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Matchups
INDIANAPOLIS -7 AT KANSAS CITY (41.5) – I don’t see any way that the Chiefs beat the Colts with so much on the line here for Indy, but it’s hard to give 7 points on the road for a team that isn’t all that good.  Andrew Luck is getting ready on Sunday to break the rookie record for yardage passing that Cam Newton set just last season.  He throws a lot of picks though.  Kansas City, on the other hand, HAS NO QUARTERBACK to speak of.  Brady Quinn will get the start.  Quinn’s QB rating is 64.7. He has 2 TD’s and 6 picks.  Come to think of it, maybe the Colts WILL over the 7 point spread.  Chiefs best WR Dwayne Bowe is out for the rest of the season.  Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles has 1,230 yards but just 4 TD’s.  Indy’s Reggie Wayne needs just 3 catches to reach 100 receptions for a season once again.   I’m going to retain my sanity here and PASS on this game.

WASHINGTON -6.5 AT PHILADELPHIA (45) – Robert Griffin will be starting for Washington and the last time these two teams met he had a PERFECT QB rating.  I’m not looking for that on Sunday but I would expect that it should be a closer game than 31-6.  The Redskins have already rushed for 2,347 yards and 17 TD’s this season.  Skins rookie RB Alfred Morris has rushed for 1,322 yards and 9 TD’s.  He may break Clinton Portis’ Redskins record in the next couple of weeks.  The Eagles defense has been anything but stellar this season.  Last week at home Cincinnati beat them by 21 points.  The Skins hold a share of first place in the NFC East for the first time since 1999. I think I was in Disney World when that happened with the kids.  The Skins have won 5 games in a row.  For the Eagles and their fans, they may be seeing the last of long-tenured HC Andy Reid, who lost one of his sons to a drug overdose in training camp this season.  In my opinion, this game reeks of a trap game.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME AND IF I DO ANYTING AT ALL, I’LL PROBABLY TAKE THE EAGLES PLUS THE POINTS.

JETS -2.5 OVER SAN DIEGO (38.5) – This game means nothing now to the Jets and even less to the Chargers.  Norv Turner and his GM are on their way OUT of San Diego.  Chargers QB Phillip Rivers is 24-5 in December in his career.  Mark Sanchez is finally out as the starter after last week’s debacle.   Why it took so long only says something about how bad their other two QBs are.  3^rd stringer Greg McElroy will get the start. Tim Tebow will be gone after the season is over.  I have NO idea why he didn’t get playing time but I can only think it’s because this team isn’t willing to change their philosophy of offense to fit a winner likeTebow.  Hell, Sanchez can’t even keep his relationship with Eva Longoria going.  Rex isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.  He’ll be the HC of the Jets for at least another year.  San Diego starting RB Ryan Matthews is out for the season.  I doubt the Chargers will have much of a punch offensively and defensively but the Jets are soooooo bad.  I’M GOING TO PASS ONTHIS GAME.  Say Good night Norv.

CAROLINA -8.5 OVER OAKLAND (48.5) – Cam Newton and the Panthers are finally playing some good football.  Unfortunately for them, the season doesn’t have enough games left to give them a chance to make the playoffs.  The Raiders are horrible.  The Panthers are decent AND they are at home.  The Raiders are 1-5 on the road.  Cam Newton has thrown 152 passes in a row without a pick which is the longest in the NFL currently and the longest in Panther history.  Defensively the Panthers have been playing much better as of late.  DL Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson have combined for 21.5 sacks so far this year.  DeAngelo Williams, the only RB in NFL history with 1,000 carries and over a 5 yard per carry average besides Jim Brown, is hitting his stride.  The Raiders are coming off a 15-0 shutout win against the Chiefs, one of their best defensive games of the season. Carson Palmer the Raiders QB will be easy to find somewhere in the pocket for the pass rush of the Panthers.  I’M TAKING THE PANTHERS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 4 STARS.

CINCINNATI +3.5 AT PITTSBURGH (41.5) – I never thought I’d like the Bengals more than the Steelers this season but after winning 5 out of the last 6 the Bengals are in position to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season for the first time since 1981-82.  The Bengals DEFENSE has been the difference this season.  The Steelers, on the other hand, have LOST 4 of their last 5 games and are in jeopardy of not making the playoffs.  Bad blood between OC Todd Haley and QB Ben Roethlisberger emerged this week and you have to think Haley is walking on thin ice here.  To make the playoffs the Steelers have to win their final two games starting with this one.  Cincinnati RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, the law firm, has rushed for 1,080 yards this season.  WR A.J. Green may be the best receiver in the AFC, having caught 85 passes for 1,208 yards and 11 TDs.  Andy Dalton is 0-5 against the Steelers in his career. If there was ever a time for him to lead the Bengals to a win in Pittsburgh, it’s now.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME.

MIAMI -4.5 OVER BUFFALO (41.5) – The Bills will miss the postseason for their 13^th consecutive year, extending that current NFL streak.  HC Chan Gailey is probably gone but will hook up as an OC next season somewhere.   Last week the Bills were crushed by the Seahawks in Toronto by a score of 50-17.  Earlier this season, they were beaten by the Patriots at home in Buffalo by a score of 52-28.   6 weeks ago the Bills beat Miami at home by a score of 19-14.  Since that loss the Dolphins have played extremely well.  Rookie HC Joe Philbin is turning it around in Miami with rookie QB Ryan Tannehill.  Reggie Bush should have a field day against the Bills.  The lack of quality receivers hurts the Dolphins but WR Brian Hartline has 67 receptions for 1,002 yards but just one TD.  I look for a GOOD Dolphin defense to dial up the pressure on immobile Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and deliver a big win to the fans in Miami.  Last week the Dolphins ’72 team celebrated their undefeated season.  TAKE THE DOLPHINS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 4 STARS.

GREEN BAY -12.5 OVER TENNESSEE (44.5) – Green Bay K Mason Crosby has hit only 17 out of 29 FG attempts this season but HC Mike McCarthy stands beside his kicker and says there will be no kicking changes.  The Packers have struggled running the football the entire season but that shouldn’t be a problem against the Titans.  Last week the Titans took advantage of multiple Mark Sanchez picks and held on to beat the Jets in New York.  Titans RB Chris Johnson has 1,156 yards this season but many of those yards come in long bursts like last week’s 91 yard TD run.  Titan QB Jake Locker has struggled this season when he’s been healthy.  Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has thrown 32 TDs so far this season with only 8 picks.  His QB rating of 104.7 leads the NFC.  One of his favorite receivers Jordy Nelson is OUT for today’s game.  He still has plenty of quality receivers to choose from to throw to.  WR Randall Cobb may become the first NFL player with 1,000 yards receiving and 1,000 yards on returns in a season.  WR James Jones leads the Packers and the NFL with TD receptions with 12.  LOOK FOR THE PACKERS TO RUN IT UP AGAINST A TITAN DEFENSE THAT DOESN’T DEFEND THE PASS VERY WELL.  TAKE THE PACKERS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS.

