1500* - Atlanta Falcons, 500* - Minnesota Vikings, 500* - San Francisco 49ers

The Falcons have been a little "road-heavy" these last few weeks, as 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games have come away from the friendly Georgia Dome, and Atlanta only has a 1-4 record to show for it.

That 1 win did come in a double-digit home win, and cover over Washington, as the Falcons are 4-0 both straight up and against the spread in their own building this season, and they are also a solid 8-1 against the spread their last 9 following a loss.

After showing a little spark with Josh Freeman under center, the Bucs have dropped their last pair, and they were just shredded by the Saints last Sunday in Tampa. Tough spot for the rookie QB to be starting this afternoon, as the Falcons are in a must win situation, and with Freeman throwing 3 picks last week, there is a chance the banged-up Atlanta defense will be able to containg the Buccaneers offense in this one just enough for Matt Ryan and the offense to stretch the final margin.

Lay the wood!

1500♦ - Atlanta Falcons

With losses in their last 3, and 5 of their last 6 straight up, things don't look too sunny for the Bears as they pay a visit to the division front-runners.

Minnesota is off their best game of the season, a 35-9 thump job of Seattle at the Metrodome, and this is the conclusion of a 3-game homestand for the 9-1 Vikings.

Minny is 3-0-1 against the spread as a double-digit favorite this season, and they are also 3-1 against the spread their last 4 home games against the Bears.

Chicago's secondary is thing, and both Rice and Harvin have emerged as legitimate threats for this Minnesota team, not to mention Bernard Barrion wanting to get a piece of his old team. Throw in a steady diet of Peterson, and Taylor out of the backfield, and this has the makings of a blowout.

Take Minnesota to march on!

500♦ - Minnesota Vikings

Jacksonville is in a bad spot today, as the Jags just edged Buffalo at home, and have 3 home games upcoming after today's rare stop out west.

The Jags have won their last 3, and 6 of their last 8, but Jacksonville is just 1-5 against the spread their last 6 games, and they are facing a 49ers team that is desperate for the taste of victory.

The Niners did cover the last time they were favored in a 10-6 home win over Chicago, and they have covered 3 of 5 this season when favored, pushing their mark to 5-3-1 against the spread their last 9 as the home favorite.

I just feel this is a bad scheduling spot for Jacksonville, and I will go-against them this afternoon.

500♦ - San Francisco 49ers