A Christmas Miracle

I guess Christmas Miracles are a real thing. Just ask the Pittsburgh Steelers how else they could’ve scored 34 points!

We’re going to dig through some scores quickly, and then we’ll chat about some big matchups going on for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Let’s take this sleigh for a ride.

Football, Football, Football

Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) 11 | Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) 34

❓️ First order of business after seeing the final score is to ask if this was a scorigami? It wasn’t; this score happened almost a year ago. If you’re wondering how the Bengals got 11 points, they converted a 2-point try and then kicked a field goal.

👀I’ll be the first to admit I was wrong. Apparently, Jake Browning can’t lead an NFL offense, as he threw three picks yesterday. It was basically all up to him, though, as the Bengals could not get the rushing game going.

💪 It’s amazing what happens when George Pickens actually tries. He only caught four passes yesterday, but he had an 86-yard touchdown catch and finished the day with 195 receiving yards and 2 TDs. The rushing attack was working for the Steelers, too. Pittsburgh had 113 rushing yards and 2 TDs on the ground. The playoffs are back in the picture for the Steelers.

Buffalo Bills (9-6) 24 | LA Chargers (5-10) 22

👎️ First off, let’s give a thumbs down to the NFL for making it so difficult to watch this game unless you paid the extra money for Peacock. I’m annoyed, and you should be, too.

👉️ The Bills got a W, and that’s all that matters when you take a business trip to the West Coast. There was definitely a pause for concern from the Bills' mafia as Buffalo kept giving up field goals and lost their lead in the fourth quarter. Tyler Bass saved the day with the game-winning 29-yard field goal.

💪 Of course, Josh Allen had a big without having to throw the ball much. Allen was 15/21 for 237 yards, and he threw one INT and one TD, but he added two TDs on the ground. I hope you got a player prop bet in for that!

👀 The Bills weren’t riding as high as they were after a big win against Dallas just a week ago but I still wouldn’t want to see this team in the playoffs.

Reindeer Games

We’ve got ten games today and three games tomorrow. Let’s run through the biggest matchups of the weekend. Here’s the full schedule if you’re looking for it.

Indianapolis Colts @ Atlanta Falcons

📺️ Gametime is 1 pm ET on FOX

💰️ The Falcons are favored by 2.5, and the O/U is 44.5

👀 Both team are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive and the Falcons are coming off a terrible loss to the Panthers. Taylor Heinicke will be behind center in an attempt to save the Falcons season. The Colts are on the path to the playoffs, and this game should be one they win, but it all comes down to Gardner Minshew staying mistake-free today

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

📺️ Gametime is 1 pm ET on FOX

💰️ Detroit is favored on the road by 2.5 points, and the O/U is 47.5

👀This is the only divisional matchup of the weekend, and Detroit faces Minnesota two times over the next three weeks. Detroit will lock up the NFC North with a win today, but that’s easier said than done. Detroit hasn’t won in Minnesota in 6 years.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

📺️ Gametime is 4:05 on CBS

💰️ The Jags are favored by 1 point on the road. The O/U is 43.5.

👎️ Unfortunately this is where were at in week 16: we’ve got a big matchup in Florida that can have playoff implications for both teams. Both teams have a hold in their division and they both need to win their division to likely a spot in the playoffs.

Dallas Cowboys @ Miami Dolphins

📺️ Gametime is 4:25 pm ET on FOX

💰️ Miami is favored by one point at home, and the O/U is 48.5

👀 This should be the game with the most eyes on it today. I think the Ravens and the Niners will meet in the Super Bowl, and this would be the runner-up matchup like we’re living in 2007 with the BCS Bowls. The Cowboys is coming off a terrible loss to Buffalo, and the Dolphins are coming off a shutout win against the Jets. The Cowboys haven’t performed well on the road, and they need to show they can win a big game against a high-powered offense.

Baltimore Ravens @ SF 49ers

📺️ Santa stacked up an awesome Monday Night matchup for Christmas between two conference leaders. Gametime is 8:15 pm on ABC, again, on Monday Night.

💰️ This SuperBowl preview had SF favored at home by 6 points, and the O/U is 46.5

👀The 49ers’ defensive front is a little beat up, and while the Ravens have one of the top rushing attacks in the league, Baltimore lost their go-to running back to an ACL injury last week. Lamar Jackson will likely have to play superhero this weekend, and while he possesses the ability, the question will be if the Ravens’ defense can stop San Francisco's formidable offense. In this league, you have the advantage if you have offensive weapons. I expect SF to win, but winning by six might be tough against a really good AFC leader.

Santa Coming With The Criss-Cross Applesauce

Adam Silver must be on the good boy list because Santa hooked us up with some dope NBA games on Christmas day.

Here are the matchups.

Milwaukee Bucks @ New York Knicks

📺️ Gametime is Noon ET on ESPN

Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets

📺️ Gametime is 2:30 pm ET on ABC or ESPN (depending on location)

Boston Celtics @ LA Lakers

📺️ Gametime is 5 pm ET on ABC or ESPN (depending on location)

Philadelphia 76ers @ Miami Heat

📺️ Gametime is 8 pm ET on ESPN

Dallas Mavericks @ Phoenix Suns

📺️ Gametime is 10:30 pm ET on ESPN

That’s all for today. Enjoy the games and enjoy your family time!

Remember, Santa can’t magically help your team get into the playoffs, so stop asking for it!

Feliz Navidad!

-The Daily Breakroom