Best Bet
1. San Diego Chargers (-13) vs. Cleveland Browns
The Chargers have won six in a row and their last two were in convincing fashion. They’re hitting on all cylinders offensively and forcing turnovers on defense. The Browns are a deflated bunch and their off season vacations can’t come soon enough. This will be San Diego in a romp.
Next In Line
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (-14.5) vs. Oakland Raiders
If the Steelers are going to play in January, they’ve got to win on Sunday. And thankfully for them, they’re going against one of the worst teams in the league. Ben Roethlisberger is back and his presence alone should provide a boost to the team. This one will be over early and the final score could be twenty or more.
3. Washington Redskins (+9.5) vs. New Orleans Saints
On any other Sunday, we’d take New Orleans without thinking twice. However they’re coming off an emotional win in a nearly flawless game against the Patriots and it’s hard to see them NOT suffering an emotional letdown against the lowly Redskins. So, while they’ll win this to move to 12-0, we think they’ll do so by only a TD.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (+4.5) vs. Denver Broncos
See Money Line Analysis
Others We Like
Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons will be without QB Matt Ryan and possibly RB Michael Turner against Philly. That’s not good for Atlanta. They rarely win when Turner is out and Ryan’s the centerpiece of the organization. The Eagles passing game, even without DeSean Jackson, will torch the Falcons’ secondary and on the other side of the ball, Trent Cole and Co. will be all over Chris Redman.
Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) vs. New York Giants
The fact that the Giants failed to fire DC Bill Sheridan after their abysmal showing in Denver shows the Giants aren’t going to make a rebound defensively this year. Regardless of Tony Romo’s struggles in the month of December, look for him to find success passing the ball in what will be the “nail in the coffin” for the Giants 2009 playoffs chances. They’ve failed to make any meaningful coaching adjustments in the past six weeks and it’s not going to start now.
Chicago Bears (-9.5) vs. St. Louis Rams
If this were played in St. Louis, I’d side with the Rams. However, playing in Soldier Field, on what could be a cold, windy day, the Bears will win with ease. Kyle Boller is a turnover machine and Chicago’s defense, beleaguered of late, will rebound with a solid effort in Week 13.
Money Line
Kansas City Chiefs (+180) vs. Denver Broncos
The Broncos win over the Giants was an aberration. The Giants right now are playing as poorly as they did in their 2nd half collapse in 2006, so the beating they took on Thanksgiving Day looks a lot less impressive when that’s taken into consideration.
The Chiefs have always given Denver fits in Arrowhead and they’ll pull out a close one on Sunday.
Look for Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles and Chris Chambers to move the ball on Denver’s defense and put up 20 + points.
Defensively, they’re a lot better at home than on the road, and will focus on the Broncos main weakness (lack of deep passing game) which was exposed prior to the Thanksgiving game.
Also keep an eye on the Chiefs special teams which have been particularly good of late. When this one is in the books, the Chiefs will have sent Denver to their fifth loss in six game.
