The Colts’ playoff hopes came crashing down last week when they were upset by the Giants. They opened as 2-point favorites here, but the line has now jumped to 5.5 points. At this point, only pride is on the line, but for the Jaguars, a loss means a top-5 pick. Jacksonville defeated the Colts back in Week 5 and has been good against the spread (ATS) on the road, going 4-3 this season. However, Indianapolis has been even stronger at home with a 5-2 ATS record. The Colts bounce back with a win and cover, while the Jags get a lottery pick. The Falcons lost in overtime to the Commanders last week, meaning they no longer control their own playoff destiny. Atlanta needs a win and hopes the Buccaneers lose to the Saints to secure the NFC South. Carolina is coming off a lopsided 48-14 loss to Tampa but, before that, the Panthers beat the Cardinals and had five of the previous six games decided by 6 points or less. They\u2019ve shown they can hang in meaningless games. The Falcons are just 3-5 ATS at home, while Carolina is 2-5 ATS on the road. Falcons win, Panthers cover. A Tampa win, and the Bucs win the NFC South. The Saints are guaranteed a top-10 pick and would love nothing more than to play spoiler. But New Orleans is ravaged by injuries and is just looking forward to the offseason. In their last 3 games, all losses, the Saints have scored just 29 points and were shut out by the Packers. The Buccaneers have averaged 34 points in their last five wins. If Baker Mayfield and company jump out to a big lead, it would be tough for the Saints to claw back. Tampa is 5-3 ATS at home, while New Orleans is just 2-5 ATS on the road. The Commanders are coming off an emotional overtime win against the Falcons to clinch a playoff spot. Now they\u2019re motivated because a win secures the No. 6 seed, meaning avoiding the Eagles in the wild-card round. Dallas beat Washington earlier this season and would love nothing more than to force the Commanders to take on their divisional rivals in the opening round of the playoffs. Take away a blowout loss to the Eagles last week, and the Cowboys have won 4 of their last 5. Washington is 3-3 ATS on the road and primed for a letdown game after last week\u2019s win.
THE PICK: Indy -5.5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPanthers at Falcons (-9, T-47.5)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
THE PICK: Panthers +9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSaints at Buccaneers (-13, T-43.5)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
THE PICK: Bucs -13<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nCommanders (-4, T-44) at Cowboys<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
THE PICK: Cowboys +4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n