Best Bet
1. Dallas Cowboys (+2.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Cowboys, as a 2.5 point underdog, are the best bet on the board this week. They’re coming into this game playing exceptional defense.
Outside of a garbage time TD in their win over the Eagles last week, to make the score 34-14, Dallas has allowed seven points in their last 12 quarters.
The Vikings are headed in a different direction. If we disregard their win over the Giants in the season finale, in a game New York failed to show up, they’ve lost three of their last four. And in that time frame, they haven’t run the ball well, their pass protection has been suspect, and their defense, following the loss of EJ Henderson, has been very ordinary.
Look for the Cowboys to not only cover the point spread, but to win outright. The money line is 120.
Next In Line
2.Arizona Cardinals (+7) vs. New Orleans Saints
The main thing going against the Cardinals is they’re playing on a short week. It’s just six days since their stunning 51-45 win over the Packers in OT.
Aside from that, this team is battle tested and used to these types of games.
The Saints on the other hand stumbled their way to the finish line. After winning their 1st 13 games, some by very close margins, the Cowboys beat them in Week 15, and the Buccaneers beat them the following week.
And while they treated their season finale as a pre season contest, they did suffer one big loss in DE Charles Grant.
Expect both Warner and Brees to put points on the board, but for the Cards defense to make a few more plays in the end.
Not only do we like Arizona to cover, we like them straight up on the money line (+210) too.
3. Indianapolis Colts (-6.5) vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Colts are well rested and get the Ravens at home on a short week.
If Peyton Manning and the offense come out strong and put points on the board, something Tom Brady and Co. failed to do last week, it’ll limit the Ravens ability to run the ball with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. And that’s the only shot they’ve got to keep this close… or win in the end.
If they fall behind early and need Joe Flacco to out duel Manning, you can forget about it. It’ll be pick central for the Colts’ DBs.
Look for the Colts to pull out the 24-14 victory and advance to the AFC Title Game.
4. New York Jets (+7.5) vs. San Diego Chargers
The Jets, like the Ravens above, have a shot to steal this game provided they jump out to a lead. That scenario would allow them to run the ball and not force Mark Sanchez to have to do too much behind center.
They’d also be able to bring heavy pressure after Rivers.
Even if they don’t grab the lead, expect a close contest throughout, as both teams are playing at a high level right now, but look for the Jets, and their stellar defense, to keep the game within a TD.
