Weekly NFL and College Football Picks

Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 13 NFL Football Picks

Week 12 Results: Rick: 6-7-1; Flip: 6-7-1
Cumulative: Rick: 83-92-3; Flip: 93-82-3

Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving)

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (-2.5, 49) 1:00 pm - The Lions will be looking for payback after losing badly at Green Bay in Week 1, 27-13. Detroit has not been as consistent as last season, and they come off a road win over the Giants, 34-27 in overtime. Defense has been lacking on many occasions and the offensive line is pretty banged up.

Concern for the Packers is the availability of running back Josh Jacobs, usually a powerhouse, listed as questionable. The defense appears solid after routing the Vikings last week, 23-6. Both teams are on Chicago’s tail in a tight NFC North race.

Coin Flip: Detroit

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Packers 24 Lions 18

Kansas City Chiefs (-3, 52.5) at Dallas Cowboys 4:30 pm - Kansas City had to go to overtime, at home, to defeat the Colts, 23-20, and are just 6-5, trailing both the Chargers and Broncos in the AFC West.

5-5-1 Dallas stunned the Eagles, shutting them out in the second half and erasing a 21-point lead for a 24-21 win last week and are home again for this big test. If the Cowboys can beat the Eagles, they should be able to handle the Chiefs, who are 1-4 on the road this season. This one could get wild as both teams need the win.

Coin Flip: Dallas

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cowboys 31 Chiefs 30

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens (-7, 51.5) 8:20 pm - The season has been over in Cincinnati since September. They’ve lost four straight and have to play the Ravens twice in the next three weeks with Buffalo in between. Ouch!

Baltimore, meanwhile, has won five straight and taken over first place in the AFC North, as expected. Could get ugly for the Bengals if they aren’t able to score early.

Coin Flip: Cincinnati

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Ravens 34 Bengals 10

Friday, November 28

Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles (-7, 44) 3:00 pm - The Eagles have re-ignited issues surrounding the offense, which failed to score in the second half in their 24-21 loss at Dallas last week.

Chicago has been on fire, winners of eight of their last nine. Caleb Williams has proven his #1 draft status from last year was no fluke. Fun afternoon contest which should be a very close game.

Coin Flip: Philadelphia

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bears 24 Eagles 20

Sunday, November 30

Los Angeles Rams (-10.5, 45) at Carolina Panthers 1:00 pm - Carolina has made some noise this season, but their 6-6 record shows how inconsistent they are. They’ve only beaten one team with a winning record (Green Bay) and may be headed toward a slump to end the season. This is a very tough spot for the young squad which could not take advantage of three picks in their 20-9 loss at San Francisco Monday night.

The Rams may be the best team in the league at this juncture. They roughed up the Buccaneers last week, 34-7, and lead Seattle by one game in the NFC West. Hard to see them losing here. The only question is by how many points they will win.

Coin Flip: Los Angeles Rams

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rams 38 Panthers 13

San Francisco 49ers (-5, 38) at Cleveland Browns 1:00 pm - The 49ers got Brock Purdy back last week and he promptly threw three interceptions, but still won, thanks to the defense, 20-9 over Carolina.

Cleveland is very hungry with Shedeur Sanders exuding confidence after last week’s 24-10 win at Las Vegas. Getting points at home is a big plus and a Cleveland win may not be much of an upset. Look for Cleveland’s defense to rise to the occasion and help out their rookie QB.

Coin Flip: San Francisco

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Browns 27 49ers 20

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (-4, 45) 1:00 pm - The Texans are starting to roll, with three straight wins, including last Thursday’s 23-19 win over the Bills. A win here puts them right in the thick of the AFC South race with the Colts and Jaguars.

Indy lost last week at Kansas City, in overtime, by a score of 23-20, and need to fend off the Houston challenge. The way the Texans have been going, the points look like a take in a huge game.

Coin Flip: Indianapolis

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Texans 27 Colts 23

New Orleans Saints at Miami Dolphins (-6, 42) 1:00 pm - Miami should be able to handle the 2-9 Saints by more than a touchdown. All of New Orleans’ road losses have been by a minimum of 12 points.

