For once, NFL fans get a Thursday Night Football game that might mean something. Sort of. Week 14’s edition of TNF has the Chicago Bears hosting the Dallas Cowboys, with Dallas needing a big win to keep up with the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears are just about dead when it comes to the playoffs, but this is a huge game for the ‘Boys and could be a nice little shootout with two talented offenses gracing the field.

Let’s take a look at the key notes going into this game and also come away with a pick for the night:

Running the Table

While it’s extremely unlikely, the Bears actually aren’t dead just yet. If they win here at home tonight against what could quite easily be a crumbling Dallas team, they’d own the tiebreaker over the Cowboys. Suddenly Chicago would be 6-7 and Dallas would be 8-5, with three games to go. If the Cowboys could even lose two more games and the Bears could run the table, they’d earn a wild card playoff spot over Dallas. That’s if it came down to just them for the final spot, of course.

Detroit is likely the other team that Chicago would have to fend off, but they do get to face them one more time. If they could win that game and split the season series with the Lions, and Detroit also loses just two more times other than their defeat to the Bears, they also would finish at 9-7 and Chicago would potentially be awarded the tiebreaker there, as well. The Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals also could all factor in, but if the 49ers fall apart and tie with Chicago, the Bears would sneak in over them due to a win against Jim Harbaugh’s crew earlier in the year. As for Seattle and Arizona, the hope would be the Seahawks end San Francisco’s division title hopes in week 15 and that the Cards continue their complete unraveling thanks to Carson Palmer going down.

It’s a lot to take in, but a talented Chicago team that looks dead actually has some realistic life. All of those things collectively falling into place isn’t that realistic, but the Cowboys, Lions and Cardinals taking a nose dive individually is not crazy in the least. With the potential edge over Dallas, Detroit and San Francisco, Chicago just needs to win their next four games and hope the rest of the cards fall in their favor. In other words, tonight’s game is pretty big for them and could spark a magical run.

Run, DeMarco, Run

While the Bears may have thoughts of running the table, Dallas is probably licking their chops over how much DeMarco Murray can run through and over them. Murray has topped 100 rushing yards in 10 of 12 games this season. When he does that, Dallas is 8-2. Naturally, we can all expect to see a heavy dose of Murray early and often. Against Chicago’s weak run defense, that should equate to good things for the Cowboys, who struggled to run the ball or do anything right in a home blowout loss last week.

Romo vs. Cutler

Tony Romo and Jay Cutler are two of the more talented quarterbacks in the league, as both tend to put up nice numbers on a regular basis. They’re also two of the more disappointing quarterbacks, as they have one career playoff win between them, have dealt with nagging injuries and despite their talent have come up short countless times in their career. It’s always a treat when they butt heads, so we can probably expect a shootout in the end, even though Dallas would probably prefer to pound the rock.

Where’s the Defense?

Both teams would love to establish the run and set up the pass for some big shots down the field. It’s possible they both make it happen, as neither of these defenses are particularly good. However, the key to this Thursday Night Football clash is probably going to be which defense can make something happen. Both units have been extremely shaky in every regard this year, so that’s a true toss up.

The Pick

Chicago is at home, but that hasn’t meant much with the Bears going just 2-3 on their own field this year. However, if they’re going to make a run, it’s probably nice that this game and two of their other final four contests are at Soldier Field. While that could potentially spark the crazy run mentioned previously, it’s hard to bet against a Cowboys team that is 8-4, appears to be more disciplined and still has a much more attainable path to the playoffs.

Pick: Cowboys 27, Bears 24

Tuesday night was a crazy night for basketball, as the Mavs and Bulls went into two extra periods, the Lakers won yet again and Kevin Durant’s return didn’t go as planned. Through it all, we still held a solid 7-3 mark on the night. That lifts our 2014-15 NBA picks up to a nice 127-61 record on the year, and we carry that into a another 10-game night on Wednesday. Let’s get to it:

Bulls @ Hornets

Chicago narrowly missed out on a sweet overtime win on Tuesday night, but Derrick Rose is expected to be available for this back to back, so the Bulls are the likely favorites. It’s in Charlotte and the Hornets are hungry for a win, but the Bulls are a tough team to snap a nine-game skid against.

