Randall the Handle
Buccaneers @ Falcons
This isn’t always so complicated. The Falcons are lousy on the road (1-5) and very strong at home (4-0). The Buccaneers are lousy everywhere. Atlanta returns to the Georgia Dome for only the second time since mid-October and will remain here for the next three weeks. If last year’s surprise playoff team wants to participate in this year’s post-season, it must put together a string of wins and it must start right now, especially with Eagles and Saints on deck. Tampa offers little challenge as it continues to shuffle coaching personnel around while working with a subpar roster. TAKING: Atlanta –11½ RISKING: 2.12 units to win 2
Steelers @ Ravens
With Ben Roethlisberger woozy after being concussed last week and Troy Polamalu still out, expect the Ravens to exploit such vulnerability like a pack of lions spotting a wounded antelope. Baltimore will not lack motivation heading into this one as a win would have them tied for second place in the difficult AFC North while a loss will put them in a difficult position for post-season activity. Pittsburgh has been less than lucrative when traveling this year with just one cover in five away games. If Baltimore’s offence and defence ever decide to show up on same day, look out. TAKING: Baltimore –
Colts @ Texans
The Texans are as tough as Jello. Laden with talent, they just can’t seem to turn the toughness corner. Even so, we’re going to call for them to finesse their way to a win here against an Indianapolis team that has been winning on a wing and a prayer. While still undefeated, the Colts have won their last four games by a combined 10 points. After bruising game in Baltimore, they must stay on the road and face a Houston team that was a wide-left field goal away from taking Indy to overtime just three weeks ago. Colts coasting with five-game lead in division while Texans are desperate. TAKING: Houston +3 ½ RISKING: 2.2 units to win to 2 Sports Interaction
THE REST
Browns @ Bengals
The Bengals were embarrassed after losing to Raiders last week. The Browns are embarrassing every week. While we fully expect Cincinnati to regain its focus, it is difficult to spot two touchdowns with a team that has exceeded 18 points just once in past six games.TAKING: Cleveland +14
Bears @ Vikings
This price may seem a bit steep considering long history with these two. However, current form has them headed in opposite directions and with Chicago adding more to its already long list of wounded, Vikes not afraid to pour it on.TAKING: Minnesota –10 ½
Redskins @ Eagles
The Redskins have been badly bitten by the injury bug and with their already limited productivity, things could get progressively worse.. However, Eagles just too erratic to be giving this many points and Washington has only lost once by more than 10 points.TAKING: Washington +9
Dolphins @ Bills
Prefer rested and playoff hopeful Dolphins to a Buffalo squad that has basically thrown in the towel. The Bills lost a couple more players last week and may also be without the services of RB Marshawn Lynch. Once a tough out here, the Bills have dropped eight of past nine at the Ralph.TAKING: Miami –3½
Cardinals @ Titans
Oddly, the Cardinals are 2-3 at home while sporting a 5-0 road record. Despite their travelling prowess and being Super Bowl runner-up, Arizona still finds itself in underdog role here. Titans definitely improved but we’re not quite ready to grant this much respect.TAKING: Arizona +3
Seahawks @ Rams
Not at all interested in giving away points with this sorry Seahawks squad that is a dismal 0-5 both straight up and versus spread on road thus far. To add to its woes, this is Seattle’s third consecutive road game. Short price is justified.TAKING: St. Louis +3
Panthers @ Jets
Both quarterbacks might provide opposing team with more points than they do their own.. When the dust settles, we expect Rex Ryan’s bunch to cause more damage as an already shaky Jake Delhomme has makeshift line in front of him.TAKING: NY Jets –3
Jaguars @ 49ers
After a three-game winning streak, the Jaguars suddenly find themselves in the playoff hunt but we’re not buying it. Jacksonville’s past three home game victories have occurred by 3-points in each case to the Rams, Chiefs and Bills. This assignment is tougher.TAKING: San Francisco –3
Chiefs @ Chargers
Chargers on a roll with five consecutive wins and now find themselves atop AFC West. This might be a flat spot for them after climb and impressive win over Denver last week. Chiefs are showing gradual improvements and figure to be better than 37-7 setback in first meeting.TAKING: Kansas City +14
Patriots @ Saints
Very quietly, the Patriots have allowed the second least amount of points in the NFL. As luck would have it, the Saints have scored a league-leading 369 points. Something has to give and that being the case, the better defence combined with a dangerous offence, while getting points is the prudent move here.TAKING: New England +3