DALLAS -2.5 OVER NEW ORLEANS (52) – THIS  is going to be a great football game to watch.  The Cowboys haven’t played better in a few year than they are playing as a team right now.  The defense will have to find a way to stop or slow down Drew Brees.  If they can do that they can run the ball effectively with DeMarco Murray and throw the ball downfield to Romo’s group of talented receivers.  Even though the Cowboys have struggled at home since the construction of their spaceship they call home, they are playing better at home as of late.  This game could go either way but I like Dallas and the OVER here.  Its gonna be a shootout no matter how well the defenses play.  I give the Dallas kicker Bailey the edge in a close game.  TAKE THE COWBOYS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS.

NEW ENGLAND -14 AT JACKSONVILLE (50.5) – After losing at home in a monsoon on Monday night this past week to the 49ers, I can’t imagine Brady and the Pats not coming out and trying to run up a big score in Jacksonville this weekend.  Brady has thrown for 30 TDs and just 6 picks.  Wes Welker needs just one more 10 reception game to tie the NFL record currently held by HOFer Jerry Rice.  Gronkowski is back but will get limited playing time till the playoffs.  RB Steven Ridley has had a great time running the football for the Pats.  He has 1,105 yards with 10 TDs.  The Jaguars have no RB’s to speak of anymore.  Chad Henne has done OK at QB but he has very limited receivers to throw to.  They have lost 3 game in a row to Buffalo, the Jets, and Miami by a combined 47 points. Don’t look for a close game here.  TAKE THE PATS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 5 STARS.

HOUSTON -7.5 OVER MINNESOTA (45) – This game is all about Adrian Peterson and the ability of the Vikings to move the ball, not turn it over, and score.  If they can do those things, it’s going to be a great game.  If not, look for the Texans to run and pass the football and play some great defense and win easily.  Minnesota is not that strong of a team.  Right now the Vikings are positioned in the 6^th playoff spot.  Next week they host Green Bay and that matchup has not been good for them at home for many years.   Adrian Peterson needs 287 yards to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL rushing record.  Texas is playing for home field advantage through the playoffs.  The Texans are coming off a 29-17 win and cover against Andrew Luck and the Colts. Texas QB Matt Schaub should be able to move the ball through the air easily. The Vikings pass rush is their only hope to hold the Texans score down.   I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME. TOO CLOSE TO CALL.

TAMPA BAY -3 OVER ST. LOUIS – Two teams all of a sudden going opposite directions.  Tampa Bay is imploding somehow and St. Louis is building on a good team of the future.  After looking like a playoff team, the Bucs have lost 4 games in a row.  Last week they were shutout by a score of 41-0 to the Saints in New Orleans.  This week the Rams with Sam Bradford at QB should be able to throw the ball against the league’s worst pass defense.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME FOR SURE. UGLY.

DENVER -12.5 OVER CLEVELAND (41.5) – Denver is still playing for home field advantage having already wrapped up the division championship.  The Browns haven’t beaten the Broncos since 1990.  The Broncos have the league’s longest current winning h with 9 games.  Peyton Manning has surpassed everyone’s expectations this season and looks to be leading his Broncos to the Super Bowl.  RB Knowshon Moreno has been ripping off great pieces of real estate running the football lately.  Even though the Browns record is 5-9 they have played well at times this season and have improved dramatically. Last week they were embarrassed by a rookie backup QB and the Redskins.  This week they travel into Mile High and a team looking for rings.  I don’t see the Browns defense being able to slow down Manning and his offense and I don’t see the Browns offense scoring many points against one of the best defenses in the league and their home crowd.  I’M GOING TO TAKE THE BRONCOS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 4 STARS.

CHICAGO -6 AT ARIZONA (36.5) – Could be a bang up defensive struggle here with both offenses not doing much of anything.  Talk about a strange matchup.  After looking like a possible Super Bowl team, the Bears have lost 5 of 6 games.  Lovie isn’t doing so well right now.  Their offensive line has always been a problem and playing good defenses seems to be a problem for this offense.  Injuries have caused OC Mike Tice to move some people around on the OL.  Last week the Cards offense woke up and put 38 points up against Detroit at home.  Now the Bears come into town but the Bears have a better defense.  If the Cards front 7 can put pressure on Bears QB Jay Cutler they should be able to stay close.  The Bears are playing for their playoff lives but it might be too late.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON UGLY GAME.

GIANTS – 2.5 AT BALTIMORE (47) –  These are two of my favorite teams to root for and to study.  Right now both teams are struggling.  The Ravens defense doesn’t seem to be able to stop anyone at times.  The Ravens have lost 3 games in a row for the first time I can remember.  Now a HUNGRY New York Giants team comes into town for a must win.  This is also a MUST win for the Ravens.  The Giants offense hasn’t been consistent all season long.  However, their MO is to win after a loss and the loss couldn’t be more obvious than last week’s 34-0 shutout at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons.  The Ravens CRUSHED me in my pick last week.  I’VE GOT TO PASS ON THIS GAME.  THERE IS NO WAY I CAN TELL WHO IS GOING TO STEP UP SINCE BOTH TEAMS SEEM TO BE UNABLE TO DO SO.

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Matchups
ST. LOUIS -2.5 OVER MINNESOTA (38.5) – The Vikings are tough to handicap this season for a few reasons.  Number 1 reason is QB Christian Ponder is inconsistent in his play.  The only sure thing about the Vikings is that future HOF RB Adrian Peterson is going to make life miserable for the linebackers and defensive backs of the Rams when they try to tackle him.  A.P. has 1600 yards and 10 TD’s through 13 games.  If he averages 134 yards per game the rest of the way, he’ll get to 2,000 yards the first year after having knee surgery.  Jeff Fisher and his Rams are an average team but improving every week.  They have won three games in a row and have tied and beaten the San Francisco Giants, one of the top teams in the league.  This week they host the Vikings who still have a chance to make the playoffs but they must win this weekend to have any shot at all since the finish up with Houston and Green Bay.  After this game the Rams travel to Tampa and Seattle to finish up the season.  Probably not going to win those games.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME. TOO CLOSE TO CALL.

GREEN BAY -2.5 AT CHICAGO (43.5) – To say the Bears are banged up would be an understatement of tremendous proportions.  Green Bay DC Dom Capers has had Jay Cutler’s number for many games now.  His QB number against Capers lifetime is 55 in 7 meetings.  He is 1-5 as a starter against them.   The Bears have 3 starters on defense down since last weekend.  Cutler looks like he’ll play.  The Bears HAVE TO WIN this game to make the playoffs.  The Bears have lost 4 out of their last 5 games.  All Pro LB Clay Matthews comes back this week for the Packers defense.  The Packers have won the last 5 in this series and I’m looking  for number 6 here this Sunday. Even though I like the Pack here to win, I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME.