Pick: Bulls 102, Hornets 88

Mavericks @ Bucks

Dallas is going to be tired after a huge 2OT win at Chicago, so even though the Bucks are a beatable opponent, this feels like a trap game. The Bucks play hard every night and are a lot better than anyone probably thought they’d be. I’ll give the Bucks a real shot at home tonight.

Pick: Bucks 104, Mavs 102

Raptors @ Jazz

Toronto ran all over the Kings last night and should do the same in Utah, where the Jazz aren’t much better than they are on the road. Utah’s lack of defense begs for a high scoring game, while the possibility of Derrick Favors missing a second straight game could push this one to blowout central.

Pick: Raptors 107, Jazz 93

Magic @ Clippers

Orlando had to play without star center Nikola Vucevic last night and may be without him again tonight (back spasms). If he’s in they have a chance as he ate up DeAndre Jordan last time, but even with him the Magic got blown out. A similar result could be in order in L.A. tonight.

Pick: Clips 109, Magic 94

Lakers @ Wizards

Los Angeles has been pretty gritty lately and Kobe Bryant turning into an assist machine has been the biggest reason why. I’ll give them a chance in most games right now, but on the road against a strong Wizards team, it might be asking a lot for them to get the win.

Pick: Wiz 112, Lakers 104

Pistons @ Celtics

Detroit just lost to the Lakers and are probably as low as they can go. Boston isn’t exactly a whole lot better, but they’re at home and seem to spread their offense around a little better. A serious lack of defense on both sides should have this one in the 100’s.

Pick: Celtics 105, Pistons 103

Hawks @ Heat

Atlanta is quietly a pretty good team and stands in the East at the fourth seed. That just might stick, especially if they can go into Miami and show they’re better than the Heat. It will be interesting to see if Dwyane Wade suits up again in this one, and if he does the Heat should be able to win a close one at home.

Pick: Heat 102, Hawks 101

Spurs @ Nets

Brooklyn can be good in spurts, but they mostly beat teams worse than they are. San Antonio is on the road but they’re the better team and their big name stars got to rest in their last game, so they’ll be fresh and looking to get the win.

Pick: Spurs 106, Nets 99

Grizzlies @ Rockets

Memphis rocked the Rockets in the first meeting between two very sound defenses and they might do so again if Dwight Howard (knee) can’t go. The Grizzlies are simple the more disciplined team, anyways, so even if Howard returns the Grizz might still be the safer pick.

Pick: Grizzlies 89, Rockets 87

76ers @ Timberwolves

I’m doing it. I don’t really want to, but even the Sixers have to win sometime and the odds beg for you to place a bet on them finally getting their first win just about every night. Minnesota does have Thaddeus Young going up against his former team, but they’re down three of their best players. It’s only fitting for Philly to get their first win away from their loyal home crowd, too.

Pick: 76ers 104, Timberwolves 103

Finally, we’ve reached perfection. After getting close to nailing all of our daily NBA picks down on a few previous nights, only to ultimately get burned by ridiculous upsets, Monday night was extremely good to us. Actually, logic simply prevailed.

Needless to say, our 4-0 run helped any NBA bettors who followed our advice. Ride the wave with us as we enter Tuesday night’s NBA action with a stellar 120-58 record on the season:

Bucks @ Cavaliers

Milwaukee has been extremely competitive all year, but Cleveland needs to jump ahead of them eventually and they’re at home. LeBron James is finally playing like himself again, too, while the Cavs are riding a nice three-game winning streak.

Pick: Cavs 107, Bucks 102

Mavericks @ Bulls

It’s hard to believe Dallas is 13-5 and still in fourth place in their own division. Yikes. Meanwhile, the Bulls are atop their division at 11-6. Chicago has been oddly so-so on their own floor this year and their defense hasn’t been as elite as usual. That might open the door to the Mavs stealing a nice road win.

