2025 NFL Divisional Round Predictions

Los Angeles heads to Philadelphia. Philadelphia Eagls running back Saquon Barkley has been a nightmare to deal with on the ground.

Chris Ransom Last Updated: January 18, 2025.

4. Houston Texans 11-7-0	Versus	1. Kansas City Chiefs 15-2-0

Chris Ransom's Pick

We're back for the 2024 NFL Season. You can follow our weekly predictions crew. Jesse Lucas won the first year in 2014-2015. Jason Bantle and myself now have two championships after I won the NFL Pickem Champion Trophy for most accurate predictions against the spread in 2020-2021 and had the most accurate NFL predictions again in 2022-2023. Oren Shiri, Tanya Holmes, and Wes Langley have one pickem title too back in 2021-2022. Lisa Donovan got her first pickem Championship last year the best record in the country last year in 2023-2024 I'm hoping to pass the torch onto someone else if you can supplant Draft Utopia in 2024-2025. Send me your predictions on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to be eligible for prizes should you have a perfect week.

For the fourth year in a row Draft Utopia defeated the maintstream media in NFL Predictions. After I had the best record in 2020-2021 going 181-74-1, Wes Langley went 189-95-1 in 2021-2022. I went 190-92-3 in 2022-2023 allowing Draft Utopia to become the first sports website in the world to three peat in NFL predictions. Last year Lisa Donovan went 199-86 on the year before her and three other staff members left the site following this NFL Season. We still got seven of our eleven from last year trying to keep our run against the mainstream media for a potential fifth year in a row for the 2024 NFL Season.

Last year Lisa beat Emmy Bantle by 11 games, but Emmy got to 200 games correct on the year before the Divisional round making her the new national leader at 200-78. Matt Bowen of ESPN went 15-1 in week 1 and that is the best start in week 1 since people starting keeping track of mainstream media predictions in 2014. Matt Bowen is 199-79 to end the year following his 15-1 start to week 1 after updating this past the wild card week.

Andrew Kermish has the lead with one regular season left in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Andrew is now 198-80 on the year which is tied with John Gonzalez and Carlos of The Sports Authorities for third nationally.

Wes Langley is in second place with one regular season left in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Wes has a 194-84 record on the year. Wes is tied with Brad of The Sports Authorities for ninth nationally.

Jason Bantle moves into third place in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Jason Bantle is tied with Gary Bantle for eleventh nationally at 193-85.

I am now 185-93 on the year. I am in sole possession of fourth place in the 2024 NFL Draft Utopia Pickem Standings. I am tied for thirty first nationally.

Tracy Porter of Draft Utopia is fifth in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings with a 180-98 record on the year. Tracy is tied for thirty ninth nationally.

Oren Shiri is 170-108 on the year. Oren is sixth in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Oren is sole possession of forty eighth nationally.

Joseph Potter and is seventh in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings at 163-115 on the year. Joey is fifty second nationally.

There's a lot fewer NFL picks records being posted this year as I only have 90 in my database and that includes Tony Mario's picks which aren't posted on the site he emails me his winners each week as I've increased my database from 80 to 90 people for NFL predictions this week. If you want me to feature yours email me at chris@draftutopia.com, where I will respond and post your prediction records to the site.

Why the Houston Texans Will Win: C.J. Stroud the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State ended up winning Offensive Rookie Of The Year and took the Houston Texans to the Divisional Round as a rookie. Houston has Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Juice Scruggs a 2023 second round pick at left guard, Jarrett Patterson a 2023 sixth round round pick out of Notre Dame at center, Shaq Mason at right guard, and Tytus Howard at right tackle. Blake Fisher is the backup left tackle, Kenyon Green is the backup left guard, and Charlie Heck is the backup right tackle. Houston moved Tytus Howard to right tackle and Blake Fisher to right tackle when Juice Scruggs got ruled out in week 15 and it looks like Scruggs is going to be out once again in week 16. Houston got Juice Scruggs back at left guard in week 18. Shaq Mason is out at right guard once agian in the wild card round. Houston started Tytus Howard at left guard and Juice Scruggs at right guard in week 18. Houston has Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Tytus Howard at left guard, Jarrett Patterson at center, Juice Scruggs at right guard, and Blake Fisher at right tackle for a the wild card game.

Houston has Nico Collins as their number one flanker receiver, Stefon Diggs as their number two secondary receiver, and Nathaniel "Tank" Dell as their slot receiver after Stroud told the Houston Texans to draft the Houston Cougars wide receiver as a receiving target. Houston took Tank Dell in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Houston. Houston has John Metchie III currently the number four receiver on Houston's depth chart, Robert Woods is the number five wide receiver, Steven Sims is the number six wide receiver. Xavier Hutchinson is the number seven wide receiver on this depth chart. Tank Dell will be back this week. Houston placed Nico Collins on injured reserve entering week 6. Nico Collins returned in week 11.

Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell both suffered season ending injuries. Houston has Nico Collins at flanker receiver, John Metchie III as their secondary receiver and Xavier Hutchinson is the slot receiver with Stefon Diggs as well as Tank Dell out for the year. Robert Woods could end up playing slot receiver next to John Metchie III, but he did not practice all week and is questionable for this game.

Dalton Schultz is the starting tight end. Brevin Jordan has been the backup tight end in Quitoriano's absence before Houston cut Quitoriano. Brevin Jordan is out for the year. Cade Stover is now the backup tight end as he showed big time playmaking in the Hall Of Fame game after being a 2024 fourth round pick out of Ohio State after entering training camp as the fourth string tight end. Cade Stover's rapport with C.J. Stroud dating back to their time at Ohio State is incredible. Teagan Quitoriano re-joined Houston after going to Chicago and getting cut by them, but will not travel with Houston due to an injury.

Joe Mixon is the starting running back. Dameon Pierce is the backup running back. British Brooks is the starting fullback. Davis Mills and Case Keenum looked good as backups in the preseason, but both were going against second team players on the Chicago Bears in the Hall Of Fame game. Davis Mills is the current backup to C.J. Stroud while third stringer Case Keenum is on injured reserve.

