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T.M. Selection: KC/SF UNDER

San Francisco has an excellent defense, that I believe, is the best in the NFL. Richard Sherman, Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and many more are why they are so talented. So far this season, the 49ers defense have held opposing quaterbacks to an average of only 174.28 passing yards per game. That's incredible! After a 2 game home stand, San Fran has seen the total stay UNDER in 7 of their last 9 games the past three years (2 of 2 this season.) For the Chiefs, they have had another stellar year as well. Their defense may not be as talented, but they sure have shut the door this playoffs. They have held opposing offenses to an average of 20.17 points per game. In the end, Patrick Mahomes is going to get his touchdowns, but I believe that both defenses will start out strong and for this game to stay well under the number. Take the UNDER and you'll be glad you did.

T.M. Prediction: 27-20 Chiefs

T.M. Selection: New England Patriots/Tennessee Titans OVER

With the Houston Texans resting most of their starters in week 17, Tennessee had a very easy victory. For New England, they got shocked by the entire world again. And when I say again, I mean AGAIN. The Dolphins have now pulled off the upset against New England two years in a row. Off of that high-scoring game in week 17, the total has gone OVER in 5 of New England's last 6 games against an opponent in the AFC conference. For the Titans, they have seen the total go OVER in 9 of their last 10 games this season. The total nhas also gone OVER in 4 of their last 5 games on the road. Expect a very high scoring game in the AFC Wild Card Game between the New Engalnd Patriots and the Tennessee Titans. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 37-31 Pats

T.M. Selection: Vikings/Bears UNDER

The Vikings come into this game with a nice 10-5 record. Their whole team has looked strong lately. Although they lost to the Packers last week, Minnesota has only allowed 40 points over the past 3 weeks. Coming inot this game, the total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 8 games against opponents in the NFC North Division. For Chicago, they are out of playoff contention. The Bears have seen the total go UNDER in 7 of their last 9 games this season. In their meeting last year, on week 17, these two teams combined for only 34 points. I expect a similar outcome here on Sunday. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 24-10 Vikings

T.M. Selection: SF/LA UNDER

Defense, Defense, Defense is the only word that comes to mind in this matchup. Despite, having lost to the Falcons last week, the 49ers come in as a 7-point favorite. This year, San Fran has only allowed 18.43 points per game. They are ranked 1st in passing yards allowed (154.4,) 2nd in ttoal yards per game (269,) and 1st in fumbles recovered this season (21.) The Rams hasve also been playing very good defense. The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Rams' L9 games this season. They have also seen the total go UNDER in 5 of their last 6 games on the road, against the 49ers. I expect a very low-scoring game here today. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 21-10 49ers

T.M. Selection: Titans/Raiders UNDER

This is a must-win game for both teams and I expect both defenses to be on their game in this one. Tennessee enters with a 7-5 record this season. They have seen the total go UNDER 6 of 9 games as a road favorite of 7 points or less. Oakland comes in with a 6-6 record. They have seen the total go UNDER in 9 of their last 11 games played in December. The total has also gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's L6 games this season. Look for a low-scoring game to be played here in Oakland, California.

T.M. Prediction: 21-17 Titans

T.M. Selection: Chargers/Broncos UNDER

This total is pretty low, but it’s that low for a reason. Phillip Rivers is having one of his worst seasons, in terms on TD/INT ratio so far this year. The Chargers have seen the total go UNDER in 8 of their L10 games. On the other hand, the total has gone UNDER in the Broncos’ L9 games vs. teams in their own division. The L4 of their meetings have also gone UNDER. Expect that to be a similar sight in this one. Take the UNDER with room to spare. 

T.M. Prediction: 17-13 Chargers

T.M. Selection: Houston Texans/Indianapolis Colts UNDER

These two teams played earlier this season and finished with a total of 53 points. I expect it to be different here. Houston just gave up 41 points last week to the Ravens. They'll look to step up their defense against this weaker Colts offense. They have also seen the total go UNDER 60% of the time ytd. On the other hand, t total has gone UNDER in 12 of Indianapolis' L18 road games. I expect great defense on Thursday Night. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 17-10 Texans