Pick: Mavericks 101, Bulls 98

Pacers @ Suns

Indiana has stormed back from injuries to win six of their last 10, and suddenly could be back in the playoff mix, while a seemingly superior Suns team has been a mixed bag over the past two weeks. Phoenix still has more talent and is healthier, while it also doesn’t hurt that this one is in Arizona.

Pick: Suns 104, Pacers 97

Magic @ Warriors

Golden State has just two losses on the year and only one of them are at home. The Magic play teams hard, but their defense is lacking and the Warriors look like a top-three team right now.

Pick: Warriors 111, Magic 105

Celtics @ Hawks

This game could be the most explosive of the night, as neither the Hawks or Celtics play much defense and both put up over 103 points per game. Look for a high scoring shootout to likely end in the home team’s favor.

Pick: Hawks 105, Celtics 103

Lakers @ Pistons

Los Angeles has been giving teams a lot of fight and even topped the Raptors in overtime recently, so they absolutely have a shot to take down the Pistons tonight. Detroit’s superior defense (if we can call it that) and the home town advantage might give them the slight edge, though.

Pick: Pistons 106, Lakers 102

Nets @ Knicks

The battle of New York rages on tonight, as the Nets come into the big city to take on Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks. New York is finally mostly healthy, while the Nets have looked mostly terrible over their past 10 contests.

Pick: Knicks 101, Nets 97

Thunder @ Pelicans

Russell Westbrook returned in OKC’s last game and tonight could very well mark the return for Kevin Durant, as well. If that happens, it’s going to be awfully hard to bet against the Thunder – even on the road.

Pick: Thunder 104, Pelicans 101

Blazers @ Nuggets

Denver has been an improved team with an 8-2 record over their past 10 contests, but topping the 13-4 Blazers is no easy task. LaMarcus Aldridge and Robin Lopez should have a field day against Denver’s weak interior defense.

Pick: Blazers 105, Nuggets 101

Raptors @ Kings

Toronto ends the night in Sac-town, where the Kings may be without DeMarcus Cousins, yet again. Even if he plays, the Kings may not have enough ammo to top a very good Raptors team.

Pick: Raptors 103, Kings 100

Monday offers up a light slate of NBA games, but it also gives us all a nice shot at sweeping with correct picks across the board. We’re already a stellar 116-58 on the year and are getting a better handle on the rigors of the NBA with each passing night, so let’s take a stab at perfection for Monday’s contests:

Spurs @ 76ers

Tim Duncan and Tony Parker will sit out to get some rest, but Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard will still be active in Philly to make sure the Sixers’ first win of the year doesn’t come against the Spurs. This wouldn’t be the worst night to bet for Philadelphia, but they’re winless and this is San Antonio we’re talking about.

Pick: Spurs 104, 76ers 88

Heat @ Wizards

Miami got Dwyane Wade back last night, but all eyes will be on the starting lineup sheet to see if he’ll play in the second game of a back to back set. If he’s active, Wade gives the Heat a shot, but either way the Wiz are extremely tough on their home court.

Pick: Wizards 101, Heat 99

Nuggets @ Jazz

We should be in for an offensive explosion, as the Nuggets shoot for a record above .500 tonight. There should be very little defense here and we can expect a high-scoring affair. The Jazz will certainly have a shot with this one being on their home court, but Denver is on fire right now and has to be the pick.

Pick: Nuggets 108, Jazz 105

Timberwolves @ Clippers

Los Angeles is heating up with a nice four-game winning streak an they host a Minnesota squad that is severely depleted by injuries. Minnesota can give the Clips a run if their offense comes to town, but the Clippers are easily the favorites to cap the night.

Pick: Clippers 112, T’Wolves 104

One day after having zero NBA games and a ton of turkey, we had a ridiculous 11 games on Friday night, and still probably a good amount of turkey. The NBA slows down for us all to catch our collective breath on Saturday, enough to eat even more turkey and throw down some bigger bets on fewer games. There are just six games on the docket, so we march into the night with a steady 116-58 record following a solid 7-4 Friday night:

Mavericks @ 76ers

The last time these two teams faced, the game was over by the half, which understandably has prompted Dallas to sit Dirk Nowitzki out. That might allow it to be a little closer, but a blowout can still be expected. Philly may stay winless for a while yet.