Houston has Danielle Hunter starting at 4-3 right end, Folorunso Fatukasi starting at 4-3 defensive tackle, Mario Edwards Jr. starting at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Will Anderson Jr. their third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama starting at 4-3 left end. Jerry Hughes is the backup 4-3 right end until Dylan Horton gets back with Derek Barnett as the backup 4-3 left end. Denico Autry may start when he returns from his suspension if Mario Edwards Jr. struggles at 4-3 defensive tackle in absence. Tim Settle Jr., the former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle. Folorunso Fatukasi will be out in week 12. Houston had all four defensive ends at full health for the first time all season in week 12, but Folorunso Fatukasi missed the week 12 game.

Houston has Christian Harris a linebacker from Alabama at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Henry To'oTo'o at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Christian Harris and Azeez Al-Shaair will be the only starters at linebacker in 4-2-5 nickel packages, but I'd start Henry To'oTo'o over Azeez Al-Shaair since I beleive Henry To'oTo'o has a higher ceiling. If any of those three linebackers get injured Houston won't have any depth with Henry To'oTo'o being the only depth Houston has at linebacker when the Houston Texans choose to operate a nickel defense. Christian Harris made his return last week, but played 4-3 middle linebacker with Henry To'oTo'o playing 4-3 right outside linebacker. Houston's front 7 looked a lot better with everyone at full health for the first time all season. Foley Fatukasi has missed 3 of the last four games after returning in week 15 before not playing in week 16.

Houston has Derek Stingley Jr. at field cornerback, Kamari Lassiter took the boundary cornerback job from free agent Jeffrey Okudah, Jalen Pitre will transition from free safety to nickel cornerback, Jeffrey Okudah is the dime cornerback. Jimmie Ward is starting at strong safety while Calen Bullock is starting at free safety as a 2024 third round pick out of USC. Eric Murray and M.J. Stewart remain backup safeties with Eric Murray as the backup free safety and M.J. Stewart as the backup strong safety. M.J. Stewart is out in week 1, so there won't be any depth behind Jimmie Ward if he goes down with an injury since Houston opted to move Jalen Pitre to nickel cornerback which was a position Pitre played situationally at Baylor despite mainly being a strong safety and free safety at Baylor. Houston had their secondary at full health for the first time in week 12 and then Jalen Pitre got injured, so he will miss multiple weeks. Jeffrey Okudah will take over as the nickel cornerback for the Houston Texans. Jimmie Ward also got placed on injured reserve.

Houston has Ka'imi Fairbairn at kicker. Tommy Townsend the Kansas City Chiefs punter signed with the Houston Texans. Dameon Pierce is the kick returner and the punt returner despite seeing less carries in Houston's backfield with the arrival of Joe Mixon.

Why the Kansas City Chiefs Will Win: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has D.J. Humprhies at left tackle, Joe Thuney at left guard, Creed Humprhey at center, Trey Smith at right guard, and Jawaan Taylor starting at right tackle. Wanya Morris is the backup left tackle, Hunter Nourzad is the backup center, C.J. Hanson is the backup right guard, and Ethan Driskell an undrafted Free Agent out of Marshall is the backup right tackle. Kingsley Suamatia Kansas City's 2024 second round pick is now the third string left tackle after starting the first two games before getting benched for Wanya Morris before Wanya Morris got benched for D.J. Humphries and Lucas Niang is the third string right tackle. Kansas City has depth everywhere on their offensive line outside of left guard. D.J. Humphries got injured in week 14 and missed week 15 as well as week 16. He looks like he will be out in week 17, but left guard Joe Thuney held his own against boh Myles Garrett and Danielle Hunter when transitioning from left guard to left tackle. Jawaan Taylor is also dealing with an injury at right tackle in addition to D.J. Humphries. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL right now with two regular season MVP's and three Super Bowl MVP's. Carson Wentz is the backup quarterback to Patrick Mahomes. Joe Thuney will play left tackle in the Divisional round even though D.J. Humphries is healthy enough to play.

Kansas City has DeAndre Hopkins as their flanker wide receiver and Xavier Worthy as their secondary wide receiver with their 2024 first round pick as the number two secondary wide receiver, and Marques Brown will be the slot receiver with Rashee Rice out for the year. Kansas City has Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman splitting reps as backp wide receivers. Travis Kelce is the best tight end in the NFL as well as the main receiving option on this offense. Noah Gray is the backup tight end. Jared Wiley last years starting tight end at TCU is the Kansas City Chiefs third string tight end. Peyton Hendershot, the Dallas Cowboys third string tight end last year is now the fourth string tight end on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Isiah Pacheco is the starting running back. Kareem Hunt is the backup running back with Clyde Edwards-Helaire being injured. Carson Steele, an undrafted Free Agent out of UCLA is the third string running back, but will be the backup running back in the first four games.

Kansas City has Mike Danna at 4-3 right end and George Karlaftis at 4-3 left end. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is the backup 4-3 right end and Josh Uche is the backup 4-3 left end. Kansas City had Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi the two starting 4-3 defensive tackles. Mike Pennel and Tershawn Wharton are back as backup 4-3 defensive tackles. Kansas City has more depth at defensive end after trading for Josh Uche, who was a pass rusher on the New England Patriots who had 10 sacks in 2022 during the third year of his rookie deal after being a second round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Mike Danna is out this week. Felix Anudike-Uzomah will start in relief of Danna in week 9. Mike Danna came back in week 11. Charles Omenihu returned in week 13. Chris Jones got injured in week 16. His status for week 17 is uncertain. Chris Jones the best defensive player on Kansas City's defense is out in week 17.

Kansas City has Drue Tranquill at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Nick Bolton at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Leo Chenal at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Kansas City still has depth on the defensive line, but their lack of depth at linebacker compared to the last two years does concern me to a point.

Kansas City has Trent McDuffie at field cornerback for the third year in a row. Last year both Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson played nickel cornerback next to Trent McDuffie and L'Jarius Sneed, but with Sneed being traded to Tennessee, there are other cornerbacks like Nazeeh Johnson at boundary cornerback, Chamarri Conner at nickel cornerback, Joshua Williams is the dime cornerback, and Jaylen Watson at quarter cornerback. Jaylen Watson was the main boundary cornerback in week 1, but he got placed on injured reserve. Justin Reid remains at strong safety, and Bryan Cook is the starting free safety. I'm not sold on Jaden Hicks, Kansas City's 2024 fourth round pick whose the number three safety on the depth chart. I'm not sure if Kansas City has a number two cornerback now and Kansas City lacks the safety depth you'd like to see. Chamarri Conner and Jaylen Watson are both dealing with injuries at cornerback and both cornerbacks are out in week 16. Kansas City tried moving Conner to nickel and Joshua Williams to boundary cornerback in week 15 against Cleveland. I'm guessing Kansas City will play Trent McDuffie at field cornerback, Joshua Williams at boundary cornerback, and Nazeeh Johnson in week 16. Nazeeh Johnson did not play in week 16. Jaylen Watson got cleared of his injury.