Don’t count the Dolphins out just yet. At 4-7, they can still make the playoffs as their schedule is pretty light the rest of the way. They come off a bye, which usually helps and they’ve won their last two home games.

Coin Flip: Miami

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Dolphins 30 Saints 13

Atlanta Falcons (-2.5, 39) at New York Jets 1:00 pm - Being in the NFC South, the 4-7 Falcons are still very much alive for the division crown. Before last week’s 24-10 win at New Orleans, they had lost five straight, though the last two were in overtime.

The Jets have literally nothing to lose other than fan support, but they’re back home after back-to-back road losses at New England and Baltimore. Wouldn’t be a surprise to see them win this one.

Coin Flip: New York Jets

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jets 23 Falcons 13

Arizona Cardinals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3, 44.5) 1:00 pm - The Cardinals took Jacksonville into overtime last week, losing 27-24, so they’re not dead yet.

Tampa Bay is dealing with injuries to Baker Mayfield, who will probably play and RB Bucky Irving, who has been out for almost two months. If he’s a go, so are the Bucs. Even if he’s not suited up, Tampa Bay should bounce back from last week’s 34-7 road loss to the Rams.

Coin Flip: Tampa Bay

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buccaneers 31 Cardinals 21

Jacksonville Jaguars (-6.5, 42) at Tennessee Titans 1:00 pm - Tennessee took Seattle to the brink last week in a 30-24 loss. Cam Ward had one of his best games and seems to have found his best stride, though the wins are still going to be hard to come by. This is the Titans’ fourth straight home game, which is rare in the NFL, and they’ve only lost the previous three by 7, 3, and 6 points, so they could be in a comfort zone.

Jacksonville took out Arizona in OT last week, 27-24, and they remain in striking distance of Indianapolis in the AFC South. They need to win here, but that’s by no means a given. They cannot take the Titans lightly.

Coin Flip: Jacksonville

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jaguars 24 Titans 21

Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks (-10, 42) 4:05 pm - J.J. McCarthy needs more experience and he’s likely to get a good dose of it in Seattle, where the Seahawks come off a road win at Tennessee.

This is an intriguing spot for Seattle, as the Vikings traded away QB San Darnold in favor of McCarthy, who was roughed up big time at Green Bay last week, 23-6. The Seahawks and Darnold will likely show them the error of their ways.

Coin Flip: Minnesota

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Seahawks 24 Vikings 7

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers (-9.5, 41) 4:25 pm - Raiders just let go of their offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, but they have other problems. They are 2-9 and pretty much hopeless this season and maybe next.

The Chargers aren’t exactly world beaters, but they should be able to handle this bunch, who they beat back in Week Two, 20-9.

Coin Flip: Los Angeles Chargers

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Chargers 30 Raiders 6

Buffalo Bills (-3.5, 47.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers 4:25 pm - The Bills haven’t look right since they beat Kansas City on November 2nd, and have lost two of three, including last Thursday’s 23-19 defeat at Houston.

Fortunately, they get to play Pittsburgh, a team that seems to be going nowhere fast, having lost five of their last seven.

Coin Flip: Pittsburgh

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bills 27 Steelers 17

Denver Broncos (-6.5, 43.5) at Washington Commanders 8:20 pm - Both teams had byes last week, but Denver has won eight straight. Hard to see them losing this one.

Washington hasn’t been the same since Jayden Daniels went down for the second time this season. He is not expected to play and the Commanders have lost six straight.

Coin Flip: Washington

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Broncos 28 Commanders 10

Monday, December 1

New York Giants at New England Patriots (-7, 46.5) 8:15 pm - The surprise team of 2025 has got to be the Patriots, winners of nine straight and the league’s best record at 10-2.

2-10 Giants are going nowhere again this season. The losing is becoming endemic.

Coin Flip: New York Giants

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Patriots 35 Giants 14

Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 12 NFL Football Picks

Week 11 Results: Rick: 4-9-2; Flip: 10-3-2
Cumulative: Rick: 77-85-2; Flip: 87-75-2

Thursday, November 20 Buffalo Bills (-5.5, 43) at Houston Texans 8:15 pm - Houston will be without the services of C.J. Stroud, though the Texans have won two straight with Davis Mills behind center (Jacksonville, Tennessee).

