EASY DEZ IT! Dez Bryant and the Cowboys will whip up on the Eagles, who are decimated by injury and have checked out on the season. (AP)
Ticket prices and spirits aren’t the only things that have been going down at MetLife Stadium of late when the place is decked out in green. Sunday’s point spread of 4 1/2 is pretty low, too, considering the visiting Cardinals come in with a seven-game losing streak and a quarterback (Ryan Lindley) who has never thrown an NFL touchdown pass.
Not denying the Jets are in horrible shape themselves, with the same 4-7 record and embarrassment that has been quite colorfully detailed in cartoon form in this newspaper. But in coach Rex Ryan’s tenure, this has been the kind of spot (at home vs. bad team) where the Jets have had some of their biggest blowout wins. And if Mark Sanchez can get his head out of Brandon Moore’s butt, it will happen again.
The pick: Jets -4 1/2.
Seahawks (+3 1/2) over BEARS: Last week’s win over the Vikings took a big injury toll on the Bears. Matt Forte, Devin Hester, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman all are big question marks, and the Seahawks return with the memory of last December’s 38-14 romp at Soldier Field fresh in their minds.
Vikings (+8 1/2) over PACKERS: Gotta grab this monster spread considering Adrian Peterson leads the NFL in rushing (1,236 yards) and the Packers defense is decimated by injury, including run-stopper C.J. Wilson, Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews (who has a slight chance to return). Won’t even be that cold for a December day at Lambeau (47 degrees).
49ers (-7) over RAMS: These teams tied on Nov. 11 at Candlestick, but that was before the ascension of Colin Kaepernick. And now the Niners D is putting up points as well.
LIONS (-4 1/2) over Colts: Lions were well on their way to beating the Texans when they were hosed by a bad call and worse replay challenge rule. Have no problem with the 15-yard penalty for an illegal red flag, but enforce that AFTER getting the call right, not INSTEAD.
CHIEFS (+3) over Panthers: Have called the Chiefs a clown outfit and a lost cause in this space, but that doesn’t mean they are never going to win another game. Somewhat of a tough situation for the Panthers, traveling again after Monday night road win.
BILLS (-6) over Jaguars: Jaguars are showing some life with the trio of Chad Henne, Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts, but C.J. Spiller should have his way with a defense that is giving up more than 410 yards a game.
Patriots (-7 1/2) over DOLPHINS: Patriots have won five in a row and appear to be back in that groove where they’re going to win every week by at least three TDs (until they run into the Giants again).
TITANS (+6) over Texans: Houston comes in with some key injuries on defense. Counting on Chris Johnson to be able to pound it at them successfully enough to keep this close and the outcome in doubt late.
BRONCOS (-7) over Buccaneers: Buccaneers have had a great two-month run and luck out with some 64-degree December temps in Denver. Now if only Greg Schiano can find a way to keep Peyton Manning from showing up …
RAVENS (-6 1/2) over Steelers: So Ben Roethlisberger has a shoulder injury and a rib injury that threatens his aorta, and the Steelers are going to rush him back so he can play against the Ravens defense? That sounds scary, so have to stay away from the Steelers whether Big Ben plays or sits.
RAIDERS (-1) over Browns: Raiders could be getting some help at running back with Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson returning to practice. Carson Palmer is 9-3 in his career vs. Browns and the sight of their uniforms could spark something in him.
CHARGERS (+2) over Bengals: Chargers were good enough to beat the Ravens — until that fourth-and-29. If they haven’t totally quit on Norv Turner in the last week, they are good enough to win this one against a good Cincinnati team.
COWBOYS (-10) over Eagles: With all the big-name injuries, the Jason Babin cut and Andy Reid looking like a dead coach walking, the Eagles are pretty much dead meat.
MONDAY NIGHT
REDSKINS (+2 1/2) over Giants: Maybe the swoon is over and the Giants cruise through the rest of what was supposed to be a tough late schedule and become favorites to repeat as champs. But taking a shot with Robert Griffin III. He gave the Giants’ defense major problems in the first meeting, has hung up 31 and 38 points the past two weeks, and is ready for this prime time spotlight.
BEST BETS: Cowboys, Seahawks, 49ers
LAST WEEK: 7-7-2 overall, 3-0 Best Bets
LOCK OF THE WEEK: Cowboys (Locks 4-8)
LAST NIGHT: Falcons (W)