Joe challenged Ira Kaufman, Tampa Bay’s only Hall of Fame voter, to pick against the spread this season for a $500 prize. Every Friday, Ira types out his picks for each Sunday and Monday game. If Ira hits at 53 percent or better for the regular season, then he gets $500 in gift cards to Abe’s Place in Clearwater, home of historically amazing food and 44 craft beers on tap. Feel free to send Ira your stone cold locks on Twitter, @ikaufman76. The sage of Tampa Bay sports always appreciates a tip.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

We’re closing with a flourish as a 7-6 week against the spread offers hope that this prediction business will pay dividends in 2018.

Still, let’s not get carried away. An overall 90-120 mark will get you hammered in Vegas as you ask for bus money on the way out of town.

There’s only one more spin at the NFL roulette wheel, so let’s make this final week count.

RAVENS minus 9 1-2 vs. BENGALS. Cincinnati isn’t playing bad football, but the Ravens have hit their stride behind a fierce defense and outstanding special teams.

LIONS minus 6 1-2 vs. PACKERS. Green Bay took its best shot with Aaron Rodgers two weeks ago and came up short while Lions coach Jim Caldwell is fighting for his job.

DOLPHINS plus 2 1-2 vs. BILLS. Miami has been known to spring a surprise or two at home and the Bills never seem to win a big game in December.

FALCONS minus 3 1-2 vs. PANTHERS. Atlanta is the hungrier team and the Falcons match up well with Carolina. If the Saints are blowing out the Bucs, look for Ron Rivera to rest some regulars.

SAINTS minus-7 at BUCCANEERS. New Orleans looms as a very dangerous postseason opponent as Drew Brees is throwing less and enjoying it more.

JAGUARS plus-3 at TITANS. Jacksonville may be locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed, but the Jags would like nothing better than to escort a divisional rival out of the playoff picture.

JETS plus 15 1-2 at PATRIOTS. Who would have thought the Jets would be far more competitive than the Giants in 2017? New England has a habit of playing down to its weaker opponents.

COLTS minus-5 vs. TEXANS. Nothing has gone right for the Texans this fall and there seems to be a disconnect between the coaches and the personnel side. Something’s got to give in 2018.

BROWNS plus-7 at STEELERS. This is the last chance for the Browns to notch a win. Pittsburgh’s focus is on a deep playoff run, so Cleveland has a chance to hang around.

REDSKINS minus-3 at GIANTS. A terrible year in the Meadowlands wraps up for Big Blue while Kirk Cousins fires another reminder to Washington brass that he’s a keeper.

VIKINGS minus-12 vs. BEARS. Minnesota’s defense is too stout, especially at home, as John Fox makes his final appearance on the Chicago sidelines.

EAGLES plus-3 vs. COWBOYS. Playing against Dallas always gets the attention of the Eagles, who have enough play-makers on defense to make Dak Prescott miserable.

CHARGERS minus-8 vs. RAIDERS. Derek Carr will have difficulty remaining upright against an exceptional pass rush as the Raiders go quietly into the night.

SEAHAWKS minus 9 1-2 vs. CARDINALS. This could be the final game for Bruce Arians and Arizona would like to send him off in style. That sentiment won’t be enough against the feisty Seahawks.

BRONCOS minus 3 1-2 vs. CHIEFS. Alex Smith gets a week off to see what rookie Pat Mahomes can do under center for KC. Aqib Talib will be waiting with open arms.

49ERS minus 3 1-2 at RAMS. While the Rams rest for the start of the postseason, the surging 49ers look to add another NFC West scalp and build momentum for 2018.