Including the 1997-2012 seasons in The Post, Cat’s record in print stands at 480-408 (54 percent) against the spread.
SUNDAY
DOLPHINS (+1½) over Patriots: You have to admire New England’s knack for making snappy halftime adjustments — then rallying resolutely for one win after another. It’s easier for certain quality sides with an edge in overall physicality to prosper against the Patriots (Bengals and Panthers fill the bill), but the Dolphins’ pass rush is a load-and-a-half for this Patriot front to deal with, and the absence of Rob Gronkowski is going to sting. Dolphins win this, and they glimpse postseason daylight, closing out their wild-card quest against the Bills and Jets. Dolphins (+1½) charge into the New Year, for one unit.
BROWNS/Bears Over (45): Marc Trestman has the Bears playing against historical type with his offensive stylings, and visitors have scored 27-or-more points in more than half of their outings. Jay Cutler will start for Chicago, and expect Bear receivers to continue to exploit their height advantages, while Browns — grumpy, after being robbed at Gillette — will fully utilize new wideout toy Josh Gordon. Bring on the snow flurries! It’s Over 45 for one unit.
LAST WEEK: 0-2. Auburn deceptively quick — not to mention speedy! (Missouri, minus one unit). Five turnovers! (Bills, minus one unit).
SEASON: 16-12-2.
To contact Cat, write P.O. Box 739, Hightstown, N.J., 08520, or contact www.playbook.com.