Chicago +7 over JACKSONVILLE
Those people who celebrate the most birthdays become the oldest, two and two equals four and you can’t spot a converted touchdown with these Jaguars. Basic math. Jacksonville has won six games this season. Not one of them has been by more than six points. Jags have dropped three in a row and four of its past five games. Over that span they managed a meager six points against the Texans, an unimpressive 15 against the Titans, and a just as unimpressive 16 against the Vikes. In fact, the only time they hung up more then 16 in the past five weeks was at home against a brutal Lions defense and that was only because the game went into OT. They’ll now face a Bears team that’s playing with confidence, believes in what they’re doing and features a defense as solid as any that the Jags have seen all year. Bears offense showed some semblance after inserting Chad Hutchinson into their troubled quarterback position last week. Chicago has been a lucrative road team with four covers in six trips. You’ll need Monday’s paper to convince us that the Jags are worthy of this tag. Math homework pays off here. Possible upset. Play Chicago +7 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
fficeffice" /><o
></o>
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WASHINGTON +9 over Philadelphia<o></o>
It’s been quite a long time since we’ve seen point-spreads as high as the ones posted this week. It’s no secret that wagering on the chalk the past couple of weeks has converted into cash and as a result the oddsmakers have over-compensated this week. Also having influence on this number is the Eagles convincing win over the Pack last week. Enter the Redskins, a team that seldom gets blown away and possesses one of the leagues finest defenses. The Redskins fought hard in a 28-6 loss to Philly just three weeks ago and trailed only 7-6 at halftime. The Skins defense pressured Donovan McNabb all day in that one and it was Patrick Ramsey’s first start of the season for Washington. The Eagles are clearly the class of the NFC as they continue pummeling any team that comes across their path. That said, setting is right for a tussle against this division rival. Ramsey and the Skins were impressive in home win last week and could catch Philadelphia napping with big lead in conference. Featured Sunday night game has Redskins paying attention. Line is simply too fat. Play Washington +9 (Risking 1.65 units to win 1.5).<o></o>
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New Orleans +7 over DALLAS<o></o>
Don’t be fooled by the Cowboys win over the Seahawks on Monday night. It was as bizarre as the Music City Miracle and it was the Seahawks ineptitude, not the Cowboys good play that resulted in the unusual victory. Fact is, the Cowboys are an alarming –14 in takeover ratio compared to New Orleans’ –2. The Dallas pass defense ranks a worrisome 25th and the Saints have the artillery to exploit that. Saints can score and the Boys haven’t shown the ability to stop anyone. We know the Saints are about as predictable as a Mike Tyson press conference. This reckless squad has dropped four of five, own the worst defense in the league and have a coach that is on borrowed time. Still, they are just one game behind a Cowboys team that sits two games under .500. Laying seven points with teams that own a defense as bad as the Cowboys is one thing, laying them with an offense that isn’t very good either is just plain bad strategy. Dallas is favored by more than a touchdown for only the second time in five years and we’re not buying it. Throw in the fact that Dallas is coming off that big Monday night win and this one sets up beautifully, not only for a cover, but quite possibly a straight up win. Play New Orleans +7 (Risking 1.65 units to win 1.5).<o></o>
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The Rest of the Games<o></o>
HOUSTON +10 over Indianapolis<o></o>
Like most, Texans are a much better squad at home and really have the ability to put up some big points here against a suspect Colts defense. Indy ranks 31st against the pass and David Carr and his movie star hair style shouldn’t have much problem putting up points. Oddsmakers quite aware of public infatuation with prolific Colts right now and that creates an inflated price. While we wouldn’t dare discount all that Indianapolis has accomplished lately, we have to keep our heads on straight. You can’t turn on ESPN or the radio these days without Manning and the Colts being the featured story and that, too, has heavy influence on the public. Indy certainly capable of sticking it to them, however, it must be noted that should you wager on this visitor, you’ll be paying a big premium to do so. Play Houston +10 (No bets).<o></o>
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Tampa Bay +5 over SAN DIEGO<o></o>
This one could decide whether or not the Bucs are going to the playoffs and we have to trust that they’ll finally bring their “A” game with them on the road here. They’ve been awful on the road in favorable spots and perhaps a dose of a playoff bound team will bring out the best in them. Chargers responding to all challenges but a letdown here would not surprise us at all. San Diego flying high after win over hated Broncos and now own a cushy two-game lead in division. Bucs playing well with four wins in past six tries including shutout of Falcons last week. Chargers been on a high just a little too long for our liking and are ripe to get beat. Play Tampa Bay +5 (No bets).<o></o>
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San Francisco +7 over ARIZONA<o></o>
Why doesn’t Arizona coach Dennis Green see that switching your sub-par quarterbacks every week is like putting a louder horn on your car when your brakes don’t work? The Niners at least came to play last week in St. Louis and they certainly see an opportunity to get to the winners circle again. Furthermore, the players are very aware of the point spread each week and frankly, this number is an insult to the whole team. The last time the Cardinals were favored by this much, baseball was pure. Arizona has scored 25 points in past three weeks and spotting a converted touchdown here is ridiculous. Play San Francisco (No bets).
