MIKE
Chargers
vs. Broncos (-10.5)
Broncos
34-27 (Chargers beat spread)
If it weren’t for QB Peyton
Manning’s outstanding, potentially record-breaking season, we’d be talking
about QB Philip Rivers as a possible MVP. Rivers has had an outstanding season,
and has kept San Diego in the wild-card hunt coming into a crucial Week 15
matchup. This one figures to be a shootout between two high-octane offenses who
flexed their muscles a week ago. Both star QB’s will have big performances and
will feast on rather suspect pass defenses. Denver seems destined to capture
the AFC’s top seed, especially with the injury to Patriots’ TE Rob Gronkowski.
They will keep that going tonight, but because the Chargers have a lot to play
for, will not cover the spread.
Redskins
vs. Falcons (-7)
Redskins
28-21 (Redskins beat spread)
I’d be skeptical of any 3-10
football team that is a touchdown favorite, even if it is against a hapless
Washington group. I actually see the benching of QB Robert Griffin III
benefiting the ‘Skins for this particular week. The focus can finally turn from
coddling RGIII to trying to go out and win a football game. I haven’t seen much
indication that Atlanta will be able to cover this spread, let alone win the
game outright. Take Washington in this one to beat the spread and look for QB
Kirk Cousins to have a nice debut against the Falcons 26th ranked
defense.
49ers
(-6) vs. Buccaneers
49ers
21-10 (49ers cover spread)
Give Coach Schiano and the Bucs
credit for not packing it in this season and winning four out of five to earn
some respectability throughout the league. I would be shocked if Tampa Bay
decided to fire Schiano given this resurgence, despite it still being a
disappointing season. All that being said, the 49ers showed us why they are an
elite team last week in defeating the NFC-leading and division rival Seahawks.
They currently have a tight one-game lead over Arizona for the final playoff
spot in the conference, with a Week 17 matchup with the two rivals looming
large. Even though Tampa has showed signs of life as of late, I would stick
with San Fran covering the 6-point spread on the road. They are a warm weather
team traveling to a warm climate where they still have everything to play for.
The Bucs have a good defense (12th in NFL), so don’t expect the, at
times inept, 49ers offense to roll over them, but take the points.
Seahawks
(-7) vs. Giants
Seahawks
23-20 (Giants beat spread)
Seattle is still comfortably in
control of the top seed in the NFC (2-game lead in effect over New Orleans), and
the Giants were embarrassed last week in being eliminated from playoff
contention. What does this all add up to? A close game at MetLife Stadium on
Sunday, where the fact that the Giants have nothing to play for besides pride
and job security, will have them looking loose and relaxed. Seattle’s top
ranked defense will be tough for QB Eli Manning, who is having his worst
professional season of his career, to crack along with RB Andre Brown. RB
Marshawn Lynch is an absolute beast, but will find it tough to operate against
a Giant defense that has only surrendered two one-hundred yard rushers all
season. The presumed cold weather in New Jersey will make it interesting to see
which offense can get off the blocks quicker. Still, the Seahawks, who are much
less effective on the road, will find a way to win this one but take the Giants
to beat the spread.
Bears
(-1.5) vs. Browns
Bears
27-23 (Bears cover spread)
Coach Tressman made the decision
to start QB Jay Cutler this Sunday against the Browns. Cutler says he’s feeling
good and is ready to go after getting medical clearance Monday night. The
Browns secondary is formidable, with the likes of CB Joe Haden, but the Bears
receivers looked unstoppable against Dallas, albeit the NFL’s worst defense.
They present tremendous matchup problems with opposing secondaries because of
their size, particularly with WR’s Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey and TE
Martellus Bennett. QB Jason Campbell is a nice backup in the league, but should
not be an NFL starter anymore. He will do his best to cause the upset here
against a shaky Bears’ defense, but will ultimately fall short in a generous
spread for betters.
Texans
vs. Colts (-6)
Colts
31-20 (Colts cover spread)
Houston cut bait with Coach
Kubiak after a 2-11 campaign thus far in 2013, despite winning back-to-back AFC
South titles the past two seasons. But, as Mike Shanahan might soon find out,
the NFL is a ‘what have you done for me lately league’, and Kubiak hadn’t done
much of anything. The Colts continued to struggle, despite QB Andrew Luck’s
huge statistical day, last week at Cincy, which put them behind the 8-ball for
the 3rd seed in the AFC. The absence of WR Reggie Wayne has hurt not
only on the field, but in terms of constant team leadership and reinforcement.