Kansas City has Harrison Butker at kicker. Kansas City also has Matt Ariaza at punter. Mecole Hardman will be the kick returner and Xavier Worthy will be the punt returner.

Clay Martin is the refree. Both teams have had a lot of success under Clay Martin, so this could be closer than experts think. Somehting tells me Kansas City wins by a bigger margin than the week 16 meeting since Houston is just as depleted in the secondary and released Diontae Johnson.

Prediction: Kansas City is a 8.5 point favorite at -8.5. The over or under is 41.5 with 77% of the public betting on Kansas City. The money line is +350 for Houston and -455 for Kansas City. Take Kansas City to win and cover with the under at -455. Bet $545 on this game for Kansas City and win up to $1,000 as long as the Chiefs win by 9 or more.

Final Score Chiefs 24 Texans 13

Who Everyone Else Picked


Oren Shiri	Jason Bantle	Joseph Potter	Andrew Kermish	Tracy Porter	Wes Langley

6. Washington Commanders 13-5-0	Versus	1. Detroit Lions 15-2-0

Chris Ransom's Pick

Draft Utopia airs on Talkshoe. We have a show on as well as our usual weekend show on Talkshoe and Restream which livestreams what I do on Talkshoe to Youtube showcasing the visuals I use when breaking down things on my podcast. The Draft Utopia podcast is already underway with season 14 of Draft Utopia kicking off you can watch the videos in of season 14 and season 13 on Restream in the playlist below. I also added a playlist for the 2025 NFL Draft positional rankings. I also put together a playlist recapping the 2025 MLS Super Draft as well as a playlist recapping all of the 2024 Drafts.

Why the Washington Commanders Will Win: The Washington Commanders have Jayden Daniels starting at quarterback as the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU will start at quarterback after winning last years Heisman Trophy. Washington has Brandon Coleman a 2024 third round pick out of TCU at left tackle, Nick Allegretti at left guard, Tyler Biadasz at center, Sam Cosmi Washington's 2021 second round pick out of Texas is at right guard, and Andrew Wylie the right tackle. Washington doesn't have a lot of quality depth players on the offensive line.

Washington has Terry McLaurin as their flanker wide receiver, Noah Brown is now the secondary wide receiver after his hail mary catch after starting the year as the number six wide receiver. Luke McCaffrey their 2024 third round pick out of Rice as the number four wide receiver earned the slot receiver job by week 4. Dyami Brown their secondary wide receiver who began the season as the number two wide receiver in week 1 got benched for Luke McCaffrey after McCaffrey stepped up in Washington's Monday Night Football win versus the Cincinnati Bengals in week 3, but Dyami is still the number four wide receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus began the year as the slot receiver, but he's now the number five wide receiver. Jamison Crowder was the number five wide receiver at the beginning of the year, but he's currently on injured reserve.

Washington has Zach Ertz as their starting tight end, John Bates their 2021 draft pick out of Boise State is the backup tight end, and Ben Sinnott their 2024 second round pick out of Kansass State is the third string tight end. Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kinsbury decided to start all three tight ends while only starting their best wide receiver Terry McLaurin in week 9 against the New York Giants. Washington won and that controversial decision by the former Arizona Cardinals head coach paid off. Kingsbury has done a masterful job as an offensive coordinator with Jayden Daniels, but if your a Washington fan you want to keep Kingsbury on as the offensive coordinator as long as possible because he's a great offensive coordinator, but not an NFL head coach.

Washington also has Brian Robinson Jr. as their starting running back with Austin Ekeler as a solid backup running back as Ekeler will be the change of pace running back to Brian Robinson Jr. Washington's third string running back is weaker than last year as the Washington Comanders will rely heavily on Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Washington has Jeremy McNichols as their third string running back and Chris Rodriguez Jr. their 2023 sixth round pick out of Kentucky going from third string running back to fourth string running back. When Brian Robinson Jr. was ruled out in week 9, Chris Rodriguez Jr. got promoted from the practice squad to third string running back. Austin Ekeler started that game, but Chris Rodriguez Jr. showed he could push Jeremy McNichols for backup reps if Brian Robinson Jr. is injured. Brian Robinson Jr. is out again he missed week 9 and will miss week 10.

Washington has Dorance Armstong Jr. at 4-3 right end, Jer'Zhan Newton their 2024 second round pick starts at 4-3 defensive tackle replacing Jonathan Allen who suffered a season ending injury, Da'Ron Payne at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Clellin Ferrell at 4-3 left end. Sebastian Jean-Baptiste their 2024 seventh round pick is the backup 4-3 right end behind Dorance Armstrong Jr., Phidarian Mathis is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Da'Ron Payne as well as Jer'Zhan Newton thanks to Jonathan Allen suffering a season ending injury, and Dante Fowler Jr. is the backup 4-3 left end behind Clellin Ferrell.

Washington has Frankie Luvu as their 4-3 right outside linebacker, Bobby Wagner is the 4-3 middle linebacker, and Jamin Davis the Washington Commanders 2021 first round pick out of Kentucky is the 4-3 left outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but he's also the backup middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Washington has good starters at linebacker, but there's not a lot of depth at linebacker.

Washington has Marshon Lattimore at field cornerback, Benjamin St. Juste is the boundary cornerback after having to transition from nickel cornerback to number one cornerback in the final year of his rookie deal as trading for Lattimore gives you the flexibility to put Benjamin St. Juste against number two wide receivers rather than number one receivers, Mike Saintristl their 2024 second round pick is the nickel cornerback. Michael Davis is the dime cornerback. Emmanuel Forbes is the quarter cornerback after being Washington's 2023 first round pick. Noah Igbinoghene is the number six cornerback cornerback. Jeremy Chinn is the starting strong safety and Jartavius Martin now known as Quan Martin is the starting free safety. Darrick Forrest is the backup safety to both Chinn and Martin. Washington's pass defense was ranked fifth in the NFL before adding a true number one cornerback in Marshon Lattimore at the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline, but Washington's pass defense is ranked high because Washington played an easier strength of schedule at the beginning of the year. Marshon Lattimore missed weeks 10 and 11. Marshon Lattimore played in week 16 making his debut, but he's out in week 17.