WASHINGTON  PICK AT CLEVELAND (37.5) – It seems that everyone betting this game right now feels that RG3 is going to start. Otherwise Cleveland would be the favorite by as much as 4 or 5 points.  However, I don’t think that Kirk Cousins will hurt the Skins if he starts.  RB Alfred Morris has 1228 yards on 253 carries this season.  Cleveland rookie RB Trent Richardson has 869 yards and has already tied Jim Brown’s rookie rushing TD record of 9.  Still the key here is Robert Griffin.  If Griffin starts and plays, and it could be a gametime decision, the Skins probably win.  If not, it is a toss up.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME SINCE IT IS TOO CLOSE TO CALL. RG3 DOUBT TOO BIG OF A FACTOR.

DENVER -3 OVER BATLTIMORE (48) – I really don’t see this line at all, even with Lewis out and Suggs 70%. The Ravens are a pretty good football team.   The Broncos and Peyton Manning have won 8 games in a row but the teams they’ve beaten have a combined `37-67 record. I don’t see the Broncos winning out in the regular season and if they beat the Ravens, they probably will with Cleveland and Kansas City next at home.  I like the fact that John Harbaugh finally fired Cam Cameron, his OC after his last minute loss last week against the Redskins.  Many would have liked to see that move much earlier, but Harbaugh has sent his message to his team.  Win NOW!  The Ravens MUST WIN this game to have a shot at the playoffs with the New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals following this game.  BOTH of those teams must win also.  Denver is the team that doesn’t HAVE to win to make the playoffs.  Ravens QB Joe Flacco is much better at home with a 100.7 QB rating this season. Ravens RB Ray Rice will get plenty of touches on Sunday which will help the Ravens cause.  I’M GOING TO TAKE THE RAVENS PLUS THE POINTS FOR 4 STARS ON SUNDAY!! THEY NEED THIS GAME FAR TOO BADLY TO LOSE IT.

HOUSTON -10 OVER INDIANAPOLIS (47.5) – Once again I’m going to challenge the overachieving Indy Colts and their Chuckstrong force that has been the biggest surprise this season.  I sound like a broke record but “I HAVE THE COLTS RATED A N OK—TEAM”.  I have the Texans rated as a GOOD team and they are playing at home.  After getting CRUSHED in New England last week, I see the Texans coming home and completely DESTROYING the COLTS at their place.  Two starting OLinemen for the Colts are out this week.  With just over 200 yards passing this week, Rookie QB Andrew Luck will have 4,000 yards.  WR Reggie Wayne needs 6 receptions to reach 100 again in a season.  The Texans should be able to pound Foster and Tate for big yardage on the ground making throwing the ball downfield to Johnson and the TE’s easy.  This game is a must for the Texans if they want to keep their quest for home field advantage in the playoffs.  After last week, I doubt they want to return to New England where nothing but bad things will happen.  Look for the Texans to come off that loss last week kicking ass.  TAKE THE HOUSTON TEXANS MINUS THE DOUBLE FIGURES FOR 5 STARS.

NEW ORLEANS -3.5 OVER TAMPA BAY (54) – Might be the highest total all season long but who cares? It will probably go over again but I’ll probably just play this total in a 3 teamer.  Tampa’s pass defense is worst in the league and even though Drew Brees has had 9 turnovers in his last two games, he should torch the Bucs again.  The only thing the Saints can do at this point is ruin everyone else’s party.  Tampa QB Josh Freeman has slowed down in the last two games but he’s still having a good year and has plenty of receivers to throw to.  The Saints defense sucks too.  Bucs RB Doug Martin has 1234 yards and 10 TD’s already.  Both teams have lost 3 in a row with the Saints playing the tougher schedule.  I’m GOING TO TAKE THE OVER FOR 4 STARS IN THIS GAME AND DON’T GIVE A DAMN WHO WINS THE GAME.

ATLANTA -1.5 OVER GIANTS (51) – This is a rematch of last year’s first round game in Atlanta where the Giants CRUSHED the Falcons 24-2.  These two teams don’t match up very well for the Falcons.  However, the Giants defense  isn’t the BEAST it was during the playoffs last year yet and this game should be much closer.  Three weeks ago the Giants DESTROYED Green Bay, then lost a close one in Washington, then put up a 50 burger last week against New Orleans.  Consistency is something the Giants have not been this season.  The Falcons until last week when they lost by 10 to the Carolina Panthers, had won several close games in winning 11 out of 12 games.  Now they host a Giants team that they should beat but find themselves barely a favorite against.  The Falcons are 6-0 at home as usual.  The Giants, normally road warriors, have lost their last two road games against Cincinnati and Washington.  Ahmad Bradshaw is OUT for the Giants. So is S Kenny Phillips.  So are two or three defensive players.  This game is Atlanta’s for the taking but the Giants need the game badly.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME BECAUSE IT’S JUST TOO CLOSE TO CALL, EVEN THOUGH THE FALCONS IS A GOOD VALUE HERE.

MIAMI -7.5 OVER JACKSONVILLE (37.5) – This game pretty much sucks. I guess Marv Albert is working for free along with Rich Gannon.  Please don’t make me even think about this game.

DETROIT -6.5 OVER ARIZONA (43.5) – I love Detroit here just because they need a win in the worst way and Arizona hasn’t won since September, having lost 9 games in a row.  Detroit isn’t much better having lost 5 games in a row.  The Cards are starting rookie Ryan Lindley who has a 42.6 QB rating. Seriiously, he does.  Last week Larry Fitzgerald caught 1 pass for 2 yards.  Seriously, he did.  Last week the Cards lost in Seattle by a score of 58-0.  The Lions have played several games in a row that have been close and they always seem to be in games late.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME BECAUSE NEITHER TEAM HAS MUCH TO PLAY FOR. BOTH TEAMS ARE PLAYING FOR THEIR COACHES’ JOBS BUT IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE.

SAN DIEGO -3 OVER CAROLINA (45) – It’s all over but the shouting in San Diego for Norv Turner and A.J. Smith but last week the Chargers traveled to Pittsburgh and beat Ben Roethelisberger and the Steelers 34-24.  In December, Norv Turner’s teams are 19-4 in San Diego.  Carolina’s Cam Newton has played well lately and brings a 88 QB rating into San Diego.  Philip River is a comparable 85 QB rating.  San Diego has the better defense and they are at home.  Last week the Panthers upset the 11`-1 Falcons by a score of 30-20.  With both teams coming off a loss, I’m going to go with Norv and the Chargers to win and cover at home.

