Excuse us for piling on here but this Cleveland squad is last in almost every offensive and defensive category with no hope in sight. The end zone is as foreign to the Browns as a hockey player is in the Caribbean. The Browns have scored a mere 25 points in their last five games while producing only five offensive touchdowns in their past 15 games. To compare, the Saints defence has scored seven majors this season. Detroit has issues but they play hard, have more skilful players and will welcome this lame visitor arriving on a short week.
TAKING: Detroit –3 ˝ +1.03
RISKING: 2 units
Redskins @ Cowboys PINNACLE
In sports, we hear a lot about rivalries. Most are overstated. This one is not. No matter what their records are, who their quarterback or coach might be or where the game is being played, the Cowboys and Redskins traditionally play close games. In their past 10 meetings, each team has won five times. Only once have the Cowboys managed to win by more than five points. Washington is solid defensively, leading the league in passing yards allowed. Dallas took a hit on its offensive line with injury to Marc Colombo. No one gets too far away here.
TAKING: Washington +11
RISKING: 2.06 units to win 2
49ers @ Packers Sports Interaction
Not anxious to spot points with cushiony Packers against this spirited opponent. Niners best when taking road points with covers at Arizona, Minnesota, Indianapolis and a push at Houston. Green Bay continues to put its quarterback in danger with Aaron Rodgers having been sacked a league-leading 41 times this season. Expect the 49ers pass rush to apply pressure all day long and to create some opportunities for its offence. Green Bay may also want to conserve some energy with Thursday game upcoming.
TAKING: San Francisco +6˝
RISKING: 2.1 units to win 2
THE REST:
Steelers @ Chiefs
Not sure about mental makeup of Steelers heading into this one after suffering a 2nd loss to Bengals last week and having the Ravens on deck. The loss of Troy Polamalu has huge impact and could allow Chiefs to keep closer than expected.TAKING: Kansas City +10
Saints @ Buccaneers
Thanks Rams. By staying close with Saints last week, oddsmakers were reluctant to price New Orleans in two-touchdown range. Asking rookie QB Josh Freeman to keep pace with masterful Drew Brees is like asking a tricycle to stay close with a motorcycle.TAKING: New Orleans –11
Colts @ Ravens
Tough to go against undefeated Colts but they were completely outplayed for 45 minutes last week before controversial comeback win. That effort had to take its toll and that won’t bode well against this physical foe.TAKING: Baltimore +1
Falcons @ Giants
Few teams needed a bye as much as the Giants and it doesn’t hurt that they’ll face a poor traveling Falcons squad that will be playing their fourth road game in five weeks. Eli Manning could have big day against Atlanta’s suspect secondary.TAKING: NY Giants –6˝
Bills @ Jaguars
Can’t trust the Jaguars as a home favourite and we need only to look at games here this year against the Rams and Chiefs to confirm that. In fact, Jacksonville has failed to cover a home game as chalk in its past eight attempts.TAKING: Buffalo +8˝
Seahawks @ Vikings
If they haven’t already, Minnesota is quickly becoming a public team and that results in inflated prices. Seattle has struggled with injuries but some of the wounded are returning and Seahawks have enough fire power to stay within range.TAKING: Seattle +11
Bengals @ Raiders
Bengals flying high after knocking off Steelers for second time and going 5-0 in division. However, this could be a flat spot for them after demanding month. Cincinnati has failed to score 20 points in four of past five, making prohibitive spot risky.TAKING: Oakland +9
Chargers @ Broncos
A sore knee will likely prevent QB Kyle Orton from participating in this one and the timing couldn’t be worse. The Broncos are free falling while the Chargers have won four straight. First place changes hands on this day.TAKING: San Diego –?
Cardinals @ Rams
The Rams are inching their way back to competitive. They won two weeks ago and gave the powerful Saints more than they bargained for last week. St. Louis is still miles from respectability but new coach has them on right track.TAKING: St. Louis +9
Eagles @ Bears
Philadelphia remains an enigma as it has moved up and down the field but has failed to cash in points. Same can’t be said for Bears team that has little to no chemistry. After Giants, Cowboys and Chargers, Eagles may find this one more suitable.TAKING: Philadelphia –3
Jets @ Patriots
Jets have lost five of six and now are faced with the unenviable task of taking on a Patriots team that will be looking to hurt someone after their coach was raked over coals this week. Pats owe Jets for earlier loss. Revenge comes in a big way.TAKING: New England –10 ˝
Titans @ Texans
Texans are undependable and when you consider that they lost home games already to the mediocre Jaguars and Jets, it would be foolish to give away points to a surging Titans squad. Tennessee lost to Houston earlier and is now afforded a national stage to make amends.TAKING: Tennessee +4 ˝
Randall the Handle 11/22
Reply With Quote