Cleveland can make Baltimore fight all the way for their playoff berth

Best bet
Cleveland +6.5
The stakes could not be higher for Baltimore as they know a victory over Cleveland will give them the AFC North title, but the resurgent Browns are capable of making them fight all the way to the line.

The Ravens have timed their playoff run to perfection with five wins from their last six matches, but their much-maligned rivals have matched that record over their last half-a-dozen outings.

The Browns have found their quarterback with this year's number-one draft pick Baker Mayfield excelling and they have the defensive capability to challenge any outfit.

Baltimore have put their faith in Lamar Jackson at quarterback and that has given their rushing game a massive boost. They could be stronger than the team who lost 12-9 to the Browns in October.

The extra motivation of securing their playoff berth will be there are well, but Cleveland have their first winning season since 2007 in their sights and that should help them battle it out to the end.

Next best
San Francisco +10.5

The final week of the season provides plenty of potential pitfalls and it is advisable to tread carefully.

However, there have been signs of life in San Francisco lately and the Niners could ensure the Los Angeles Rams head into the post-season having been made to battle for a final win.

One player who is set to sit out is the Rams' star running back Todd Gurley and that could have an effect on their productivity against the visitors, who posted victories against Denver and Seattle before putting up a strong fight in a 14-9 defeat to the NFC North champions Chicago.

The Rams need to win to ensure that they can benefit from a week off when the wildcard matches will be played. But while they stormed to victory last week against Arizona to bounce back from defeats to the Bears and Philadelphia, they may not be able to win at a canter this time.

Best points bet
Over 16 New York Jets points
The Jets have lost on their last seven visits to New England and this looks like being their last game under coach Todd Bowles after winning just four of their 15 matches.

Their defence has been the main problem as they have conceded an average of 26.9 points per match - the fifth worst figure in the league - and allowing Green Bay to haul back a 15-point deficit last week will hardly have boosted their morale.

However, they are making some progress on the other side of the ball and it could be that they eclipse what looks a modest points total at Foxborough.

The Jets were beaten 27-13 by the Patriots in Week 12 but they have scored an average of 27.25 points per game in their four subsequent outings, and there is plenty of optimism that rookie Sam Darnold will continue to grow into his role as quarterback.

New England, who have sealed their tenth successive AFC East title, are favoured by two converted touchdowns in places, but there is scope for them to take their foot off the gas which would afford the Jets the opportunity to score some late points.

Best player bet
Sterling Shepard to score a touchdown
The New York Giants are unable to field their star wide receiver Odell Beckham for the fourth successive game, so Sterling Shepard could make a big impression in their final game against Dallas.

The Cowboys have guaranteed their fourth spot in the NFC playoffs and are unable to improve on that position, so it would be no surprise if coach Jason Garrett took the chance to rest some of his players, particularly towards the end of the contest.

That point is reflected in the fact that Dallas are six-point underdogs in a match where they would have been considered favourites a couple of weeks ago.

However, Shepard was heavily utilised in last week's defeat to Indianapolis - he has been targeted at least six times in each of his last five matches - and he looks a fair price to score his fifth touchdown of the season.

Staking plan
Cleveland +6.5
2pts 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes
San Francisco +10.5
1pt 10-11 Betfred, Sky Bet
Over 16 NY Jets points
2pts 13-15 Betway
S Shepard to score a touchdown in Dallas at NY Giants
1pt 7-4 Sky Bet

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