HOU 17
@petermwb
Word is that Miami (FL) is trying to lure Ty Simpson back to college after losing out on Sam Leavitt.
its kind of a thin quarterback draft. it looks like one quarterback deep, with a lot of pretend type quarterbacks. here is the list.
1 fernando mendoza--this guy looks like the 2nd coming of peyton manning. a total stud with a great accurate arm. great player.
2 dante moore--was exposed vs indiana as a guy not ready for prime time. has the skill set, not a NFL starter yet, his draft stock should have dropped after the terrible game vs indiana, but the desperate jets, jets, jets will take him in round one.
3 ty simpson-nice arm, great athlete who is a very good runner. but not ready for prime time. be lost to indiana 38-3. three points will not cut it. needs another year of college football, but the dope already declared, will go in top 10 picks since the qb draft is so weak.
4 garrett nussmeier- this guy has a nice arm, not strong but is accurate. he is too small, not ready for NFL and injury prone. will be career back-up type.
5 john mateer--very good athlete but is primarily a running type quarterback. cannot make a living in the pocket, so he nfl career not too promising.
6 carson beck--this guy is a mutt, very below average athlete, and throws a lot of picks. whoever drafts this guy will regret the decision and wonder why they drafted him.
7 trinidad chambilss--not ready for prime time, too short at 6' 0". will just fade away in the pros, good college player, but not an nfl quarteback.
8 drew allar--a bust at the college level, so what are the chances he makes it in the NFL? answer, no chance, zero, a waste of a draft pick.
9 cade klubnik--a small guy, very average type player, career back-up at best.
&a
&am
gt;
It's impressive to see the Niners go as far as they have gone with the injuries they've endured. It's like a boat with several leaks still managing to win races.
Losing Kittle yesterday HURTS bad. No matter how far they go, it won't be the same without Kittle. Luckily he's got those Little Ceaser's ads.
For the Browns (01/12/25A) @6 no to Proctor. He's another lazy Alabama bust waiting to happen. Tate would be my pick here as he is available.
Then @24 A DE that will be available in the 3rd. World would be my pick.
@woo hoo
#1 reason not to take teams with with to much money on them. That game was controlled by the refs. Everytime Eagles would get going they were getting hit with a holding call. Then the PI late in the game was BS. Just my take.
Best Pick for Wildcard Weekend?
PHI -3, I got this earlier in week and pounded it. SF is beat up and got physically beaten last Sunday - down 2 more LBs and others - I mean is Purdy ok vicious last play hit. PHI basically had a week off and players coming back.
I do like LAR but -10 is much. I did bet FT/HalfTime LAR though with PHI ML.
@Mr. Bitter
Jacksonville gave that game away. They could have run the ball on the outside the whole game. They were picking up 8 yards a carry on the outside. Also after Allen was hurt they never pressured him. I would of put pressure on him every play. Oh well onto the next one.
@Mr. Bitter
I actually think in order the priority would be to get rid of
1. Hurts
2. AJ Brown
3. OC/HC
4. Barkley
@WFDevTeam
You know your team well.
@iEatCrayons
A.J. Brown for sure has gotta go.
I can't get over how lethargic PHI looked on offense at times.
@WFDevTeam
Damn Sorry about PHI here. I really think Hurts just got low football IQ and also coaches not helping him out. Time to clean house.
@broncoselway
a bit premature. 4 games to go. No matter what its a bit surprising both games went the way the betting public's way yesterday. Let's see how today goes.
@Billl2021
I get the splits and I don't trust the BUF defense at all. (Although news that Van Lanen is OUT may create more wiggle room for Rousseau and Bosa.) I just envision a healthy Allen and Cook going wild and simply outscoring JAX. Non-bet, though.
@Billl2021
Thanks. I figured the Bears would keep the 4th quarter magic going vs. GB. That ride is over, though. The Bears are going to get Saquan Barkleyed to death next weekend, especially with T.J Edwards OUT.
