NFL

Tampa to benefit from Niners’ battle vs. Seattle

BUCCANEERS (+5 ½) over 49ers: Tampa Bay’s confirmed improved form to our satisfaction. So, surely interested in fading Niners post-Seahawks (Seattle does batter foes, physically), on an Eastern trip with an early start, laying tangible points — especially given coach Jim Harbaugh’s increasingly conservative coaching profile, since Frisco burned Washington.

Seahawks (-7) over GIANTS: Excepting for an off-peak Robert Griffin III, Giants haven’t bested a legitimate front-line NFL quarterback all season. This is a load of points to hand to a proud franchise, but after last week’s Left Coast no-show against Bolts, tough to envision straight-up Big Blue win against Russell Wilson and friends.

Jets (+11) over PANTHERS: Rams taking out visiting Saints would pique Carolina’s interest, but otherwise, they’re likely staring at a nasty trip to either Seattle or New Orleans in the divisional round. Staying as healthy as possible is high priority, so this gets interesting. Carolina may well underperform against a rush-stopping front like Gang Green’s. Think Rex Ryan might’ve gotten a few tips from Saints defensive coordinator sibling Rob?

FALCONS (-7) over Redskins: Given RG3’s frequent underperformance, surprising this spread widened when Mike Shanahan announced Kirk Cousins would start Washington’s games. Cousins frequently has shown spark in his D.C. stints, though starting is another matter. Atlanta’s Georgia Dome edge remains, and Falcons should cruise in no-pressure spot against this hot mess.

BROWNS (pick) over Bears: Cowboys tucked into their shells in the Soldier Field icebox, especially defensively, flattering the Ditka Night Bears. Beating the Cowboys can lead to unhealthy levels of near-term self-satisfaction, and Josh Gordon will find wide-open spaces in Chicago’s Charles Tillman-less secondary in Cleveland’s winter wonderland.

COLTS (-6) over Texans: Now that it’s been determined Case Keenum will play out the remainder of the Texans’ schedule (barring injury), will reflex to Andrew Luck after a Colts loss, despite Indy’s limited motivation, since they’re essentially locked into the AFC’s No. 4 seed, with their AFC South crown.

JAGUARS (+2) over Bills: Even should RB Maurice Jones-Drew be unavailable for Jags, would lean to bye-revived, imaginative Jacksonville against Bills, whose road woes behind EJ Manuel persist.

DOLPHINS (+1 ½) over Patriots: Tom Brady racked up just 116 air yards in earlier Patriots come-from-behind win at Gillette. Dolphins had trouble finishing games earlier — but not lately, whenever up against less-physical sides. Pats’ officiating-afforded advantage at Gillette is grotesque, but homestanding Miami can snap seven-game losing streak against Brady, Belichick and Co., thus fouling Pats’ win-out path to No. 1 AFC seed.

Eagles (-4 ½) over VIKINGS: With Adrian Peterson MIA, much prefer Eagles on the road. Visions of LeSean McCoy rushing against the Minnesota front not pleasant for hosts (solid rushing games tear Vikes to shreds), and Philly coach Chip Kelly frequently makes better in-game decisions than does counterpart Leslie Frazier.

Chiefs (-4 ¹/₂) over RAIDERS: Worst case, K.C. win assures No. 5 AFC postseason seed, and they’ll be tied with Denver atop the AFC West — though Broncos own tiebreaker after sweeping season series. Concerned about trap aspects, though, after five-touchdown win against “Is it over yet?” Redskins.

Cardinals (-2 ½) over TITANS: Resting his throwing elbow, Carson Palmer didn’t practice a lick leading into the Rams game — and still drilled them. Tricky call at market, but Cards are legit, and the lay small.

RAMS (+6) over Saints: Don’t doubt Saints likely straight-up winner, but should Rams successfully gameplan to alleviate their O-line injury issues, like St. Louis to hang tough. Clock WR Tavon Austin’s status.

COWBOYS (-7) over Packers: Aaron Rodgers will not answer bell for Pack, despite improved week of practice, so despite their typical December swan dives, must lean ’Boys in their quest to get the best of Matt Flynn and Pack’s iffy stop unit.

Bengals (-2 ¹/₂) over STEELERS: Steelers season dies should Dolphins best New England. Given their tiebreaker standing (off their earlier defeat of the Pats), Cincy could earn No. 2 seed in the AFC (and the accompanying bye), especially if New England lost earlier, or finds trouble at Baltimore next week. Anything below minus-3 should be good.

MONDAY

LIONS (-6) over Ravens: Should Bears and Packers lose Sunday, as projected above, Detroit has long-awaited NFC North title a short step away. It’s highly unlikely Lions lose out, with the Giants (on deck, at Ford Field), and the Vikes (in the hole, as the MetroDome’s final NFL act) to come. Rookie insults flung in Calvin Johnson’s general direction should aid favorite’s focus.

LAST WEEK: 6-9
SEASON: 85-102-2