Quick one, gotta pack…
Saturday NFLN
Cowboys @ Carolina(+11)
I just don’t know. If Romo’s thumb isn’t better and they keep trying to throw all the time, they could actually lose, much less cover. But if they just hand the ball to Barber all day, they’ll cover this easily. I say they split the difference, win, but don’t cover.
Sunday 1:00
Browns @ Cincinnati(+3)
Cleveland all the way. Should see some horrible defense played here, just like last time.
Packers @ Chicago(+8.5)
At this point I would think the Packers would lay off, but they’re still playing for home field, which is huge for them. They’ll handle Chicago here. Enough to cover? I think so.
Texans @ Indy(-7)
Will Indy rest everyone now that the #2 seed is locked up? Eh, even if they do, at home, they’re more than a TD better than Houston.
Chiefs @ Detroit(-4.5)
There’s no way the Lions should be favored by more than 2 over anyone, even the Dolphins, even at home. I’m taking KC and the points.
Giants @ Buffalo(+2)
The Giants are in a tailspin, but they have something to play for and the Bills don’t. G-Men.
Raiders @ Jacksonville(-13)
Jax has nothing to play for, either, but they’ll still cover this number. They have a bunch of guys who are justifiably ticked off about the Pro Bowl. How do you win 10 games in the AFC and have nobody in that game?
Eagles @ New Orleans(-3)
The Eagles won last week, and there’s no way they put in two in a row; I’ll give the points.
Sunday 4:10±5
Falcons @ Arizona(-10.5)
The Falcons are horrible, really horrible. Cardinals cover this.
Bucs @ San Francisco(+6)
Even if Tampa rests guys they’ll cover this.
Dolphins @ New England(-22)
These are silly. There’s no reason for the Pats to run it up here, so they will. Pats.
Ravens @ Seattle(-10.5)
Weren’t the Ravens in Miami last week? Sucky travel schedule, I’ll take Seattle.
Jest @ Tennessee(-8.5)
Is there any reason to pick Gang Green? I can’t think of any. Titans.
Sunday NBC
Redskins @ Minnesota(-6.5)
How long can Todd Collins keep it up? I mean, Go Blue and everything, but Todd Collins? Really? The Vikings are awesome against the run; can the Redskins win without Portis doing much? Probably not, but can they keep it close? Maybe. Feels like a field goal game to me, so I’ll take the Redskins.
MNF
Broncos @ San Diego(-9)
The idea of Denver on the road is pretty scary, and the Bolts seem to have figured it out. I’ll give the points.
Saturday NFLN
Cowboys @ Carolina(+11)
Carolina is so awful. I don’t see how they’ll muster enough points to keep this close. Romo healthy or not, they’ll cover this number.
Sunday 1:00
Browns @ Cincinnati(+3)
Cleveland beat them earlier and I guess there’s no reason to go the other way. Browns.
Packers @ Chicago(+8.5)
The Packers want home field, and unless Chicago can get crazy turnovers, they won’t keep it close. Give the points.
Texans @ Indy(-7)
If Manning plays, it will be just for a bit in the first quarter. I expect most of the key players to get extended periods of rest in this game. That’s why the spread is only 7. I suspect Indy will play hard anyway, even if Manning is sitting.
Chiefs @ Detroit(-4.5)
The Chiefs are plain awful. The only hesitation is that Detroit has dropped a few games in a row. Even though they are exposed, I don’t believe KC can exploit it. Expect a bit more running in this game, but I still can’t bring myself to start Kevin Jones on my fantasy team. Give the points.
Giants @ Buffalo(+2)
The Giants will figure out a way to win this one. Give the points.
Raiders @ Jacksonville(-13)
The Raiders are really bad and getting worse. Their defense is increasingly disappointing. I’ll give the number.
Eagles @ New Orleans(-3)
Are the Eagles even still in it? I think Westbrook is a little dinged up…I’ll take the Saints and give the points.
Sunday 4:10±5
Falcons @ Arizona(-10.5)
The Falcons have already cleared out their lockers. Most of the guys on the higher end of the pay scale will probably be gone next year. Give the points.
Bucs @ San Francisco(+6)
This is such a complicated time of the year. I think I’ll take the points in this one.
Dolphins @ New England(-22)
After the Dolphins won last week, New England will want to spank them back. Especially in front of the ’72 folks.
Ravens @ Seattle(-10.5)
The Ravens lost to Miami. I don’t believe they have any pride left. What thinking leads to giving Billick an extension? Baffling! Give the points.
Jest @ Tennessee(-8.5)
The only reason to pick the Jets is if you’re impressed that they kept it close with New England last week. I think that was weather related. I’ll give the points. I WANT MCFADDEN!
Sunday NBC
Redskins @ Minnesota(-6.5)
The Redskins have been playing much better of late, but I’m really impressed by Minnesota. I’m going to give the points.
MNF
Broncos @ San Diego(-9)
Man, I hope Gates has a big game. I have the early lead in my fantasy league super bowl!! Give the points.
Interesting games. It’s difficult for me to keep track of which teams need the win and which teams don’t. Of course, that meant nothing to the Colts! Whatever.
Hey, I won my fantasy league!