COWBOYS at COMMANDERS
1 p.m., Cowboys by 6 ½, 49 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: Odds are against Marcus Mariota playing on a short week after sustaining hand and quad injuries Saturday and we saw enough of Josh Johnson to know we don’t want to see him in a shootout against Dak Prescott, who will be annihilating this slow-footed Washington defense as his receivers run around the lot. Yes, Dallas can match terrible defenses with anyone but the Commanders’ injury woes extend along the offensive line, as well. The Cowboys’ defensive strength is a decent pass rush that can rattle Johnson. Most Cowboys games go over but we don’t see the Commanders putting up many points. Prescott isn’t quite as dynamic outdoors and there might come a time where the Boys take their foot off the gas in the second half.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Cowboys and the under.
LIONS at VIKINGS
4:30 p.m., Lions by 6, 45 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: The Lions took a gut punch on that final play against the Steelers to continue a disappointing season. Their slim playoff chances now rest with other results over the weekend. For now, however, all they can do is win their Thursday game and if there’s anything we know about a Dan Campbell team is that they will play hard to the end. They’re getting a big Christmas gift with Max Brosmer getting the call at QB, which will force Kevin O’Connell to go into a shell and hope they can run the ball as the Steelers did. However, injuries to RB Jordan Mason and C Ryan Kelly will further hamper a Minny offense that struggled to move the ball against the Giants. Jared Goff is infamously bad when rushed straight up, but he’s good against the blitz and that’s how the Vikings create their pressure. The indoor track won’t slow them down.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Lions and the under.
BRONCOS at CHIEFS
8:15 p.m., Broncos by 13, 37 ½
HANK’S HONEYS: The Broncos haven’t covered any big numbers and yet they continue to be overvalued. The Chiefs had their post-Mahomes letdown last week but it wasn’t easy getting up for a road game in Nashville. After being embarrassed, they figure to show some pride here against a divisional rival in a prime-time home game, where their defense has allowed an average of 15 ppg. Denver, too, will be in bounce-back mode, but the odds of an offensive blowout are limited by the mediocre quarterback play of Bo Nix. Chris Oladokun did some things well in relief of Gardner Minshew and Andy Reid will be able to scheme a game plan that allows him to play within himself. The Chiefs will play to keep this one close. No way these veterans let the Broncos get up by two TDs.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Chiefs and the over.
