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Time is running out for MDS.
My 11-game lead was maintained last week when we parted ways over a pair of disagreements. We both went 7-6.
For the year. I am 134-72-1. The MDS is 123-83-1.
We are at odds over three games this week. For the sixteen week 15 picks, scroll down.
49ers (-3) at Seahawks
MDS point of view: The 49ers can clinch the NFC West with a win on Thursday night, and I think they will, with Brock Purdy showing that it is far from irrelevant.
The choice of MDS: 49ers 24, Seahawks 17.
Florio’s opinion: The Seahawks can’t stop the run. The 49ers have an unstoppable running game. It probably won’t be that close.
Florio’s choice: 49ers 27, Seahawks 20.
Foals (+4) at Vikings
MDS point of view: The Vikings aren’t as good as their 10-3 record suggests, but they’re good enough not to have too many problems with the Colts.
The choice of MDS: Vikings 28, Colts 14.
Florio’s opinion: It’s t-shirt and hat time for the Vikings. It’s time to “make plans for 2023” for the Colts.
Florio’s choice: Vikings 30, Colts 17.
Ravens (+3) at Browns
MDS point of view: With Lamar Jackson, I would choose the Ravens. With a completely healthy Tyler Huntley, I would always choose the Ravens. With Huntley’s status in question and the Ravens possibly turning to an undrafted rookie Anthony Brown? I think I have to pick the Browns.
The choice of MDS: Browns 17, Crows 16.
Florio’s review: Deshaun Watson is too rusty to solve Baltimore’s defense.
Florio’s choice: Crows 20, Browns 14.
Dolphins (+7.5) at Bills
MDS point of view: The Bills are the best team in the AFC, and they will take a big step towards the No. 1 seed on Saturday night.
The choice of MDS: Bills 31, Dolphins 20.
Florio’s review: The Dolphins have adopted a real “serenity now!” approach of the elements which awaited them Saturday evening.
Florio’s choice: Bills 34, Dolphins 21.
Eagles (-9) to Bears
MDS point of view: Jalen hurts will go wild against a bad Bears defense. Justin Fields will have its own flagship games, but not enough to keep this game close.
The choice of MDS: Eagles 31, Bears 17.
Florio’s review: The Bears are pretty good at keeping him close. But that’s about all.
Florio’s choice: Eagles 28, Bears 24.
Falcons (+4) in Saints
MDS point of view: Desmond CavalierThe early career start of is pretty much the only thing that makes this game interesting. I think he’s going to struggle in a low-scoring Saints win.
The choice of MDS: Saints 14, Falcons 13.
Florio’s review: Desmond Ridder can end up being great. It still won’t be easy for him to earn his first career Superdome start.
Florio’s choice: Saints 20, Falcons 17.
Lions (peers) at Jets
MDS point of view: This may be the best game of the day on Sunday, with both teams fighting hard for the wild card spots. I think the Lions will take this and continue to climb the NFC rankings.
The choice of MDS: Lions 24, Jets 21.
Florio’s review: The Lions return to MetLife Stadium. The Jets are a cut above the Giants, and the Jets know they really need it.
Florio’s choice: Jets 27, Lions 20.
Steelers (+2.5) at Panthers
MDS point of view: Don’t look now, but the Panthers are NFC South contenders. They will follow up with a win over the Steelers.
The choice of MDS: Panthers 20, Steelers 13.
Florio’s review: Carolina has a real shot at winning the NFC South title. But the Steelers are still trying to avoid Mike Tomlin’s losing first season. They should be able to avoid it for a week.
Florio’s choice: Steelers 17, Panthers 13.
Cowboys (-4) at Jaguars
MDS point of view: The Cowboys sleepwalked in a win over the Texans, but I think they’ll return to their dominant ways against the Jaguars.
The choice of MDS: Cowboys 31, Jaguars 17.
Florio’s review: Jacksonville remains constantly inconsistent. The Cowboys should be more focused after averting disaster against the Texans.
Florio’s choice: Cowboys 27, Jaguars 21.
Chiefs (-14) at Texans
MDS point of view: The Texans managed to stay the course in their loss to the Cowboys, but I think they will return to their terrible ways against the Chiefs.
The choice of MDS: Chiefs 40, Texans 17.
Florio’s review: The Texans emptied the reservoir last week in Dallas. This week, a focused and motivated Chiefs team will take full advantage.
Florio’s choice: Chiefs 41, Texans 24.
Cardinals (+3) at Broncos
MDS point of view: Two of the NFL’s most disappointing teams meet in a meaningless game. I’ll pick the Broncos in what numbers to be an ugly game.
The choice of MDS: Broncos 13, Cardinals 12.
Florio’s review: Short week, deflating losses, upheaval of the front office. The Broncos get a well-deserved win over the Cardinals, though it’s too late to save coach Nathaniel Hackett.
Florio’s choice: Broncos 21, Cardinals 13.
Patriots (even) at Raiders
MDS point of view: The Patriots are still in competition for the AFC wild card, and they will take care of business against Josh McDaniels and the Raiders.
The choice of MDS: Patriots 24, Raiders 17.
Florio’s review: The Patriots continue to push late in the season for the playoffs, with Bill Belichick finally avenging his loss to Josh McDaniels in 2010.
Florio’s choice: Patriots 27, Raiders 23.
Titans (+3) at Chargers
MDS point of view: The Titans are likely to win the AFC South, but that says more about the division than it does about them. The Chargers should beat the Titans easily.
The choice of MDS: Chargers 28, Titans 21.
Florio’s review: The Chargers find their place, and the Titans have fallen and can’t get back up.
Florio’s choice: Chargers 30, Titans 24.
Bengals (-3.5) at Buccaneers
MDS point of view: The Buccaneers will probably still win the NFC South, but they certainly don’t look like a playoff team. The Bengals are on course to win the AFC North.
The choice of MDS: Bengals 28, Buccaneers 17.
Florio’s review: The Buccaneers are starting to feel they aren’t good enough to make it to the Super Bowl. So why bother to qualify for the playoffs?
Florio’s choice: Bengals 27, Buccaneers 16.
Giants (+4.5) at Commanders
MDS point of view: The winner of this game is in great shape in the race for NFC wildcards. The loser is not. I think the Commanders are going to get a big win and the Giants tend to miss the playoffs.
The choice of MDS: Commanders 27, Giants 17.
Florio’s review: Commanders could be very dangerous if they make it to the playoffs. The Giants are in real danger of not making the playoffs.
Florio’s choice: Commanders 24, Giants 17.
Rams (+7) at Packers
MDS point of view: Rams quarterback Mayfield Baker is one of the few things that makes this game interesting, but I don’t think it’s going to repeat its impressive performance from last Thursday. This time the Rams are going to struggle and the Packers are going to win easily.
The choice of MDS: Packers 28, Rams 13.
Florio’s review: Baker Mayfield will have enough magic to keep it close, but not shut it down. Not against a Packers team that still has plans to make the playoffs.
Florio’s choice: Packers 28, Rams 27.