The Washington Commanders cut their kicker Cade York, but Austin Seibert was great at kicker in his debut in week 2 making seven field goals in one game. Byron Pringle is the kick returner and Jamison Crowder is the punt returner.

Why the Detroit Lions Will Win: Detroit Lions starting quarterback Jared Goff has a strong offensive line once again He's got Taylor Decker back at left tackle, Graham Glasgow at left guard, Frank Ragnow at center, Kevin Zeitler at right guard, and Penei Sewell at right tackle. Dan Skipper is the backup left tackle and Colby Sorsdal is the backup right tackle. Detroit has good starters on the offensive line, but the depth you'd like to see isn't there. Detroit Lions 2023 third round pick Hendon Hooker is the backup to Jared Goff after redshirting as a rookie quarterback. Taylor Decker did not practice on Monday or Tuesday. Kevin Zeitler is out at right guard this week.

Jared Goff has Amon-Ra St. Brown as his number one flanker wide receiver, Jameson Williams is the secondary wide receiver, Kalif Raymond is the slot receiver. Jameson Williams should be back from his two game suspension in week 10. Sam LaPorta had a great rookie season last year and managed to emerge as a top 10 starting tight end. Brock Wright is the number two tight end. Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to be the number one running back with David Montgomery complimenting Gibbs. Last year David Montgomery started with Jahmyr Gibbs complimenting him with Gibbs being eased in. Detroit has two number one running backs in their backfield. Craig Reynolds is the third string running back and Detroit Lions 2024 fourth round pick Sione Vaki a safety at Utah is the fourth string running back. Sam LaPorta missed week 11, but returned in week 12. Kalif Raymond will be out at slot receiver in week 13. David Montgomery is going to return for the Divisional Round this week.

Detroit will have Aidan Hutchinson at 4-3 right end, D.J. Reader at 4-3 defensive tackle, Alim McNeil at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Marcus Davenport at 4-3 left end as their starters on the defensive line. Detroit will start Z'Darius Smith at 4-3 right end and will move Josh Pascal their 2022 second round pick over to 4-3 left end with the injuries to Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport. James Houston IV is the situational pass rusher as well as the main backup 4-3 defensive end despite starting a few games at 4-3 left end due to injuries with John Cominsky on injured reserve, Levi Onwuzirike is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to D.J. Reader, Mekhi Wingo is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Alim McNeil. Levi Onwuzirike and Mekhi Wingo got injured in week 13. Alim McNeil got injured again and he's out for the season.

Alex Anzalone is moving from 4-3 right outside linebacker, Jack Campbell Detroit's 2023 first round pick out of Iowa will start at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Derrick Barnes at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Malcolm Rodriguez is the backup 4-3 right outside linebacker as well as the backup right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Derrick Barnes is the backup to Jack Campbell in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Jalen Reeves-Maybin is the backup 4-3 left outside linebacker as well as a third string right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Malcolm Rodriguez tore his ACL, so Jalen Reeves-Maybin will nw be the backup outside linebacker.

Detroit currently has Carlton Davis at field cornerback, Terrion Arnold their 2024 first round pick out of Alabama is at boundary cornerback, Brian Branch as their nickel cornerback, Amik Robertson is the dime cornerback, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. their 2024 second round pick is the quarter cornerback. Ifeatu Melifonwu is the strong safety and Kerby Joseph is the starting free safety. There's some speculation that Brian Branch moves from nickel cornerback to strong safety with Amik Robertson starting at nickel cornerback, but Robertson isn't that good, so I'll believe it when I see it. Terrion Arnold missed week 12, but should be back in week 13. The big question is whether Carlton Davis plays after not practicing on Monday and Tuesday. Carlton Davis got injured in his first game back and he is out for the season. Terrion Arnold was cleared to play this week.

Jake Bates is Detroit's kicker. Jack Fox is punter. Craig Reynolds is the kick returner and Kalif Raymond is the punt returner.

Ron Torbert is the referee in Detroit. He will be calling this game.

Prediction: Detroit is a 9.5 point favorite at 9.5. The over or under is 55.5 with 95% of the public betting on Detroit. The money line is +360 for Washington and -470 for Detroit. I like Detroit to win and Washington to cover with the under. Bet $250 on this game for Detroit and win up to $400 as long as the Lions win by 3 points or more.

Final Score Lions 31 Commanders 23

Who Everyone Else Picked


Oren Shiri	Jason Bantle	Joseph Potter	Andrew Kermish	Tracy Porter	Wes Langley

4. Los Angeles Rams 11-7-0	Versus	2. Philadelphia Eagles 15-3-0

Chris Ransom's Pick

Jake Ellenbogen is one of the better Rams insiders on Youtube. We had him on the podcast. He interviewed former Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth on Monday afternoon.

Why the Los Angeles Rams Will Win: Matthew Stafford is back from his injury and should be healthier in 2023. Los Angeles has Joseph Noteboom at left tackle, Steve Avila their 2023 second round pick out of TCU is the left guard, Jonah Jackson is the starting center, Kevin Dotson is the right guard, and Rob Havenstein is starting at right tackle. Alaric Jackson is the backup left tackle. Connor McDermott the backup left guard is on injured reserve to begin the year. Beaux Limmer a 2024 sixth round pick out of Arkansas is the backup center. Logan Bruss is the backup right guard. Warren McClendon Jr. the starting right tackle at Georgia last year was the Los Angeles Rams 2023 fifth round pick is the backup right tackle. The Los Angeles Rams have better starters and still have quality depth on the offensive line even though the depth doesn't feel as strong as last year. I do think the Rams have better starters on the offensive line though.

Joseph Noteboom missed week 8 and week 9. He could be back soon in week 10. Steve Avila could be back at left guard and Jonah Jackson could be back at center. Los Angeles could have Joseph Noteboom at left tackle, Steve Avila at left guard, Jonah Jackson, Kevin Dotson at right guard, and Rob Havenstein at right tackle. Los Angeles could have their offensive line at full health for the first time all year. Los Angeles had Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson back, but did not have Joseph Noteboom at left tackle in week 10. Joseph Noteboom and Rob Havenstein did not practice on wednesday heading into week 11. Joseph Noteboom and Rob Havenstein missed week 12, but both should be back in week 13.