Pick: Mavs 112, 76ers 102

Pelicans @ Wizards

New Orleans has stumbled to a mediocre 7-7 start, while they’ve been especially troublesome (3-5) away from home. Tonight doesn’t offer good news, as they’re again on the road, and this time it’s in Washington, where the Wiz are at their best.

Pick: Wizards 106, Pellies 101

Hornets @ Hawks

Charlotte has dropped a ridiculous eight straight games and just can’t find consistent offense. They’re not really as bad as their 4-13 record suggests, though, and tonight feels like a good night for them to get off the schneid as they face a Hawks team that just doesn’t play defense.

Pick: 102, Hawks 101

Pacers @ Cavaliers

Indiana is starting to get some healthy bodies back (David West and C.J. Watson), but Roy Hibbert might be out again and overall they still just aren’t very good on offense. Cleveland looks like they’re starting to get it, too, so they should win at home.

Pick: Cavs 101, Pacers 95

Rockets @ Bucks

Houston has done OK without star center Dwight Howard (knee), but they definitely miss him on both sides of the court. Winning on the road against a pretty solid Bucks team won’t be easy, but that’s something James Harden can probably manage.

Pick: Rockets 104, Bucks 101

Clippers @ Jazz

The Clippers are heating up as winners of three straight, while they’re starting to look great on the road (6-3). Their hot road run should continue with a visit to Utah, where the Jazz are only 3-4 on their home court and aren’t playing much defense.

Pick: Clippers 107, Jazz 101

We emerge from the NBA black hole that is Thanksgiving Day (no games on the holiday) to embark on another mission for perfection on Friday night. We already had an early game to entertain us between the Bulls and Celtics, but the big NBA bets should be placed in tonight’s later games.

Let’s carry our solid 109-54 season mark into another heavy slate of NBA games:

Warriors @ Hornets

Charlotte continues its horrid slide, as they’ve now dropped a ridiculous seven straight games. Playing a tough Warriors team certainly won’t do them any favors.

Pick: Warriors 107, Hornets 99

Pelicans @ Hawks

Anthony Davis should be feeling much better after battling an illness earlier in the week, which is bad news for the Hawks. This one is in Atlanta, but the Hawks don’t play much defense so the Pellies might be the slight favorite on the road.

Pick: Pelicans 98, Hawks 95

Mavericks @ Raptors

Toronto doesn’t lose at home all that much, while they absolutely have the offense to run with the Mavs. Look for them to hold down the fort and stay hot with their seventh win in a row.

Pick: Raptors 105, Mavericks 103

Bucks @ Pistons

Detroit is stumbling as losers of six straight, while Brandon Jennings is still out with a thumb injury. Milwaukee looks better by the day and recently topped the Pistons, so they’re the easy pick.

Pick: Bucks 99, Pistons 96

Knicks @ Thunder

Russell Westbrook returns tonight, while Carmelo Anthony (back) remains out. OKC should be able to start to right the ship and shoot for a second straight win.

Pick: Thunder 104, Knicks 101

Magic @ Pacers

Indiana is without Roy Hibbert again, which should mean the Magic get anything they want inside and out against the Pacers. Indy could have David West back, but it may not be enough.

Pick: Magic 103, Pacers 100

Clippers @ Rockets

Dwight Howard is likely out again on Friday night, which should mean free reign for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Houston can be tough on defense, but they’re not the same team with Howard (knee) sidelined.

Pick: Clippers 109, Rockets 106

Kings @ Spurs

DeMarcus Cousins is expected to sit out tonight, leaving the Kings severely shorthanded down low against a tough Spurs front line. Look for San Antonio to take care of business on their home court.

Pick: Spurs 101, Kings 95

Suns @ Nuggets

Phoenix handled the Nuggets in their last meeting, but this is a fast-paced matchup with no defense. It can go either way, and since the Suns took the first one, it might make perfectly good sense for the Nuggets to take this meeting.