T.M. Prediction: Steelers/Browns OVER

In the past, the total has gone OVER in each of the L3 Browns-Steelers games, with an average combined score of 48.33 points. The over is also 39-27 when the Steelers are off an upset win. I expect both young QB's to throw multiple INT's in a big Prime-Time game. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 27-24 Steelers

T.M. Selection: Cowboys/Vikings UNDER

Both of these two teams enter tonight's game with 3 losses on the season. In the past, Minnesota has seen the total go UNDER 7 out of 10 times as a road underdog. The UNDER is also 20-13 when they are playing against conference opponents. Both of these teams also have very strong running games and both should try and utilize it here as the clock keeps ticking away. I like the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 21-17 Cowboys

T.M. Selection: 49ers/Cardinals UNDER

The San Fran 49ers come into this game with a perfect 7-0 record. Their defense has been stellar and I expect that to continue on Thursday Night. Look for the Cardinals to struggle on the offensive end in this one. Take the UNDER!

T.M. Prediction: 21-13 49ers

T.M. Selection: New England Patriots/Cleveland Browns OVER

The Patriots are yet again the team to beat in the NFL. Tom Brady has looked sharp and now, they have added WR Mohamed Sanu to the roster. The total has gone OVER in 4 of the Patriots L5 games vs the Browns aswell. I expect the Browns to have a decent game, while New England keeps scoring here. Take the OVER

T.M. Prediction; 31-24 Patriots

T.M. Selection: Houston Texans/Indianapolis Colts UNDER

As you may know, the Colts have been typically an "UNDER" team, and I look for that to continue here. Coming into this game, the total has gone UNDER in 25 of the Colts’ L31 home games vs. an opponent in their own division. In the past (in this matchup,) these two teams have averaged a combined score of 42.0. That's in their last six meetings. Expect both defenses to show up again here. Take the UNDER

T.M. Prediction: 24-17 Texans

T.M. Selection: Green Bay/Detroit UNDER

On Monday Night, the Lions will take on the Packers. Both of these teams come in to this game with a winning record. Detroit, fresh off their bye, has now seen the total go UNDER in 8 of their last 11 games (with an avg. combined score of 39.09). The Packers will have to deal with the absence of WR Devante Adams. That might give the Lions some energy on defense. I expect a  tight low-scoring game on Monday Night with the Packers taking this close one.

T.M. Prediction: 21-17 Packers

T.M. Selection: LA Chargers/Pittsburgh Steelers UNDER

Both teams enter this game with a losing reocrd on the season. LA QB Phillip Rivers is off one of his worst games of his career. The Steelers are giving the nod to the undrafted rookie named Devlin Hodges. This will be Hodges first career start in Primetime. Note that the total has gone UNDER in 4 of the Chargers' last 5 at home vs. an East Coast team. Expect the two QB's to struggle putting point on the board on Sunday Night. Play the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 17-14 Steelers

T.M. Selection: Arizona Cardinals/Cincinnati Bengals UNDER

Two winless squads will battle it out on Sunday afternoon. Starting with the Cards, QB Kyler Murray has yet to get anything going in his rookie year so far. He's averaged a little over 230 passing yards a game. Looking at Cinci, they have also been terrible. As a matter of fact, I think they might be even worse. Last week, QB Andy Dalton was getting frustrated after every single possesion. He ended up getting sacked 8 times over the course of the game, AND he threw an INT. That just tells you that he isn't getting much help by his offensive line, but also that he isn't using his feet to motivate them to block better. I expect both of these offenses to be awful once again as they barely get any points. Play the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 14-6 Cardinals

T.M. Selection: UNDER (Jax/Den)

Both teams enter this matchup with a losing record and neither of them have looked sharp through the opening 3 weeks. Although they found a way to win last week, Jacksonville is now led by backup QB in Gardner Minshew II who has yet to throw for 210+ yards in his first 2 starts. Now, the Jags will try to bring their winning spirits to Mile High as they'll play the Broncos who have yet to win a game YTD. Vic Fangio's starting QB Joe Flacco has only reached the endzone twice. That's not how he planned to start his HC career at all. Expect both QB's to look shaky once again as Flacco has to go against a mighty Jacksonville secondary while Minshew II will have to deal with the thin air in Mile High.

T.M. Predicted Final Score: 17-9 Broncos

T.M. Selection: Chargers/Lions under (10* TOTAL BANKROLL BUILDER)

Analysis posted at least 8 hours before game time.

