Good bet Bucs will beat the Eagles

BUCCANEERS (-7) over Eagles

With a miracle 98-yard punt return by Damaris Johnson with 0:31 on the clock against Dallas, the Birds managed to squeeze in a spread win, but that ain't gonna happen down in Tampa. Why? Turning poetic, let me count the ways. Start with Bucs QB Josh Freeman. At home, Freeman has been very special, averaging 9-plus yards per attempt with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. Crunch the numbers and it's good for a 105.5 passer rating, the third-best at home in the NFL. And now, the reason Freeman will go wild on the Eagles: The Birds have allowed opposing QBs to complete 76.3 percent of their passes, for almost 10 yards per attempt, the last six times out. What does that mean? It means they have given up 16 touchdowns without an interception. And finally, there is that pathetic spread record outside of the NFC East, where the Eagles have covered only five of the last 24. Josh and the Pirates on top by at least a dime.

STEELERS (-7) over Chargers

OK, so my overall NFL record is nothing to write home about, but Double V is on a pretty sweet Best Bet run. After posting another BB winner with the Redskins on Monday night, the streak is at 5-0. Looking for six in a row, it has gotta be a play to Pittsburgh, or more precisely, a play against San Diego. Vic is thrilled that Big Ben Roethlisberger is probable and should be back under center, and equally thrilled that Philip Rivers is still QBing for San Diego. Big Ben might be a little rusty, but Rivers stinks. In SD's current four-game losing streak, he has more interceptions (5) and fumbles (5) than TDs (6). The Lightning Bolts' offensive line has given up 14 sacks the last three times out, while the rushing game has evaporated, averaging just 63+ yards per. Throw in San Diego's all-time 0-14 at Pittsburgh, and Norv Turner's 0-6 against the Steelers, and yes, this is my Best Bet.

BROWNS (-6) over Chiefs

With emotions running high after the horrible tragedy in Kansas City, the Chiefs turned in a superb effort in a 27-21 win over the Panthers. Not this week. Cleveland has covered three in a row, and five of the last seven, while the defense, especially at home, is getting downright nasty. The Brownies have allowed an average of 15 ppg the last three at home, and are covering at a 70 percent clip inside the AFC North.

Cardinals (+10 1/2) over SEAHAWKS

Arizona rolls into Seattle on an ugly 0-8 run, while the Seahawks are coming off a very impressive 23-17 victory over the Bears. So, why the Cardinals? Well, Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt has guided the Cards to seven covers the last nine times out in this NFC West rivalry, and they actually beat Pete Carroll's crew in the season opener, 20-16. 'Hawks win for sure, but they ain't covering the big, fat double-digit spot.

PACKERS (-7) over Lions

Even without my crystal ball - or for those of you old enough, the "Magic 8-Ball," - Double V knows that Detroit will lose at Green Bay. Inquiring minds wanna know, "How?" Well, how about an 0-20 streak at Lambeau. Yeah, zero, none, nada wins in Wisconsin since Barry Sanders was carrying the mail in 1991. The Pack have won six of the last seven overall and 23 of the last 26 on the "frozen tundra." Rodgers over Stafford equals no contest.

VIKINGS (+3) over Bears

Minny's 6-6 record is just mediocre, but the Purple People have a 5-1 mark at home. And when you factor in the loss of Chicago's defensive heart and soul, Brian Urlacher, the Vikes should be able to wrap up a sweet win.

PATRIOTS (-3) over Texans

Tom Brady comes up big in big games, and this is the Pats' biggest game to date. Winning 30 of the last 34 at Foxboro, ya gotta have a pretty warm feeling with Double B on the headset and Tom Terrific at the controls.

REDSKINS (-2 1/2) over Ravens

Ray Lewis out. Terrell Suggs torn right biceps. The suddenly not-so-ferocious Baltimore D ain't gonna scare RG III.

COLTS (-5) over Titans

Looking for one of the best spread records in the NFL? How about the Indianapolis Horseshoes at 8-4.

Jets (-2 1/2) over JAGUARS

Could be the ugliest game on Sunday. If you must, New York is just a light tickle.

PANTHERS (+3 1/2) over Falcons

Carolina lost by a deuce back in September (30-28). Consider this final margin a FG for Atlanta. must have the hook.

Rams (+3) over BILLS

St. Loo has covered eight of the last 12, and should squeeze another spread W into the books.

BENGALS (-3) over Cowboys

Cincy on a gorgeous 4-0 spread run while Dallas has covered only five of the last 19. It says here, 26 percent ain't gonna cut it.

49ERS (-10) over Dolphins

Niners are huge money makers at home with a superb 13-4-1 record the last 18 times on the Candlestick grass.

GIANTS (-5) over Saints

Can't hang with Drew Brees after he threw five interceptions against the Falcons last week.