Pick: Nuggets 111, Suns 108

Grizzlies @ Blazers

Portland hosts a physical, defensive-minded Grizzlies team tonight as it attempts to hit on it’s 10th straight win. They’re tough at home, but there are few teams better to snap a winning streak against that Memphis, who are a stellar 5-2 on the road.

Pick: Grizzlies 99, Blazers 07

Timberwolves @ Lakers

The Lakers have been awful this year, but Minnesota hasn’t been a whole lot better. Playing without their star point guard, center or shooting guard, the Wolves have to be the underdogs in this one.

Pick: Lakers 104, T’Wolves 102

Tuesday night only carried five NBA games, but we missed out on picking perfection yet again thanks to two home teams not getting the memo that they should have won, while the Chicago Bulls also sunk to lower depths and lost to the Denver Nuggets. Derrick Rose also go hurt again, which was really just the icing on the cake.

In all, we had our first losing night of the year (2-3), and for that, we apologize. There is an insane 13-game slate ahead of us tonight, though, so we have plenty of opportunities to make up for a bad night. Let’s proceed into the fire with a still stellar 98-52 season mark:

Nets @ 76ers

Brooklyn hasn’t been winning much lately, but they’re much more talented than a Sixers squad that has yet to earn a win on the year. Look for Philly to lose yet again tonight.

Pick: Nets 101, 76ers 94

Wizards @ Cavaliers

Cleveland seemed to have figured itself out last game, but we’ve been teased before. Until the Cavs go on a run and start showing the rest of the league they’re a team to be feared, it’s going to be difficult to pick them over solid teams like the Wiz.

Pick: Wizards 109, Cavs 104

Blazers @ Hornets

Charlotte is in the dumps right now, riding a six-game losing streak. They’re in bad shape with some injuries, too, and they won’t be able to handle a Blazers team coming in hot with an eight game winning streak.

Pick: Blazers 111, Hornets 99

Warriors @ Magic

Golden State is near the top of the league with a blistering 11-2 start, while the Magic are just 6-10 and have to find a way to stay in tonight’s contest without Tobias Harris. It’s unlikely to go the way the Magic want it to.

Pick: Warriors 105, Magic 102

Raptors @ Hawks

Atlanta has been playing some inspired basketball lately and has been especially tough at home (5-1), but they’re on a back to back tonight and the Raptors have lost just two times all season.

Pick: Raptors 106, Hawks 104

Knicks @ Mavericks

Dallas has dropped two straight and will want to break their losing skid, while the Knicks come into town sans Carmelo Anthony. New York is going to need a miracle to top an angry Dallas team that is upset over losing their last game at home to the Pacers.

Pick: Mavs 107, Knicks 97

Clippers @ Pistons

Los Angeles still doesn’t know what kind of a team they are, but they’re still good enough to go into Detroit and take care of the Pistons. Detroit is just 3-11 on the year and isn’t necessarily formidable at home (2-4).

Pick: Clippers 109, Pistons 101

Jazz @ Thunder

Oklahoma City has been fairly competitive at home, but they’re an astounding 3-12 without their two star players. Utah doesn’t play much defense, but they definitely hold the edge on offense in tonight’s battle.

Pick: Jazz 106, Thunder 95

Kings @ Rockets

Houston will defend their home court without Dwight Howard, Terrence Jones and Patrick Beverley, which could be a pretty tough task against a solid Kings squad. Sacramento has been solid on the road this year (5-3) but if James Harden simply brings it, the Rockets should still prevail.

Pick: Rockets 113, Kings 110

Bucks @ Timberwolves

Minnesota gets Thaddeus Young back tonight, but they’re still severely undermanned and take on a surprisingly strong Bucks team. With the Timberwolves having all sorts of problems this year, Milwaukee could hold the edge with this one, even with it being on the road.

Pick: Bucks 102, Timberwolves 97

Pacers @ Spurs

Indiana pulled off a big upset over the Mavs in Dallas in their last game, but doing so in San Antonio is a whole different task. The Spurs know they need to win to keep pace with a loaded Southwest division, so betting against them tonight would be foolish.

