Against Eagles, Cowboys should be motivated enough to beat spread

Cowboys (+7) over EAGLES: When Double V threw out a Minny plus-14 pick, I never, ever dreamed that the Vikings would shock the Birds and win outright. That result made the final week of the season, which is the toughest to handicap, even more chaotic. Who is in, who is out, who will rest their starters, how long will the starters play? Now, it becomes even more discombobulated with Mike Vick out of the equation, and the fact that the Eagles can't move up, down or sideways in the playoff mix. Not to mention Dallas starting Stephen McGee at QB in place of Jon Kitna. However, it looks as if the Cowboys are still interested. They won four of seven and covered five of seven since Jason Garrett took over as head coach. The three losses were by three, three and one point, and since the Birds have covered only one of the last six season finales, it's the 'Boys to beat the spread.

FALCONS (-14) over Panthers: It's all on the line for Atlanta in the Georgia Dome. A win and the Falcons get the top seed, with home field throughout the NFC playoffs. Think they will play hard? We're betting on it. Actually, we're best betting on it. But you're saying, 'Vic, what about the fact that Carolina had 3 extra days of rest?' My answer is, more time to screw things up. Or, 'Vic, what about the fact that the Panthers are playing the last game for John Fox, and will be ready to rumble?' My answer is, Fox has not been able to rally his troops at all this season. They have won only two of 15, covered only four and enjoy an imperfect 0-7 record on the road, where they have been outscored by 180-98. On the bright side, Carolina has locked up the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft and was able to book some really sweet tee times. Wondering about the final margin? We're in Vegas, so it's blackjack: Twenty-one!

CHIEFS (-3) over Raiders: Kansas City will not get a bye and will play either the Steelers, Ravens or Jets. So why bother selecting this group? Because the Chiefs have been magnificent in Todd Haley's second season, going from 4-12 to 10-5 and the AFC West crown. Kaycee is 7-0 at home straight up and 5-2 against the spread. And since Matt Cassel returned to the mix for the last two games, the Chiefs have outscored the opposition by 61-27.

Bengals (+10) over RAVENS: Did you see how happy Carson Palmer was without T.O. and Ochocinco in the lineup? Did you see how they trashed San Diego, 34-20? Cincy ain't gonna trash Baltimore - they're not even gonna win - but beat this double-digit spread? Of course. The Bengals have covered six of their last seven as an underdog of seven points or more, and are working on a 3-0 spread streak against the Ravens.

LIONS (-3) over Vikings: Detroit and Minnesota are both heading home Sunday night, but the Lions could be departing with a four-game winning streak. The men from Motown have not won four in a row this century, but they have been very formidable against the spread, covering 11 of 14 with one push, the best ATS mark in the NFL. Minny stunned the Birds on Tuesday, but if Joe Webb gets the start (which he should), he ain't gonna upset the apple cart in Detroit's home finale.

PACKERS (-10) over Bears: No doubt about Green Bay rolling into the winner's circle and clinching a wild-card spot, but after the line jumped from an open of five, we'll keep it on the light side.

JETS (-1) over Bills: Not sure about how much playing time Mark Sanchez will get, but the feeling here is that the defense will step up and provide a big win for the New Yorkers against a Buffalo team that has won only three of its last 13 on the road.

PATRIOTS (-4) over Dolphins: New England has covered nine of the last 11 season finales. Say hello to No. 10.

COLTS (-10) over Titans: Gotta look at Indy as a straight-up winner, but take it very light as a double-digit fave.

TEXANS (-3) over Jaguars: No David Garrard, no Maurice Jones-Drew, no way Jacksonville coms close to winning at Houston.

BROWNS (+6) over Steelers: Pitt will come to play, but has not won on the road by more than six points since the bye week.

Giants (-4) over REDSKINS: With the over/under total at 44, we're suggesting a big, fat over in this D.C. affair.

Buccaneers (+8) over SAINTS: Tampa has not lost on the road against the spread (6-0-1), so we'll tap the Bucs with a lightish pick.

Rams (-3) over SEAHAWKS: We're praying for St. Louis, but not wagering a bundle, hoping to keep a possible losing team (Seattle) out of the postseason.

Cardinals (+6) over 49ERS: No reason for San Fran to be favored by six and a hook. Very little reason to open the wallet for this game.

Chargers (-3) over BRONCOS: Not convinced that wonder boy Tim Tebow can pull another victory from the jaws of defeat.