Indy is looking more and more like a first round exit, especially if they
happen to draw the 10-3 Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round. But, for
this week, all will be well for owner Jim Irsay as his team will cover the
spread and beat up on a weak Texans team.
Bills
(-1) vs. Jaguars
Jaguars
20-17 (Jaguars beat spread)
The Jags keep it rolling this
week in a winnable game at home vs. Buffalo. They, like the Bucs, have been
impressive of late winning four out of five games. RB Maurice Jones-Drew finally
had a breakout performance in last week’s win over Houston (14 carries, 103
yards), and look for him to back it up this week against the 26th
ranked Bills rush defense. QB EJ Manuel, along with the majority of the Bills
team, has struggled of late, and find themselves in the cellar in the AFC East
once again. I’ll take Jacksonville to make it five out of six at home, and beat
the spread, this Sunday.
Patriots
(-1) vs. Dolphins
Patriots
24-23 (Patriots cover spread)
The Pats can’t keep squeaking out
these games against inferior opponents, right? Not without TE Rob Gronkowski?
Wrong. While it hasn’t been pretty most of the time this season, New England
still resides at a healthy 10-3 and 2nd in the AFC. With some help,
and if they keep finding ways to win, they could find themselves with
home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Hard to believe for a team that
trailed the entire game at home vs. Cleveland before winning by a point and
having to overcome a double-digit deficit the week before at 2-11 Houston.
Miami has a ton play for this week, at 7-6 they are tied with Baltimore for the
final playoff spot in the conference. They do not control their own destiny,
but any slip up by the defending champs and the ‘Fins could be the first team
to capitalize. QB’s Tom Brady and Ryan Tannehill will duke it out in a
highly-contested affair, but I like the Pats experience and superior coaching
to come through with a one-point spread.
Eagles
(-6) vs. Vikings
Eagles
27-19 (Eagles cover spread)
Let’s be realistic. The only
thing that will keep this thing close is RB Adrian Peterson. The Eagles offense
(particularly the running game last week which racked up over 300 yards) is in
full-flight, and it does not appear the Vikes defense has what it takes to
derail them. Philly will be very thankful to the Bears this week, because
although they still don’t control their own destiny for the division crown, a
win this week combined with another Dallas loss will really shift the balance
of power in their favor. QB Adrian Peterson will put in his usual Sunday’s work
and surpass 100 yards and cross the plane once, but QB Nick Foles will have his
way with the 31st ranked Vikings defense. Minnesota suffered a tough
loss last week and has not laid down for anybody, so don’t expect a blowout,
but the Eagles will find a way to cover and get this one done on the road.
Jets
vs. Panthers (-11.5)
Panthers
24-17 (Jets beat spread)
Carolina’s seven-game winning
streak came to a screeching halt last week at the Saints. Their defense was
overwhelmed and the Saint defense really got after QB Cam Newton. While they
are not in control of the division, they are still firmly in control of a
wild-card spot. If the Panthers can remain on course the final three games and
get back to playing their physical style of football, they will be headed to
the postseason. Meanwhile, the Jets are sitting at an unimpressive 6-7, but
remain only one-game behind the AFC’s sixth seed. Therefore, I see this one
being a tight game between two of the league’s top defensive units. The Jets
have been a Jekyll and Hyde team this season, so some may be inclined to take
Carolina with the spread here, but I think the Jets will come out ready to
compete this week. It just won’t be enough against a better team on the road,
and QB Geno Smith will contribute with a crucial 2nd half turnover.
Chiefs
(-5.5) vs. Raiders
Chiefs
34-17 (Chiefs cover spread)
Kansas City got back on track
last week with a 35-point rout of the Redskins. The Raiders looked flat in
giving up 37 points to the Jets. Kansas City is in prime position for a
wild-card spot, and they can clinch a playoff berth with a win over their
division rivals on Sunday. QB Matt McGloin has shown promise with the Raiders,
who may have an offseason quarterback competition on their hands. RB Jamaal
Charles continues to be an under-the-radar elite rusher in the NFL, compiling
1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns through thirteen games. The Raiders won’t want
any part of him come Sunday, but they can’t run away. Or maybe they can? Take
the Chiefs.
