SUNDAY
Bears (+3) over EAGLES: Should Detroit lose and the Packers win, this doesn’t mean much for Chicago — though that’s a remote possibility. Still less than thrilled with Eagles’ form at the Linc, despite fortunate covers in their last pair. LeSean McCoy will get his yards, but Chicago arrives with an offense of marked versatility and capabilities.
Giants (+9) over LIONS: Big Blue’s inert effort vs. Chargers and subsequent MetLife no-show against Seahawks frankly were offensive, and now they are without Victor Cruz — but what about these Detroit coming up second-half short in December? Lions scoreboard-watching, hoping Steelers come up big against Packers.
Browns (+2 ½) over JETS: Jets secondary should find themselves under constant pressure, and don’t trust Gang Green’s offensive skill people to maintain ball control, in a shootout.
Dolphins (-3) over BILLS: With EJ Manuel sidelined with bum knee, Thad Lewis gets yet another shot at the controls for the Bills. Lewis is the better short passer, Bills have long had trouble maintaining good form, but Dolphins rolling. Addition by subtraction? Meet Richie Incognito.
PANTHERS (-3) over Saints: This essentially is for NFC’s No. 2 seed. Should visitors fail to grasp early lead and fall behind in the great outdoors, they likely are facing a hard January road.
REDSKINS (+2 ¹/₂ ) over Cowboys: Washington’s been no bargain all season, but Kirk Cousins showed sustained spunk against Atlanta, and Dallas’ defense is no better. You don’t see many teams recover seamlessly from atrocity akin to Dallas’s war crime against Green Bay to register a quick 180.
Buccaneers (+5 ½) over RAMS: St. Louis off sharp home upset of Saints, and now find themselves chubby favorites. Bucs lost to Rams at home in 2012, and it seems visitors are in good mental spot to catch becalmed favorite off satisfying score.
Colts (+6 ¹/₂) over CHIEFS: Anticipating these two meet again, as the AFC’s No. 4 and 5 seeds in the wild card round — at Jim Irsay’s place. Since it is likely we’re not going to see their best offensive stuff, leaning underdogs. Will note Jamaal Charles racked 226 yards against Colts, last year.
Vikings (+7 ½) over BENGALS: Some hangover off shock upset of Eagles might be expected, but Vikes should get Adrian Peterson back, and can envision them sustaining offensive momentum at generous number. Cincy may feel pressure inherent in pursuing seeding advantage.
Broncos (-10 ½) over TEXANS: Case Keenum injury leaves veteran Matt Schaub in charge, and it appears there will be no Wes Welker for Denver. There’s scant doubt Broncos will win straight up, though this is beaucoup points for coasting, playoff-tuning road fave up against QB who threw four TD passes against them last season. Tight call!
Titans (-5) over JAGUARS: Jags’ post-bye surge may be out of steam, especially after last week’s frustrating failure against Bills.
SEAHAWKS (-10 ¹/₂) over Cardinals: Cards have made quite the run, but with both Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald the worse for wear (though active), lean to muscular hosts, though hardly expect last year’s 58-0 rout.
Steelers (+2 ½) over PACKERS: With Aaron Rodgers out again, it’s another dose of Matt Flynn. Flynn has parlayed that 2011 season finale against the Lions into a lucrative career, and that comeback against the Cowboys was admirable, but he only completed one pass for more than 21 yards. Steelers secondary doesn’t have to sweat the deep ball or the demanding outside/sideline forays, much.
CHARGERS (-10) over Raiders: Philip Rivers is a nifty 28-6 straight-up in the month of December. Raiders previously have enjoyed stretch of covering fat underdog numbers within division, but Silver and Black’s pass defense appears to have lost its way.
RAVENS (-2 ½) over Patriots: Tom Brady’s holiday-month record (43-6) is even better than Rivers’ … and Pats have revenge for last year’s divisional-playoff loss working. But if any defense has Brady’s number, it’s John Harbaugh’s. Lame Patriots fishing for pass-interference calls (you saw enough of that In Miami, in the closing series, alone) shouldn’t work at strong home field.
MONDAY
Falcons (+13) over 49ERS: While observing the formality of assuring the NFC No. 5 seed, Niners are wrapping up their history at Candlestick Park. Emotion flows — but this is a bundle of points, and though Frisco terrific Monday side, will lean toward taking with conference-championship-game revenging foe who have perked up over the past month.
LAST WEEK: 7-8
SEASON: 92-110-2