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Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw two interceptions for touchdowns on the Rams’ first two possessions last Sunday in St. Louis.
1 p.m. Sunday Line: Panthers by 3
The N.F.L. schedule makers could scarcely have predicted that the winner of this pivotal matchup could take the N.F.C. South.
New Orleans averages 32.9 points per game at home, but only 18.4 points on the road. And the Saints are facing an inhospitable Carolina team looking to avenge its 31-13 loss in New Orleans in Week 14.
Drew Brees was wild last Sunday against St. Louis, resulting in two interceptions for touchdowns on the Rams’ first two possessions. If something similar happens in this game, the party will be over for New Orleans.
Pick: Panthers
Colts (9-5) at Chiefs (11-3)
1 p.m. Sunday Line: Chiefs by 7
These are A.F.C. playoff teams, but Indianapolis has wrapped up the South and Kansas City is still fighting Denver for supremacy in the West. If the Broncos win out, the Colts and the Chiefs will probably meet in the first round of the playoffs, in Indianapolis.
But on Sunday the Chiefs are home, where they have a 5-2 record, and where their long-suffering fans will be ready to erupt and disrupt. Although Jamaal Charles will probably not have another five-touchdown game, Kansas City’s opportunistic defense will carry the day. Until they meet again.
Pick: Chiefs
Cardinals (9-5) at Seahawks (12-2)
4:05 p.m. Sunday Line: Seahawks by 11
Seattle has no trap games left. Last Sunday’s pasting of the Giants at MetLife Stadium, site of Super Bowl XLVIII, gave the Seahawks a powerful reminder of where they want their season to lead.
Arizona has a hard-earned reputation as a tough and resourceful team. But with two offensive stars are hobbled — quarterback Carson Palmer (ankle) and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (concussion), the Cardinals have a narrow path to victory. In other words, they need a Christmas miracle.
Pick: Seahawks
Patriots (10-4) at Ravens (8-6)
4:25 p.m. Sunday Line: Ravens by 3
New England can clinch its division and Baltimore also controls its playoff destiny. But Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has a sprained knee ligament, which will limit his limited mobility. On Monday night, they were the beneficiaries of Detroit’s offensive miscues: three interceptions and an inability to use the All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson to his fullest. They will get no such cooperation from the Patriots, who are likely angry about not putting Miami away last Sunday when they had the chance. Crippling the Ravens’ playoff chances isn’t the same thing, but it will have to do.
Pick: Patriots
Dolphins (8-6) at Bills (5-9)
1 p.m. Sunday Line: Dolphins by 3
Miami will attempt to build on the momentum from its emotional 24-20 win over New England, which kept alive the Dolphins’ scant hopes of winning the A.F.C. East. Buffalo will be playing without quarterback E J Manuel (sprained knee), but his backup Thad Lewis beat the Dolphins in Miami in Week 7. Buffalo is fourth in the league in rushing, with a 138.2 yards per game, and would like nothing more than to play the spoiler. Small comfort, sure, but the Bills will take it.
Pick: Bills
Vikings (4-9-1) at Bengals (9-5)
1 p.m. Sunday Line: Bengals by 8
Minnesota scored 48 points as a third-string running back, Matt Asiata, had three rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Matt Cassel, who began the season as a backup to Christian Ponder, which has proved to be a less than esteem-building status.
Cincinnati is 6-0 at home and fifth in the league against the run, giving up 98.7 yards a game. Even though Adrian Peterson will return from injury, the Vikings will be hard pressed to pick up yards on the ground. And the Bengals need this one more. Pick: Bengals
Broncos (11-3) at Texans (2-12)
1 p.m. Sunday Line: Broncos by 10
On paper, this is a classic mismatch, especially because Houston quarterback Case Keenum is out with an injury, and the Texans have played woefully this season, with or without him. But it’s important to remember that Houston is not that far removed from being a playoff contender.
The Texans are, however, far enough removed to become overwhelmed by Denver’s passing offense, which is first in the league at 336.6 yards per game. Even though Houston has only 183.3 passing yards a game, second in the N.F.L., Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will violate the Texans’ airspace.
Pick: Broncos
Titans (5-9) at Jaguars (4-10)
1 p.m. Sunday Line: Titans by 5
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