SEATTLE -5 AT BUFFALO (43) – Seattle is by far the better team here and should win easily, but it IS on the road and it IS in TORONTO, NOT EVEN BUFFALO.  Buffalo RB Fred Jackson is OUT.  Seattle is 2-5 on the road this year.  They are undefeated at home.  Toronto is a long way from Seattle but the good news for the Seahawks is that they game is at 4:05 EDT, which is like a 1:05 game at home.  After this game in Toronto the Hawks return for their last two games at home against San Francisco and St. Louis.  With a win here in Toronto the Bills have a shot at an 8-8 record but I don’t think that is possible.  Russell Wilson has a 94.9 QB Rating.  Bills RB C.J. Spiller has a 6.6 yard per carry average this season.   Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch has a 4.9 yard per carry average and has a total of 1266 yards.  If Seattle doesn’t turn the ball over on Sunday, I don’t see the Bills being able to win the game.  Bills DE Mario Williams has finally shaken off some injuries and has 10.5 sacks.  I like Seattle winning this game but I think that 5 points might be too many.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME BUT I DO LIKE THE OVER 43 POINTS A TAD.

OAKLAND -3 OVER KANSAS CITY (44) – Two of the worst teams in the league.  Oakland HC will stay. Romeo Crennel will probably be gone and hopefully with GM Scott Paoli.  These two teams are so bad I feel that I will get something on me if I even talk about them.  Combined W-L records of 5-21 says all you need to know.  If the Chiefs don’t win this one, they’ll end up 2-14 and probably pick first in the draft.  That doesn’t sound like a bad thing.  Oakland is in the same boat.  A  loss here and they probably lose their last two games.  PASS.

PITTSBURGH -2.5 AT DALLAS (45) – Cowboys WR Dez Bryant has a broke finger but is supposed to play.  Steelers G Willie Colon is out for the season.  The Steelers will move some guys around to cover for him.  Big Ben came back last week and lost at home to the Chargers.  The Steelers are 3-0 against the NFC this season.  Dallas RB DeMarco Murray should be close to 100%  for the game.  Tony Romo has no choice but to win this game at home as an underdog in front of his home crowd.  Don’t be surprised to hear as many cheers in Dallas for the Steelers as the Cowboys because Steelers black and orange travel well.  The Cowboys defense is banged up so badly that I doubt they’ll have much of a chance to stop even a weakened Pittsburgh offense. However, the Boys are 4-1 in their last 5 games.  Go figure.  Maybe they don’t need much of a defense to win.   I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME, BUT I’M GOING TO TAKE THE OVER FOR 4 STARS.  45 POINTS SHOULD BE EASY.

NEW ENGLAND -4.5 OVER SAN FRANCISCO (46.5) – Tom Brady has NEVER beaten the San Francisco 49ers.  The Niners need to be careful here in New England.  The Pats hardly EVER lose at home for one reason or another.  Whether it’s good play or cheating or a combination of both, the Pats are what they are, and they are kicking ass and taking names right now. In their last 6 games the Pats have scored 255 points. That’s an AVERAGE of 42.5 points per game.  DAMN!!!  The Giants have only given up 184 points all season long.  Something has got to give.  San Francisco better not get caught looking ahead to next week to Seattle in a division game which may decide the winner of the NFC West.  The Pats have only6 Jacksonville and Miami after this game to finish off the regular season.  The Niners have Seattle and Arizona.  I LIKE THE PATS HERE MINUS THE POINTS AND THE OVER FOR 4 STARS EACH.

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Matchups
WASHINGTON -2.5 OVER BALTIMORE (47.5) – If last week’s game in Washington was the biggest game in years for the Redskins, then this week is a close follow up from a standpoint of importance at least to the outcome of this season.  The Ravens are coming off of a 23-20 score loss to their division rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.  They were NOT supposed to lose that game.  The truth is that except for a couple of games this season, the Ravens have had problems scoring.  Ray Rice has averaged 4.4 yards per carry and has scored 8 TD’s but many think he has not touched the ball enough.  WR Torrey Smith has been QB Joe Flacco’s favorite receiver with 42 receptions for a 17.4 yard average and 7 TD’s.  Other wide out Anuquan Boldin has lost a step and seems to have trouble getting separation anymore like he used to.  Opposing teams are having much more success running the ball against the Ravens.  The Redskins have had NO trouble running the football this season, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and having rushed for more than 2,000 yards already.  Rookie QB Robert Griffin III has been nothing short of phenomenal leading the Redskins offense.  He has the highest rookie QB rating this late in the season EVER at 104.4.  Their defense, however, has given up 24 TD’s already, the most in the NFL.  Lately they’ve played much better having won three games in a row for the first time since 2005.  I look for the Redskins to continue to move the ball and score points against a Ravens defense that has played better since Terrell Suggs’ return but also not having played an offense like the Redskins since being crushed by the Houston Texans 7 weeks ago 43-13.  TAKE THE REDSKINS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 4 STARS.

CINCINNATI – 3.5 OVER DALLAS (46) – The Cowboys last four wins have been against Carolina, Cleveland, and Philly twice.  Good teams  have beaten the Cowboys ALL SEASON.  They have rushed the ball only 277 times all season long.  They have thrown the ball 493 times.  This kind of imbalance is not good for an offense and Dallas’ offense has struggled much of the season.   The Bengals have won four games in a row.  They lead the NFL in sacks with 39.  Dallas is 1-3 lifetime in Cincinnati.  The Cowboys defense is banged up and now a starting DT is in jail.  This will not be pretty in Cincy but you never know.  Second year QB Andy Dalton has improved dramatically having thrown for a 91.3 QB rating and 24 TD’s.  RB BenJarvis Green-Ellis has picked up the pace rushing the football having gained 885 yards and 5 TD’s.  Dallas has struggled running the football all year long.  The Bengals need a win badly here.  Their last two games this season are against division rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore.  If Cincy is going to make the playoffs, a win here is imperative.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME BUT IF THE WEATHER IS OK, TAKE THE OVER IN THIS BALLGAME FOR 3 STARS.

TAMPA BAY -7.5 OVER PHILADELPHIA (47.5) – There is a good chance that Mike Vick has seen his last snap as the starting QB of the Eagles.  Rookie QB Nick Foles has steadily improved and even though the Eagles can not BUY a victory, they’ve looked good at times especially on offense.  Last week in Dallas they scored 33 points in a loss there.  They’ve lost 8 games in a row.  Andy Reid is done.  Word has him already going to San Diego after Norv Turner is fired there.  The change of venue may work for Reid, who has proven to be a quality coach in his past, but maybe he needs to take a couple of years off for his health and his family.  Tampa Bay, in my opinion, has been one of the good feeling stories in the league this year.  Rookie HC Mike Schiano has turned this team around especially on offense.  Rookie RB Doug Martin has rushed for 1,106 yards and 9 TD’s this season.  Josh Freeman has thrown for a 92.1 QB rating and 23 TD’s and only 8 picks.  On Sunday the Bucs should light up the scoreboard against the Eagles.  The have played tough back to back games against Atlanta and Denver and are coming into this game with a 6-6 record still very much in the wild card hunt in the NFC.  The Eagles have given up a 98.8 QB rating this season.  The Bucs should be able to win this game but the 8-9 point lay is just too much. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME.

