Eagles should cover, but Giants will eke out a win
Eagles (+7 1/2) over GIANTS: It would take a Christmas miracle for the New Yorkers to get into the playoffs. The Cowboys, Vikings and Bears all have to lose. It's possible, but not probable. And with the Green Machine welcoming back Michael Vick in the season finale, and the end of Andy Reid's career in Philly, a cover is certainly on the table. Especially the way the Giants have been playing, losing and failing to cover five of the last seven. Not quite sure what it is with Andy and the New Yorkers, but the Birds have won five in a row up in North Jersey, and eight of the last nine in this division rivalry. And speaking of Vick, he is 3-1 as a starter against the Big Blue as an Eagle, and, without a doubt, the most amazing stat of the year is, he did not have a turnover in the 19-17 win against the Giants. Good luck, Andy, and thanks in advance for plumping up my bankroll. NYG squeezes out a victory.
Eagles (+7 1/2) over GIANTS: It would take a Christmas miracle for the New Yorkers to get into the playoffs. The Cowboys, Vikings and Bears all have to lose. It's possible, but not probable. And with the Green Machine welcoming back Michael Vick in the season finale, and the end of Andy Reid's career in Philly, a cover is certainly on the table. Especially the way the Giants have been playing, losing and failing to cover five of the last seven. Not quite sure what it is with Andy and the New Yorkers, but the Birds have won five in a row up in North Jersey, and eight of the last nine in this division rivalry. And speaking of Vick, he is 3-1 as a starter against the Big Blue as an Eagle, and, without a doubt, the most amazing stat of the year is, he did not have a turnover in the 19-17 win against the Giants. Good luck, Andy, and thanks in advance for plumping up my bankroll. NYG squeezes out a victory.
REDSKINS (-3) over Cowboys: Mike Shanahan was coming off a 6-10 record in 2010, a 5-11 mark in 2011, and Washington was only 3-6 heading into the bye week. He was beat down after losing to Carolina and felt that the 'Skins were doomed for 2012 and needed to start prepping for 2013. His words: "When you lose a game like that, now you're playing to see who, obviously, is going to be on your football team for years to come. Now we get a chance to evaluate players and see where we're at." Well, Mr. S has changed his tune after the bye, as Washington has ripped off six straight wins, and covers. He has the most electric player in the NFL, with Robert Griffin III at QB, and a defense that has come around nicely. And if you're thinking electric, how about Double V on a humongous best-bet roll, winning seven of the last eight. This baby will make it eight out of nine.
BENGALS (-2 1/2) over Ravens: Impressed with Cincy winning six of seven to secure a playoff berth. Not impressed with Baltimore losing three of the last four. In last season's finale against the Ravens, the Bengals lost, 24-16, at home, and then got booted out of the playoffs by Houston. Marvin Lewis wants to change the flow, win the home finale and go deep into the playoffs. Since his kids won five of the last seven against the Ravens in Cincinnati, give the nod to home cookin'.
COLTS (+7) over Texans: "Chuckstrong." That has been the motto in Indianapolis since the start of the season when head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with cancer. His leukemia is in remission and he will be on the sideline coaching the Colts on Sunday. Aside from the emotions, a key to this game is the health of Texans running back Arian Foster. He had season lows of 10 carries and 15 yards last week then left in the third quarter with an irregular heartbeat. Check his status, and adjust accordingly.
49ERS (-16) over Cardinals: Laying two dozen and change is not generally where you wanna go in the NFL, but after searching high and low, we cannot find one single good thing to say about Arizona. As for San Francisco, how about perfection? Since Jim Harbaugh has taken over the Niners, they're 6-0 after a loss, and have a spectacular 12-4-1 spread record at home. And with AZ starting its fourth QB this season (Brian Hoyer), gotta believe it's the 49ers by at least two dozen.
VIKINGS (+3 1/2) over Packers: Adrian Peterson might not get to Eric Dickerson's NFL rushing record of 2,105 yards, but the Purple People have only one mission: Win and they're in! Mission accomplished? Maybe. Cover? Definitely.
Panthers (+5 1/2) over SAINTS: New Orleans might wind up as the worst defense in NFL history. With 281 more yards allowed, the Saints pass the 1981 Colts who gave up 6,793. And since the Newtons have covered four of the last five, my cash is on Carolina.
BILLS (-3) over Jets: Great news for the Buffs. Mark Sanchez is back at QB for New York. Can I get a "What, what."
Jaguars (+4 1/2) over TITANS: Be honest, Roger Goodell. If there wasn't a line on this game, would anyone watch?
Dolphins (+10 1/2) over PATRIOTS: If Miami covers here, that will make the Fish 6-0 in the final three games of the season the past 2 years.
STEELERS (-7) over Browns: Thaddeus Lewis at quarterback? For real? Ain't he like a famous saxophone player from back in the day?
Bears (-3) over LIONS: What happened to last season's 10-6 Detroit team? Just like Elvis, the Lions have left the building.
FALCONS (-3) over Buccaneers: Spread could fluctuate as much as six or seven points depending on who plays. Best advice is, stay away.
Chiefs (+16 1/2) over BRONCOS: Depends on what Houston did in an earlier game. If Houston won, light play to Kaycee. If Houston lost, bomb the Broncs.
CHARGERS (-7) over Raiders: If Matt Leinart starts at QB for Oakland, double up on San Diego. If it's Terrelle Pryor, stay on the light side.
Rams (+10 1/2) over SEAHAWKS: Seattle will remain perfect at home, but St. Loo has covered 10 of 15 and should keep the final under double digits.