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GREEN BAY –9½ over Detroit<o></o>
Hate to lay 9½ big points with the Packers but the alternative appears worse. The Pack will be anxious to get back on the field and erase that humiliating loss to the Eagles last week. Brett Favre likes to beat up on weaklings and this visitor, with their 29th ranked pass defense, certainly qualifies. Not overly confident with this choice as the Packers are capable of losing to anyone and only an array of cupcakes has this team in a possible playoff spot. Detroit has to also be considered a cupcake and playing at Lambeau on the frozen tundra is not something the Lions can be too comfortable with. Green Bay blew away the Lions in earlier meeting and a repeat performance would not surprise. Play Green Bay –9½ (No bets).<o></o>
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NEW ENGLAND –11 over Cincinnati<o></o>
The first inclination here was to take the points but after further review, we’re inclined to lay them. Bengals appear to be gaining steam, however, allowing the Ravens to score 27 and the Brownies to score 48 is not a mild warning it’s a huge one. Fact is, the Bengals are out of their league here and the oddsmakers know it. Have to believe this line was designed to attract Bengal money as they’ve won four of five with only loss over that span coming to the Steelers. Of the Bengals six wins only two of them, against the Broncos and Ravens, have been against a winning franchise and only a late collapse by the Ravens prevented the Bengals from remaining under .500. New England knows how to take care of business and they also know how to bury inferior teams, especially in their own backyard. Play New England –11 (No bets).<o></o>
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BUFFALO –11 over Cleveland<o></o>
The Bills are an 11-point favorite? That’s just what the oddsmakers want you to think. However, the once 0-4 Bills are suddenly on the playoff radar screen and are a team that few would want to face at the moment. A strong defense and an emerging offense make Buffalo quite dangerous. In fact, the offense is suddenly clicking, having produced 12 touchdowns the last three games after generating just three in its first nine. Running back Willis McGahee has been a big factor, rushing for more than 800 yards and seven touchdowns since replacing Travis Henry as the starter seven games ago. It looks like it’ll be Luke McCown going for the Browns as interim coach Terry Robiskie has given the youngster a vote of confidence. He did pass for 277 yards and two TD’s, however, both TD’s came in garbage time with the Brownies down a ton. He’ll now be asked to play on the road at one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult places to throw a pass at. Buffalo can suddenly smell a playoff spot and no way will they allow this team to get in the way of that. Play Buffalo –11 (No bets).<o></o>
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NY Giants +10 over BALTIMORE<o></o>
The Giants will commit a bunch of mistakes here. The only question need be answered is how many Baltimore points will result from the miscues. Regardless, we will not spot this many points with an anemic Ravens offense that has a dreadful quarterback and is missing their star running back. Furthermore, the total on this game is 34 and just that fact alone tells us that taking back the points is the smart play. Win or lose, we’re not prepared to spot double digits to anyone with this Ravens squad that has given up 50 points in last two games and are not on the upswing, they’re on the downswing. Play NY Giants +10 (No bets).<o></o>
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MINNESOTA –7 over Seattle<o></o>
Minnesota needs to demolish someone to get back on track and this invader may be just what the doctor ordered. Seahawks stock has decreased quicker then Clay Aiken’s and there doesn’t appear to be any end in sight. Seattle’s secondary is embarrassing and this team has very little character at the moment. Minnesota won this game by a 34-3 count last year and a similar result would not surprise. Not a good idea to play on teams that are freefalling. Man, has this team sunk quickly. Play Minnesota –7 (No bets).<o></o>
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Oakland +7½ over ATLANTA<o></o>
Despite winning two out of its past three and despite a 9-3 record, the Falcons have not been impressive at all and instead have gotten it done through smoke and mirrors. Eventually that catches up to you and that’s precisely what’s transpired with this team. They were tooth and nails to beat both the reeling Giants and Saints and then, after those two scares, they were blown away in Tampa last week. Atlanta opened the year 4-0, however, the wins came against Frisco, St. Louis, Arizona, and the then 0-3 Panthers. They then proceeded to lose two out of three, to the Lions and Chiefs, the latter by a 56-10 count. They’ve had an easy schedule and that 9-3 record is the most misleading of all NFL teams. The Raiders have played two good games in a row and actually do see some light at the end of the tunnel. Kerry Collins looks much more comfortable with this West Coast offense then he did earlier in the year. Playing well with nothing to lose and no pressure on them whatsoever, the Raiders are suddenly a dangerous enemy and these points are very generous indeed. This one was close to making our top selections. Play Oakland +7½ (No bets).<o></o>
