The Holiday Seizin’

What a great matchup this week between the Bills and our beloved Leos. I remember when things were really bad for the Lions, many seasons in a row I’d vocally express the sentiment, “I just want them playing meaningful games late in the season.” And honestly, the fact that we’re solidly in that place is pretty much enough to satisfy. Obviously, once we’re here, y’know, as long as we’re here, all things being equal it’d be cool to see us become champions. But sincerely, I’m as satisfied as a post-holiday meal turkey freak. Just content and sated and ready for, like, one of the most fun classes kind of naps: early slate in-game naps of joy and anticipation for your own teams’s recently-flexed later window start. It’s time for, and you’re welcome in advance for this little nugget of excellence, The Holiday Seizin’. That’s right, it’s time for the Lions to seize (see?) that 1-seed with a tighter grip; time for them to seize their status as the lead dog. It’s a big challenge this week, and we’re relatively shorthanded again, but this team has proven it’s up to any task you throw at it. Should be a very interesting contest. Let’s do a real quick hit on the picks, this week was too taxing for long writing, sorry.

WEEK FIFTEEN PICKS: SANTA IS REAL AND IF YOU PAY EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF ATTENTION THERE’S LITTLE DOUBT HE’S A LIONS FAN

Last Week: 4-1-0, Season: 42-28-1, Lifetime: 97-56-4

Dolphins (+2.5) @ Texans — My personal kryptonite matchup. I never can pick either of these teams correctly, but we’re taking big bites this weekend. I think the Fins have the focus for a laudable playoff push. It starts in Houston. Take the points and the Marine Mammals.

Chiefs (-4.5) @ Browns — I know the Chiefs are “down” relative to their own standards but this just seems too low. If I told you 6 weeks ago this line would be this small the pick would be a no-brainer, and I’d argue Chief roster has improved since then. Let’s not overreact to the Chiefs not pushing the gas down all the way. They’re still a cut above the Cleves. Gimme those Chieftains.

Colts (+3.5) @ Broncos — I’ll admit that I wasn’t quite as high on the Chargers as I should’ve been, and I was just plain wrong on the Broncos. They’re a fine team. I like the timing of this matchup for them, a home game against a team just below them in playoff positioning gives this young squad a perfect TCB opportunity. I like Payt to get them to take advantage of it. Horsies (the wild horsies) (the horsies with orange) cover.

Buccaneers (+3) @ Chargers — I don’t like the Chargers to lose two weeks in a row, especially a week after they kinda let one slip through their fingers. Tampa is solid and improving and quietly making their push for a division chip and the playoff spot but I think this is the exact kind of week you pay Harbaugh huge money for. Post-loss, things could suddenly get very dicey.. NOPE. Relax. You’ve got Harbaugh the Lesser. He’s gonna have your guys as lasered in as they can get. Chargers do it nicely.

Bills (+2.5) @ Lions — The kind of heater that Josh Allen is on right now is one that needs a whole roster playing complementary football to stop. And even then you gotta get lucky. See last week’s LA Rams. Problem here is, I think the Lions are overdue for a game where they don’t play at least at a B level. I think they’re just overdue for a (relative) stinker. And although we’re coming off ten days rest, I think the Bills are in a crazier headspace. I like our offense to keep pace, but I can’t punt the points because I can’t shake the image of Allen doing insane things out of my head. Begrudgingly, Bills plus points.

Sorry for the short week, gang. Good news is that next week is nice and easy on the calendar (mostly), so we’ll have some in-depth coverage on the final week before C-Sweet! Hope you’re making the most of this glorious time. Have great days. Auf Wiedersehen, mein Freunde!