INDY -5 OVER TENNESSEE (45.5) – There are three great rookie QB’s in the NFL and Andrew Luck is one of them.  He is the first number 1 pick in the NFL to record 8 victories in a season since 1966.  Indy has an 8-4 record despite having a -16 turnover margin.  Their stats rate them as an OK—team.  Somehow Luck has led them to victories that seemed to have been impossible when looking at them now.  This week they play a Titans team that I also have rated as an OK—team but their record is 4-8.  Chris Johnson of the Titans has rushed for 993 yards so far this season but the yardage hasn’t really made the team much better.   However, with 7 yards he will have rushed for 1,000 yards 5 straight seasons.   2^nd year QB Jake Locker is back for the Titans and they’ve lost two games in a row to Jacksonville and Houston. Now they travel to the RCA Dome in Indy where the Colts have won 5 in a row.  Luck won’t let them lose a game they need.  With two game against Houston coming up in their last three games, they can’t afford a loss right here.  Future HOF Reggie Wayne has quietly caught 88 passes for 1156 yards this season as Luck’s number one target.  Luck teamed up for a TD last week with college roommate Coby Fleener for his first of his NFL career coming back from an injury.  I’M GOINT TO TAKE THE COLTS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS HERE.

CLEVELAND -7 OVER KANSAS CITY (38) – Even with the big team win last week by the Chiefs following the horrific Saturday murder-suicide, I doubt they’ll have enough to travel to Cleveland and beat a much improved, tough Cleveland Browns squad that has shown many positives in their last several games.  They’ve won two in a row and are the best 4-8 team in the league.  Everything on offense starts with giving the ball to rookie RB Trent Richardson.  He’s on his way to over 1000 yards this season and has caught 44 passes out of the backfield.  Rookie QB Brandon Weeden has been up and down all season long but he has a good, young receiving corps that give him an opportunity to move the ball.  On the other side of the ball, K.C. has Brady Quinn calling the signals.  He had a good game last week against Carolina but for the most part Quinn has been ineffective. However, he returns also to the city and team that drafted him in 2007.  K.C. RB Peyton Hillis returns to the scene of the accident that was his stay in Cleveland and may have some incentive to play well.  Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles has looked great at times this season and has 1055 yards already running the ball.  I have the Chiefs rated as a SUCK team and the Browns are an OK- team playing at home.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME BUT I LOOK FOR THE BROWNS TO EXTEND THEIR WINNING STREAK HERE AT HOME AGAINST A WEAK TEAM.

ATLANTA -3.5 AT CAROLINA (48.5) – This has all the looks of a “trap” game here.  Atlanta is easily a touchdown better than Cam Newton and his Panthers squad but will Atlanta play at the top of their game?  Who knows?  They are playing for home field advantage in the NFC playoffs but that doesn’t always mean they’ll come out and play their best.  Their record is 11-1 but in Week 4 Carolina almost beat the Falcons losing by a score of 30-28.  These two teams are extremely familiar with each other and it wouldn’t surprise me a bit to see Cam and the Panthers stay very close again. Since week 9 Cam has passed for a 101.5 rating and looked incredible at times.  He is also become more of a leader even though he tends to ham it up sometimes.   The Atlanta offense seems to be struggling a bit with moving the ball and getting into the end zone. Matt Ryan is still throwing for a 94.9 rating but has 13 picks.  That’s a lot of picks for Ryan.  Future HOF TE Tony Gonzales has been a God send this season.  He has 73 receptions for 7 TD’s already.  Julio Jones and Roddy White have almost combined for 2,000 yards already this season.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME.  IF THE WEATHER IS GOOD I LIKE THE OVER HERE FOR 4 STARS.

BUFFALO -3 OVER ST. LOUIS (42.5) – Since traveling to London the Rams have played extremely well except for one hiccup against the Jets especially on defense.  Jeff Fisher and his Rams have already tied and BEATEN the 49ers this season.  Offensively they have struggled though.  They may have the best kicker in the league in Greg Zuerlein who won last week’s game against the Niners with a long field goal.  The weather should be testy on Sunday in Buffalo and that may be in the Bills’ favor but make no mistake about it.  The Rams are the better team.  Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has struggled at times this season.  RB C.J. Spiller is averaging an incredible 6.6 yards per carry this season for the Bills.  Their DEFENSE however, is giving up 5 yards per carry and have given up 17 rushing TD’s already.  The Bills defense to their credit, have played better as of late.  Buffalo is in a three way tie with Miami and the Jets with 5 wins.  If Fisher’s Rams can win this game it will be their 3^rd in a row, the most in 6 years.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME.  TOO MANY QUESTIONS AND NOT ENOUGH REAL ANSWERS.

JETS -3 AT JACKSONVILLE (38.5) – This game has plenty of sidelights going for it. Starting QB Chad Henne, who has had some success recently coming to the rescue of the very weak Jacksonville franchise, used to play QB for Jets OC Tony Sparano.  Sparano will know how to attack Henne.  The Landry Brothers will be playing against each other for the first time ever.  Laron and Dawan.  The Jacksonville defense is giving up 144 rushing yards per game.  The Jets will run the football on Sunday to help set up Mark Sanchez and his weak offensive passing game.  How good are the Jets? Not good but they are definitely better than the Jaguars.  They sandwiched two big wins with a 30 point loss at home against New England recently.  Including Jacksonville, their four remaining games are against teams with a 15-33 record.  They have the best chance in the AFC East to come up with a wild card playoff berth.  They should finish with at least an 8-8 record.  If so, Rex will probably keep his job. If they lose 3 out of 4, maybe not.  The Jaguars have won just one game at home all season long, two weeks ago against Tennessee.  I’m going to take the JETS TO WIN AND COVER THE SPREAD SUNDAY AGAINST THE JAGS.

STEELERS -8 OVER SAN DIEGO (40) – The Steelers get Big Ben back this weekend and will be playing at home in bad weather in front of a crazy crowd that knows they need to win the game.  Word came out of San Diego this week that San Diego HC Norv Turner and GM A.J. Smith are leaving after the last game of the season.  Owner Dean Spanos came out and denied that. That only confirms it for me.   That fact and a cross country trip to Pittsburgh in December when the Steelers need the win all adds up to a Chargers loos for me.  I like the Steelers winning the but the 8 point cover is a lot to ask for an offense that managed only 10 points in a loss two weeks against Baltimore and 14 points against the Browns.  Backup QB Charlie Batch put it on the Ravens last week and put up 23 points.  There’s no reason to think that Ben won’t be able to score against a Chargers defense that gave up 34 to Tampa and 30 to Denver.  The Chargers have lost 7 out of their last 8 games and 4 in a row on the road.  With all of the negatives in San Diego right now I have a hard time not giving up the 8 points but I’m gonna PASS on the game anyway.  Chargers QB Phillip Rivers, who is having an off year, is a gamer and will not step back from the challenge.  PASS.