Buffalo doesn’t appear to be playing at its best, though they are 7-3 and just 1 1/2 games behind streaking New England, winners of eight straight. Mixed signals, but look for the Bills to flex their offensive muscle.

Coin Flip: Buffalo

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bills 31 Texans 21

Sunday, November 23 New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (-14, 45) 1:00 pm - The Jets have lots of problems, like a run game and scoring points. Baltimore needs to keep winning, and, with a healthy Lamar Jackson, they have been doing that. Baltimore is looking for a fifth straight win and should get it here.

Coin Flip: Baltimore

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Ravens 30 Jets 10

Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears (-2.5, 45.5) 1:00 pm - The Bears are playing with loads of positive emotion now and are looking increasingly like a playoff team after winning at Minesota last week, 19-17. Caleb Williams is having a spectacular season and Pittsburgh’s defense may not be able to contain him.

Aaron Rodgers plans to start this game, though if he doesn’t Mason Rudolph is a capable replacement. Might be close, but the Bears have won seven of their last eight.

Coin Flip: Chicago

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bears 27 Steelers 24

New England Patriots (-6.5, 51) at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 pm - Still no Joe Burrow spells more trouble for the fading Bengals (3-7). QB Joe Flacco is listed as questionable.

The Patriots have won eight straight and appear to be playoff-bound. QB Drake Maye is having an MVP season and the defense keeps improving under coach Mike Vrable.

Coin Flip: Cincinnati

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Patriots 42 Bengals 20

New York Giants at Detroit Lions (-10.5, 50) 1:00 pm - Sorry, Giants fans. Another season seems to be slipping away and injuries are piling up. Last week’s 27-20 loss to Green Bay was the fifth straight.

Detroit’s losses have been forgivable - Green Bay, KC, Minnesota, and last week, 16-9 at Philly. The Lions are now in third place in the NFC North, possibly the toughest division in the league. They should bounce back against an inferior opponent.

Coin Flip: New York Giants

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Lions 34 Giants 14

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-7, 41) 1:00 pm - J.J. McCarthy looks exactly like what he is, an inexperienced NFL QB, but, the Packers are very banged up.

This divisional contest has upset written all over it as the Vikings desperately need a win.

Coin Flip: Minnesota

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Vikings 20 Packers 18

Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5, 49) 1:00 pm - Make or break game for the Chiefs after consecutive losses at Buffalo (28-21) and Denver (22-19). Patrick Mahomes has never lost three straight, but this will be a real test.

The Colts have a two-game lead in the AFC South and they lead the league in scoring, but they will be facing on of the best defenses in the NFL. They seem to be on a glide path to a division crown with Jonathan Taylor leading the league in rushing. Getting points looks good for Indy fans.

Coin Flip: Indianapolis

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Colts 24 Chiefs 21

Seattle Seahawks (-13.5, 41) at Tennessee Titans 1:00 pm - Cam Ward having a nightmare rookie season, as the Titans are the league’s worst, at 1-9.

Seattle is coming off a tough loss to the Rams, 21-19, but are 4-1 on the road. Clearly the better team.

Coin Flip: Tennessee

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Seahawks 38 Titans 13

Jacksonville Jaguars (-3, 47.5) at Arizona Cardinals 4:05 pm - The 6-4 Jaguars absolutely demolished the Chargers last week, 35-6, and are playing at a high level, chasing Indianapolis in the AFC South.

South is where Arizona’s season has gone. They’ve won just one game in their last eight.

Coin Flip: Arizona

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jaguars 28 Cardinals 10

Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders (-4, 36) 4:05 pm - The Raiders looked completely inept in Monday night’s 33-16 loss to the Cowboys, especially on defense.

Shedeur Sanders gets his first start for the Browns in a favorable place and should produce points and a win.

Coin Flip: Las Vegas

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Browns 27 Raiders 20

Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 47.5) at Dallas Cowboys 4:25 pm - Dallas has had its ups and downs this season, but appears on the verge of making things happen. The problem is making them happen against the reigning Super Bowl champs, though being at home may work to their favor.

The Eagles have won four straight and while some of their wins may not be pretty, they have prevailed against some of the best teams in the league. They should find a way to the winner’s circle here.

