Packers (-3) over BEARS: Aaron Rodgers is back in business, thus home dogs must fear the worst in this divisional winner-take-all. Expect Packers running back Eddie Lacy to be out there grinding. Operating without normal defensive strength, Bears would seem up against it — especially Jay Cutler, facing this pass rush. Green Bay has picked off Cutler 16 times.
Jets (+6 ½) over DOLPHINS: Revenge for humiliation at MetLife. Defensively capable Jets reach 8-8 with this, and those who enjoy playing for Rex Ryan will be laying it out there. Dolphins need win (and Ravens loss or Chargers win) for postseason pass, but urgency is overpriced. Those who relish spectacles rooting for straight-up Jets win, should Gang Green’s higher-ups dismiss Rex Ryan turn out to be a fait accompli. Get the popcorn ready.
Redskins (+3 ½) over GIANTS: Big Blue’s three home wins came against Minnesota (with Josh Freeman), the Packers (with Scott Tolzien) and the Raiders (then, with Terrelle Pryor). Kirk Cousins towers above that trio. Would expect a tight one, with Mike Shanahan’s guys playing for jobs (if not for him).
FALCONS (+6 ½) over Panthers: Carolina secures NFC South and first-round bye with win — and if Seattle loses and the 49ers win, victory secures full home-field advantage. Pressure-free, Falcons have been competitive, though Cam Newton should manage to do business against this defense, but he will be without Steve Smith. Matt Ryan and friends will try to send Tony Gonzalez off the right way.
Texans (+7) over TITANS: Even recovering from sprained thumb, Case Keenum’s the most likely quarteback for Houston. Titans have covered once as home chalk, all year.
STEELERS (-7) over Browns: The Steelers need this, along with losses by the Ravens, Dolphins and Chargers, to crash playoff party. Given prevailing money lines, that translates into a 20-1 long-shot — though perhaps longer, in real world, because it’s difficult to discern any tangible Chiefs motivation against the Chargers, other than maintaining mind and limb.
Ravens (+6) over BENGALS: Cincinnati has the AFC North wrapped up. John Harbaugh’s troops make January party should they upset Bengals — in combination with Chargers or Dolphins losses. They might even back in, should the Steelers, Chargers and Dolphins all lose. Expect big try off Patriots’ embarrassment, but Baltimore’s in trick bag, as possible postseason could see ’em right back in Cincy next weekend.
Jaguars (+11 ½) over COLTS: Only way Indianapolis lands the No. 2 seed is to win in tandem with Patriots and Bengals losses. Having endured one too many critical injuries (Reggie Wayne), can’t envision the Colts going full-bore for full 60 minutes, unless the Ravens are giving the Bengals serious trouble.
VIKINGS (-3) over Lions: Tough to trust Minnesota’s defensive secondary, but alternative is to expect Detroit’s graceless goof-ups to hunker down here, with nothing on the line, even with Adrian Peterson out.
PATRIOTS (-9 ½) over Bills: Broncos lose, Patriots win, the Krafts get AFC home-field — reason enough to care, against divisional cousins.
SAINTS (-12 ½) over Buccaneers: New Orleans wins, they’re in the show, but to get week off, they would need to see the Panthers fall to the Falcons. Buccaneers have staged solid road show-ups when lightly regarded this season, but this looms most daunting “away” assignment of Week 17.
RAIDERS (+12 ½) over Broncos: Have little doubt Peyton Manning will win this to secure AFC home field, not sold Broncos will smother tall tariff.
CARDINALS (pick) over 49ers: Visitors need Seahawks loss to the Rams to earn anything better than wild-card road game against NFC North entry. Cardinals could notch 11th win and be stuck at home — but would snag No. 6 seed with win and Saints loss. Expect hungry side to break through.
CHARGERS (-9 ½) over Chiefs: San Diego needs early Ravens and Dolphins losses for this clash to matter. Given the odds, there’s approximately a 22 percent chance of that happening. Kansas City’s locked into the No. 5 seed.
Rams (+10 ½) over SEAHAWKS: Admit it’s tough to envision consecutive home losses for Seattle, with NFC home-field advantage on the line — though Seattle has dropped two of its last three, and hasn’t scored more than 23 points in a game in four weeks. Jeff Fisher’s given divisional foes trouble since he has been on Rams’ job. Wouldn’t count on a rout.
Eagles (-6 ½) over COWBOYS: Spread’s a Grand Canyon in competitive game, of course, but without potential Tony Romo rallying power, Cowboys a tough sell, given that iffy defense.
LAST WEEK: 8-8.
SEASON: 100-118-2.