CHICAGO -3 AT MINNESOTA (39) – The Bears have lost 4 games this season, all to playoff teams probably.   They generally beat the teams they are supposed to beat.  The Bears have beaten the Vikings 6 straight game.  If there ever was a time for a Vikings win it is this week.  Percy Harvin is out for the Vikings which cripples their offense but All Pro LB Brian Urlacher is probably out for the season with a bad hamstring injury.  The Bears are keeping an extra blocker in to help prevent Jay Cutler from getting his jersey dirty and nobody it seems can stop Bears RB Brandon Marshall.  Vikings RB Adrian Peterson leads the league with 1446 yards and a 6.2 yards per carry average.  I’m sure the Chicago defense will put 8 in the box and challenge 2^nd year QB Christian Ponder to beat them through the air without Percy Harvin.  The Vikings are 5-1 on the road and need a victory even worse than the Bears.  Four weeks ago in their last home game, the Vikings beat Detroit 34-14.  They have lost two division games in a row on the road to the Bears and to the Packers.  If the Vikings had Percy Harvin active, I’d be all over them with Peterson’s running game, but because of too many questions on how they’ll score, I’LL PASS ON THE GAME.

SAN FRANCISCO -10.5 OVER MIAMI (38.5) –  Look for this 49ers team to bounce back this week and DESTROY the visiting Dolphins at home this week.  Three weeks ago after tying the Rams, the Niners came back with a 32-7 victory against the Bears.  Niners QB Colin Kaepernick gets his 3^rd start of the season.  HC Jim Harbaugh has decided that this is his guy for right now.  The Dolphins are a pretty good 5-7 team.  I look for a strong does of running the football from the 49ers this week.  They are averaging 5.3 yards per carry on the season.  It seems that every time the Niners have a hiccup, they come back with a very strong game. Ryan Tannehill meet Aldon Smith. 31.5 sacks in his first 28 games.  Take the Niners.   I’M GOING TO TAKE THE NINERS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 5 STARS.  LOVE THEM TODAY.

SEATTLE -10 OVER ARIZONA (34.5) – Over the past six NFL weeks, Seahawk rookie QB Russell Wilson has the highest QB rating in the league at 114.6.  Seattle is 5-0 at home and Wilson has a 122 passer rating there.  Arizona can be competitive and they are starting John Skelton who was the starting QB opening day for the Cardinals.  The 4-8 Cards won their first 4 games.  Including an opening day win vs. Seattle.  I look for some payback by the Seahawks on Sunday.  Seattle is 7-5 and have looked great even in their losses.  Seahawk RB Marshawn Lynch has rushed for 1138 yards and 6 TD’s.  Way too many minuses and unknowns in this game on the Cards side of the ball to consider them.   The Cards were 0-5 last week against the Jets defense.  That’s pathetic.   I’M GOING TO TAKE THE SEAHAWKS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 5 STARS.

GIANTS -5 OVER NEW ORLEANS (53) – The last time I saw a breakdown of where they money is going in a Giants game and it was this bad, I took them and I covered.  Even though the Giants are at home, they are much better than Drew Brees and the Saints.  However, Brees has never lost to the Giants (he is 4-0) and has 11 TD’s.  The Giants are a game out in front in the NFC East.  The Saints are in a “must win” situation.  To make the playoffs the Saints MUST win on Sunday.  The Saints had an extra 3 days to prepare for this game.  The Saints are going to get a massive dose of Ahmad Bradhsaw.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME AND IF THE WEATHER IS CLEAR, I’LL TAKE THE OVER 53 POINTS FOR A BUNDLE.

GREEN BAY -6.5 OVER DETROIT (48.5) – This has all the makings of a shootout.  Two teams with two QB’s who can throw for 5,000 yards any season they play.  Last time Detroit QB Matt Stafford played in Green Bay he threw for over 500 yards and 5 TD’s.  Stafford’s receivers are banged up though and one has been sent packing.  WR Calvin Johnson has 1428 yards through 12 games, the most of ANY NFL RECEIVER since Lance Alworth in 1965.  Unreal.  Even though the Packers are 8-4 and look like a shoo-in for the playoffs, anything in this game can happen.  Weather or no weather, I love the OVER here for 5 stars.

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Yesterday morning, Kansas City Chiefs LB Jovan Belcher, a 4^th year linebacker from the University of Maine, shot and killed his 22 year old girlfriend Casandra Perkins, the mother of his 3 month old daughter.  According to reports, Chiefs HC Romeo Crennel and GM Scott Paoli were talking to Belcher outside the facility when the police drove up.  Belcher walked to his car where he put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger.

GREEN BAY -8 OVER MINNESOTA (46) – The last Minnesota win against Green Bay was in 2009 when Brad Childress was the head coach of the Vikings and Brett Favre was the QB. Without Percy Harvin, who is doubtful, I don’t see the Vikings being able to win this game but staying close will be all about keeping Aaron Rodgers off the field.  For that to happen, RB Adrian Peterson, who has 5 consecutive 100 yard games, will have to be very successful against the Green Bay defense running the football. Peterson is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and has scored 7 TD’s.  Minnesota TE Kyle Rudolph has had success moving the chains for the Vikings.  The Packers got hammered by the Giants in their last game on the road 38-10 but before that game had won 5 games in a row.  In the last 3 ½ games against Minnesota Rodgers has thrown for a 140.5 passer rating. This game could end up being a shootout.  Most of the money in Vegas is on the Vikings against the spread.  I see an opportunity here for the Packers and I’m going to take THE PACKERS TO COVER THE 8 POINT SPREAD.  DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER I’M GOING TO TAKE THE OVER 46 POINTS ALSO.  BOTH PLAYS ARE MODERATE, IN THE 3 POINT RANGE.

HOUSTON -6 ½ AT TENNESSEE (47) – This is a game I have no real feel for.  The Titans are 10-1 and have made every move needed for those 10 wins.  The offense is solid with 15 rushing TD’s and 19 passing TD’s from QB Matt Schaub.  Last week the Texans survived OT and a kick in the nuts from Detroit punk Ndamakung Suh.  The Texans have won their last 4 games by a total of 27 points, the last two in overtime.  Last week the Titans lost in Jacksonville to the Jaguars 24-19.  The problem of the Titans hasn’t been so much its offense but its defense which has given up 335 points in 11 games.  To keep up with the Texans, Titans QB Jake Locker is going to have to put points up on the scoreboard.  Houston should have ALL of its offensive weapons available on Sunday.  I’m going to PASS ON THIS GAME EVEN THOUGH I LIKE THE OVER A LITTLE BIT.

