Jets backers are in the double bonus this weekend. They are getting a 11⁄2- to 2-point bargain on the spread, but the reason for that, Mark Sanchez’s absence, will have little effect on their ability to cover it.
The only way the Jets are going to lose to the 1-11 Bucs is if they hand them the game, as they did the Bills earlier this season. With Kellen Clemens in there, they will be more apt to pound away with Thomas Jones at the Bucs’ 31st-ranked run defense, throw safe passes and take a couple of shots downfield against single coverage.
Bucs rookie quarterback Josh Freeman is coming off a five-interception game in Carolina, and the last defense he needs to see, especially on extra rest, is Rex Ryan’s.
The pick: Jets, -3.
Eagles (+1) over GIANTS: Did we see the return of Big Blue pride last week, or was that big win over the Cowboys a one-night stand against a team that can’t win in December? Despite the result, the lingering images from that game were the easy, all-day completions from Tony Romo to Roy Williams and Jason Witten. Justin Tuck and Co. had better lay some lumber to Donovan McNabb, because the Giants’ defensive backs will not be able to cover all of the Eagles’ weapons.
COLTS (-7) over Broncos: Hefty number against 8-4, wild-card-seeking Broncos, but Indy will go full-bore to clinch AFC top seed and set the NFL record with a 22nd consecutive win.
Bengals (+61/2) over VIKINGS: Very happy to grab a near-touchdown head start with the 9-3 Bengals, especially because Brad Childress may be a little wary after Brett Favre’s two-interception game in Arizona and revert to the Vikings’ old ground and pound. This one should be close at the end.
Bills (pick) over CHIEFS: Boring game? Not if it’s like last year’s meeting, a 54-31 Bills win. Buffalo has more weapons, and three extra days’ rest, while KC’s Matt Cassel is back in after getting benched last week in a 44-13 loss to Denver.
Packers (-3) over BEARS: This arch-rivalry game should roust the Bears, but this team has covered just one spread in the last eight games and has key injuries all over the field, including dangerous WR Devin Hester and LBs Lance Briggs and Hunter Hillenmeyer.
Saints (-101/2) over FALCONS: Lost the Lock win streak on the Saints in Washington, but the will be back in high gear on the indoor carpet against the Swiss cheese Falcons secondary.
Lions (+131/2) over RAVENS: I know, the Lions give up almost 30 ppg and the decrepit Daunte Culpepper is starting for Matt Stafford. Just not willing to give nearly two touchdowns with a Ravens team off a Monday night road game in which it managed just 185 yards offensively.
JAGUARS (-21/2) over Dolphins: Dolphins were 0-3, then 2-4 and trailing the Jets in the final minutes, then 5-6 and getting hammered by the Patriots. But here they stand after that huge comeback win, 6-6 and in the thick of the playoff hunt. How many of their cat lives do the Fish have left?
Panthers (+131/2) over PATRIOTS: Sure the Pats have romped all season at Foxborough, but there have been some distractions this week with the Brady-Bundchen baby and Randy Moss and three linebackers being sent home for being late to a meeting. Also, Tom Brady has injuries to his finger and shoulder.
Seahawks (+6) over TEXANS: Two 5-7 teams going nowhere, but at least the Hawks are on a little bit of an uptick, winning two in a row and three of five. Texans are 2-4 at home, yet somehow are favored by almost a touchdown. No thanks.
Rams (+13) over TITANS: For a 1-11 team, the Rams haven’t been a terrible bet. They are 6-6 vs. the spread, same as the Titans. With Steven Jackson up over 1,200 yards rushing, the price is right here.
RAIDERS (+1) over Redskins: ’Skins were good enough to almost beat the Saints last week, but blew the game colossally. Raiders have finished off three good teams this season in the Eagles, Bengals and Steelers.
Chargers (+3) over COWBOYS: San Diego (15 wins in a row) doesn’t lose in December and Dallas (5-9 with Tony Romo) doesn’t usually win. Have you seen any indication this megatrend will reverse? It’s the Peter Tocco/Odd Couple pick of the week (5-6).
MONDAY NIGHT
Cardinals (-3) over 49ERS: We know about the Cards’ offense, but how about the defense, stoning Adrian Peterson (13 carries, 19 yards) and picking off Brett Favre twice. Spread seems light considering Arizona is 5-1 on the road.
LAST NIGHT: Browns (W).
BEST BETS: Jets, Bills, Chargers.
LAST WEEK: 7-9 overall, 1-2 Best Bets.
dblezow@nypost.com