Los Angeles has Cooper Kupp as their flanker number one wide receiver, Puka Nacua is the secondary wide receiver, but showed he could be a number one primary receiver as a rookie when Cooper Kupp was injured, and Demarcus Robinson is the slot receiver. Tutu Atwell is the number four wide receiver, Tyler Johnson is the number five wide receiver, and Jordan Whittington a 2024 sixth round pick out of Texas is the number six wide receiver beating out Ben Skowronek for that final roster spot at wide receiver.

The Los Angeles Rams have amazing depth at tight end too. Tyler Higbee is on the PUP list to begin the year. Colby Parkinson who was brought in to be the number two tight end to Higbee will be the number one tight end in week 1. Davis Allen the third string tight end is the backup tight end until Tyler Higbee returns. Hunter Long the fourth string tight end is the third string tight end until Tyler Higbee returns. Tyler Higbee is expected to make his season debut in week 16.

Los Angeles has Kyren Williams as their starting running back with Blake Corum their 2024 third round pick out of Michigan as the number two running back. Ronnie Rivers is the third string running back. Cody Schraeder is the fourth string running back.

The Rams have a lot more depth at running back, wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line compared to a season ago when injuries began to pile up. As long as everyone on this offense is fully healthy, Stetson Bennett might be able to come in and make an impact if something happens to Matthew Stafford. For now, quarterback Matthew Stafford and Super Bowl 56 MVP Cooper Kupp at wide receiver are still the core pieces on this offense with young emerging talents like Puca Nacua and Kyren Williams estabilishing themselves as stars on this offense as well.

Los Angeles has Braden Fiske their 2024 second round pick taking over for Aaron Donald at 3-4 right end. Bobby Brown III a 2021 fourth round pick out of Texas A&M as the starting nose tackle, and Kobie Turner a 2023 third round pick out of Wake Forest was one of the best rookies at 3-4 left end. Neville Gallimore replaces Larrell Murchison as the backup 3-4 right end to Braden Fiske. Tyler Davis their 2024 sixth round pick out of Clemson is the backup nose tackle, and Desjuan Johnson, Mr. Irrelevant in the 2023 NFL Draft is the backup 3-4 left end. Los Angeles still has a lot of depth on this defensive line despite Aaron Donald retiring.

Los Angeles will have Jared Verse at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Byron Young a 2023 third round pick out of Tennessee starting at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Omar Speights who went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft is one of the undrafted rookies to win a starting job as he will start at 3-4 middle linebacker and Christian Rozeboom are the two starters at 3-4 middle linebacker. Nick Hampton a 2023 fifth round pick out of Appalachian State is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker and Michael Hoecht last years 3-4 right outside linebacker is now the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. The Rams don't have great depth at 3-4 middle linebacker if anything happens to Omar Speights or Christian Rozeboom as that is one area of the defense that will need to be upgraded if both guys underperform and this is a weak inside linebacker draft in 2025. Los Angeles signed Rahshod Weaver as a 3-4 outside linebacker for depth. Los Angeles signed Tony Fields II to their roster after the Cleveland Browns demoted him to the practice squad.

Los Angeles has Darious Williams at field cornerback, and Decobie Durant at boundary cornerback. Quentin Lake is the nickel cornerback. There's no depth at cornerback outside of Lake due to Derrion Kendrick going on season ending injured resrve along with Tre'Vious Hodges-Tomlinson. Russ Yeast also got cut by the Los Angeles Rams. Darious Williams going on injured reserve for the first four weeks. Kamren Curl is the starting strong safety and John Johnson III is the starting free safety. Kamren Kinchens one of their two 2024 third round picks out of Miami FL is the backup safety. John Johnson III has been out with an injury since week 2 and Kamren Kinchens has gained invaluable experience starting at free safety as a rookie.

Joshua Karty is the starting kicker as the Los Angeles Rams got my top kicker in the 2024 NFL Draft. Ethan Evans enters his second year as the starting punter after being a 2023 seventh round pick. Tutu Atwell is the kick returner and Kyren Williams is the starting punt returner.

Why the Philadelphia Eagles Will Win: Philadelphia has Jalen Hurts at quarterback. Philadelphia has Jordan Mailata at left tackle, Landon Dickerson at left guard, Cam Jurgens at center, Mekhi Becton at right guard, and Lane Johnson at right tackle. Philadelphia also has Trevor Keegan as a backup left guard, Matt Hennessy as a backup center, Tyler Steen as a backup right guard. Jalen Hurts got injured in week 16 and backup quarterback Kenny Pickett came in. Pickett looked good early, but struggled as the game progressed. Former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy believes Pickett will start and Hurts will be out in week 17. Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett will be out in week 18, so third string quarterback Tanner McKee makes his first career NFL start.

Philadelphia has A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith two wide receivers that are capable of being number one options at wide receiver. Smith played flanker receiver as a rookie, but became the secondary wide receiver once Philadelphia traded for A.J. Brown in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Jahan Dotson is the slot receiver. Johnny Wilson, Philadelphia's rookie wide receivers drafted in the sixth round is the number four wide receiver. Ainis Smith, Philadelphia's 2024 fifth round pick is the number five wide receiver. DeVonta Smith will be back from his injury in week 14 after missing the last two games.

Dallas Goedert remains a top 10 tight end in the NFL making him another asset in the passing game for quarterback Jalen Hurts. Grant Calcentera remains the backup tight end to Dallas Goedert. Dallas Goedert returned from his injury in week 18.

Philadelphia has Saquon Barkley as their starting running back, Kenneth Gainwell as their backup running back, and Will Shipley the former Clemson running back from the 2024 NFL Draft as the third string running back. Philadelphia is deep at a lot of positions offensively and will be a force in the NFC as long as Jalen Hurts is healthy at quarterback, Jordan Mailata is healthy at left tackle, and Lane Johnson is healthy at right tackle. They have depth to reload if others on this offense outside of those three get injured, but those three must play all 17 games for Philadelphia to go on another run to a Super Bowl. I also believe offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will do well as the Philadelphia Eagles new offensive coordinator.

Philadelphia is moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. Jalen Carter is going to start at 3-4 right end, Jordan Davis will start at 3-4 nose tackle, and Milton Williams will start at 3-4 left end in a contract year. Byron Young who got cut by the Raiders is the backup 3-4 right end which is a scheme he's better suited in while Moro Ojomo is the backup 3-4 left end.

