Nick Foles' big numbers are a big reason to pick the Eagles
With his NFL-leading passer rating and lack of interceptions, Eagles' QB is the main reason they will beat the Lions.
EAGLES (-3) over Lions
It pays to be a good shopper. Last week, if you looked hard enough, you could have found the Birds anywhere from -2.5 to -3.5. Some collected, some pushed (Double V), and some lost. So, as the bearded guy on the beer commercial says, "Shop well, my friends." But the story at the Linc continues to be Nick Foles. Chip Kelly has named Nick Foles as the starting quarterback, for "the next thousand years." Quite a ringing endorsement, and why not? If you missed any of his numbers, they are actually quite staggering: Nineteen touchdowns and no - none, zero, not a one - interception. He hasn't tossed an pick in 233 passes dating to last season - now the longest streak in team history. Foles is sitting on a 125.2 passer rating, just the best in the NFL. And finally, a stat we love: The Eagles have turned the ball over once in the last four games, while taking it away nine times. That's why the Birds are on a 4-0 run, and will tame the Lions.
SAINTS (-3) over Panthers
OK, Vic admits to being a dummy last week and taking New Orleans on the road at Seattle. This week, at home, in the climate-controlled Superdome, ya gotta march with the Saints. After looking at the numbers, it's impossible to do anything else. Just in case you forgot, a little reminder on the perfection of New Orleans at home with Sean Payton coaching. A perfect 9-0 record in 2011, 2012 was Bountygate, and now a 6-0 perfecto in 2013. So, Payton's Saints are rolling with a 15-0 straight-up record inside the Dome, and against the spread, almost as good, a nearly perfect 14-0-1. Still "heart" Drew Brees despite last week's loss, because - say it with me - he's at home. How about 19 TDs against three interceptions, a 122.2 passer rating, and an offense that averages 33.2 points per game in the dome. All that makes this the Best Bet.
Chiefs (-3) over WASHINGTON
RGIII is not healthy, he cannot stand Mike Shanahan, and it shows every single week. Washington is 3-9 straight up and against the spread, and the perfect patsy for a Kansas City club that is coming off three straight losses. Of course, two of those were to the best team in the AFC (Denver) and the other to San Diego. And please note that Andy Reid has had great success against Washington while coaching the Birds, compiling a 17-11 record.
BENGALS (-6) over Colts
Say hello to the best team in the AFC North. Cincy's 8-4 record is not quite a work of art, but pretty darn solid. What's pretty darn spectacular is the Bengals' perfect 5-0 record at home, straight up and against the spread. Cincy has outscored the opposition at home by more than 16 ppg, and since Indy comes in with an offensive line that has more holes than Swiss Cheese (allowing 29 sacks), we're running to the window and buying a ticket on the Bengals.
STEELERS (-3) over Dolphins
Despite rather mediocre records, both teams are still in the hunt for the second AFC wild card. Not sure whether Pittsburgh is gonna grab it, but, boy, have the tables turned since opening at 0-4. The Steelmen have won five of the last eight, and covered six of the last eight. They're riding a three-game winning streak at home, and should be able to handle the Fish, who have won only seven of the last 22. It's a buy order on Steel.
Titans (+12.5) over BRONCOS
Not about to take the money line and call for an upset, but after beating KC twice in the last 3 weeks, can't see Denver being all that interested here. Broncs by a 10 spot, but no cover.
CARDINALS (-6) over Rams
Like what we're seeing from savvy veteran QB Carson Palmer (66.7 percent completion rate, 1,035 yards, with seven TDs and two interceptions in the last three games). Also like what we're seeing from Arizona at home, winning and covering five of six.
RAVENS (-6.5) over Vikings
Baltimore loves the home cooking, with a 28-4 record since 2010. We're buying these black birds.
PATRIOTS (-11) over Browns
Cleveland was kinda not terrible before the bye at 4-5, but the Brownies are 0-3 since the week off.
Raiders (+3) over JETS
The New Yorkers have averaged 1.5 points per game the last two weeks, and ain't getting my money.
BUCCANEERS (-2.5) over Bills
Since Tampa has covered four of its last five games, we'll give the Bucs a light, very light twirl.
CHARGERS (-3) over Giants
Philip Rivers is no Eli Manning, but then again, Eli Manning has been no Eli Manning this season.
49ERS (-3) over Seahawks
If any team can stop the Seattle machine, it's this San Francisco club that has covered seven of the last eight.
PACKERS (-11) over Falcons
Too tough to call without knowing the status of Aaron Rodgers at press time. If Rodgers is in, jump on the Pack.
Cowboys (+1) over BEARS
You cannot get any uglier against the spread than this Chicago squad, which has covered oly two of 12 so far.