Pick: Spurs 104, Pacers 94

Nuggets @ Suns

Denver has gone on quite a tear lately, winning five straight games to prove to everyone else they’re not a cellar dweller, but possibly a team to fear on a nightly basis. Phoenix shouldn’t be bashful, though, as they are a solid 9-6 and play some of their best ball at home. In what should be the highest scoring affair of the night, look for the Suns to hold their ground at home.

Pick: Suns 116, Nuggets 110

Grizzlies @ Lakers

We know by now that a Lakers win is pure randomness, but somehow beating the 12-2 Grizzlies sounds pretty impossible. L.A. can’t stop Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol on offense, while their inefficient offense could play right into the hands of the defensive-minded Grizz.

Pick: Grizzlies 104, Lakers 99

We just can’t catch a break when it comes to getting our NBA picks completely 100% on any given night. So goes the luck of any betting man, as we nailed six of seven picks for a stellar 6-1 mark, with our only miss being the Dallas Mavericks falling to the Indiana Pacers at home. No, you read that right.

It gets a little easier on Tuesday night, as we have just five NBA contests to choose from. Let’s aim again for perfection as we carry our solid 96-49 season mark into the night and aid bettors in choosing the right side in these NBA battles:

Hawks @ Wizards

Atlanta can be a nasty opponent on any given night and they’re fully healthy, but going into Washington and getting a win is a tall order. The Wizards might be the most balanced and deepest bunch in the entire league. Even without Nene Hilario tonight, it’s tough to pick against the 9-3 Wiz.

Pick: Wizards 109, Hawks 106

Warriors @ Heat

Golden State is on top of it’s game and has been blowing out opponents left and right. Miami, on the other hand, is hosting this game without Dwyane Wade, yet again. The Heat can keep it close on their home floor, but the better team should win tonight.

Pick: Warriors 104, Heat 98

Kings @ Pelicans

The Pellies took the last meeting between these two teams and both teams have some injuries going into this contest. Sacramento is arguably more beaten up though, with both Darren Collison and Rudy Gay possibly sitting this one out. It’s hard not to side with the home team in this one tonight.

Pick: Pelicans 107, Kings 102

Pistons @ Bucks

Detroit enters Milwaukee with star point guard Brandon Jennings likely out with a thumb injury, putting them behind the eight ball with a fairly tough road contest on their hands. Milwaukee may also be without Brandon Knight but they’re the better team right now and at home, so they get the slight nod.

Pick: Bucks 96, Pistons 90

Bulls @ Nuggets

Chicago has been on quite the road trip lately, but should feel good after beating the Jazz last night. Their road swing continues in Denver tonight and they could be without both Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol. If those guys are out their odds of winning dip considerably, but for now they look like the favorites.

Pick: Bulls 103, Nuggets 96

We missed out on NBA picks perfection by one game on Sunday night, as the Charlotte Hornet continued their ugly skid and extended their free fall to five games. While we missed that one, we still upped our season record to 90-48 with a 4-1 mark.

We get more games on the schedule to get the games going on Monday, so let’s get to our picks:

Clippers @ Hornets

Los Angeles clearly isn’t playing it’s best basketball yet and seem to be just meandering around with a 7-5 record, but they’re still way better than the Hornets right now. This would be a huge win for Charlotte, but their offense is extremely shaky and the elite defense of a year ago has to this point been nowhere to be found. Look for the Clippers to hand the Hornets their sixth straight defeat.

Pick: Clippers 102, Hornets 95

Blazers @ 76ers

Philly is really struggling to be competitive right now, and even when they are they’re not consistently putting up points. That makes Monday night a potentially horrific night for them, as they welcome a white hot Blazers squad (seven straight wins) to town. Portland is executing at a very high level at both ends of the floor, so the Sixers don’t stand much of a chance to randomly get their first win of the year.