Philadelphia has Josh Sweat at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Zach Baun starting at 3-4 middle linebacker after playing outside linebacker at Wisconsin and on the New Orleans Saints, Nakobe Dean starting at the other 3-4 middle linebacker spot, and Nolan Smith starting at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Philadelphia has Bryce Huff as their backup 3-4 right outside linebacker. Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are the two backup 3-4 middle linebackers. Brandon Graham is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Jalyx Hunt, Philadelphia's 2024 third round pick out of Houston Christian began the season as the third string 3-4 left outside linebacker, but has now been promoted to backup 3-4 right outside linebacker thanks to Bryce Huff their backup 3-4 right outside linebacker heading to injured reserve meaning Jalyx Hunt will be the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker in weeks 12, 13, 14, and 15. Philadelphia will not have Bryce Huff back until week 16 and lost Brandon Graham to a season ending injury as Graham announced his retirement following this season on monday. Nakobe Dean had a PCL injury and is out for the season following his injury in the wild card round. Now each NFC team has at least one player with a season ending injury.

Philadelphia has Darius Slay at field cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell is the boundary cornerback, and Cooper DeJean is Philadelphia's nickel cornerback as he looks as good as advertised. Isaiah Rodgers is the dime cornerback, Avonte Maddox is the quarter cornerback, and Kelee Ringo is the number six cornerback. Darius Slay left week 12 with an injury against the Los Angeles Rams. Philadelphia's secondary was not as good with Isaiah Rodgers in the lineup despite excellent play from both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

Philadelphia brought back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to start at strong safety and Reed Blankenship will start at free safety. James Bradberry is the backup strong safety. Sydney Brown their 2023 third round pick out of Illinois is the backup free safety.

Philadelphia has Jake Elliott at kicker. Jake Elliott is the only asset Philadelphia has on special teams, but having a top five kicker is crucial when you need points.

Shawn Smith is the referree in this game. Philadelphia is 0-3 in the last three games officiated by Shawn Smith. C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected in the week 16 meeting.

Prediction: Philadelphia is a 6.5 point favorite at -6.5. The over or under is 43.5 with 58% of the public betting on Philadelphia. The money line is +225 for Los Angeles and -275 for Philadelphia. Take Philadelphia to win and cover with the over at -275. Bet $325 on this game for Philadelphia and win up to $600 as long as the Eagles win by 7 or more.

Final Score Eagles 31 Rams 24

Who Everyone Else Picked


Oren Shiri	Jason Bantle	Joseph Potter	Andrew Kermish	Tracy Porter	Wes Langley

3. Baltimore Ravens 13-5-0	Versus	2. Buffalo Bills 14-4-0

Chris Ransom's Pick

I will be doing a 12 team College Football Breakdown of my top 12 teams in College Football Each Week. This will be replacing the Bill Clinton College Football Playoff Selection Special that I've done for many years meaning you will get an authentic take from yours truely. I will also rank my projected SEC, Big 10, ACC, and Big 12 Champions in the top 4 overall since that's how the final College Football Playoff will be formatted with teams 5-11 also being power 4 teams as well as one group of five team.

Notre Dame 14-1

Notre Dame lost to Northern Illinois earlier in the season. Notre Dame finished 11-1. As long as Notre Dame wins out they should be in the 12 team playoff. Notre Dame should be the 6 seed. Notre Dame ended up getting the 7 seed beating both Indiana and Georgia. Notre Dame will play Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Notre Dame beat Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Ohio State plays Notre Dame for the National Title on Monday.

Previously Ranked: 3rd

Ohio State 13-2

Ohio State has a ton of talent returning and they might be a more complete team than Georgia. Georgia has Carson Beck at quarterback while Ohio State has former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard coming in from the transfer portal to replace Kyle McCord whose now at Syracuse. Lots of seniors returned to Ohio State and this is the preseason number two team in the country as well as the consensus favorite to win the Big 10. Ohio State only lost to Oregon by 1 point. Ohio State defeated Penn State on the road handing the Nittany Lions their first loss of the year. Ohio State has two regular season games left. Ohio State hosts Michigan after blowing out Indiana. Ohio State lost to Michigan, but they no longer control their own destiny. Ohio State lost to Oregon by 1 point 32-31 and Michigan by 3 points 13-10. Their two losses are by fewer points then the two games Tennessee lost which is why they beat out Tennessee for the number eight spot heading into the Conference Championship week. I believe the 5-8 spots will be Oregon, Notre Dame, the SEC runner up, and Ohio State at 8 if Penn State wins the Big 10 Championship. Georgia was ranked higher in the preseason than Ohio State and Texas has a head-to-head win over Michigan, so both of those teams deserve to be ranked ahead of Ohio State since Ohio State lost to Michigan. I believe the top 5-8 spots will be Notre Dame, the SEC runner up, Ohio State, and Tennessee with Penn State coming in at 9 if Oregon wins the Big 10 Championship. Ohio State outscored Tennessee and Oregon 82-35 in the first two rounds of the College Football Playoff. They play Texas in the Semifinals at the Cotton Bowl which could be considered a home field for Texas. Texas lost to Ohio State by two touchdowns in the semifinals.

Previously Ranked: 4th

Texas 13-3

Texas only lost one game to Georgia. Texas won out to clinch a spot in the SEC Title game. Texas lost the SEC Title to Georgia in overtime. Texas did well against Clemson and Arizona State. Texas is now the highest seeded team left in this years College Football Playoff.

Previously Ranked: 1st

Penn State 13-3

Penn State has Drew Allar back at quarterback, Nicholas Singleton back at running back, Tyler Warren back at tight end, Sal Wormley back at right guard, and Abdul Carter back at right outside linebacker. Penn State also added Julian Fleming Ohio State's slot receiver in the transfer portal. Penn State lost to Ohio State. Penn State won out while Ohio State lost to Michigan. Penn State played SMU and Boise State having a really easy path to the Semifinals after losing the Big 10 Championship to Oregon.

Previously Ranked: 2nd

Oregon 13-1

Oregon has one of the most complete offenses in the country. Dillon Gabriel is the starting quarterback, Evan Stewart as well as Tez Johnson are the top two wide receivers, Terrance Ferguson is the starting tight end, Josh Connerly is the blindside at left tackle, and Ajani Cornelius is the bookend offensive tackle at right tackle. Oregon finished the regular season undefeated in the regular season. Oregon remains undefeated heading into the 2024 Big 10 Championship Game and if they win that, they will be the number one overall seed. Oregon trailed Ohio State 34-0 in the first half and even though Oregon scored 21 points on Ohio State, they got routed by Ohio State in the quarterfinals of the this years College Football Playoff.

