Pro Picks: Eagles will cruise past the Commanders and Seahawks will upset the Vikings

Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.

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The setup for two Christmas Day games means two games on Saturday in Week 16.

They'll be potential playoff previews.

Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs host C.J. Stroud and the AFC South champion Texans in the first game Saturday.

Then, it's Russell Wilson and the Steelers visiting Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in a battle for the AFC North.

Pro Picks likes the favorites in both matchups.

Line: Eagles minus 3

Jalen Hurts got Philadelphia's passing attack back on track and the Eagles had a drama-free week as wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith each had 100 yards receiving and a score. If Washington plans to take away the pass, the Eagles just hand it to Saquon Barkley. The Commanders barely escaped New Orleans with a win and Jayden Daniels got knocked around last week, getting sacked eight times. Things could get ugly if Daniels doesn't get better protection.

BEST BET: EAGLES: 26-17

Jacksonville (3-11) at Las Vegas (2-12)

Line: Raiders minus 1

UPSET SPECIAL: JAGUARS: 23-20

Denver (9-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-6)

Line: Chargers minus 2 1/2

The Chargers are reeling after losing two straight, three of four and allowing 40 points last week. The offense has been leaning more on Justin Herbert's passing since running back J.K. Dobbins went down. The Broncos, behind rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a stingy defense, are moving closer toward their first playoff berth since winning the Super Bowl nine years ago. Los Angeles goes for a series sweep. The Broncos are 6-1 against the spread in their past seven games on the road and 5-0 ATS in their past five games overall.

CHARGERS: 23-20

Line: Chiefs minus 3

Mahomes plans to play with a mild high-ankle sprain as the Chiefs push toward a No. 1 seed in the AFC. Kansas City is coming off its first win by more than one score since Week 7. The Texans, who captured their second straight division title, are 6-6-2 ATS this season. The Chiefs are 6-8 ATS.

CHIEFS: 24-19

Pittsburgh (10-4) at Baltimore (9-5)

Line: Ravens minus 6

RAVENS: 23-18

Cleveland (3-11) at Cincinnati (6-8)

Line: Bengals minus 7 1/2

Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaces Jameis Winston as Cleveland's starting QB. The Bengals are wasting one of Joe Burrow's best seasons. The Browns are 1-5 ATS in their past six games and have lost six straight road games. The Bengals are 15-5 ATS in their past 20 games vs. the Bengals.

BENGALS: 27-17

Line: Falcons minus 8 1/2

Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. replaces Kirk Cousins as the Falcons fight for a playoff berth. If Penix simply avoids turnovers — Cousins has thrown eight picks in the past four games — he'll be an upgrade. The Giants could have Drew Lock back as they continue their push for the No. 1 draft pick.

FALCONS: 24-16

Detroit (12-2) at Chicago (4-10)

Line: Lions minus 6 1/2

LIONS: 33-17

Tennessee (3-11) at Indianapolis (6-8)

Line: Colts minus 3 1/2

The Titans are turning to Mason Rudolph at quarterback after benching Will Levis. The Colts begin a three-game stretch against opponents that currently have a .190 winning percentage combined. Indianapolis should finish with a winning record, but that probably won't be enough for a playoff berth.

COLTS: 23-17

Line: Rams minus 3 1/2

The Rams have won seven of nine to take control of their chances to win the NFC West. Matthew Stafford hasn't been sacked in the past two games and he's getting time to make plays. Aaron Rodgers is looking more like his old self for the Jets. It's way too late to save New York's season, but it could be a spoiler for other teams. Los Angeles has to be wary.

RAMS: 23-20

Minnesota (12-2) at Seattle (8-6)

Line: Vikings minus 3

SEAHAWKS: 22-19

Arizona (7-7) at Carolina (3-11)

Line: Cardinals minus 4 1/2

The up-and-down Cardinals are still in the mix in the NFC West, but can't afford a letdown against Carolina. The defense has stepped up and Kyler Murray didn't throw a pick last week after tossing five interceptions in the previous three games. The Panthers bombed as a favorite last week. They have to do a better job protecting Bryce Young and the league's worst run defense needs to find a way to stop James Conner.

CARDINALS: 20-16

Line: Bills minus 14

Josh Allen is on a mission in Buffalo. The Bills still have a shot for the No. 1 seed in the AFC and they won't take the Patriots lightly. Drake Maye is the only reason to watch New England.

BILLS: 33-16

San Francisco (6-8) at Miami (6-8)

Line: Dolphins minus 1

49ERS: 21-20

Tampa Bay (8-6) at Dallas (6-8)

Line: Buccaneers minus 4

Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans are clicking and the Buccaneers have won four straight to take control of the NFC South. They have to be wary of the Cowboys, especially Micah Parsons.

BUCCANEERS: 24-17

Line: Packers minus 14 1/2

Jordan Love has thrown no picks in the past four games and the Packers are locking in for the playoffs. The Saints have no chance of pulling off a massive upset.

PACKERS: 30-13

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Last week: Straight up: 13-3. Against spread: 12-4

Prime-time: Straight up: 37-13. Against spread: 27-22-1.

Best Bet: Straight up: 9-6. Against spread: 8-7.

Upset Special: Straight up: 8-7. Against spread: 8-7.

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