The NFL isn't letting the NBA have all the fun with several marquee teams in action and one epic matchup on Christmas Day in 2023. After the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday action of Week 16, fans will get to unwrap the gifts of three more games on Monday, from a matinee in Kansas City to a potential Super Bowl 58 preview in prime time in San Francisco.
After the Chiefs play ho-ho-host to their AFC West archrivals the Raiders, the Eagles will attempt to end their three-game losing streak back in NFC East against the third-place Giants. Then comes a battle of top seeds from the NFC and AFC when the 49ers have the Ravens over for a one-Harbaugh rematch of Super Bowl 47.
Sporting News projects which teams will be naughty or nice vs. the spread with the last three picks and predictions for a pivotal playoff-picture week:
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
NFL picks, predictions for Christmas 2023
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Raiders at Chiefs (-10, 43 o/u)
1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Chiefs have been contained offensively for a few weeks, but they busted out a little in New England despite a tricky defensive matchup because they were sparked into more offensive creativity for Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have diversified well in the passing game away from Travis Kelce and also can run when needed, however their backfield mix looks. The Raiders poured a lot of energy ripping the Chargers at home and will be a bit defensively sapped here on the road.
Pick: Chiefs win 38-14 and cover the spread.
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Giants at Eagles (-10.5, 43 o/u)
4:30 p.m. ET, Fox
The Eagles are operating on a short week but their offense can use this game to get well around with a positive game script. They will a less-ailing Jalen Hurts to throw well downfield, make some big plays and then hand it to over him and his' backs running to play more to last year's offensive identity. The Eagles' have been shaky downfield vs. the pass all season, but their pass rush revs up here and the Giants don't have enough reliable receivers to take advantage vs. their secondary.
Pick: Eagles win 33-13 and cover the spread.
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Ravens at 49ers (-5.5, 45.5 o/u)
8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
The Ravens weren't caught looking ahead to this battle of potential top playoff seeds in a possible Super Bowl "prematch". Both teams rolled out their usual respective conference dominance in Week 15 and it's impossible to find two hotter teams in the NFL. San Francisco's offensive versatility and explosiveness are better than Baltimore's. Brock Purdy stays sharp vs. a tough pass defense with plenty of help, while Lamar Jackson's playmaking is contained enough in crunch time.
Pick: 49ers win 24-20 but fail to cover the spread.