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NY Jets +5½ over PITTSBURGH<o></o>
While the Steelers continue to win (10 straight), they’ve only punched out 19, 16 and 17 points in past three weeks. That style suits these Jets just fine as they employ a similar approach and rely upon conservative play with very few errors. It’ll be a playoff like atmosphere in Steeltown and while the Jets don’t dazzle anyone, they usually keep things very close and put themselves in a position to win. We’ll expect that to hold true again and the low total of 36 on this game only does more to convince us that this one will be very close throughout. Play NY Jets +5½ (No bets).<o></o>
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DENVER –11 over Miami<o></o>
Miami traveling for third time in four weeks and will do so with a depleted roster that is weak to begin with. Denver suddenly fighting for its playoff lives and should unleash a strong running attack against a Dolphins defense surrendering an alarming 134 yards per game on the ground. Not a believer of the Broncos but the Fish have too many handicaps to overcome and Denver is not the best place to play at when you’re severely crippled, both mentally and physically. Play Denver –11 (No bets).<o></o>
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CAROLINA –7 over St. Louis<o></o>
Panthers appear to have rekindled fire in their bellies as they’ve reeled off four consecutive wins. The Rams troubles continue to mount as Marc Bulger is out and will be replaced by journeyman Chris ‘Chandelier’. If you’re a regular reader of this section then you know we have to mention the Mike Martz factor. With a new quarterback running the offense Martz will find at least another half dozen ways to embarrass his players or himself. Frankly, he’s the worst coach we’ve seen in the 35 years of watching this sport. Lastly, and we’ll mention it again because it’s very noteworthy here, we believe this line was designed to attract Ram money. St. Louis remains somewhat popular and it’s only the third time in past three years that they’ve been a dog of seven points or more. The fact that they’re seven point dogs to a team that has gotten very little exposure this year is even more telling. This one could get ugly. Play Carolina –7 (No bets).
Those people who celebrate the most birthdays become the oldest, two and two equals four and you can’t spot a converted touchdown with these Jaguars. Basic math. Jacksonville has won six games this season. Not one of them has been by more than six points. Jags have dropped three in a row and four of its past five games. Over that span they managed a meager six points against the Texans, an unimpressive 15 against the Titans, and a just as unimpressive 16 against the Vikes. In fact, the only time they hung up more then 16 in the past five weeks was at home against a brutal Lions defense and that was only because the game went into OT. They’ll now face a Bears team that’s playing with confidence, believes in what they’re doing and features a defense as solid as any that the Jags have seen all year. Bears offense showed some semblance after inserting Chad Hutchinson into their troubled quarterback position last week. Chicago has been a lucrative road team with four covers in six trips. You’ll need Monday’s paper to convince us that the Jags are worthy of this tag. Math homework pays off here. Possible upset. Play Chicago +7 (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
fficeffice" /><o></o><o
></o>WASHINGTON +9 over Philadelphia<o
></o>It’s been quite a long time since we’ve seen point-spreads as high as the ones posted this week. It’s no secret that wagering on the chalk the past couple of weeks has converted into cash and as a result the oddsmakers have over-compensated this week. Also having influence on this number is the Eagles convincing win over the Pack last week. Enter the Redskins, a team that seldom gets blown away and possesses one of the leagues finest defenses. The Redskins fought hard in a 28-6 loss to Philly just three weeks ago and trailed only 7-6 at halftime. The Skins defense pressured Donovan McNabb all day in that one and it was Patrick Ramsey’s first start of the season for Washington. The Eagles are clearly the class of the NFC as they continue pummeling any team that comes across their path. That said, setting is right for a tussle against this division rival. Ramsey and the Skins were impressive in home win last week and could catch Philadelphia napping with big lead in conference. Featured Sunday night game has Redskins paying attention. Line is simply too fat. Play Washington +9 (Risking 1.65 units to win 1.5).<o
></o><o
></o>New Orleans +7 over DALLAS<o
