The Vikings (7-8) expect to return the star running back Dalvin Cook from the Covid-19 list. Completing the season sweep of Green Bay (at Lambeau Field) is probably too tall a task, but Minnesota could cover — and edge its way into a playoff berth — if it feeds Cook during a night game in which the temperature isn’t expected to top 13 degrees. Pick: Vikings +6.5
Sunday’s Other Games
Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m., Fox
Line: Bills -14 | Total: 44.5
This could be considered a trap game for the Bills (9-6), who would lose their newly established grip on the A.F.C. East if the Falcons (7-8) pulled off an upset. It would also be a reversal of every football norm if Atlanta, whose defense has surrendered 30 or more points six times, could carry out a win at Highmark Stadium, where below-freezing temperatures and snow are predicted for kickoff.
If Buffalo keeps Josh Allen upright against the pass rush, which it failed to do in a Week 9 loss to Jacksonville (a true trap game), the Bills will cover the spread easily. Pick: Bills -14
Giants at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m., CBS
Line: Bears -6 | Total: 38.5
The Bears (5-10) and the Giants (4-11) have been two of the worst teams in the league, but Giants Coach Joe Judge is reportedly staying for at least one more season while Matt Nagy’s future in Chicago is unclear. The result of this game is unlikely to change either of those circumstances, though the Bears will probably win.
The Giants’ offense struggled even before Daniel Jones injured his neck, and has not had more than 200 yards passing in a game since early November. Nick Foles, the Bears’ third-string quarterback, got a win over Seattle last week and after confirming this week that he had criticized Nagy’s offense, he may relish the chance to be the reason they win. Pick: Bears -6
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m., Fox
Line: Colts -7 | Total: 45
The Colts (9-6), for all intents and purposes, have secured the top wild-card spot, making this game more important for the Raiders (8-7), who still technically have a chance at the playoffs, according to math. Indianapolis placed Carson Wentz on the Covid-19 list this week, and Coach Frank Reich said it will not be clear until Sunday if he will pass protocols. If Wentz cannot play, the rookie Sam Ehlinger will start. Jonathan Taylor is still the league’s leading rusher (1,626 yards on 297 carries), and the Raiders’ defense is average against the run (14th in yards allowed, with 1,736).