Coin Flip: Dallas

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Eagles 25 Cowboys 19

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-1.5, 39.5) 4:25 pm - Kirk Cousins gets the start in place of injured Michael Penix Jr., who may be done for the season. The Saints have changed QBs but still pretty much suck at 2-8.

Atlanta should win this stinker.

Coin Flip: Atlanta

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Falcons 20 Saints 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams (-6.5, 49.5) 8:20 pm - Tampa Bay is the “close but no cigar” team of 2025. They play close games but lose too many of them, and this is another big test for them, but they are on the road for a second straight week.

The Rams are just killing it. They’re 8-2, and the two losses have been to Philly, 33-26, and San Fran, 26-23, in overtime. They may just light up the Bucs.

Coin Flip: Tampa Bay

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rams 31 Buccaneers 21

Monday, November 24 Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers (-7, 49) 8:15 pm - For what it’s worth, the Panthers are 6-5 and challenging Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South. If the Buccaneers lose to the Rams Sunday night, they will be eyeing first place with a win. Giving them seven points in an important contest is tempting fate.

Coin Flip: Carolina

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Panthers 30 49ers 24

BYE: Denver, Miami, LA Chargers, Washington

Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 11 NFL Football Picks

Week 10 Results: Rick: 9-5; Flip: 5-9
Cumulative: Rick: 73-76; Flip: 77-72

Thursday, November 13

New York Jets at New England Patriots (-13, 43) 8:15 pm - Despite the Patriots having won their last eight games, the excessive spread leads one to the Jets, surprising winners of their last two.

Two young teams, this will be a coaches game, pitting Mike Vrable against the Jets’ Aaron Glenn. While Vrable has had enormous success in New England, Glenn is building from the ground up, but now seems to have the team pointed in the right direction

Coin Flip: New England

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Patriots 24 Jets 17

Sunday, November 16

Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins (-2.5, 47.5) (Madrid, Spain) 9:30 am - Washington simply isn’t the same without QB Jayden Daniels, and they got spanked pretty hard at home last week by the Lions, 44-22.

Somehow, Miami found out how to whip the Bills, and they did it with gusto, 3–13. Given their newfound attitude, and with a bye next week, look for Miami to clamp down defensively.

Coin Flip: Miami

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Dolphins 20 Commanders 13

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-3, 42.5) 1:00 pm - It doesn’t get any tougher than this game. Both teams are entirely unpredictable.

Carolina’s last three games: lose to Buffalo, at home, 40-9; win at Green Bay, 16-13; lost at home to New Orleans, 17-7. Atlanta: lose at home to Miami, 34-10; lose at New England, 24-23; lost at home to Indy, in OT, 31-25. Pick one, then go the other way.

Coin Flip: Carolina

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Falcons 27 Panthers 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills (-5.5, 48) 1:00 pm - Bucky Irving is listed as doubtful. If he plays, the Bucs could win this game (it’s not yet December). If not, they still might.

Buffalo spent too much emotion beating KC two weeks ago and came up flat in Miami, losing, 30-13. They will probably be better this week, but Tampa Bay is 4-1 in road games. Baker Mayfield keeping them in games. At 6-3, Tampa is good enough to cover or win outright.

Coin Flip: Buffalo

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bills 27 Buccaneers 24

Los Angeles Chargers (-3, 44) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 pm - Jaguars were all over Houston last week until falling apart in the 4th quarter for a 36-29 loss. Their defense is unsound, something that Justin Herbert and cohorts can use to their advantage. Plus, LA has a be next week.

Coin Flip: Jacksonville

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Chargers 40 Jaguars 17

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (-3, 48) 1:00 pm - Bears have won six of their last seven and are tied with the Lions, at 6-3, atop the NFC North.

Minnesota has been struggling against quality teams. The difference in schedules is a big reason for the Vikings’ 4-5 record vs. the Bears. Vikings should get better at home.

Coin Flip: Minnesota

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Vikings 27 Bears 20

Green Bay Packers (-7, 44) at New York Giants 1:00 pm - Packers looked flat as flapjacks against the Eagles Monday night and now have to travel, an ominous sign.