></o>Don’t be fooled by the Cowboys win over the Seahawks on Monday night. It was as bizarre as the Music City Miracle and it was the Seahawks ineptitude, not the Cowboys good play that resulted in the unusual victory. Fact is, the Cowboys are an alarming –14 in takeover ratio compared to New Orleans’ –2. The Dallas pass defense ranks a worrisome 25th and the Saints have the artillery to exploit that. Saints can score and the Boys haven’t shown the ability to stop anyone. We know the Saints are about as predictable as a Mike Tyson press conference. This reckless squad has dropped four of five, own the worst defense in the league and have a coach that is on borrowed time. Still, they are just one game behind a Cowboys team that sits two games under .500. Laying seven points with teams that own a defense as bad as the Cowboys is one thing, laying them with an offense that isn’t very good either is just plain bad strategy. Dallas is favored by more than a touchdown for only the second time in five years and we’re not buying it. Throw in the fact that Dallas is coming off that big Monday night win and this one sets up beautifully, not only for a cover, but quite possibly a straight up win. Play New Orleans +7 (Risking 1.65 units to win 1.5).<o
></o><o
></o>The Rest of the Games<o
></o>HOUSTON +10 over Indianapolis<o
></o>Like most, Texans are a much better squad at home and really have the ability to put up some big points here against a suspect Colts defense. Indy ranks 31st against the pass and David Carr and his movie star hair style shouldn’t have much problem putting up points. Oddsmakers quite aware of public infatuation with prolific Colts right now and that creates an inflated price. While we wouldn’t dare discount all that Indianapolis has accomplished lately, we have to keep our heads on straight. You can’t turn on ESPN or the radio these days without Manning and the Colts being the featured story and that, too, has heavy influence on the public. Indy certainly capable of sticking it to them, however, it must be noted that should you wager on this visitor, you’ll be paying a big premium to do so. Play Houston +10 (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>Tampa Bay +5 over SAN DIEGO<o
></o>This one could decide whether or not the Bucs are going to the playoffs and we have to trust that they’ll finally bring their “A” game with them on the road here. They’ve been awful on the road in favorable spots and perhaps a dose of a playoff bound team will bring out the best in them. Chargers responding to all challenges but a letdown here would not surprise us at all. San Diego flying high after win over hated Broncos and now own a cushy two-game lead in division. Bucs playing well with four wins in past six tries including shutout of Falcons last week. Chargers been on a high just a little too long for our liking and are ripe to get beat. Play Tampa Bay +5 (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>San Francisco +7 over ARIZONA<o
></o>Why doesn’t Arizona coach Dennis Green see that switching your sub-par quarterbacks every week is like putting a louder horn on your car when your brakes don’t work? The Niners at least came to play last week in St. Louis and they certainly see an opportunity to get to the winners circle again. Furthermore, the players are very aware of the point spread each week and frankly, this number is an insult to the whole team. The last time the Cardinals were favored by this much, baseball was pure. Arizona has scored 25 points in past three weeks and spotting a converted touchdown here is ridiculous. Play San Francisco (No bets).
<o
></o>GREEN BAY –9½ over Detroit<o
></o>Hate to lay 9½ big points with the Packers but the alternative appears worse. The Pack will be anxious to get back on the field and erase that humiliating loss to the Eagles last week. Brett Favre likes to beat up on weaklings and this visitor, with their 29th ranked pass defense, certainly qualifies. Not overly confident with this choice as the Packers are capable of losing to anyone and only an array of cupcakes has this team in a possible playoff spot. Detroit has to also be considered a cupcake and playing at Lambeau on the frozen tundra is not something the Lions can be too comfortable with. Green Bay blew away the Lions in earlier meeting and a repeat performance would not surprise. Play Green Bay –9½ (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>NEW ENGLAND –11 over Cincinnati<o
></o>The first inclination here was to take the points but after further review, we’re inclined to lay them. Bengals appear to be gaining steam, however, allowing the Ravens to score 27 and the Brownies to score 48 is not a mild warning it’s a huge one. Fact is, the Bengals are out of their league here and the oddsmakers know it. Have to believe this line was designed to attract Bengal money as they’ve won four of five with only loss over that span coming to the Steelers. Of the Bengals six wins only two of them, against the Broncos and Ravens, have been against a winning franchise and only a late collapse by the Ravens prevented the Bengals from remaining under .500. New England knows how to take care of business and they also know how to bury inferior teams, especially in their own backyard. Play New England –11 (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>BUFFALO –11 over Cleveland<o