T.M. Prediction: FINAL PREDICTED SCORE COMING SHORTLY

T.M. Selection: Bucs/Panthers under (10* TOTAL OF WEEK)

Carolina got a big game from RB Christian McCaffrey, who had 128 yard rushing, two TD’s and ten catches in Week 1. That performance however wasn’t good enough to earn the Panthers the victory unfortunately as they’d fall 30-27 at home to the Rams. After that high-scoring affair and on the short-week, I expect much more of a “chess match” between these NFC South opponents. The Bucs look completely inept offensively last week in their 31-17 loss at home to the 49ers and I believe they’ll struggle again here vs. this Panthers defensive unit playing with a chip on its shoulder this week. Five of their last six in this series have fallen under and I expect that strong trend to continue in their first matchup of 2019/20. Play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 27-17 Carolina.

T.M. Selection: Ravens/Dolphins over (10*)

Baltimore’s great pre-season (4-0), won’t mean much if it can’t continue to build momentum. Last year they fell 23-17 to the Chargers in the playoffs. The Fish were only 7-9 last year, but they went 3-1 in the preseason. These are two teams with big expectations and I believe we’re going to see a more wide open “shootout,” than a defensive “chess match.” Let’s throw the ATS stats out the window in Week 1. These are two teams which showed some of the most considerable “chemistry” in the preseason and while neither has been known for their offensive prowess the last couple of seasons, I believe the stage is set for an explosive offensive affair in Week 1.

T.M. Prediction: 27-21 Ravens.

T.M. Selection: Packers/Bears under (10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK)

The Packers were just 6-9-1 last year, while the Bears went 12-4. Green Bay has a new head coach in Matt LaFleur, who is an offensive minded skipper, but I still believe that this number is too high. The Packers were terrible defensively in 2018, allowing 25.0 PPG and the team hopes that it’s addressed several issues on that side of the ball in the off-season, especially in the secondary. The Bears though return all of their main pieces from their league leading defensive unit which allowed only 17.7 PPG, led by Khalil Mack with 12.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss. I think the offenses come out flat on Opening night, leaving the door open for the defensive units to shine. Play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 21-17 Bears.

T.M. Selection: Pats/Chiefs over (10* PLAYOFF TOTAL OF YEAR)

I played this one early and have an unfavourable line, but irregardless of that fact I’m expecting a “shootout!” Despite each needing to focus on the run because of the expected cold weather, I still believe these teams are going to battle to a higher-scoring affair. Patriots’ QB Tom Brady finished with 32 passing TD’s in the regular season and Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes finished with 50. These are two team’s which revolved around their high-powered offenses. Note that they played in New England back in mid-October and the Pats pulled away for the 43-40 win. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a similar final combined score here as well. Note as well that the Pats have seen the total go over the number in six of eight already this year following a home win, while Kansas City has seen the total go over in four of its last five vs. teams with winning records. Play the over.

T.M. Prediction: 34-31 Chiefs.

T.M. Selection: Chargers/Patriots over (10* TOTAL OF WEEK)

There’s no team that could have used the first round bye more than the Patriots this year. New England clinched the division on the final game of the regular season and QB Tom Brady will now look to guide his team to a ninth Super Bowl. The Chargers won’t be lacking any motivation (or confidence!) today either as QB Philip Rivers will likely view this as his final chance to earn a title. Rivers has lost twice to Brady in the playoffs already (2007 and 2008) and he has in fact lost seven straight vs. his venerable counterpart today. Brady and the Pats are fighting for one last shot at glory as well and with these two gun-slingers going head-to-head, I believe this one sets up as more of a shootout than a defensive battle. Note as well that LA has seen the total go over in seven of its last nine as an underdog in the 3.5 to 9.5 points range, while NE has seen the total go over in four of its last five when playing with two weeks rest.

T.M. Prediction: 30-26 Pats.