With Green Bay’s predictable offense, the Giants should be able to keep this close and maybe notch a win for a change.

Coin Flip: New York Giants

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Giants 24 Packers 23

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5.5, 49.5) 1:00 pm - Age is catching up to Aaron Rodgers in a hurry and so are the Ravens. A loss here and a Ravens win puts them in a tie for first place in the AFC North.

Bengals are playing for contracts and draft picks, so they aren’t afraid of anybody. The beat the Steelers, 33-31 three weeks ago. Lightning may strike twice.

Coin Flip: Pittsburgh

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bengals 31 Steelers 24

Houston Texans (-7, 37.5) at Tennessee Titans 1:00 pm - UPDATE: C.J. Stroud is out. Davis Mills will start at QB for Houston.

Tennessee now holds the worst record in the league at 1-8, which means another top draft pick, but, judging on how well this one - Cam Ward - has worked out, maybe they should make a trade?

It’s been very easy - and profitable - to wager against the Titans this season, but, they are at home, getting points in a divisional game (Houston won in Houston, Week 4, 30-0), but with Stroud out, the Titans may prevail.

Coin Flip: Tennessee

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Texans 21 Titans 18

San Francisco 49ers (-2.5, 48.5) at Arizona Cardinals 4:05 pm - UPDATE: Brock Purdy has been cleared to play this week for the 49ers. The Cardinals have lost six of their last seven, including last week’s 44-22 beating at Seattle.

The 49ers fell too far behind the Rams and were playing catch-up all day last week in their 42-26 loss. Week 3, San Fran took down the Cardinals, 16-15. This one shouldn’t be as close.

Coin Flip: San Francisco

Fearless Rick’s Pick: 49ers 28 Cardinals 13

Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams (-3, 49) 4:05 pm - Seriously, too close to call. Could be one of the best games of the season as both teams are at 7-2 and at the top of their games.

Loads of playoff implications and the difference could be anything from a first round bye to a wild card. Given the circumstances, we’ll take the home team. These two meet again, December 18, Week 16.

Coin Flip: Seattle

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rams 31 Seahawks 25

Baltimore Ravens (-7.5, 40) at Cleveland Browns 4:25 pm - The Ravens will know the outcome of Pittsburgh’s game and may have first place in sight. Whatever the case, they should roll past the 2-7 Browns. Week 2: Ravens won at home, 41-17.

Coin Flip: Cleveland

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Ravens 27 Browns 10

Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5, 44.5) at Denver Broncos 4:25 pm - Broncos getting little respect as home dogs, though they are playing the defending AFC champions. The Chiefs had a bye last week after their 28-21 loss at Buffalo. They are just 5-4.

Denver is 8-2, one game ahead of the Chargers (7-3) and they’d like to keep it that way.

Coin Flip: Denver

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Broncos 30 Chiefs 24

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 46) 8:20 pm - At 7-2, the Eagles have all but sewn up the NFC East. Dallas is in second place with a 3-5-1 mark, but playoff positioning will be back of mind for both teams.

The Lions’ offense can run up points in a hurry, something Philly has had trouble doing this season.

Coin Flip: Philadelphia

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Lions 34 Eagles 23

Monday, November 17

Dallas Cowboys (-3.5, 50) at Las Vegas Raiders 8:15 pm - Cowboys’ defense is mediocre at best and while Las Vegas has underperformed this season (2-7), since their bye in Week 8 they lost in OT to Jacksonville, 30-29, and dropped a tough one at Denver, 10-7, last week. The Raiders may be on the verge of pitting it all together, at least for a few weeks.

Coin Flip: Las Vegas

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Raiders 26 Cowboys 23

Bye: Indianapolis, New Orleans

Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 14 College Football Picks

Week 13 Results: Rick: 4-5; Flip: 1-8
Cumulative Results: Rick: 68-88-5; Flip: 80-76-5

Thursday, November 27

Navy at Memphis (-4.5, 59) 7:30 pm (ESPN) - The Tigers lost all hope of reaching the CFP with consecutive losses to Tulane and East Carolina and won’t even make the AAC championship game (4-3 in conference). If they can penetrate the Navy secondary, they should be OK, though that’s a big if. The other question is how well their defense holds up against the run-heavy Navy offense. The Tigers have allowed 69 points in their last two games.

