December arrives with the NFL playoff picture in chaos. The Bears and Patriots—teams few predicted atop their conferences just weeks ago—head into this weekend as division leaders. Meanwhile, the Lions and Chiefs, heralded Super Bowl favorites mere weeks ago, now face the real possibility of missing the playoffs entirely.

Pro football waits for no one.

COWBOYS @ LIONS

George Pickens Over 80.5 receiving yards

The Cowboys' young receiver has emerged as a breakout star in 2024. Beyond his already impressive statistics, Pickens leads the league in drawing pass interference calls—a fact that makes his numbers look even worse than they actually are. After consecutive 144 and 146-yard performances, Pickens posted 88 yards on Thanksgiving while being targeted 13 times against Kansas City. Expect another dominant outing from the emerging threat.

BENGALS @ BILLS

Joe Burrow Over 35.5 passing attempts

Cincinnati's game plan against toe surgery recovery was unmistakable last week: short, quick slants that don't expose Burrow to defensive pressure. Burrow unleashed 46 passes in a game the Bengals controlled throughout. Look for the same offensive approach Sunday as the Bengals manage their QB's injury.

SAINTS @ BUCCANEERS

Under 42.5 combined points scored

The "Baker Mayfield MVP" narrative from September feels ancient now. The Buccaneers' QB carries a left shoulder injury and has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. Facing a Saints offense starved for weapons, this matchup has all the ingredients for a low-scoring slog.

SEAHAWKS @ FALCONS

Kirk Cousins Over 0.5 interceptions

Seattle's defense dismantled Vikings rookie Max Brosmer with four interceptions last week in a shutout. Now they face Kirk Cousins—a former Viking who likely will be playing from behind as a 7-point underdog. A ball-hawking Seattle secondary pressuring a veteran throwing in desperation should generate another turnover feast.

STEELERS @ RAVENS

Under 42.5 combined points scored

Nine of the last 10 matchups between these AFC North rivals stayed under the total. The scoring in those games: 35, 34, 27, 27, 29, 30, 29, and 39 points. Aaron Rodgers is showing his age at quarterback for Pittsburgh. Lamar Jackson is grinding through multiple lower-body injuries that neutralize his dynamic rushing ability. Expect another ugly, low-scoring battle befitting this bitter rivalry.

COLTS @ JAGUARS

Jaguars +1.5

The wrong team is favored here. Indianapolis was the league's best story weeks ago, but perhaps opponents have adjusted. Or maybe it's the Daniel Jones injury stalling the offense. Whatever the cause, the Colts' attack has sputtered for weeks. Take Jacksonville and the points at home.

DOLPHINS @ JETS

Tua Tagovailoa Over 0.5 interceptions

"Due" is a dangerous word in betting, but if any defense is due for an interception, it's the suddenly aggressive New York Jets. We're now into December, and the Jets are still chasing their first pick of the season. Tagovailoa has historically struggled in cold weather. The Jets end their interception drought this week.

TITANS @ BROWNS

Titans team total Under 14.5 points

Tennessee showed brief flashes of progress before getting humiliated 25-3 last week in Jacksonville. Cleveland's defense ranks second in yards allowed per game and should render the visiting Titans completely impotent for 60 minutes.

COMMANDERS @ VIKINGS

Vikings -2.5

Buy-low spot after Minnesota's humiliating Seattle loss. The Vikings' defense is substantially superior, and Minnesota's home field should provide enough advantage over a reeling Washington team.

BRONCOS @ RAIDERS

Raiders +7.5

Denver is 4-2 away from home this season but has never won a road game by more than four points. They barely survived at home against the Giants by one point, then scraped past the Commanders in overtime by a single point last week. The Broncos simply don't blow out teams on the road. Expect another tight contest Sunday.

RAMS @ CARDINALS

Trey McBride Over 72.5 receiving yards

McBride has been a receiving machine, posting eight catches for 82 yards last week against Tampa Bay. In three of the previous four weeks, he drew double-digit targets. The last time McBride failed to reach 73 yards was early November against Dallas. He's due for another productive day.

BEARS @ PACKERS

Bears first quarter +0.5

Chicago won the coin toss last week against Philadelphia and chose to receive—a pattern established under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Green Bay abandoned that approach weeks ago, deferring in recent contests. The Bears will likely start with the ball Sunday. Bet accordingly.

TEXANS @ CHIEFS

Texans +3.5

The Chiefs have been favored by approximately a field goal or more for four straight weeks. They dropped contests to Denver and Dallas in that stretch, then barely escaped the Colts with a 3-point overtime win. Kansas City's recent overvaluation is evident. Houston boasts an elite defense, and while the Chiefs have mastered pulling out close wins, taking the points makes sense here.

EAGLES @ CHARGERS

Jalen Hurts Over 28.5 rushing yards

Philadelphia's struggling offense needs resurrection. One way to revitalize it: get Hurts running the ball more frequently. With an extra week to prepare, the Eagles' coaching staff should develop new wrinkles designed to jumpstart the defending champions' stalled attack.

Will Hill is a sports betting analyst and contributor to the Bear Bets Podcast with over a decade of wagering experience. He has hosted programming on VSiN and the Goldboys Network.