SPORTS WAGERS-RANDALL THE HANDLE
BEST BETS (20-17-2)
KC Chiefs (8-4) at SD Chargers (6-6)
The Chargers were up to their old tricks last week, laying an egg against inferior Raiders. We can’t thank them enough for the opportunity afforded us here because of that blunder. While the Chiefs sit atop the division, four games above .500, their recent schedule has been laughable. Kansas City’s previous six opponents consisted of the Bills, Raiders, Cardinals, Seahawks and Broncos twice. That group is a combined 20-40 on the season and have been outscored by an incredible 340 points. The only way the Chargers will qualify for the post-season is to surpass the Chiefs for the division. That creates the urgency and playoff-like atmosphere that should allow for the superior team roll. TAKING: CHARGERS –6½
Tampa Buccaneers (7-5) at Washington Redskins (5-7)
Bucs remain in pursuit of a playoff spot but not sure if young team can rebound from difficult defeat in Atlanta last week. The Buccaneers will play at a cold-weather site, while traveling for the third time in four weeks. They’ll be received by unappealing Redskins team that has been struggling but may be in a better frame of mind after the team cut ties with Fat Albert and the negativity surrounding him. Tampa is improving but it has been favoured only three times this season, covering just once and has yet to be spotting points on the road. Seeing will be believing. TAKING: REDSKINS +2
Cincinnati Bengals (2-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
Pittsburgh finds itself off huge win over the Ravens while awaiting the arrival of braggart Jets next week. Overlooking this underwhelming Bengals team wouldn’t surprise, especially with Steelers long list of walking wounded. Mummies are less wrapped than QB Ben Roethlisberger as his front line continuously exposes him to oncoming defenders. While the Bengals have taken a giant step backward this season, they’ve been battling recently and loosey-goosey passing game allows for quick strikes. Pittsburgh’s overvalued here. TAKING: BENGALS +9
THE REST:
Oakland Raiders (6-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5)
If you can figure out the Raiders, psychiatry may be the field for you! We’re thinking (hoping?) that Oakland may feed off huge upset of Chargers last week. Having scored more points while allowing less than this host, the Raiders should keep this one interesting. TAKING: RAIDERS +4½
NE Patriots (10-2) at Chicago Bears (9-3)
Tough to fade the Patriots at the moment but we’re going to do just that. The Bears are no slouches themselves lately and with a rugged defence and playing in sub-zero temps, there’s nothing wrong with taking the few points being offered in what figures to be a battle. TAKING: BEARS +3
Cleveland Browns (5-7) at Buffalo Bills (2-10)
Buffalo finally ran out of steam last week in Minnesota but should be rejuvenated enough to compete here. Considering that the Bills have the best quarterback on the field while playing this one at home, needing just a win for a cover seems like an achievable task. TAKING: BILLS –1
NY Giants (8-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-7)
Favre or Jackson? Does it really matter? Both guys are prone to turnovers and neither has defeated a winning team this year. Giants battling for division and post-season activity and after covering 21 of past 29 away games, this one becomes a minor hurdle. TAKING: GIANTS –2½
GB Packers (8-4) at Detroit Lions (2-10)
Lions continue to be a scrappy bunch and despite their woeful record, only the Patriots really laid a whooping on them. Detroit hung in as a 14-point underdog in Lambeau a few weeks ago and playing at home should allow them a reasonable chance at redemption. TAKING: LIONS +6½
Atlanta Falcons (10-2) at Carolina Panthers (1-11)
Yes, there is risk in spotting a converted touchdown on the road, within the division and after a key victory. But better to root for talented Falcons squad than this Carolina squad that just does not have adequate personnel to compete at this level. TAKING: FALCONS –7
Saint Louis Rams (6-6) at New Orleans Saints (9-3)
Saints have been squeaking by some lesser teams recently and while the Rams are improving, they would certainly qualify amongst such types. St. Louis has surprised many with consecutive road wins but ending a three-game trip at this venue will prove a bit too challenging for young squad. TAKING: SAINTS –9½
Seattle Seahawks (6-6) at SF 49ers (4-8)
Even playing in this putrid division and with its soft schedule, Seattle still ranks 30th overall in both total defence and pass defence. The Niners aren’t exactly prolific offensively but they still have enough speedy athletes to take advantage of this leaky unit. TAKING: 49ERS –4½
Miami Dolphins (6-6) at NY Jets (9-3)
The Jets were who we thought they were. After getting clobbered in New England last week, the sting may take time to dissipate and in the meanwhile, the Dolphins will stop by in attempt to rub salt in New York’s wound. Jets won earlier meeting but only on the scoreboard. TAKING: DOLPHINS +5½
Denver Broncos (3-9) at Arizona Cardinals (3-9)
Look away. This line tells you how bad the Cardinals are, as if you didn’t already know. It’s so bad that only the Panthers have scored less and no team has allowed more points than this Arizona bunch. Denver gets a new coach in a situation that lends itself to a successful start. TAKING: BRONCOS –5½
Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) at Dallas Cowboys (4-8)
The Cowboys are playing with a renewed enthusiasm and what better stage than a Sunday night affair against the league’s trendiest team. Despite Philadelphia’s recent success, many holes remain on the defensive side and Dallas’ style of offence capable of inflicting some damage. TAKING: COWBOYS +3½
Baltimore Ravens (8-4) at Houston Texans (5-7)
Texans commonly tease their fans with strong December finishes and with a soft schedule remaining after this one and the division still attainable, we’ll expect a solid effort here. Baltimore arrives battered after Pittsburgh while Houston has had extra rest. TAKING: TEXANS +3