@Mr. Bitter
In the four games with QB Josh Allen, the Bills' defense has been the statistical difference on the road versus at home (33.5 points per game allowed on the road and 19.8 allowed at home).
@Mr. Bitter
Great job on both games yesterday. That Bears game was one for the ages!
@Mr. Bitter
McDermott is 0-5 in road playoff games. And home teams are 10-3 in wildcard playoffs the past year.
@woo hoo
Coen was a great hire. But this is his first playoff game, and I can't shake the feeling that the Jags peaked too early - and against a cupcake stretch of schedule.
I love the young, foundational pieces along the JAX front seven, but Allen/Cook present a challenge unlike JAX has seen.
This is not to say I'm confident that the Bills will win. It's all predicated on Allen being healthy, and that's not a given. I also don't like a BUF defense that may need to put an extra man in the box just to help their weak LBs vs. Etienne, which would open up the JAX passing game. Hell, I don't even like that JAX has such a pronounced advantage at kicker.
All I know is this: If healthy, Allen could easily put the Bills on his back. The Bills went over 26.5 points in all three of their playoff games last year, and have done so in 7 of their last 9 playoff games. The Jags haven't had to worry about a QB that can put up those kinda points for an eternity.
@woo hoo
I kinda have agree here. Not saying Jax Run D isn't good but there a good Risk/Reward on Cook on this game. Jax hasn't faced good QB/RB combo since the bye, atleast nothing close to Allen/Cook. They played bad QBs (as Mr.Bitter noted) and then blew out bad teams, that is a big contribution to their leading Run D.
Tough betting today... but do think Cook will Cook.
Cook +80 RushYds, +105 Combo Yards, +18.5 attempts
(Also got Barkley +80 RushYds)
I think the Bears game is a trap. I don't get why the Bears aren't favored. Or that the line hasn't moved to favor them. There are games with lines that feel obvious to me and then in retrospect felt like a trap. Something is up here.
I with Walt on the Rams. That line makes sense. Wouldn't surprise me if it ends up a push at 10. But I think the Rams make a statement they should be the favorites to win it this year. Not the Seahawks.
@mcklbrown_1
point taken. I may even do something about it over the next week.
@Mr. Bitter
Regarding CHI, I have similar view about CHI RUN. The weird thing is CHI finished in TOP 5 in 2025 for rushing attempts... past 3 games bottom 4, and also factoring Ben Johnson style, their OL, WR injuries, etc. CHI seem to move away from their run game. I dunno...
I feel CHI will (hope) Run today and win.
My Bets today
CHI ML
LAR HT/FT + CHI +6.5
Puka +89.5 Yds
< >
Saturday Predictions
I'm still pissing in the wind when it comes to handicapping the AFC Wild Card games, but I think I have a decent read on the NFC side.
CAR +10.5
We all know how fluky CAR's earlier win over the Rams was, but I won't be shocked if CAR does it again. Home playoff dogs getting 10+ points historically almost always cover because they have nothing to lose. It's why all three teams that have made the playoffs with a worse point differential than CAR won SU in the Wild Card round. House money and all that.
All the pressure is on LA. The Rams are 3-3 in their last six, yet are commonly regarded as the best team in the NFC and expected to win three straight on the road, beginning with a cross-country trip to CAR. I don't think it will be that easy.
Notes: Rams get back D. Adams and Q. Lake, but will be without the right side of their O-line (K. Dotson and R. Havenstein). CAR LDE D. Brown lines up over RG and could dominate...CAR gets back behemoth RG R. Hunt, increasing the likelihood that Dowdle/Hubbard get back on track vs. LA's undersized run-stop unit...The LAR CB depth chart is weak. E. Forbes Jr. in particular can be targeted with success...Last time these teams played, CAR was without J. Horn, T. Moehrig, C. Rozeboom and C. Cherelus...Needs to be talked about more: CAR may have a secret weapon vs. LAR in DC Ejiro Evero. It might be no coincidence that the LAR offense also struggled against ATL and Raheem Morris - another coach that understands how to prep vs. the McVay offense.