JETS -6 OVER ARIZONA (43.5) – Obviously neither of these two teams are playing well right now.  They both have a 4-7 record.  The Cards haven’t won a game since going 4-0 in September.  They have lost 7 in a row.  They travel cross country this week to play a Jets team that is under siege.  They have lost 6 of their last 8 games.  The Cards played Atlanta tough two weeks ago.  One of the big problems for the Cardinals is they really don’t have a decent starting QB.  Right now they’re on number 3 QB Ryan Lindley who can’t seem to find receivers and has a 47 QB rating.  Waiting for starting QB Kevin Kolb to come back from an injury is getting old.  Their offensive line can’t seem to protect the QB either having given up 47 sacks so far.  Jets QB Mark Sanchez isn’t much better nor is his supporting cast.  Their WRs give them nothing offensively.  The Jets’ leading receiver is a TE.  On Thanksgiving night, the Jets lost to the Pats by 30 points at home.  If you have a wild hair, play the better coached team on the road here.  I’M PASSING ON THE GAME.  IT ISN’T GOING TO BE PRETTY.

NEW ENGLAND -7 AT MIAMI (51) – This game is going to be tougher than it looks.  Miami for years has had the Patriots number especially in games in Miami.  The Patriots own a 14-33 record in Miami, not one of their more respectable series in their history.  Many of those losses came much earlier in the series and New England generally isn’t as good on the road as at home, not even close.  The Pats last 4 games they’ve scored 45, 37, 59, and 49 points respectively.  That’s SICK! Sure, they don’t have the Gronk, but they have several other weapons and Tom Brady.  The Dolphins rookie QB Ryan Tannehill is best in an up tempo mode. HC Joe Philbin knows how to move the football.  The Dolphins beat the tough Seattle Seahawks last week and scored 24 points.  If Miami is going to stay close and have a chance to win this game, they’ll have to put up some points. Dolphins are healthy, the Pats not so much.  I like the over here because the weather is nice and it’s not going to be that windy.  The key is going to be the Dolphins scoring points.  Even though the Dolphin defense has played well at times this season, they haven’t faced a team like New England this season.  Three weeks ago the Titans ran up 37 on them. I feel that the Pats can do much worse.  However, with a 3 game lead in the division and the Houston Texans coming up a week from now on Monday night, the Pats might cruise with the injury problems.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME COMPLETELY.

DETROIT -6 OVER INDIANAPOLIS (51) – Detroit is playing for their playoff lives this weekend.  If they lose they are done.  They may be done even if they win, but one thing is for sure.  They won’t go down without a fight.  On Thanksgiving they had the Houston Texans beat when a technicality cost them a touchdown that should never have happened. Indy is NOT that good of a football team. I have them rated as an OK—team. However, they have played exceptionally well as a team and have a 7-4 record. This is despite giving up 4.8 yards per carry and a 96.6 QB rating with 19 TD’s.  Those numbers are far worse than the Lions numbers. The Colts are also much better in the RCA Dome than on the road.  Matt Stafford is well on his way to a 5,000 yard season again.  WR Calvin Johnson is warming up and getting healthy.  He has caught 73 passes for 1,257 yards this season already.  RB MIkel LeShoure has done a good job running the football for the Lions. His 6 TD’s are the most TD’s by a Lions RB this late in the season since Kevin Smith 2008.  I’M GOING TO TAKE THE LIONS IN A HOME WIN AND COVER HERE.  I’M GOING TO PLAY THE OVER 51 POINTS IN A SMALLER PLAY.

CAROLINA -3.5 AT KANSAS CITY (40.5) – I’m not even sure this game should take place, but like the U.S. Mail I guess, the show must go on. Cam Newton has looked better as of late.  His attitude and his offense looks much better as of late.  Kansas City has scored only 3 touchdowns in their last 7 games.  They have NO quarterback. They have a running game but can’t pass. I’m going to pass on the game just because I have no idea what God’s plans are for the outcome of this game.  Some things are more important than football. PASS.

CHICAGO -3 OVER SEATTLE (37.5) – The Bears are a good football team. They have been inconsistent at times but still lead the NFC North Division by a game over the Packers.  Bears QB Jay Cutler will have to contend with a beat up, not so great pass blocking offensive line.  The Bears will come out running the ball with Matt Forte and be looking to throw the ball downfield to WR Brandon Marshall.  Even though the Seahawks are just 6-5, they have played well behind rookie QB Russell Wilson.  He has thrown for a 94 point QB rating and has All Pro RB Marshawn Lynch to hand off to.  They lost a close game last week in Miami 24-21.  The Seahawks, however, have won all but one of their games at home this year.  Their only win on the road was early in the season against an impotent Carolina team that was struggling at the time. This is a game the Bears cannot afford to lose.  They have 3 division games out of the last 4 games starting next week.  I’M GOING TO TAKE THE BEARS MINUS THE 3 POINTS FOR 4 STARS.

BUFFALO -6 OVER JACKSONVILLE (43.5) – These two teams are going nowhere fast.  One of Buffalo’s players recommended to the media this past week that their HC Chan Gailey give up his play calling for the offense.  Nice.  But Jacksonville, who had to wait over 2 months for their 2^nd win of the season, is alive.  They’re breathing and it’s because of their backup QB from Michigan WAY back Chad Henne. Henne was considered a better QB at Michigan than Brady ever was.  Unfortunately, they went different directions and the rest is history but right now this week Henne is taking a 99.6 QB rating into this game with Buffalo.  Buffalo has given up almost 30 points per game this season.  Both teams have played a pretty tough schedule.  Buffalo plays 4 of their last 5 games at home, with one home game in Toronto. They have a shot at an 8-8 season although I doubt they’ll see it.  Bills RB C.J. Spiller has rushed for 6.7 yards per carry and 830 yards this season.  Jacksonville has a 4-2 record in Buffalo lifetime.  In my opinion both teams will be scoring points almost at will tomorrow. I don’t see either defense doing much harm to the offenses of these teams.   Even though the weather is going to be a little rough, I like the OVER here of just 43 ½ .

SAN FRANCISCO -7.5 AT ST. LOUIS (40.5) – This game you would think would be a slam dunk. St. Louis three weeks ago played the 49ers even for 4 quarters in Candlestick park. Now the Rams HOST the same 49ers in their at their place indoors with their crowd.  You’d think that all of the money in the country would be bet on the Rams but it isn’t.  The 49ers have over 80% of the play right now. Colin Kaepernick will get the start again for the 49ers this week. After the tie to St. Louis the Niners have beaten Chicago and traveled to New Orleans and beaten Drew Brees and the Saints.  The Rams lost to the Jets at home and last week rebounded to beat the Cardinals at home.  The Rams offensive line is together for the first time all season long.  Defensively the Rams are going to have to deal with Kaepernick, a talented QB who moves in the pocket and can run for yardage.  He gives the Niners an edge there and will be tough to pressure and sack.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME.

