Bob Balfe
NFL Football
Steelers/Titans Over 34
Both teams are fighting for the number one seed in the AFC. Defense has gotten both squads to the top this year, but today both offenses matchup well against the opposing defense. The Steelers should be able to run the ball well without Vanden Bosch and Haynesworth on the Titans defensive line. Big Ben should also have time to throw to his receivers against smaller Titans cornerbacks. When Tennessee has the ball they should flat out just out muscle the Steelers. The Titans are huge up front and have monster receivers. Both defenses do have the ability to score which should help. Both teams should score enough just on offense to push this over the total. Take the Over.
Redskins +5 over Eagles
All of a sudden the red hot Eagles are hurting on offense. Curtis is not in the lineup and two offensive guards are out. The Eagles have a shot at making the playoffs but they need to win out and need a little help. The Redskins probably will not make the playoffs and would need a miracle to do so, but they are still alive and will at the very least want to send their hated rivals packing. Washington went into Philadelphia earlier this year and won outright so they are perfectly capable of winning at home. The Eagles have played some teams in the last week that were just not prepared due to injuries or drama such as the Giants and I do not think because they beat these teams that they have fixed their problems. The Eagles may squeak out a win, but their is great value in this line. Take the Skins.
Jets -3.5 over Seahawks
The Jets need a big win on the west coast to keep their playoff hopes alive. New York out played Buffalo last week, but special teams and big plays almost cost them the game. New York responded well and their defense made a big play to win the game. This team is confident and with Brett Favre under center they can play with anyone. Seattle is coming off a come from behind win in St. Louis, but I saw a Rams team that just gave up and doesn't really care about the rest of this season. I just do not see Wallace producing as much offense as Favre. Look for the big Jets Defensive Line to bully the Seahawks young and banged up offensive line. Take the Jets.
Chargers +3.5 over Bucs
The Chargers need a win and a Broncos loss to stay alive. Last week San Diego looked down and out only to make a huge 4th quarter run to beat the Chiefs in Kansas City. I know it was the Chiefs they played, but Arrowhead is one of the toughest stadiums to play in. We all know the NFC South has a great home record, but something happened to this Tampa team. Their defense is so banged up and just cannot stop the run. L.T should have a decent day on the ground and the Chargers defense should step up to the task. The loser of this game is out, but I just cant get over how the Bucs lost two games in a row. Momentum is everything in the NFL. Take the Chargers.
Falcons +3 over Vikings
The Vikings are so good at stopping the run however without Pat Williams in the lineup that defensive line just got a whole lot smaller. Matt Ryan has been playing great football and already proved he can win on the road. Last weeks big win in Arizona might give this Vikings team false confidence. The truth is Arizona is in the worst division in football. Tavaris Jackson looked good, but I do not think he is ready to lead this team to the playoffs. Look for a complete team effort from Atlanta. Take the Falcons.
Lions +7 over Saints
Both teams will be home for the playoffs, but the Lions have everything to play for. Next week they will be in the cold in Green Bay and could possibly go 0-16. I am a big believer that this team needs to win today. With the economy being so bad especially in the Detroit area this team will need to be competitive to sell tickets. If this team does not win this year a lot of ticket holders will not be back. This may seem like a far out statement, but this is a big business and you need to sell tickets. The Saints stink on defense anyway and the past couple of weeks there has been tremendous improvement from the Lions. This spread is too high. Take Detroit.
College Football
Southern Miss +4.5 over Troy
Both teams had early season injuries to the starting QB's this season and have handled it well. Southern Miss has not lost a football game since October after starting 2-6 on the year. This team is red hot and playing great defense. Troy was great in the Sun Belt, but it is the worst conference in College Football and I do not think they will stop senior RB Damion Fletcher. Southern Miss has the better defense and should make Troy uncomfortable all night long. The betting public is all over Troy. Take Southern Miss.
NBA Basketball
Wizard +6 over Magic
NCAA Basketball
Clemson +3.5 over Miami
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