THE BEST

Texans @ Jaguars

We find ourselves back here again not because of our faith in the Advil-inducing Texans but primarily because of the Jaguars fraudulent depiction. Jacksonville has won four of its last seven games. Those wins came by 3, 3, 2 and 3 against the Rams, Chiefs, Jets and Bills respectively. In its three losses during that span, Jacksonville was outscored 91-16 to the Seahawks, Titans and Niners. Houston ranks ahead of the latter trio and after three heartbreaking defeats, this opponent will get the Texans back on their feet.

TAKING: Houston +1 RISKING: 2.14 units to win 2 PINNACLE


Saints @ Redskins

New Orleans has been extraordinary this season and it culminated this past Monday with a dominant performance over the Patriots. While the Saints are maintaining their ‘game at a time’ posture, there is no question that this week will be an emotional letdown. Having played a near immaculate game and traveling on a short week to play a lesser opponent, this one aligns nicely. The Redskins defence continues to play well and with a bunch of home points to play with, the dog gets our call here.

TAKING: Washington +9˝ RISKING: 2.08 units to win 2 PINNACLE


Titans @ Colts

Something’s got to give. The Colts have won 20 straight regular season games while Vince Young has won nine consecutive starts and five straight this year since going under center for the streaking Titans. It makes for a great storyline but in reality, this is a monster game for the visitor and just another day at work for Indianapolis. Tennessee is a win away from being tied for the final playoff spot. They are much stronger, both defensively and mentally, than in the 31-9 setback to Colts earlier this year. The Colts can lose and still have stranglehold on AFC.

TAKING: Tennessee +6˝ RISKING: 2.08 units to win 2 PINNACLE

THE REST

Patriots @ Dolphins

New England arrives here with its tail tucked between its legs after being humiliated nationally on Monday night. While Patriots may have rolled over, don’t expect them to play dead. Pats won earlier meeting by 10 and a win here pretty much sews up division.TAKING: New England –5

Broncos @ Chiefs

Not sure which Denver team will show up but either way, we are encouraged by fundamental improvements on the Kansas City side of things. Chiefs have covered five of past seven taking points and are confident enough to do so here. TAKING: Kansas City +4 ˝


Raiders @ Steelers

Steelers should be able to break out of current funk in big way here as Ben Roethlisberger is expected to return to lineup. Oakland scoring under 10 points on road this season and with current quarterback ineptitude, repair will take some time.TAKING: Pittsburgh –14 ˝


Eagles @ Falcons

Too many skill position players are currently on the sidelines for the struggling Falcons. Donovan McNabb figures to wreak havoc amongst Atlanta’s 27th ranked pass defence and without the ability to counterpunch, this could be long day for host.TAKING: Philadelphia –5˝


Lions @ Bengals

Cincinnati continues to win but still has a propensity to play to its opponent’s level. Bengals have been favoured five times this season and have yet to cover. With trip to Minnesota on deck, Cincy unlikely to exert too much effort here.TAKING: Detroit +13


Buccaneers @ Panthers

QB Jake Delhomme likely to sit this one out with a sore finger. Right. While replacement Matt Moore cannot be worse, it remains a difficult assignment to cover this spread against a divisional foe in his first start since December ’07.TAKING: Tampa Bay +6 ˝


Rams @ Bears

The Weather Channel may be more exciting than this one. Slight lean to the Rams here as they continue to make baby strides under new coaching regime while the Bears continue to spin their wheels.TAKING: St. Louis +9 ˝


Chargers @ Browns

Double-digit road favourites in this league are rarely a good idea. San Diego has it going on right now and appears to be in playoff form but this is still a trip to Eastern time zone and another trip to Dallas follows next week. Norv may conserve some energy here.TAKING: Cleveland +13


49ers @ Seahawks

It’s easy to forget Seattle ’s capacity for playing at home after it has been traveling for a month. After three consecutive defeats, the Seahawks should bounce back against a 49ers squad that has trouble against passing teamsTAKING: Seattle –1


Vikings @ Cardinals

Kurt Warner is the key to this recommendation and it appears he will start. We can’t downplay what Minnesota has done this year but Baltimore and Green Bay are the only teams it has face with winning records.TAKING: Arizona +5


Cowboys @ Giants

The only thing that cools down quicker than the thermometer in December, are these Cowboys. Dallas has managed just one win in its past 10 games in the calendar’s final month. The Giants need to redeem themselves for disgraceful showing on Thanksgiving.TAKING: NY Giants +1 ˝


Ravens @ Packers

Things get a bit easier down the stretch for Ravens after having to endure one of the league’s toughest schedules. A win here would do wonders for any playoff aspirations and with Green Bay being vulnerable to physical teams, the mild upset would not surprise.TAKING: Baltimore +3