TODAY
Eagles (+7 1/2) over GIANTS: Big Blue need to take care of business, and for bad things to happen to the Bears, Vikings and Cowboys. It’s their tough luck to catch the return of Michael Vick as QB for Philadelphia. Vick has yet to lose an NFC East division road game, is under no pressure, and looks to provide Andy Reid a parting gift.
Jets (+3 1/2) over BILLS: So Greg McElroy is concussed, leaving us with Mark Sanchez … while Ryan Fitzpatrick may well be facing similar issues in Buffalo, with management anxious to stir the pot. Gang Green enjoy a good matchup history here, and reluctant to lay this number.
Dolphins (+10) over PATRIOTS: Both sides boast great tech numbers in this spot. The Patriots largely are locked into the AFC No. 3 seed, unless the door opens with a Texans or Broncos loss. Houston kicks off early, and is hardly bulletproof, so stay abreast … and an early Tom Brady exit wouldn’t hurt.
Ravens (+2 1/2) over BENGALS: Inclined toward the underdog in any event, but the Ravens’ sparkling record against AFC North foes over the past two years impresses, and to win this, Cincinnati will have to reach back for moreafter slaying their White Whale — the Steelers — at Heinz, no less.
STEELERS (-4 1/2) over Browns: Witnessing Pittsburgh’s broad physical collapse is sobering, but taking the short price with the Browns starting practice-squadder Thaddeus Lewis at QB.
COLTS (+7) over Texans: Indianapolis asserts it will go with its starters, because Houston would firm up home field if the Texans manage to eke this out. With Chuck Pagano returning to the sidelines and serious Texans health questions, make the Colts a lean puppy, encouraged by Andrew Luck’s resourcefulness, and their super history against Houston at Lucas Oil.
Jaguars (+4) over TITANS: The Jaguars enjoy the slightest of edges, as the entire Jacksonville region now snaps into extended Tebow Watch.
Bears (-3) over LIONS: Lovie Smith’s potential saving grace in his “Hope Minnesota loses” straits is that even with the Bears’ offensive-line woes, Mike Tice as offensive coordinator, and banged-up status, they haven’t lost to a bad team all year. So long as Matthew Stafford remains possession-careless, red-zone issues endure and key Lions stars are more interested in the highlight reel than winning games, lean to the favorite.
VIKINGS (+3 1/2) over Packers: Aaron Rodgers’ powerhouse career record in domes gives us pause, but Minnesota is sending all the right signals. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf expected an NFC North championship in August, and he wasn’t far off.
Buccaneers (+8 1/2) over FALCONS: With the home-field wrapped up, this is maintain-momentum week for the Falcons. Despite public pronouncements of Falcons starters playing “way deep” into this, we’ll pay to see it, though that leaves us backing the possession-careless Josh Freeman.
Panthers (+5) over SAINTS: Snake-hipped QB types such as Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III drove the Saints over the cliff in September. The Saints’ satisfaction with their win over the Cowboys is in danger of dissipating in a flash against offensive weaponry their defense (worst in the league) will be hard-pressed to stop.
Chiefs (+16) over BRONCOS: While Peyton Manning may play the whole game (if necessary!), don’t expect the rampaging Broncos to show new wrinkles against this foe, which can still play defense. If the Texans somehow lost earlier, home-field advantage goes to Denver with a win or a tie.
Raiders (+7 1/2) over CHARGERS: In what’s being looked upon as Chargers coach Norv Turner’s swan song, lean to Oakland QB Terrelle Pryor managing to stay within a chunky number with the Raiders capable of staying close to their division rival, having covered here the past three seasons.
Cardinals (+16 1/2) over 49ERS: We harbor no doubts the Niners will garner the NFC West-clinching win, but there’s no percentage in their killing themselves to establish the margin against the Cardinals (with Brian Hoyer at QB).
Rams (+10 1/2) over SEAHAWKS : A value grab, because while Seattle technically is playing for a shot at better seeding, the possibility of a San Francisco loss appears minute. And the line has now been distended by the grotesque Seahawks scoring rampage., and just how much is left in the tank after last week’s Niner grudgefest?
Cowboys (+3) over REDSKINS: The NFC East crown’s there for the winner, though the Redskins can still back in if the Bears and Vikings go down in flames. The Cowboys’ Week 17 history under their prevailing stewardship is horrifying, but the talent is there, and Dallas is clearly more effective away from home, though their sub-40-degree weather record concerns.
LAST WEEK: 7-8.
SEASON: 110-110-4.
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