CLEVELAND -2.5 AT OAKLAND (38) – Two teams going in different directions here. Cleveland is improving and has been in almost every game this season despite their 3-8 record.  The Raiders seem to be imploding and don’t seem to have any real talent on the field anymore.  Right now they seem years away from winning.  Last week the Browns beat a Ben Roethelisberger-less Steelers team 20-14.  Earlier this season they beat the Bengals at home also.  They haven’t had as much luck on the road this season, but they’ve played tough. Losing to Cincy, Baltimore, the New York Giants, Indy, and in overtime to Dallas.  All of those games were winnable. Now they travel to the black hole where the Raiders don’t seem to have any home field advantage anymore.  They Raiders have lost 4 games in a row albeit to good teams but they really haven’t been in any of the games.  Now a tough Browns team comes in with rookie QB Brandon Weeden and rookie RB Trent Richardson.  The receivers have been making plays too.  Defensively, Cleveland has played well all year.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME BUT I LOVE THE OVER 38 POINTS! PLAY IT FOR 5 stars.

CINCINNATI -1 AT SAN DIEGO (46) – The Bengals and Andy Dalton seem to be warming up making a playoff run here late in the season.  I’ve always been wary of Marvin Lewis coached teams but this season he’s making a believer out of me.  After losing 4 in a row at midseason, the Bengals have reeled off three wins in a row after playing Denver tough at home.  One of those wins was against the Super Bowl Champion Giants.  Now they travel to San Diego where Norv Turner is all but gone.  I was watching NFL Network and LaDanian Tomlinson even said Norv has lost the locker room.  The Chargers 4 wins are against teams with a combined 9-35 record.  Last week the Chargers lost a tough one to the Ravens who they seemed to have beaten but the Ravens and Ray Rice converted a 4^th and 29 call for a first time then go on and score to take the game to overtime where they won the game 16-13.  That had to take a lot of steam out of the 4-7 Chargers.  Now the Bengals come to town needing a win.  Chargers RB Ryan Matthews has been a big disappointment this season.  He is their leading rusher averaging 4.1 yards per carry.  Future HOF TE Antonio Gates seems to be running out of gas.  He’s only caught 32 passes for 368 yards and just 4 TD’s.  Injuries and drops have defined the Chargers WRs this season.  At QB for the Chargers, Phillip Rivers continues to struggle with his mechanics and even though he has thrown for 18 TD’s he has 14 picks.  On the Bengals side of the ball, The Law Firm has been running the ball well the past several weeks.  He has 5 TDs and 767 yards from scrimmage.  Second year QB Andy Dalton has steadily improved this season going to his big guy A.J. Green for 10 TDs already and over 1,000 yards.  His TD Jermaine Gresham has as many yards as the top wideout for San Diego, Malcom Floyd. Dalton joins Dan Marino and Peyton Manning as the only rookie NFL QBs to have ever thrown for 20 TDs in their first two years in the league.  Pretty good company right there.   I’M GOING TO LEAVE THE STRAIGHT PLAY ALONE, BUT I’M GOING TO TAKE THE OVER FOR 4 STARS. I SEE NORV PUTTING THIS BALL IN THE AIR QUITE A BIT AGAINST THE BENGALS.

BALTIMORE -7.5 OVER PITTSBURGH (36.5) – This is my play of the week.  I’ve had this game circled since opening day even if Big Ben HAD been playing in the game. Now he won’t be there.  38 year old Charlie Batch gets the start for the Steelers and the Ravens defense will be ready.  The Steelers turned the ball over last week 8 times in a loss.  The Ravens have 12 straight wins in the NFC North division.  The Steelers were the last team to beat Baltimore at home in 2010.  The Steelers will keep it simple in Baltimore running the ball with RB Jonathan Dwyer who is averaging 4.4 yards per carry but has yet to score a touchdown.  TE Heath Miller will be getting a lot of looks for the Steelers from Batch.  The will try to stretch the field with Mike Wallace.  The Ravens will be ready to play on Sunday.  Flacco is good but especially good at home.  WR Torrey Smith has caught just 39 passes but has 7 TDs so far this season.  Anquan Boldin leads the team in receptions with 50 but only one score.  TE Dennis Pitta has become one of Flacco’s favorite targets catching 44 passes with 4 TD’s.  RB Ray Rice is the horse for the offense, having rushed for 794 yards and 7 TDs this season.  He has also caught 48 passes out of the backfield.  TAKE THE RAVENS IN THIS ONE MINUS THE POINTS FOR 5 STARS. THIS IS MY PLAY OF THE WEEK!!

DENVER -7.5 OVER TAMPA BAY (50.5) – This game is going to be exciting with the Bucs coming to the high altitude with a bunch of tough young players trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.  The Broncos and Peyton Manning can’t really afford to let up this week.  If they do the Bucs are liable to win.  The race in the AFC West is all but over.  The Broncos lead by 4 games.  If they win today they can clinch the division title.  The Bucs have won their last 3 road games and lost a tough one last week at home to Atlanta 24-23.  Rookie RB Doug Martin has had a phenomenal year so far rushing for 1,050 yards and 9 TDs.  Second year QB Josh Freeman has improved drastically this season under the tutelage of rookie HC Greg Schiano.  Defensively the Bucs are improving also.  The Broncos are riding the arm of Peyton Manning and the very good Bronco defense.  Denver is only 1-3 against teams with a winning record this season.  Willis McGahee is out for the season for the Broncos.  Knowshon Moreno has done a decent job in his absence.  The Broncos only managed 17 points last week against the Kansas City Chiefs.  I’M GOING TO TAKE THE BUCS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 4 STARS AND THE OVER 50 POINTS FOR 4 STARS.

DALLAS -10.5 OVER PHILADELPHIA (48.5) – Two teams that you’re not used to being horrible this late in the season.  Dallas has several key injuries.  So do the Eagles.  Rookie QB Nick Foles will start again for the Eagles.  They have lost 7 games in a row for the first time since many, many years ago.  These last few, tough games are going to be tough for Andy Reid and his Eagles.  They players love Reid.  They just can’t help him with their talent level right now.  Mike Vick won’t be back till next week if he comes back next week.  Three weeks ago Tony Romo and the Cowboys traveled to Philly and won by 15 points.  I don’t see anything changing here this week even though the Cowboys generally don’t do that well at home.  They won in OT against Cleveland at home last week.  The Browns should have won the game.  Cowboys C Phil Costa is out.  DB Scandrick is out for the season.  S Charlie Peprah and NT Jay Ratliff are doubtful. The Cowboys do get back starting RB DeMarco Murray this week.  I should probably activate him for my fantsy team.  Personally, I would find it hard to just watch this game.  I have too much respect for both teams to do that.  It’s painful.  The Cowboys will probably win the game but it might not be that easy.  I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME.