Including the 1997-2012 seasons in The Post, Cat’s record in print stands at 480-408 (54 percent) against the spread.
REDSKINS (+2¹/₂ ) over Cowboys: Though committing seven turnovers, ’Skins didn’t fall three TDs out of it early, performed better animation behind Kirk Cousins. Yes, that was against Atlanta, but is the Cowboys’ defense any better? Shanahans have long owned this hated foe in Landover against the spread and loom tough out against shaken/stirred squad. Loss could hasten ’Boys slide into fourth consecutive playoff-less January. A London Fletcher retirement party, in home finale? ’Skins (+3), for one unit.
Bears (+3) over EAGLES: Chicago wins out, they cop NFC North. Easier said than done, but motivation’s there. Scenario keeps Lions on the outside, making Green Bay/Bears decisive. If Dallas bests ’Skins at 1 p.m., Cowboys-Eagles will resolve NFC East in Week 17, and this week’s match becomes less urgent for home side (unless you want to quibble about wild-card seeding). Philly remains unimpressive home chalk off recent cliffhanger vs. ’Skins and Lion-taming in the snow, when Eagles wore suitable spikes in second half and Detroit didn’t. Bears 30-11-1 straight-up vs. Eagles all-time. Bears (+3) celebrate Lance Briggs’ return, for one unit.
LAST WEEK: 2-0. Miami red-zone pass defense too much for Gronk-less Tom Brady (Dolphins, plus one unit). Jay Cutler plays catch, and scoreboard numbers spin (Browns/Bears OVER, plus one unit).
SEASON: 18-12-2.
To contact Cat, write P. O. Box 739, Hightstown, NJ 08520, or contact http://www.playbook.com.