In last week’s edition, the experts suffered a tough week with editor Ryan Smith the only one to pick more wins than losses (5-3). This week the experts will try to bounce back and catch Ryan, who currently holds a two-game lead over fellow editor Alex Settle. Tom Considine are Holden McGinnis are deadlocked in third. This week the picks come from a wide variety of sports, including three key NFL matchups and the first significant bowl game of the season.
Jets (10-4) at Bears (10-4)
Did last week’s win over the Steelers get the Jets back on track? We’ll see when they visit Chicago, who just clinched the divison with a dominating win over the Vikings.
Ryan (16-8, 7-3 in NFL): Jets
Alex (14-10, 7-3 in NFL): Bears
Tom (13-11, 5-5 in NFL): Bears
Holden (13-11, 6-4 in NFL): Jets
Giants (9-5) at Packers (8-6)
A likely battle for the final NFC playoff spot. Both squads are coming off devastating last-second losses to the Eagles and Patriots, respectively.
Ryan (16-8, 7-3 in NFL): Packers
Alex (14-10, 7-3 in NFL): Giants
Tom (13-11, 5-5 in NFL): Packers
Holden (13-11, 6-4 in NFL): Packers
Saints (10-4) at Falcons (12-2)
While the Saints will try to close the gap in the NFC South, the Falcons are looking to improve their league-best record and clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Ryan (16-8, 7-3 in NFL): Falcons
Alex (14-10, 7-3 in NFL): Falcons
Tom (13-11, 5-5 in NFL): Falcons
Holden (13-11, 6-4 in NFL): Falcons
#19 Utah (10-2) vs. #10 Boise State (11-1)
Both teams once had national title dreams before crushing losses relegated them to the Las Vegas Bowl. This will be a battle of two of the four highest ranked non-BCS teams.
Ryan (16-8, 4-1 in NCAAF): Boise State
Alex (14-10, 3-2 in NCAAF): Boise State
Tom (13-11, 4-1 in NCAAF): Boise State
Holden (13-11, 3-2 in NCAAF): Boise State
#12 Missouri (10-1) at #14 Illinois (10-2)
The Illini have been struggling as of late, but can turn things around quickly with a home win against a one-loss TIgers squad.
Ryan (16-8, 2-2 in NCAAB): Illinois
Alex (14-10, 1-3 in NCAAB): Missouri
Tom (13-11, 2-2 in NCAAB): Illinois
Holden (13-11, 2-2 in NCAAB): Missouri
#25 Texas (9-2) at #15 Michigan State (8-3)
A battle of two teams who appear to be headed in opposite directions. A win at home would give the Spartans some momentum going to Big Ten play, while Texas is looking to climb up the Top 25 with the help of a marquee win.
Ryan (16-8, 2-2 in NCAAB): Michigan State
Alex (14-10, 1-3 in NCAAB): Michigan State
Tom (13-11, 2-2 in NCAAB): Texas
Holden (13-11, 2-2 in NCAAB): Michigan State
Thunder (20-8) at Knicks (15-12)
The Knicks are finally starting to pick up some momentum (and wins), but they’ll have to overcome the division-leading Thunder to keep the ball rolling.
Ryan (16-8, 1-1 in NBA): Knicks
Alex (14-10, 1-1 in NBA): Knicks
Tom (13-11, 1-1 in NBA): Thunder
Holden (13-11, 1-1 in NBA): Thunder
Heat at Lakers
In a marquee Christmas Day matchup, the “Big Three” in Miami take on one of the West’s best in Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
Ryan (16-8, 1-1 in NBA): Lakers
Alex (14-10, 1-1 in NBA): Lakers
Tom (13-11, 1-1 in NBA): Lakers
Holden (13-11, 1-1 in NBA): Lakers