Georgia 11-3

Georgia has clinched a spot in the SEC Championship prior to this week. Georgia needed 8 overtimes to defeat Georgia Tech, but they made it to Atlanta where they get a rematch at a Texas Longhorns team they defeated earlier in the regular season. Georgia won the 2024 SEC Championship in overtime. Carson Beck had UCL surgery before the playoff game against Notre Dame. Georgia couldn't find a way to defeat Notre Dame.

Boise State 12-2

Boise State's only regular season loss was to Oregon. Boise State has one game left against Oregon State at home before the Mountain West Championship. Boise State should win out. Ashton Jeanty is now the favorite to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Boise State won the Mountain West Championship game. Boise State couldn't do shit against Penn State's defense even with Abdul Carter and Kevin Winston Jr. the two best players on Penn State's defense out of the lineup.

Arizona State 11-3

Arizona State finished the regular season at 10-2. Arizona State demolished Iowa State in the 2024 Big 12 Championship to secure the 4 seed in the 12 team playoff. Arizona State lost a heartbreaker to Texas in double overtime of the quarterfinals.

Tennesseee 10-3

Tennessee finished the year 10-2. Their only losses came to Arkansas and Georgia. I think Tennessee is firmly locked into the top nine heading into this week. If Oregon wins the Big 10 Championship, I think Tennessee moves into the top 8 and Penn State slides down to 9 especially if Penn State loses by more than 1 which is what Ohio State lost to Oregon by even with the loss to Michigan. If Penn State wins the Big 10 Championship Oregon would be 5 and Notre Dame would be 6. Ohio State would be 7 and Tennessee would be 8 if Georgia won the SEC Championship. If Texas gets even with Georgia, I suspect Georgia would be 7 and Ohio State would be 8 moving Tennessee down to 9. The only way I believe Tennessee stays at 9 is if Texas and Penn State win their conference championships in the SEC and Big 10 next week. Tennessee got slaughtered by Ohio State in Columbus in the first round of the first College Football 12 Team Playoff.

Indiana 11-2

Indiana finished the year 11-1. Despite the blowout loss to Ohio State, I believe they are firmly locked into the top 10. I believe the 9 VS 8 game will either be Penn State VS Tennessee if Penn State wins the Big 10 or Tennessee VS Ohio State if Oregon wins. Indiana will most likely the SEC runner up in the 10 VS 7 matchup on the road against Texas or Georgia. Indiana got blown out by Notre Dame. The only reason the game looked close at the end was due to some garbage time points by Indiana in South Bend.

SMU 11-3

The SMU Mustangs also known as Southern Methodist located in Dallas, Texas are undefeated in conference play in their first ACC season. SMU lost the ACC Title to Clemson by a field goal. SMU got blown out by Penn State in Happy Valley in the play-in round of the first 12 team College Football Playoff.

Clemson 10-4

Right now the eleven seed is up for grabs. I gave Alabama over Clemson the edge heading into this week. However, if Clemson defeats SMU to win the ACC Championship, I believe Clemson would move into the top 4 and SMU would drop to 11 setting up an SMU VS Notre Dame, SMU VS SEC runner up, SMU VS Penn State, or SMU VS Ohio State. If SMU wins the ACC, they will be the three seed and Alabama will likely keep this spot playing either Penn State, Notre Dame, or Ohio State on teh road depending on what happens in the Big 10 Championship. The selection committee will avoid conference matchups in the first round. Clemson lost to Texas in the play-in round.

Why the Baltimore Ravens Will Win: Lamar Jackson is coming off of his second MVP regular season as the Baltimore Ravens quarterback since being drafted with the last pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Lamar Jackson has Ronnie Stanley at left tackle, Patrick Mekari at left guard, Tyler Linderbaum at center, Daniel Faalele moving from right tackle to right guard, and Roger Rosengarten is starting at right tackle. Josh Jones is the backup left tackle, Andrew Vorhees, who started the year at left guard is the backup left guard, Nick Samac Baltimore's 2024 seventh round pick is the backup center, Ben Cleveland is the backup right guard.

Baltimore's top three wide receivers are Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor playing in the slot. Baltimore has Tylan Wallace, Devontez Walker, and Steven Sims for depth at wide receiver. Zay Flowers didn't practice on Sunday or Monday leading up to the games on Christmas and if he doesn't practice on Tuesday he will be out. Baltimore Ravens head coach said in his Monday press conference that Zay Flowers will play, so I have to keep looking at the injury report throughout the day on Christmas Eve. Nelson Agholor is likely out and Baltimore cut Diontae Johnson because he didn't want to play ont he bench. Zay Flowers got injured in week 18 and is out for the wild card round. Zay Flowers hasn't been ruled out yet, but he's doubtful as of Saturday morning.

Mark Andrews is still one of the leagues best tight ends and he might supplant Travis Kelce as the leagues top tight end in 2024. Baltimore also has Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar giving Baltimore ridiculously good depth at tight end.

Baltimore has Derrick Henry as their starting running back, Justice Hill as their backup running back, Keaton Mitchell as the third string running back, Rasheen Ali is the fourth string running back when the top three running backs are healthy. Baltimore could have their top four running backs back in the backfield.

Baltimore has depth at running back, wide receiver, tight end, and offensive tackle if injuries occur at those positions. If anything happens to Lamar Jackson the Ravens are screwed. Same could be said with the Baltimore Ravens interior offensive line.

Baltimore has Justin Madubuike at 3-4 right end, Michael Pierce at 3-4 nose tackle, and Broderick Washington at 3-4 left end. Travis Jones is the backup 3-4 nose tackle. Baltimore placed Michael Pierce on injured reserve heading into week 8. He served his four games on the injured reserve and is eligible to return in week 12, but Baltimore hasn't activated Pierce off of injured reserve yet. Michael Pierce is supposed to be back and Travis Jones is also healthy.

Baltimore has Odafe Oweh at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Kyle Van Noy at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson are quite the tandem at 3-4 middle linebacker. David Ojabo is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker, Malik Harrison is the backup 3-4 middle linebacker, Adisa Isaac is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Roquan Smith got injured in week 11 with a hamstring injury and looks like he is out in week 12. Malik Harrison stepped up in week 12. Roquan Smith is back this week.

