Packers at Vikings (-1½)

It’s the rare late-season Border Battle where these NFC North titans have realistic title aspirations. Both teams are entertaining dreams of a Super Bowl championship, a trip to Disney World and a visit to the White House to meet President Musk.

Pick: Vikings by 3

FILE – President-elect Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk as he arrives to watch SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship lift off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Nov. 19, 2024. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP, File)

Jets at Bills (-9½)

Strip-mall favorite Party City announced that it is closing after nearly four decades. They decided to shut ‘er down after they realized it would be at least another four decades before they’d be able to unload any Jets championship celebration decorations.

Pick: Bills by 11

New York City firefighter and superfan for the New York Jets, Fireman Edwin M. Anzalone better known as Fireman Ed leads the J-E-T-S chant from Section 134 of the Meadowlands during the American Football Conference East game against the Washington Redskins on 26 Sept. 1999 at the Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. The Redskins won the game 27 – 20. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Lions at 49ers (+3½)

Detroit pulled a fast one against the Bears last week by faking a fumble and throwing a touchdown pass on a play they called “Stumble Bum.” Someone hasn’t been suckered that badly in Chicago since the last 18 mayoral elections.

Pick: Lions by 7

Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions catches a touchdown pass in front of Jonathan Owens #36 of the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Falcons at Commanders (-4½)

Former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick last week was named coach at Norfolk State. School officials decided that Vick should lead the Spartans after religiously avoiding any news reports about him from 2007 through 2010.

Pick: Commanders by 3

Michael Vick speaks to media and attendees after he is introduced as the head coach of the Norfolk State football team during a press conference on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 in Norfolk, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)

Dolphins at Browns (+6½)

Dorian Thompson-Robinson failed miserably in his first start of the season after replacing Jameis Winston. Statisticians at Pro Football Focus report it’s the worst performance by a Cleveland quarterback in at least a week.

Pick: Dolphins by 7

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. (90) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Cowboys at Eagles (-9½)

Former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy raised eyebrows this week by claiming that Philly QB Jalen Hurts will miss Sunday’s game because of the concussion protocol. This hot take led millions of Philadelphians to hit up the internet and Google, “Who the (expletive) is LeSean McCoy?”

Pick: Eagles by 7

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Raiders at Saints (-1½)

Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce dismissed online fretting that the Raiders’ victory over Jacksonville last Sunday blew their shot at the No. 1 draft pick by saying “None of that (bleep) matters to us.” A bold statement by the (bleep) coach of an (bleep) franchise.

Pick: Raiders by 7

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis, left, and head coach Antonio Pierce talk on the sideline before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec 22, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Colts at Giants (+7½)

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, atoning for his faux pas of the previous week, held the football tightly in scoring three touchdowns in last week’s win over Tennessee. He should do the same this week against a team that hasn’t learned from any of its mistakes over the past decade.

Pick: Colts by 17

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates the team’s win against the Tennessee Titans after an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Other games

Titans at Jaguars (even):

Pick: Jaguars by 3

Panthers at Buccaneers (-7½):

Pick: Buccaneers by 3

TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Record

Week 16

12-4 straight up

10-6 vs. spread

Season

166-74 straight up (.692)

135-105 vs. spread (.563)

All-time (2003-24)

3797-2094-14 straight up (.645)

2895-2866-144 vs spread (.503)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on Twitter — @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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