T.M. Selection: Colts/Chiefs under (10* TOTAL BLACK-LABEL BLOWOUT)

The Chiefs owned the No. 1 offense in the league and they paid little attention to the defensive side of things this year. The Colts have been on a roll of late, thanks in part to the dynamic play of of QB Andrew Luck. Between Luck (33) and Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes (50) these two QB’s have combined for 83 TD’s so far this year. However, if Indianapolis’ improbable run is going to continue, there’s no way it can expect to get into a shootout with Mahomes at home and with a week of rest. So with the Colts putting an added incentive on trying to “control” this game while their on offense, I’m absolutely expecting more of a defensive affair between these two normally high-scoring clubs. Note as well that the Colts have seen the total go under the number in all three games they’ve played in this year as an underdog in the 3.5 to 9.5 points range, while KC has seen the total go under in 18 of its last 26 at home. 

T.M. Prediction: 27-22 Chiefs.

WRONG PLAY CHOSEN; sorry this is a play on the UNDER> The incorrect play was chosen by mistake:

T.M. Selection: Eagles/Bears under (10* TOTAL OF MONTH)

I don’t think there’s any need to break down these two teams and what they did this season. If you’re wagering on this contest, then the “story lines” are well known to even the most casual NFL fan. Philadelphia has been in “do or die” mode for the last month or so and it actually needed Chicago’s help in its win over Minnesota last weekend to even make the post-season. The Eagles are soaring though with Nick Foles under center and now the defending champs run into a “buzz saw” of a defense, which finished first in several categories this season. Philadelphia is too one dimensional and one has to wonder how much “gas” is left in the tank after so many weeks of “living on the edge.” I think Chicago will be out to “control” the pace of this one while on offense, rather than try and turn it into a “shootout.” 

T.M. Prediction: 17-10 Bears.

T.M. Selection: Colts/Texans under (10* WILD CARD TOTAL BLOWOUT)

These teams feature a couple of dynamic, play-making QB’s. The Colts send out Andrew Luck, while the Texans counter with DeShaun Watson and while each put up big numbers in two games against each other this season, I think it’ll be the defenses which steal the headlines once the final horn sounds here. As good as Watson was though, it was Houston’s defense which once again got the job done most weeks. Houston has held its last five opponents under 100 yards on the ground, while allowing just 2.55 yards per rush. While both of their games in the regular season when “over” the number, the conditions now finally seem right for more of a “chess match” in my opinion. Note as well that the Colts have already seen the total go under the number in three of four this year as a road dog of seven points or less, while Houston has seen the total go under in all five games that it’s played this season following a home victory.

T.M. Prediction: 24-21 Houston.

T.M. Selection: Under Bucs/Cowboys (10* BLACK-LABEL BLOWOUT)

Dallas was blanked 23-0 in Indianapolis last week. As terrible as the offense looked was as decent as the defense looked against a red hot Andrew Luck and company. Dallas though can still maintain control of the NFC East with a win today and I think it’ll try to dictate and control the pace of this one from the outset. The Bucs have nothing to play for and they enter off back-to-back losses. With many starters being shut down for the season, I think the visitors simply “go through the motions” in this difficult road venue. Note as well that Tampa has seen the total go under in five of its last seven as a road dog of 3.5 to seven points, while Dallas has seen the total go under in three of its last four off a road blowout loss by 14 points or more. 

T.M. Prediction: 21-14 Cowboys.

T.M. Selection: Skins/Jags under (10* BLACK-LABEL BLOWOUT)

Two struggling teams go head to head in this one. It’s a non-conference match-up between two clubs desperate for a victory. Each has had to deal with many of the same problems. The Skins lost their starting QB Alex Smith, while Jags’ starter Blake Bortles turned out to be a complete bust. Each has had to deal with significant injuries as well. With each putting any added emphasis on establishing the run while on offense, there’s no doubt this one sets up as more of a lower-scoring “chess match.” Also note that Washington has seen the total go under in three of its last four after a loss by 21 points or more.

T.M. Prediction: 17-10 Jags.

T.M. Selection: Under Panthers/Browns (10*)

The Panthers opened the year 6-2, but they’ve since lost four straight. Another loss today and Carolina will officially be out of the running for a playoff spot. The Browns had their two game win streak stopped last week in Houston, but they’ll be out to play spoiler again this weekend as well. These teams are actually similar in many regards. The QB’s are scramblers, but who rarely throw deep down field. The offenses try hard to establish the run and for the most part it’s the defenses which “steal the show.” I look for all of these strong trends to continue here. Take it for what you will as well, but Carolina has seen the total go under the number in three of its last four off an upset loss as a favorite. Play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 23-21 Carolina.