Cardinals
(-3) vs. Titans
Cardinals
31-24 (Cardinals cover spread)
Arizona trails the 49ers by
one-game in the NFC playoff picture for the second wild-card spot. At 8-5, the
Cards have overachieved this season and look to stamp their place in the
postseason in the tough NFC West. They will have to hold serve the next two
weeks and set up a potential winner-take-all matchup with the 49ers in Week 17.
Tennessee got torched by Denver and QB Peyton Manning last week, and will have
their hands full again with another very capable offense. At 5-8, they have
razor thin playoff hopes, and will likely need to win-out and get a ton of help
to squeak into the postseason. Arizona has much more to play for at this
junction, and despite QB Carson Palmer’s high interception count, he has thrown
for 20 touchdowns and 3,458 yards. Palmer and the underrated Cardinal defense
will lead Arizona to a second-straight win and keep them alive in the playoff
hunt.
Saints
(-6.5) vs. Rams
Saints
35-22 (Saints cover spread)
The Saints made a statement to
their division rivals and the rest of the NFC last week. They are one of the
toughest home teams to face in the NFL, but the questions remain on the road. A
win here won’t do much to shake that belief, but New Orleans isn’t worried
about outside noise. QB Drew Brees will be too much to handle for the 19th
ranked Ram defense, and will continue his impressive season behind center. QB
Kellen Clemens has done a decent job filling QB Sam Bradford’s void, but will
not ‘wow’ anyone at the quarterback position. Look for RB’s Mark Ingram and
Darren Sproles to take some of the pressure off Brees in a game that will be
decided by halftime.
Packers
vs. Cowboys (-7)
Cowboys
33-23 (Cowboys cover spread)
QB Aaron Rodgers has still not
been medically cleared to play on Sunday as of today. This is a deciding factor
in taking the spread or not in this game, as Rodgers is one of the best in the
business. For now, I would take the Cowboys to cover because, despite their
porous defense, I believe in QB Tony Romo’s abilities much more than QB Matt
Flynn’s. Dallas’ defense will be able to manage Flynn and the offense, but if
Rodgers were to be cleared to go I would be fearful of picking Dallas. Romo
will have his way with the Green Bay defense at home, and RB DeMarco Murray
could be in for another big game. If Rodgers remains inactive, take the ‘Boys
with the spread, but if he gets clearance, take the Pack to beat the spread.
Bengals
(-3) vs. Steelers
Bengals
27-24 (Bengals cover spread)
Cincinatti is in firm control of
the AFC’s 3rd seed, while Pittsburgh was barely eliminated from
playoff contention last week because WR Antonio Brown stepped out of bounds in
a potential last-second game-winning play. This figures to be a tight,
divisional affair in Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football, as AFC North battles
always seem to be. Cincy can put themselves in great position to clinch no
worse than the third seed if they win and the Colts lose; therefore, they will
come out with intensity from the first snap. QB Ben Roethlisberger is enjoying another
quality season as a pro, throwing for 24 touchdowns to 10 interceptions along
with 3,724 yards. He will find it tough against the 8th ranked
Cincinatti defense, but will manage to put up solid numbers. In the end, the
team that needs the game more will come away with the victory and cover.
Ravens
vs. Lions (-6)
Lions
34-30 (Ravens beat spread)
Detroit got absolutely manhandled
by the Philadelphia offense, specifically the running game, in the blizzard at
the Linc last week. The Lions still own the lead in the NFC North by virtue of
tiebreakers, but Chicago and Green Bay are right on their heels. They are a
completely different animal to deal with at Ford Field, and the Ravens will
soon discover that. QB Matt Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson are arguably the
most dynamic, threatening QB-WR tandem in the NFL. Stafford also has other weapons
at his disposal with the likes of TE Brandon Pettigrew, WR Nate Burleson and RB
Reggie Bush. Baltimore will need to be ready to come out and play in tough
environment with the Miami Dolphins nipping at their heels in the AFC playoff
race. Expect a nice day from QB Joe Flacco and co. in order to keep this one
close. The Lions come out on top in the final score, but do not cover.
