FAVORITE TEAMS

As much as I’m excited about Christmas Day football games, I’m not one of those usual analysts or broadcasters saying this is great for sports. The NBA should still own Christmas Day. There I said it, but I do appreciate seeing a football game on that day, especially if it includes the 49ers on primetime! Anyway, this is the 28th NFL Christmas Day Games and the second straight year involving three games in one day. While it seems like the obvious for the first two games of the day, anything can happen because last season’s Super Bowl contenders are sus this year, so the Giants and/or Raiders could creep up. What everyone’s looking forward to is the Christmas Night Game between the Ravens and 49ers which could be a Super Bowl preview too. Can’t wait to watch it!

The Raiders and Chiefs collide again, but this isn’t the first time they matched up on Christmas. They met back in 2004 which ended in a 31-30 thriller in favor of Kansas City. This matchup could be similar with how well the Raiders play defensively while the Chiefs are struggling on offense. Vegas forced the Chargers into firing Brandon Staley after a 63-21 beatdown last week. Both sides of the football did a fantastic job while being the first team to score the most first half points (42) this season, especially coming from a team that scored over 20 points just twice in 14 weeks prior to that night. Meanwhile, the Chiefs must keep their opponents at 20 or under or they’re in trouble. Their defense is consistent and does their best to give Patrick Mahomes and the offense every opportunity to win the game. Unfortunately, it’s complicated when Mahomes has little trust in some of his pass catchers outside of Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and the running backs. They also struggled with pre-snapped penalties and drops, and they can’t afford those mistakes while trying to repeat as Super Bowl champs. This is the Chiefs’ fourth Christmas appearance and third at home (2-1) while the Raiders play their third Christmas game (0-2). Vegas will pressure the Chiefs and keep it close, but there’s no way they’ll keep up. The magic number for Vegas’s winning opportunity is 20. Unless they score 20 plus points or keep Kansas City under 20, Kansas City sweeps Vegas.

MY PICK: CHIEFS

The Giants and the Eagles are coming off detrimental losses. New York’s on the cusp of elimination while Philly’s reeling on a division title and the overall seed. The Giants had a nice run with Tommy DeVito and their three-game win streak, but reality set in thanks to New Orleans defense turning Tommy Cutlets into gumbo. New York’s defense is well-balanced with Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence, and Deonte Banks. They play hard under defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and press the offense as best as possible. The offense is so-so for most of the season with little answer at quarterback since Daniel Jones’s injury. I’m not saying Tommy Cutlets isn’t good, but is he the answer as a future full-timer? The Eagles are on a 3-game losing streak and it comes from failing to score 20 points three times. They’re also 0-4 overall win scoring under 20. Philly’s gotta be feeling the pain without Shane Steichen’s presence as the offensive coordinator. Jalen Hurts has a turnover bug, and the offensive line isn’t as good as last season’s. What they must do is run the ball consistently and run more play action passes. This is the matchup that revitalizes Philly’s motivation to finish their easiest schedule out. However, New York’s no slouch and won’t make things simple despite being 0-10 against them since 2013. In six of the last 10 games, it was decided by six points or less. Philly has yet to blow out a team this season, but being at home against an offensively inept Giants could be what boosts their confidence again.

MY PICK: EAGLES

Finally, the matchup the everyone has waited for. The 49ers and Ravens collide for the primetime Christmas Day matchup featuring MVP candidates Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy. Lamar Jackson’s playing at an elite level since Todd Monken joined the Ravens staff. Despite losing Mark Andrews for the season, Jackson has other weapons like Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham, and Rashod Bateman when they’re all healthy. The offensive line looks better, but Ronnie Stanley’s questionable and he’s very important as Jackson’s blindside. Their defense is dang good with guys like Odafe Oweh, Justin Madubuike, Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney, and Kyle Hamilton. What can I say about the 49ers? When they’re healthy, they’re the most dangerous team in the league. Brock Purdy was the puzzle piece that fit the 49ers team. Most importantly, Purdy has weapons like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Kyle Juice, and his best blocker in Trent Williams. San Fran’s defense is a monstrosity across the board with Fred Warner commanding them. They either pressure the heck out of you or play the bend-but-don’t break defense that’ll test their might in the redzone. Baltimore’s a tad shaky on the road, but defense travels. They will be tasked with shutting down CMC and other key targets, but there’s more that goes into for the Ravens to contain. The 49ers’ defense is also tasked with containing Lamar Jackson and the overall field. While Lamar’s a threat, the receivers are too. If the 49ers invest too much on him and the backfield but fails to get home, the secondary could be in for a long night against an array of talented and experienced receivers. It’s likely a high-scoring matchup that could cut down to a low-scoring game or vice versa. I’m giving the edge to the 49ers with a slight advantage at home.

MY PICK: 49ERS

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!