Pick: Blazers 116, 76ers 99

Magic @ Cavaliers

LeBron James said recently that he now knows what he has to do going forward. Cleveland fans better hope so, as the 5-7 Cavs are barely getting by so far this year and something needs to change quick to save their season. Taking on a Magic team at home that can’t defend is a solid start.

Pick: Cavs 107, Magic 103

Suns @ Raptors

Phoenix has been very solid so far this year and at 9-5 can really give anyone trouble on any given night. Unfortunately, they play very little defense and have the task of beating an 11-2 Raptors squad that is 8-1 on their home floor.

Pick: Raptors 105, Suns 101

Knicks @ Rockets

New York has Jose Calderon back to hopefully help run their offense better, but he’s not going to make a big enough difference on the road against a stellar Rockets team that is playing great on both ends of the court. No Dwight Howard could allow the Knicks to keep it interesting, but odds are Rockets pull away and get to 11-3 on the year.

Pick: Rockets 109, Knicks 101

Pacers @ Mavericks

Indiana will take on the Mavs in Dallas without Roy Hibbert, meaning an already extremely undermanned Pacers squad has just about no hope of winning tonight. Dallas has picked up their defense lately and is arguably the most efficient offense in the league, so the Pacers don’t stand much of a chance on the road in this one.

Pick: Mavs 111, Pacers 97

Bulls @ Jazz

Chicago has been very disappointing lately, but facing the suspect Jazz could be just what they need to end an irregular two-game losing skid. Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, Kirk Hinrich and Taj Gibson could all still be out tonight, but Jimmy Butler and Joakim Noah should be enough to power past the 5-9 Jazz.

Pick: Bulls 102, Jazz 97

With the Bills and Jets being overtaken by snow and moved to Monday night, NFL fans will be blessed with their first Monday Night Football double header since opening night. The Bills and Jets will get things kicked off at 7:00 pm Eastern, with the initial MNF contest between the Saints and Ravens getting going at 8:35 pm Eastern.

New York is basically out of the playoff race, but the Bills are clinging to slim hopes and the Saints and Ravens both have a real chance of making the post-season tourney still. Let’s break down the key things to watch in tonight’s games:

Home Sweet Home?

The New Orleans Saints get their third straight game at the Superdome this week, and they’ll oddly be trying to make sure it’s not their third straight loss on their own turf. Normally studly indoors and especially at home, the Saints lost a close game to the 49ers two weeks ago and got slapped around by the visiting Bengals last week, as well. The Ravens are no cakewalk, but the Saints will definitely need to perform better if they’re going to end a nasty home skid that just isn’t like them.

Vintage Drew Brees?

Brees hasn’t been quite himself lately, or really all year long. He seems to be taking less chances down the field, not as comfortable in the pocket and much more turnover prone. An aggressive Ravens defense and the loss of weapon Brandin Cooks won’t do him any favors, but he’ll need to really bring it in this one. In fact, a vintage performance may be flat out necessary for the Saints to take the win in week 12.

No Snow Game

The Bills and Jets got snowed out, so instead of playing on Sunday we get a double header with their game kicking off before the Saints/Ravens game. It’s relocated in Detroit and will be broadcast on CBS, so a dark situation got a little lighter and should make for a fun Monday night of football.

NFC Sorry South

The Saints lead the league’s worst division with a record of 4-6 and even if they lost their third home game of the year and drop to 4-7 tonight, they’d still sit atop the division, tied with the equally sorry Carolina Panthers. If that happens, we could be on our way to seeing as bad as a 6-10 team make the playoffs this year. Let’s hope the Saints nip that thinking in the bud with a big home win on MNF.

The Picks

New Orleans and Baltimore both badly need to win to keep pace in their divisions, but the odds have to fall in the Saints’ favor. They’re just too explosive to drop three straight home games, while the Ravens have struggled on the road for a while now. Look for the Saints to edge them out just barely in a potential shootout, 27-24.

Buffalo is still hoping they can have a shot at the playoffs, but they probably need to win out at this point to do so. Having their week 12 game relocated took away practice time and won’t make it easier, but they have one of the more balanced defenses in the league and still should be able to beat the Jets. We’ll take the Bills by the score of 20-17.