Nate Wiggins is the field cornerback, Brandon Stephens is the boundary cornerback, and Marlon Humphrey is the nickel cornerback. Tre'Davious White is the dime cornerback. Ar'Darius Washington who began the season at nickel cornerback is the quarter cornerback. Arthur Maullet last years nickel cornerback is the quarter cornerback. Jalyn Armour-Davis the former Alabama cornerback that the Ravens drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft is the number six cornerback. Tre'Davious White is the number seven cornerback. T.J. Tampa, a 2024 fourth round pick out of Iowa State is currently the number eight cornerback. Arthur Maullet is on injured reserve and Jalyn Armour-Davis is out in week 18.

Baltimore has Kyle Hamilton at strong safety and Marcus Williams at free safety. Baltimore replaced Geno Stone with Eddie Jackson as their situational backup safety. All of Baltimore's defensive starters from last years team that returned are fully healthy.

Baltimore has Justin Tucker at kicker and Jordan Stout at punter. Justice Hill is the projected kick returner on Baltimore with Tylan Wallace being the punt returner on the Baltimore Ravens.

Why the Buffalo Bills Will Win: Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Josh Allen has a great offensive line with Dion Dawkins at left tackle, David Edwards at left guard, Connor McGovern at center, O'Cyrus Torrence at right guard. and Spencer Brown at right tackle. Buffalo and Tampa Bay were the only teams that weren't effected by injuries on the offensive line in 2023. Buffalo is moving Connor McGovern back to center where he played at Penn State after losing Mitch Morse Morse with David Edwards getting a second chance to start at left guard on a team friendly deal after being a backup to Connor McGovern at left guard in 2023. Sedrick Van Prann, a 2024 fifth round pick out of Georgia that I had a third round grade on is the backup center as center is the one position that Buffalo has depth at on this offensive line.

Buffalo has Khalil Shakir as their flanker wide receiver, Amari Cooper is theri secondary wide receiver, Mack Hollins is their slot receiver, Keon Coleman Buffalo's 2024 second round pick is their number four wide receiver. Curtis Samuel is their number five wide receiver. Buffalo has a lot of depth at wide receiver even though I question the decision to start Mack Hollins over Keon Coleman.

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo's 2023 first round pick out of Utah supplanted Dawson Knox as the starting tight end following the injury to Dawson Knox. Quintin Morris is still the third string tight end. Dalton Kincaid missed weeks 11 and 12 at tight end. Dalton Kincaid is out in week 13.

Buffalo has James Cook as the starting running back as he enters his second season as a full-time starting running back. Ray Davis, Buffalo's 2024 fourth round pick out of Kentucky seems to have the backup running back job secured after jumping Ty Johnson on the depth chart with a strong showing in training camp. Ty Johnson is the third string running back. Reggie Gilliam is back at fullback. Buffalo will have to win games with Josh Allen, their tight ends, and their backfield if the depth chart reports about Keon Coleman beginning the season on the second team are true. Ray Davis did well starting in relief for James Cook. Buffalo might have a more lethal one two punch in the backfield than originally anticipated.

Buffalo has A.J. Epenesa at 4-3 right end, Ed Oliver at 4-3 defesive tackle, Daquan Jones at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Gregory Rosseau their 2021 first round pick as the starting 4-3 left end. Von Miller is the backup 4-3 right end with DeWayne Carter Buffalo's 2024 third round pick out of Duke as the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Ed Oliver, Austin Johnson the Los Angeles Chargers nose tackle as the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Daquan Jones. Dawaune Smoot signed a one year deal in Buffalo and is currently beating out Javon Solomon Buffalo's 2024 fifth round pick out of Troy for the backup 4-3 left end job behind Gregory Rosseau. Buffalo has Casey Toohill as their third string 4-3 right end and Javon Solomon as their third string 4-3 left end. Austin Johnson hasn't practiced the first two days heading into week 5. Von Miller is suspended the next two games games before he can return after week 8.

Buffalo has Dorian Williams at 4-3 right outside linebacker and Terrell Bernard at 4-3 middle linebacker on plays where Buffalo deploys a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Buffalo's best linebacker Matt Milano is out until December again. Terell Bernard has missed weeks 2, 3, and 4 now. Terrell Bernard is back. Terrell Bernard did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Baylon Spector the backup 4-3 middle linebacker might be starting again in relief of Bernard in week 8. Matt Milano returns in week 13. Matt Milano was inactive in week 16.

Buffalo has Christian Benford at field cornerback covering number one wide receivers, Rasul Douglas at boundary cornerback covering number two wide receivers, Taron Johnson is out this week so, Kaiir Elam, Buffalo's 2022 first round pick will be the nickel cornerback in relief of Taron Johnson as Taron Johnson has missed weeks 2, 3, and 4. Taron Johnson might be back in week 5. Kaiir Elam has done much better in training camp to the point where he's pushing both Rasul Douglas and Taron Johnson for the boundary corneback job across from Benford. Buffalo has Taylor Rapp last years backup strong safety back on a team friendly deal as the starting strong safety replacing Jordan Poyer after showing he could start in relief of an injured Poyer. Damar Hamlin is projected to start at free safety. Buffalo also drafted Cole Bishop the Utah free safety with their second draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft which is something I actually predicted correctly in my 2024 NFL Mock Draft as Cole Bishop is the backup free safety to Damar Hamlin. Rasul Douglas missed week 16 as did Taylor Rapp at strong safety. Kaiir Elam and Cole Bishop played in relief of those two in week 16. Cam Lewis came in as a cornerback in relief of Taron Johnson.

Buffalo has Tyler Bass at kicker. Tyler Bass is the only asset on Buffalo's special teams. I don't trust Sam Martin at punter or Brandon Codrington the return specialist at both kick returner and punt returner.

Carl Cheffers is the referee this week. Buffalo has a favorable matchup with Carl Cheffers.

Prediction: Baltimore is a 1.5 point favorite at -1.5. The over or under is 51.5 with 58% of the public betting on Baltimore. The money line is -115 for Baltimore and +105 for Buffalo. Take Baltimore to win and cover with the under at -115. Bet $185 on this game for Baltimore and win up to $300 as long as the Ravens win by 2 points or more.

Final Score Ravens 27 Bills 24