ADAM
Chargers vs Broncos (-10.5)
34-24 Broncos
This one is going to be a
shootout for sure. Both teams are coming off impressive offensive showings. The
Broncos will be without Wes Welker who is sidelined with a concussion but
Peyton has enough options to get the win at home and cover the spread.
Bills (-1) vs Jaguars
21-17 Jaguars
It’s amazing how different
the Jaguars look now compared to the beginning of the season. Currently riding
a 3 game winning streak the Jaguars are feeling good about themselves coming
into this matchup against the Bills. The Jaguars will get an improbable 4th
win in a row at home.
Bears vs Browns (-1)
27-24 Bears
This matchup showcases two of
the hottest receivers in the league right now, Josh Gordon and Alshon Jeffrey.
The Browns lost a game they really should’ve won last week to New England and
the Bears pummeled the Cowboys on Monday night. I’m going to give the edge to
Chicago in this one. I think their offense, which scored on every possession
against Dallas, will be too much for Cleveland.
Texans vs Colts (-6)
23-14 Colts
The Texans have lost 11 in a
row right now and just fired their head coach. I can’t see a Wade Phillips lead
Texans team taking down the Colts even with how bad the Colts have looked.
Colts get the win here.
Patriots (-2.5) vs Dolphins
23-20 Patriots
The Pats seem to be losing a
big time player every week. This week, and for the rest of the season, they
will be without Gronk. There is something about this Patriots team though that
makes me think that as long as Tom Brady is playing, it doesn’t matter who is
out there with him, they will win. Pats hold on for a slim win
Eagles (-6) vs Vikings
35-20 Eagles
The Eagles are unstoppable at
this moment. I don’t see them slowing down at all especially when they will
playing indoors this week and snow will not be a factor. Foles and the Eagles
keep rolling and take care of the Vikings.
Seahawks (-7.5) vs Giants
31-21 Seahawks
The Seahawks didn’t play
their best last week in San Francisco and will be sure to bounce back against
the Giants on Sunday. Seattle’s defense will be all over the G-Men and Russell
Wilson will return to his MVP caliber form.
49ers (-6) vs Buccaneers
17-13 49ers
This one is going to be
close. The Buccaneers continue to be the best bad team in the NFL and their
defense will be able to keep this one close. In the end, the 49ers defensive
pressure will get the best of Mike Glennon.
Redskins vs Falcons (-7)
23 – 10 Falcons
The Falcons are starting to
turn things around while the Redskins have hit rock bottom. RGIII has been
benched for Kirk Cousins and Mike Shanahan seems to have one foot out the door.
Falcons will get the win at home.
Jets vs Panthers (-11.5)
28-14 Panthers
Geno against the Panthers
defense doesn’t bode well for my Jets. Their defense will force Geno into
making some mistakes and Cam Newton will bounce back after a tough showing last
week. Panthers cover the spread.
Chiefs (-6) vs Raiders
23 – 13 Chiefs
The Chiefs need to beat the
Raiders to clinch a playoff spot. That should be enough motivation for Andy
Reid and his boys to get the job done on Sunday. Chiefs win and cover the
spread.
Packers vs Cowboys (-7)
24 - 17 Cowboys
I have to go with the Cowboys
since it looks like Aaron Rodgers will be sitting this one out. Dallas needs a
win in a big way after last weeks beating in Chicago. Their passing game will
be too much for the Packers D to handle. Romo leads the Cowboys to victory.
Saints (-6) vs Rams
31-13 Saints
This one is simple. Saints
are great and the Rams are terrible. Drew Brees continues his great play and
has an easy day against the Rams defense. Saints win and cover the spread.
Cardinals (-3) vs Titans
24 – 17 Cardinals
The Cardinals need this win
in a big way. The Titans offense will have limited success against the
Cardinals defense who will be the deciding factor in this matchup.
Bengals (-3) vs Steelers
20 – 13 Bengals
This one will be a classic
AFC North matchup except this time the Steelers aren’t playing for a playoff
spot, the Bengals are. The Bengals offense exploded last Sunday and Andy Dalton
will do enough to help lead the Bengals to a big victory.
Ravens vs Lions (-6)
31 – 21 Lions