LAR 31 CAR 24
CHI +1.5
Sure, the Bears have been winning with unsustainable turnover and late-game luck, but sometimes teams just have seasons like that, and the magic bleeds into the playoffs for a game or two. It's just who the Bears are this season. The Packers are the team whose season ended when Parsons (and Wyatt) went down.
Walt doesn't trust Caleb Williams here, but I kinda do. Williams - who will be regarded as the NFC's best QB by this time next year - can go toe-to-toe with any QB. Jordan Love could easily be rusty coming off a concussion and a few weeks off.
Notes: Biggest mismatch in this game: J. Thuney/D. Dalman/J. Jackson vs. GB run defense. It's not even close. The Bears are 1st in rushing success rate. The Packers are last in rushing success rate allowed since losing Parsons and Wyatt. The Bears will run at will...The return of R. Odunze is huge, especially against a GB defense that struggles vs. boundary WRs and is now without Nate Hobbs..The return of do-everything CB Kyler Gordon should boost CHI's beleaguered defense.
CHI 24 GB 21<
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&
@Mr. Bitter - Great write-up
I teased Jags on the opening +1.5 line to get +7.5 and that felt like a gift. Now that the Bears are +1.5 in a windy home game I feel the same way. Anything can happen but teasing CHI +7.5 is a big money play for me. GL
@Billl2021
Hmmm. Allen's foot?
I'm not sold on the Bills or anything, but Allen is beast in the playoffs when healthy. And I like BUF's O-line/running game better than JAX's. My point with my original post about JAX was that their level of competition since their bye may have as much to do with their winning streak as Jakobi Meyers and Cole Van Lanen. Talk that they'll come out of the AFC seems a bit much, especially with all the drops at WR and Brian Thomas Jr. still MIA.
@Mr. Bitter
Money is coming in on the Jags. They have moved to -1.5 now
@Mr. Bitter
Jags are a solid home team and the Bills struggle on the road. Plus Bills OC Joe Bradley has been talking to teams about head coaching positions. I remember Ben Johson doing the same last year during the playoffs and the Lions got embarrased.
@WFDevTeam
Speaking of trends...C.J Stroud in the cold and PIT's MNF record are more reason to think the Steelers might win SU. Trends are flimsy, but unless HOU jumps on PIT early, PIT will only gain confidence as long as the game is close.
Arthur Smith has Rodgers getting rid of the ball and out to the RBs and TEs so quickly that it might mitigate the damage Anderson/Hunter can do.
The AFC is wide open and there needs to be a feel-good, playoff narrative...why not old man Rodgers making one last playoff run?
@DoctorJ
I can't see Rodgers having a good day and Houston's defense has the swagger of a defense that can carry a team to the Super Bowl. But the Steelers are a team I'm wary of. They are consistently inconsistent. Will lose when it seems they shouldn't. Will win when it seem they shouldn't. I'm talking not just this year. Now they haven't made it past the first round since 2017...but like all trends...does that mean they are due to win one? I'm leaving that one alone.
@DoctorJ
PIT's D-line is pretty good, too. They're just behind HOU in D-line WAR and are the only team with 4 players in PFF's top 30 pressure rankings. HOU's Anderson/Hunter are the best EDGE duo in the NFL, but Watt/Highsmith are up there, too. EDGE3 Herbig would start for some teams, Heyward is playing out of his mind right now and Harmon is coming on. I agree that the HOU DL will be a problem for PIT, but I could see the PIT front - finally healthy -dominating HOU's O-line. Could easily be a low-scoring slop-fest...a game script the Steelers love.
@iEatCrayons
As I'm an Eagles fan I almost never would choose their game as the one I like the most. I do like in Walt's analysis how he notes the 49ers offense may be overrated based on what it can do against weaker defense. Defense is a place where its easy to underrate its impact. Good to be on the side that has the edge there.
