VIKINGS (-1) over Bears: Chicago needed to come up big against the Rams, and spit the bit, as the rushing defense continues to flounder. Now staring up at hated Lions, who will have to collapse to grant Monsters any shade of postseason shot,reality sets in. Bears 2-8 here, in last decade. Hosts do have Adrian Peterson to launch at Chicago’s invisible ground defense.
Dolphins (+1  ¹/₂) over JETS: There’s concern regarding the Jets rushing on the Miami front, yes, but Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill is more than capable of taking iffy Jets secondary to task, and if you have faith Geno Smith consistently will move the sticks vs. Dolphin defenders — given the menu of offensive tools at his disposal — we have a bridge to sell you.
Giants (-1) over REDSKINS: Picking over the remains of this Sunday-night monument to what might have been, Big Blue’s at least shown some measure of cosmetic improvement off their disappointing 0-6 open, while Washington’s special teams remain horrifying, and the down-to-down defense can’t be trusted. If Eli Manning doesn’t hang up 28-plus, here, you’ll wonder what’s wrong.
Titans (+4 ½) over COLTS: Weight of the evidence points to the Titans, with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick’s raw numbers improving markedly, through November. Without full complement of weapons, Andrew Luck’s consistency has declined.
Broncos (-4) over CHIEFS: Denver virtually was handed that early 24-0 lead last week, after that clever early turnover work by Broncos defenders. If that interval doesn’t transpire, then Pats rout ’em. It was cold up at Gillette, and Peyton Manning doesn’t like that, one little bit. That said, we’re looking at mid-40s Sunday in Kansas City — a December blessing, given the icon leading the visitors.
Jaguars (+7) over BROWNS: As we endure yet another stint of Brandon Weeden under center for the Browns, don’t need many reasons to run the other way. Jags have improved meaningfully since the bye, and we likely have seen their long-term lows.
Buccaneers (+8 ½) over PANTHERS: You could say Bucs were fortunate to get past Lions, but they’ve had a great November behind QB Mike Glennon, with that come-from-ahead miss in Seattle the lone blemish. Carolina’s been fully extended against the Niners, Pats and Dolphins, and will need to turn in yet another top try to cover this hefty price.
Cardinals (+3 ½) over EAGLES: Arizona coach Bruce Arians took the accelerated AFC South course during his stand-in stint at Indy last year, and has applied its lessons well — off sweep of the Texans, Jags and his old Colts — but Arians not just a one-trick pony, as earlier wins over Lions and Panthers demonstrated. Eagles’ frequent loss of focus at the Linc continued in their win over Redskins, as Robert Griffin III almost made it all the way back from 24-0 precipice two weeks ago. Michael Floyd taking some of the pressure off Larry Fitzgerald at wideout.
BILLS (-3 ½) over Falcons (in Toronto): Atlanta gave it one last college try in home Thursday nighter against hated Saints, and came up short. Not much left to live for, now. Expect Buffalo to prevail in slugfest.
Rams (+9) over 49ERS: Jim Harbaugh’s defense stopped the bleeding against the ’Skins on Monday night, and now the defending NFC champs reportedly are getting WR Michael Crabtree back in their passcatching stable. But this is Jeff Fisher plus points, and the Rams coach lives for divisional competition.
Patriots (-7 ¹/₂) over TEXANS: Yes, there’s a measure of hazard in dealing with the Pats as pronounced favorites away from Gillette. But with rare exception, Texans largely have impersonated inert objects since mid-September, and their sheer season-long waste of advantageous field position leaves one to believe nothing will change until those who are responsible for the current carnage disappear.
Bengals (+1) over CHARGERS: Bolts enjoy handful of positive, subtle statistical edges, and respect their improved play, but their defense is markedly inferior. Cincy can and will pick up chunks of ground yardage. Chargers are averaging a shade over half an interception per game. Thus, Andy Dalton figures to do business here, off the bye.
MONDAY
Saints (+6) over SEAHAWKS: An epic, with a strong possibility of a surprise ending. Two surface points: We’re not crazy about top-shelf powerhouse teams off byes — don’t like interrupting a good thing (the Seahawks’ form). And appropriately, capable Saints continue to carry crusade banner before them in quest of righting 2012 wrongs. Expect rain
LAST WEEK: 8-5.
SEASON: 72-87-2.