></o>The Bills are an 11-point favorite? That’s just what the oddsmakers want you to think. However, the once 0-4 Bills are suddenly on the playoff radar screen and are a team that few would want to face at the moment. A strong defense and an emerging offense make Buffalo quite dangerous. In fact, the offense is suddenly clicking, having produced 12 touchdowns the last three games after generating just three in its first nine. Running back Willis McGahee has been a big factor, rushing for more than 800 yards and seven touchdowns since replacing Travis Henry as the starter seven games ago. It looks like it’ll be Luke McCown going for the Browns as interim coach Terry Robiskie has given the youngster a vote of confidence. He did pass for 277 yards and two TD’s, however, both TD’s came in garbage time with the Brownies down a ton. He’ll now be asked to play on the road at one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult places to throw a pass at. Buffalo can suddenly smell a playoff spot and no way will they allow this team to get in the way of that. Play Buffalo –11 (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>NY Giants +10 over BALTIMORE<o
></o>The Giants will commit a bunch of mistakes here. The only question need be answered is how many Baltimore points will result from the miscues. Regardless, we will not spot this many points with an anemic Ravens offense that has a dreadful quarterback and is missing their star running back. Furthermore, the total on this game is 34 and just that fact alone tells us that taking back the points is the smart play. Win or lose, we’re not prepared to spot double digits to anyone with this Ravens squad that has given up 50 points in last two games and are not on the upswing, they’re on the downswing. Play NY Giants +10 (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>MINNESOTA –7 over Seattle<o
></o>Minnesota needs to demolish someone to get back on track and this invader may be just what the doctor ordered. Seahawks stock has decreased quicker then Clay Aiken’s and there doesn’t appear to be any end in sight. Seattle’s secondary is embarrassing and this team has very little character at the moment. Minnesota won this game by a 34-3 count last year and a similar result would not surprise. Not a good idea to play on teams that are freefalling. Man, has this team sunk quickly. Play Minnesota –7 (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>Oakland +7½ over ATLANTA<o
></o>Despite winning two out of its past three and despite a 9-3 record, the Falcons have not been impressive at all and instead have gotten it done through smoke and mirrors. Eventually that catches up to you and that’s precisely what’s transpired with this team. They were tooth and nails to beat both the reeling Giants and Saints and then, after those two scares, they were blown away in Tampa last week. Atlanta opened the year 4-0, however, the wins came against Frisco, St. Louis, Arizona, and the then 0-3 Panthers. They then proceeded to lose two out of three, to the Lions and Chiefs, the latter by a 56-10 count. They’ve had an easy schedule and that 9-3 record is the most misleading of all NFL teams. The Raiders have played two good games in a row and actually do see some light at the end of the tunnel. Kerry Collins looks much more comfortable with this West Coast offense then he did earlier in the year. Playing well with nothing to lose and no pressure on them whatsoever, the Raiders are suddenly a dangerous enemy and these points are very generous indeed. This one was close to making our top selections. Play Oakland +7½ (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>NY Jets +5½ over PITTSBURGH<o
></o>While the Steelers continue to win (10 straight), they’ve only punched out 19, 16 and 17 points in past three weeks. That style suits these Jets just fine as they employ a similar approach and rely upon conservative play with very few errors. It’ll be a playoff like atmosphere in Steeltown and while the Jets don’t dazzle anyone, they usually keep things very close and put themselves in a position to win. We’ll expect that to hold true again and the low total of 36 on this game only does more to convince us that this one will be very close throughout. Play NY Jets +5½ (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>DENVER –11 over Miami<o
></o>Miami traveling for third time in four weeks and will do so with a depleted roster that is weak to begin with. Denver suddenly fighting for its playoff lives and should unleash a strong running attack against a Dolphins defense surrendering an alarming 134 yards per game on the ground. Not a believer of the Broncos but the Fish have too many handicaps to overcome and Denver is not the best place to play at when you’re severely crippled, both mentally and physically. Play Denver –11 (No bets).<o
></o><o
></o>CAROLINA –7 over St. Louis<o
></o>Panthers appear to have rekindled fire in their bellies as they’ve reeled off four consecutive wins. The Rams troubles continue to mount as Marc Bulger is out and will be replaced by journeyman Chris ‘Chandelier’. If you’re a regular reader of this section then you know we have to mention the Mike Martz factor. With a new quarterback running the offense Martz will find at least another half dozen ways to embarrass his players or himself. Frankly, he’s the worst coach we’ve seen in the 35 years of watching this sport. Lastly, and we’ll mention it again because it’s very noteworthy here, we believe this line was designed to attract Ram money. St. Louis remains somewhat popular and it’s only the third time in past three years that they’ve been a dog of seven points or more. The fact that they’re seven point dogs to a team that has gotten very little exposure this year is even more telling. This one could get ugly. Play Carolina –7 (No bets).
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