I feel best about the Jags. A team on the rise against what feels like a known commodity. But seems like the public is already aware of this.
For the record I don't gamble. I participate in the FadeBackContset and am content simply making predictions and seeing how I do. The league has so many unpredictable results some of which only seem to make sense when you look at the line. Some of which are injuries in the game type stuff that there is no way to account for it. On top of the players having good games and bad games.
The Rams game feels good to me. I now the spread is big but I can't see LA easing up here unless they get up by 20 and even then I could see stafford doing enough to keep Carolina out of reach
@Qb1frink
The mocks get more accurate as the draft gets closer and more information becomes available. Walt and Charlie will hone in as fast as other experts do as it does.
Media at large is a tough business. Think how many sites have come and gone over 20 years. The Pittsburgh Gazette is shuttering from what I saw. Many of the websites that are nicer are smaller parts of larger companies. Not a word of content Walt or Charlie produces is made exclusive behind a paywall. We do offer all this content available here ad-free, and on out subdomain ad-free for $8 a month. And we're not thriving but more treading water here.
@WFDevTeam
I hear you... i fully agree that PHI offense is bad but my opinion they will (slightly) turn it up - Hurts/Barkley running more on a backup LB team.
Now for SF - williams and pearsall not practicing. Is Kittle fully healthy? Is Purdy? Yikes. Remember PHI held Buf@Home for 12 pts.. Buf scored an AVG of 31.6 in last 5 games outside of vs PHI.
@WFDevTeam --- if this isn't your best bet for weekend, what is your best bet? Curious...
Flu is apparently making its way through the NE locker room.
Any Super Bowl predictions?
@WFDevTeam
PHI's problems are nothing the return of Lane Johnson can't cure. (PHI 18-28 in games Johnson hasn't played.)
I'm with IEatCrayons - PHI is rested and should TCB. With the loss of Tatum Bethune, the 'Niners are down to practice-squadders Eric Kendricks and Garret Wallow at LB. The injury-ravaged SF front seven will be dominated by the PHI O-line.
The Chargers had more interceptions than passing TDs allowed yet their CBs are weak?
Second team all pro CB, two great second year ones, decent safety unit.
Interior OL is the need.
@42yardline
That's not boring Walt has been doing it all season and he is up. I can't see past the 33 -10 record Steelers have on Monday nights. Best of luck!
@WFDevTeam
Nice Call here.. didn't give enough credit to PIT.
1. That poor BAL K, damn that is rough.
2. Glad CAR got in, that ATL-CAR game was one of the worst officiated game I ever saw. I gotta think back but it was terrible
@WFDevTeam
The Darnell Washington injury is big. His blocking was crucial to the run game and the passing offense was leaning on him more by the week. But who knows...maybe Freiermuth emerges from exile with a big game.
BAL by a FG feels exactly right, but I worry about Lamar. We keep waiting for the Lamar we all know to show up and it hasn't happened all year. Non-bet for me.
@iEatCrayons
That seems to be the consensus. Its a shame I have a bias for aging QBs. I think I'm going to take the points for my FadeBackPick selection but its a case where I clearly know why I'll be wrong if I end up on the wrong side.
@WFDevTeam
I've had BAL since early week at -3, even at -3.5 I take BAL maybe buy the Pts.
PIT offense is ugly w/o DK (and Wash). They need a run game but BAL Run D is good lately and can stack box vs PIT. Added to BAL Run is so much easier to rely on.
AFC North games are always kinda weird, even though I think BAL has a sizeable advantage game can be close so tempered my betting here, although I did bet -6.5 BAL for a few.
Best Player Incentives Week 18 to Play
Justin Jefferson: 53 receiving yards for 1,000
Dawson Knox: $100K with 6 receptions, $100K with 1 TD
Hunter Henry: $250K with 5 receptions
Stefon Diggs: $500K with 30 yards, another $500K with 130 yards, $500K with 8 catches
I did bet JJ (+66 RecY and Henry (+5/+46 Recs/RecY).
