For week 16 of the NFL, here’s what teams we like:
Best Bets
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (-2) vs. Tennessee Titans
The Titans blew a perfect opportunity to solidify their chances for home field throughout by opting not to go for the late game FG vs. Houston, and now they get the Steelers in a football game that’s for all of the marbles.
Too bad they’ll be without Vanden Bosch and Haynesworth. Without those destructive forces on the defensive line, the Steelers will be able to move the ball and look for at least a seven point victory on Sunday.
Next in Line
2. New England Patriots (-7.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are a completely different team on the road than they are at home, and it’s not for the better. They’re 3-4 on the road and coming off a blowout at the hands of Minnesota.
Look for the Pats—desperate for a win—to pour it on the Cardinals’ defense as Moss and Welker will abuse Arizona’s secondary. And on the other side of the ball, for Belichick to have a special game plan designed for Warner.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (-5) vs. Washington Redskins
The Eagles are hot right now while the Redskins are ice cold. And after last week’s loss to Cincinnati, they were eliminated from post season play. Go with the hot hand and watch the Eagles cruise to at least a seven point victory.
4. Baltimore Ravens (+4) vs. Dallas Cowboys
See money line analysis.
Others We Like
1. San Francisco 49ers (-5.5) vs. St. Louis Rams
The Rams can’t wait for this NFL season to be finished while the Niners are playing much better under Mike Singletary. Look for the Niners to move the ball with ease against a suspect Rams defense and for their defense to stymie Bulger and the rest of the offense.
2. Houston Texans (-7) vs. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are a pitiful bunch while the Texans are rolling after four consecutive wins. And they’re on pace for their first winning season.
We will see Schaub, Johnson, and Slaton wearing out the Raiders’ defense while Mario Williams and Co. will keep JaMarcus Russell in check.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3.5) vs. San Diego Chargers
Both teams are desperate but the Bucs are at home. And if both of the Chargers previous east coast trips this season are any indication of what will happen, the Bucs should win by at least seven.
Look for the Bucs defense to contain San Diego’s offense but I can’t say the same for the Chargers’ D when the Bucs have the ball.
Money Line
Baltimore Ravens (+170) vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are fighting for their playoff lives and after the controversial call to end their game with Pittsburgh, so is Baltimore. We don’t see this being a high scoring game, so the under (39.5) looks appealing, but we do like Baltimore’s chances to steal a win in Big D. Their Giants’ win aside, Dallas still has its problem and T.O. is one less pass his way from blowing up on the sidelines.
Look for the Ravens to rely heavily on the ground game to motor its offense and then pick and choose when to pass while defensively, we see them being able to force Romo into a few errors with their pressure defense and that should be the difference in the game.
Marc
December 18th, 2008 at 22:17
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Where can I get odds of Titans losing their remaining 3 games (2 regular, 1 playoff) please?
Thank you
Bandew444
December 19th, 2008 at 03:30
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I say the Chargers beat the Bucs by maybe a field goal (considering that Nate Kaeding shows up). But I’m from SD, so that’s always what I think. But this time I think they actually have a chance.
profootball101
December 18th, 2008 at 22:23
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I get my odds from the World Sports Exchange. It has odds for everything, although I am not sure it’s as specific as you’re looking for.
profootball101
December 19th, 2008 at 13:37
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Both teams are desperate, so I wouldn’t put it past either team to pull off the close victory, but based on the Chargers previous trips back east I’ll go with the home team in this one. The motivating factor for SD though is that Den doesn’t play until the late game, so they must win with a chance to force a do or die game the final weekend of the season. Had Den been playing in the earlier game and won, then I think this would be no contest.