Before Labor Day, I selected my Game of the Season, and it is finally here: Josh Allen and the Bills versus Joe Burrow and the Bengals. While it is true that they could go one-on-one again in the playoffs, Monday night’s featured race could determine whether the run for the roses will take place in Buffalo or Cincinnati.
 
Several other NFL questions will be answered on or before New Year’s Day.
 
On Thursday night, the Titans will be trying to remember how to win. It won’t help that they’re matched up against the Cowboys, who are still in the running for the division title of the NFC East. 

The storm of the century left things not so hot in Miami. On Sunday, the Dolphins will be without their lead fin, Star Tua. Watch out for the Patriots, who are running just a furlong behind the Fins — and are at home in the bitter cold.
 
If the Saints team plans to redeem their season, they must serve their penance in chilly Philly. The Eagles broke fast and have been galloping along right on the rail, but the absence of Jalen definitely hurts their chances this weekend.
 
The Bucs, those mudders of the NFC, will just be trying to get neck-and-neck with other contenders. Even if they can't pull to .500, we know that some racetrack in the NFC South must host a postseason race — against a team with a better track record.
 
In the first race of my Daily Double, the Packers, who stumbled out of the gate but have been galloping lately, now face the streaking Vikings. The other half of my Daily Double features the Ravens — minus their stud, Speedy Lamar — trying to outdistance those upstarts from Pittsburgh who have been 'steeling' victories lately.
 
Here's an interesting matchup: LA will be playing LA — in LA! While it is true that the Lambs were too slow this season and no longer have a stake, they will no doubt take a shot at the crown for 'Best in the City of Angels' — but can they stop those thundering Chargers?
 
Once all the horses are back in the paddock, we'll definitely have a clearer playoff picture, but the photo finish comes next weekend.
 
My Christmas picks went 10-6. Not bad — but not as good as it gets. Here are my bets for Week 17:
 
1.     Cowboys         at Titans          Cowboys         TNF
2.     Cardinals         at Falcons        Falcons
3.     Bears               at Lions           Lions
4.     Jaguars            at Texans         Jaguars
5.     Broncos           at Chiefs          Chiefs
6.     Dolphins          at Patriots        Patriots
7.     Colts                at Giants         Giants
8.     Saints              at Eagles          Eagles
9.     Panthers          at Bucs             Bucs
10.  Browns            at Commanders   Commanders
11.  49ers               at Raiders         49ers
12.  Jets                  at Seahawks     Seahawks
13.  Vikings             at Packers        Packers
14.  Rams               at Chargers      Chargers
15.  Steelers           at Ravens         Ravens             SNF
16.  Bills                 at Bengals        Bengals            MNF

Happy New Year!