Author: Mike Volpe
Volpe’s Saturday Showdown Breakdowns
The Chiefs are playing for the #1 seed while the Raiders have been eliminated from playoff contention. The Chiefs haven’t been impressive and nearly lost at home to the Broncos last week. The Chiefs have played in one-score games in five of their last seven and in 10 of their 16 games. Patrick Mahomes needs 430 passing yards to surpass Peyton Manning for the most in a single season.
Volpe’s Bills at Bengals MNF Breakdown
The Bills are attempting to hold on to the #1 seed in the AFC while the Bengals are fighting to have a chance at it. Joe Mixon says they are the big dog in the AFC and homefield tonight will be huge for Joe Burrow and the Bengals. The Bengals will be without Right Tackle La’el Collins and potentially defensive end Sam Hubbard, who is a game time decision. The Bills have won six games in a row while the Bengals have won seven in a row.
Volpe’s Steelers at Ravens SNF Breakdown
The Ravens host their divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. The Ravens have already clinched a playoff spot, but still have a chance to win the AFC North. With a win tonight and a Bengal loss to the Bills tomorrow night, they will be tied with the Bengals at 11-5. Meanwhile, the Steelers still have their playoff hopes alive with the Dolphins’ loss today.
Volpe’s Cowboys at Titans TNF Breakdown
This game looks to be a complete mismatch. The line continues to climb and the Titans are missing most of their key defensive players and will likely be without Derrick Henry. In large tournaments, most entries will be builds of 5-1 or 4-2 Cowboys.
Volpe’s Chargers at Colts MNF Breakdown
The Colts were eliminated from playoff contention, so how will they respond at home after suffering the worst comeback loss in NFL history? Well, they turn to Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, who can actually throw the ball down field. In reviewing Foles’ history, he loves to check the ball down to running backs and also throw to his tight ends.
Volpe’s Christmas Day Showdown Breakdowns
Rodgers and the Packers will have a 28% chance to make the playoffs if they can pull off a road victory over the Dolphins. The Packers have started to click and the Dolphins haven’t looked great over their last three games. The Packers have struggled mightily to stop the run. Jeff Wilson is listed as questionable, but if he were to miss again, Mostert would be a great play in this matchup at $7,400 and Ahmed becomes a great value as RB2 at $2,200.
Volpe’s Raiders at Steelers SNF Breakdown
Steelers will be a little more ramped up with the Franco Harris halftime ceremony. In weather that will feel like -8 degrees, you can expect a lot of the running game. The Steelers were able to stop Carolina’s running game last week. Kenny Pickett returns to the lineup, which looks good for George Pickens and Freiermuth.
Volpe’s Jaguars at Jets TNF Breakdown
Both teams desperately need a win to stay in the playoff hunt. The Jets are coming off of three consecutive losses while the Jags have won three of their last four. The forecast is calling for heavy winds and heavy rain, which has brought this total down to 36.
Volpe’s Rams at Packers MNF Breakdown
Rams @ Packers 8:15 EST
Packers -7.5, o/u 39.5
Volpe’s Giants at Commanders SNF Breakdown
The Commanders will host their division rival coming off of a bye week. Chase Young is not expected to make his season debut, but this defense is still very good. The Commanders allow the 3rd fewest points to running backs, so it is not a great matchup for Saquon, who has not topped more than 63 rushing yards over his last four games.