The Middies have been consistent and come into this game off a 41-38 upset of #24 South Florida (41-38) with an 82 record (6-1 in conference). They have every right to win with their strong ground game.

Coin Flip: Navy

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Midshipmen 31 Tigers 26

Friday, November 28

7 Ole Miss (-7, 62.5) at Mississippi State 12:00 pm (ABC) - Big state rivalry which means everything to the Bulldogs since a win gives them bragging right and bowl eligibility. State is just 1-6 in the SEC and 5-6 overall.

Standing in their way are the Rebels with much higher aspirations. Their one loss to Georgia keeps them out of the SEC title game, which could be a blessing in disguise, giving them an extra week off before the CFP and allowing them to focus on the task at hand. They could get into the SEC championship if both Alabama and Texas A&M lose this week. Hard to see them losing this despite playing in enemy territory.

Coin Flip: Ole Mss

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rebels 34 Bulldogs 21

13 Utah (-11.5, 59.5) at Kansas 12:00 pm (ESPN) - The Utes are pretty heavy favorites at Kansas and they can secure a berth in the Big 12 championship with a win and a Texas Tech loss and wins by BYU and Arizona State, so they need plenty of help. The Utes have been on a roll since that disastrous 34-10 loss to Texas Tech, winning six of seven, though the 24-21 loss to BYU really hurt.

Utah has outscored their opponents 204-96, the last four weeks, including the wild, 51-47, win over Kansas State. The Jayhawks are 5-6 overall and need a win to reach a bowl game, though that doesn’t seem possible.

Coin Flip: Utah

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Utes 45 Jayhawks 17

4 Georgia (-13.5, 59) at 23 Georgia Tech 3:30 pm (BC) - Georgia, at 10-1 is clearly a contender for the national championship and the Yellow Jackets are likely to be significantly overmatched in this long-standing rivalry.

Georgia’s defense has been solid all season and the offense has a variety of playmakers with ability to score from anywhere on the field. Georgia Tech has had issues of defense, allowing 130 points over the past three games, two of them losses. If they don’t turn the ball over, the Yellow Jackets can cover the spread, but winning this game is a big reach.

Coin Flip: Georgia Tech

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bulldogs 38 Yellow Jackets 27

3 Texas A&M (-2.5, 51) at 16 Texas 7:30 pm (ABC) - The Aggies are one of just three undefeated teams in Division 1A, the others being Ohio State and Indiana, who will likely face off in the Big Ten Championship game in December. A&M is guaranteed a berth in the SEC championship against Alabama or Georgia with a win here.

Even if the Aggies lose, they could get into the championship game if both Alabama and Mississippi lose and play Georgia, though that scenario seems unlikely. A&M’s offense should be able to find holes in the Texas defense, though sparingly. On offense, the Longhorns face a long day of struggle against a defense that continues to improve.

Coin Flip: Texas A&M

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Aggies 28 Longhorns 17

25 Arizona (-1.5, 48.5) at 20 Arizona State 9:00 pm (FOX) - Arizona ranks a slight favorite, but the Sun Devils have a shot at playing in the Big 12 championship with a win and some tie-breaking help.

Arizona State has a good enough defense and a potentially explosive offense to win and hope.

Coin Flip: Arizona State

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Sun Devils 24 Wildcats 21

Saturday, November 29

1 Ohio State (-9.5, 44) at 15 Michigan 12:00 pm (FOX) - The Big One at the Big House. Michigan has won the last four straight in this series, though the last two have been close (30-24 in 2023; 13-10, last year).

Michigan will point out that Ohio State’s schedule has not been very rugged, but Ohio State can make the same claim against the Wolverines.Michigan played only two ranked teams and lost to both - 24-13 at Oklahoma and 31-13 at USC. Ohio State beat Texas in Week 1 and hasn’t been challenged since. Their defense has allowed 14 or more points only twice all season. Considering Michigan’s offense, the Wolverines will be fortunate to score at all.

This game has all the hype and hoopla, but it realistically could be over by halftime.

