Ex-Gopher Max Brosmer likely replaces the concussed J.J. McCarthy for his first NFL start for this grudge match against former Vikings QB Sam Darnold. McCarthy has been playing so poorly lately that Vikings fans have started referring to him by a new nickname: Spurgeon Wynn. Pick: Seahawks by 24
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSaints at Dolphins (-5½)New Orleans on Monday brought in unemployed kicker Justin Tucker for a workout. Saints officials decided to invite the former Baltimore standout because Deshaun Watson, Harvey Weinstein and Diddy were unavailable. Pick: Dolphins by 7
Texans at Colts (-3½)Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones is hoping to play Sunday despite a broken fibula. While the leg injury sounds serious, it’s not as debilitating as the bone spurs that kept Donald Trump out of the draft. Pick: Texans by 3
49ers at Browns (+5½)Shedeur Sanders gets his second NFL start after a surprisingly solid outing in the Browns’ victory in Las Vegas. The first win for Deion’s son was especially shocking to St. Paul-based pundits who managed to go only 2-12 against the spread last week. Pick: 49ers by 7
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRams at Panthers (+10½)Carolina’s Tre’Von Moehrig has been suspended for a late-game punch to the groin area of San Francisco’s Jauan Jennings. The Panthers’ safety reportedly resorted to the cheap shot after asking himself “What would Bobby ‘The Brain” Heenan do?” Pick: Rams by 8
Bills at Steelers (+3½)Pittsburgh defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale has been suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. While the league did not specify what Ekuale was taking, it wasn’t any of the countless substances being used by the Steelers’ quarterback. Pick: Bills by 7
Falcons at Jets (+2½)New York quarterback Justin Fields says that his recent benching took him by surprise. The career disappointment hasn’t been this shocked since his Jets’ last nine losses. Pick: Falcons by 7
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRaiders at Chargers (-9½)Las Vegas QB Geno Smith apologized to Raider Nation after flipping the bird to fans during their Week 12 loss to lowly Cleveland. The apology was accepted by the millions in Raider Nation who make that same gesture a dozen times per day. Pick: Chargers by 17
Giants at Patriots (-7½)Jameis Winston raised eyebrows last week by both throwing a touchdown pass and catching one. The varied usage of the comical veteran quarterback could be an indication that Giants interim coach Mike Kafka is heavily medicated. Pick: Patriots by 11
Cardinals at Buccaneers (-3½)Baker Mayfield has a sprained joint in his non-throwing shoulder. Whether the Bucs’ quarterback plays Sunday will be determined by his pain tolerance, which was severely tested previously during his four years living and working in Cleveland, Ohio. Pick: Buccaneers by 3
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOTHER GAMESJaguars at Titans (+6½) Pick: Jaguars by 7
Broncos at Commanders (+6½) Pick: Broncos by 7
RECORDWeek 12 10-4 straight up 2-12 vs. spread
Season 112-65-1 straight up (.633) 86-92 vs. spread (.483)
All-time (2003-25) 3931-2166-15 straight up (.645) 2997-2971-145 vs spread (.502)
You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X– @theloopnow. He can be reached at [email protected].
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