I'll probably also bet ATTD Dawson, and Diggs 60Yrds later today.
Alex Wright has played well and will be the other DE across from Myles Garrett. Evidently Walt does not watch or read anything about the Browns. They may even have JOK back next year, which would be a great LB core with Schwesinger.
Browns need OL, OL, OL, .... and a WR.
NO/ATL
With the Falcons coming off a short week and a big, turnover-aided win, I agree that the Saints are the right side. My concern: Without Olave, how are the Saints going to score?
With Saints interior defenders Bresee and Shepherd trending OUT, there's a good chance Bijan and Allgeier will eat well. Who will the Saints lean on to keep up? Juwan Johnson? ATL is 3rd-best vs. tight ends. The ghost of Taysom Hill? Audric Estime? Practice-squadder who could be running into stacked boxes. I like Shough and he should perform well with OROY within reach, but expecting guys like Kevin Austin Jr. and Dante Pettis to rise to the occasion feels like a reach.
Side note: Bijan and other Falcons are talking about how they'd like to knock the Bucs out of the playoffs. Could ATL be more motivated than we think?
@Karensman
I also got this as a Top 3 pick this week. I feel like DET OL been toughing it out for the last couple of games and will just sit/barely play. If Amon sits that's a bonus + Burden full practice, moved this into my top 3
Top Picks
CHI -3
CAR +3
BAL -3
First of all : Happy New Year's everybody ! Hopefully we can all have a healthy, productive, and enjoyable year in 2026. I confess to being a huge 'homer' for the Chicago Bears. I was delighted last year when they drafted Caleb Williams with the number 1 pick only to see them completely fall apart with the most inept coaching in the NFL. Segue to this year with a top notch coach and it has been a pleasure to watch their games this year. I'm assuming that Johnson figured out that his young, talented QB needed a big physical offensive line and he addressed that in free agency. The Bears played Detroit in Week 2 in a game that saw Detroit healthy and the Bears still working to get their veteran O-Line into a solid unit. The Bears were also coming off a devastating 4th quarter collapse against the Vikings and were on a short week. Not surprisingly the Lions demolished the Bears 52-21. I won't say that the Lions deliberately ran up the score on the Bears, but they didn't take their foot off the accelerator and Campbell's post game comments weren't very flattering about the Bears and his ex-coordinator Ben Johnson. After the game I made the decision that I would only bet the Bears 1 time this year [ didn't want to jinx them ! ] and it would be the last game of the year against the Lions. We have seen the Lions collapse this year [ injuries as well as coaching decisions ] especially down the stretch and do not have anything to play for. In the meantime, the Bears have been consistently good all season [ although the defense has not been good ]. Before the line came out, I expected the Bears to be favored by at least 7 1/2 and was prepared to bet them at that line. The Bears at either 2 1/2 or 3 is my best bet of the year. Why:
1] Even a blind person can see a 'revenge angle' to this game.
2] I won't say the Bears weren't trying to win against the 49ers but the defense called no blitzes against the Niners, and the only trick/gimmick play was the 'hook and Ladder' on the next to last play.
3] What exactly does the Lions have to play for ? This is a solid veteran team that was a Super Bowl contender that can no longer make the playoffs. I'm guessing they are more focused on next week's tee times then giving maximum effort in a useless game.
4] I suggest that if anyone has any doubts, look at Goff's record against the Bears at Soldier Field in late season weather. He is more efficient indoors. Go all the way back to when he was with the Rams on their Super Bowl team that lost to the Bears in December at Soldier field by a score of 15-6.
5] The Lions completely s--t the bed against the Vikings last week when they still had a shot at the playoffs and they have really faltered down the stretch. Why will they suddenly play their best game of the year ?
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"The Giants don’t have much at receiver outside of Malik Nabers"
Respectfully, Wan'Dale Robinson was a top 12 receiver for 2025. He outperformed a dozen receivers ranked higher.