Coin Flip: Michigan

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buckeyes 31 Wolverines 10

12 Miami (-6.5, 51) at 22 Pittsburgh 12:00 pm (ABC) - Miami is currently the top-ranked ACC team which gives them entry to the CFP, but they need help to get to the ACC championship game. For that, a win here is a must.

Pitt can reach the ACC championship and maybe make an argument for the CFP if they win here and next week. Having this game at home offers a significant advantage. The comparison is that Miami beat Notre Dame, and Pitt was buried by the Fighting Irish, thus, the Hurricanes are favored, but the oddsmakers give the Panthers a fighting chance since the win over ND was way back in week 1.

Both teams lost to Louisville, oddly enough, and Pitt is coming off a rousing, 42-28, victory at Georgia Tech. An upset in the making and a headache for the CFP loons.

Coin Flip: Miami

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Panthers 32 Hurricanes 27

3 Oregon (-6.5, 51.5) at Washington 3:30 pm (CBS) - This is a dangerous spot for the Ducks, on the road with a Huskies squad that has flown under the radar most of the season, with just three losses, to Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin, all of which have solid defenses.

Oregon’s defense is every bit as good as at least Wisconsin’s and Michigan’s, so they figure to prevail, but Washington’s ground game may not give the Ducks many possessions, and the emotional quality of the game may be in their favor if they can stay in it until half time. Oregon should win, but by how much.

Coin Flip: Oregon

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Ducks 24 Huskies 20

LSU at 8 Oklahoma (-10, 36.5) 3:30 pm (ABC) - With two losses, Oklahoma has no chance to reach the SEC championship, but a win locks them into a spot in the CFP.

LSU’s season has been just short of a dumpster fire despite their 7-4 record, so the Sooners should dominate at home and cruise to their 10th win of the season.

Coin Flip: Oklahoma

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Sooners 28 Tigers 7

14 Vanderbilt at 19 Tennessee (-3, 65.5) 3:30 pm (ESPN) - This is for state-wide bragging rights, which have lately gone to the Volunteers, though Vanderbilt has had an incredible season and could, conceivably, find a spot in the CFP with a win and losses by a number of the teams ahead of them in the rankings, which include Notre Dame, BYU, Miami, Alabama, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma.

Being that all except Alabama will have played this week by kickoff of this game, the Commodores could either be pumped or dejected and they may be distracted by the possibilities.

At 8-3, Tennessee has no higher aspirations than maybe a better bowl game upcoming. The Vols’ only home losses have been to Oklahoma by six and Georgia by 3 in overtime, so they’re battle-tested. This should be a high-scoring wild one.

Coin Flip: Tennessee

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Volunteers 40 Commodores 38

Virginia Tech at 18 Virginia (-8.5, 53.5) 7:00 pm (ESPN) - With just one loss in conference (Wake Forest, 16-9), the Cavaliers can lock up a spot in the ACC championship with a win. They have home field and the Hokies have a 3-8 record overall, so things look very promising for Virginia.

Virginia’s steady offense and stout defense should carry the day.

Coin Flip: Virginia

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cavaliers 31 Hokies 16

10 Alabama (-6.5, 47) at Auburn 7:30 pm (ABC) - The Crimson Tide are guaranteed a berth in the SEC championship with a win, though playing their final game every season against Auburn has proven to be a problem in the past and could again this year.

The Tigers have a very aggressive and talented defense, so Alabama needs to keep ball security top of mind. What works in Alabama’s favor is Auburn’s inconsistency on offense and penchant for losing close games. The Tigers are just 1-6 in the SEC, but all of their losses - to the likes of Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Kentucky - have been by 10 points or fewer. These games are often very close, so home field and points may be worth a shot.

Coin Flip: Alabama

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Crimson Tide 22 Tigers 17

UCLA at 17 USC (-21, 58.5) 7:30 pm (NBC) - The Trojans are clearly the better team in this traditional rivalry, but winning by three touchdowns or more is a big ask of any team, and, despite the Bruins being a punching bag much of the season, they’ve gotten a little better over time.

USC is going to a bowl game, not the CFP. Expect the Bruins’ emotions to keep them somewhat close in this crosstown contest.

Coin Flip: USC

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Trojans 38 Bruins 24