Christmas Day is nearly here, and there are three NFL games for us to enjoy this year.
Below, we’ll break down each matchup from a betting perspective so you can add some winners to your Christmas gift haul.
Here are our NFL Christmas best bets for 2023.
NFL Christmas Predictions
All NFL betting odds used for these Christmas predictions are current as of Wednesday, Dec. 20, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Raiders vs Chiefs Prediction
Best Bet: Under 41 (-110)
When these AFC West rivals met in Week 12, the Chiefs defeated the Raiders 31-17 in Las Vegas. I’m expecting a lower-scoring contest this time around.
The Chiefs have managed 27, 17, and 19 points in three outings since, while the Raiders have remarkably scored 63 and 0 in their previous two games.
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I’m not expecting Aidan O’Connell to light up a much-improved Kansas City defense, and it’s pretty clear the Chiefs still have issues at wide receiver to iron out. Unless Patrick Mahomes gets his pass-catchers some Stick-Um for Christmas, this game should be played in the 30s.
The Under is 10-4 in Las Vegas’ games and 9-5 in Kansas City’s contests this season.
Giants vs Eagles Prediction
Best Bet: PHI -12 (-110)
The Philadelphia Eagles have lost three straight games, but they’re in a great get-right spot against the rival New York Giants on Christmas Day.
Nick Sirianni‘s squad dominated New York last season, winning all three matchups against the Giants (including an NFC Divisional Round meeting) and outscoring them 108-45.
New York’s defense has kept it in games since Tommy DeVito took over at quarterback, but Wink Martindale‘s unit has also given up 30-plus points to elite offensive teams like the Cowboys, 49ers, and Dolphins.
Philadelphia falls in that category when Jalen Hurts is humming, so I expect this game to get out of hand quickly.
Ravens vs 49ers Prediction
Best Bet: BAL +5 (-110)
In a potential Super Bowl preview between the top teams in each conference, this feels like too many points.
The Ravens have only lost one game this season by five points or more: a seven-point loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game where Baltimore turned the ball over three times. That was in early October when Lamar Jackson and Co. were still adjusting to Todd Monken‘s offense.
Jackson now has a better handle of the playbook, and it shows. The former league MVP is taking his shots downfield while still converting key third downs with his legs.
Even for a defense as good as San Francisco’s, that lethal combination should cause problems. Plus, the Niners allowed 29 points to the lowly Cardinals last week and were vulnerable against the run and on passes to tight ends. That’s where Baltimore looks to do its damage, with Isaiah Likely filling in nicely for the injured Mark Andrews.
This game should come down to the wire.