NFL Christmas Day Bettors Guide
COWBOYS at COMMANDANTS
1 p.m., Cowboys by 6 ½, 49 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: There’s a good chance Marcus Mariota plays a short week after suffering hand and quad injuries on Saturday and we’ve seen enough of Josh Johnson to know we don’t want to see him in a shootout against Dak Prescott, who will wipe out this slow Washington defense as his receivers run around. Yes, Dallas can face terrible defenses with anyone, but the Commanders’ injury problems extend along the offensive line as well. The Cowboys’ defensive strength is a good pass rusher that can shake up Johnson. Most Cowboys games end, but we don’t see the Commanders score many points. Prescott isn’t as dynamic on the outside and there might come a time where the boys take their foot off the gas in the second half.
IF I WAS A POTTOR: Cowboys and Under.
LIONS at VIKINGS
4:30 p.m., Lions at 6 p.m., 45 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: The Lions took a beating in this final game against the Steelers to continue a disappointing season. Their slim playoff chances now rest on other results over the weekend. For now, though, all they can do is win their game on Thursday and if there’s anything we know about a Dan Campbell team, it’s that they’ll play hard until the end. They get a big Christmas present with Max Brosmer getting the call at QB, which will force Kevin O’Connell into a shell and hope they can run the ball like the Steelers did. However, injuries to RB Jordan Mason and C Ryan Kelly will further hamper a Minny offense that struggled to move the ball against the Giants. Jared Goff is infamous when rushed, but he’s good against the blitz and that’s how the Vikings create their pressure. The indoor track won’t slow them down.
IF I WAS A POTTOR: Lions and below.
BRONCOS at CHEFS
8:15 p.m., Broncos by 13, 37 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: The Broncos haven’t covered big numbers and yet they continue to be overvalued. The Chiefs experienced their disappointment after Mahomes last week, but it wasn’t easy preparing for a road game in Nashville. After being embarrassed, they plan to show some pride here against a division rival in a prime-time home game, where their defense allowed an average of 15 points per game. Denver will also be in rebound mode, but the chances of an offensive explosion are limited by poor quarterback play in Bo Nix. Chris Oladokun has done some things well in relief of Gardner Minshew and Andy Reid will be able to come up with a game plan that will allow him to play within himself. The Chiefs will play to keep this one close. No way these veterans are letting the Broncos take the lead by two touchdowns.
IF I WAS A POTTOR: The leaders and others.
