[LLXC]

BEST BET
*MINNESOTA over CINCINNATI by 18
Pittsburgh’s loss to the Raiders last week all but ensures that the Bengals have wrapped up the AFC North, with a three game lead and a perfect divisional record. That makes them ripe for the picking in a non-conference road game against one of the NFC’s best. Cincinnati’s success has been predicated on the stellar play of their defense, but the Vikings boast an attack that is multi-dimensional and capable of plowing through any defense. The best offensive line in football is teamed with a plethora of athletic receivers, an All-Pro running back, and one of the best 40-year old quarterbacks in NFL history – these Vikings can beat you in multiple ways. As well as the Bengals have played this year, there isn’t much to play for this week, and there is an excellent chance that they come out unprepared. On the other side of the football is the Bengals offense, which has been thoroughly unimpressive, but led by the methodical, grind-it-out style of Cedric Benson. He doesn’t possess breakaway speed, but the Cincinnati offensive line has done a good job of creating enough holes to eat up chunks of 3-to-5 yards on a consistent basis. That won’t be the case against Minnesota’s second-ranked run defense, which gives up only 3.9 yards per carry and an average of 81.6 yards per game. Without their running game to set up the pass, the Bengals will revert back to the Bungles and give up a game to one of the superior teams of the NFC. MINNESOTA 34-16.

BEST BET
*DALLAS over SAN DIEGO by 14
The Chargers have won seven straight, and 15 straight games played in the month of December. The media is making a big deal about Dallas and their difficulties winning games in December, with the Cowboys 5-9 SU in that month. But football games are not played on a calendar. They are played on a field after a week of preparation. Since Cowboys' head coach Wade Phillips designed the current San Diego 3-4 defense when he was defensive coordinator on Marty Schottenheimer's Chargers staff, that week is a little more effective than usual. Phillips doesn't have the reputation as being the bright- est bulb on the coaching string, but he has a pretty good idea about how that defense works, as well as the offense. The Chargers come in with a semi-fake running game that won't wear out an opposing defense, and an average play count of only 58 per game. The Cowboys can counter with two tight ends to overpower the Chargers' 3-4, which was missing three starters last week and may or may not get 'em back for this non-con- ference road game. The pounding, plus Romo on the move, can make a mess of the San Diego defense that has thoroughly enjoyed lining up against the comically inept Cleveland, Kansas City and Simms-led Denver offenses the last three weeks, which couldn’t stay on the field to keep Philip Rivers off t. Not that Dallas ever beats anyone with a winning record, but every clown has his big day in the spotlight. DALLAS, 34-20.

RECOMMENDED
MIAMI over *JACKSONVILLE by 9
When to use a team in the frequently negative situation of being off a hard-fought win vs. a division rival like Miami is, off the win vs. New England? When the other side is also coming off a hard-fought win vs. a division rival, like the Jags are off Houston. It’s the battle of two teams that refuse to die and fade from a rather mediocre AFC wild card race. The Dolphins upset the Patriots last week, keeping hope alive for Miami, and the Jaguars swept the Texans to keep them two games above .500. Now the outcome of this game could go a long way in determining which of these two teams takes one of the two available wild card spots. It was an uneven performance for Chad Henne, but he was able to lead his team to a win over the vaunted Patriots and looks to be developing good chemistry with Davone Bess. Miami’s offense should be able to gain big chunks of yards against a Jaguars’ defense that has been unimpressive all season. Number one CB Rashean Mathis remains out with an injury, and the league’s worst pass rush is unable to bail out the secondary by putting consistent pressure on the quarterback. Henne, with time, isn’t horrible. The Dolphins put a lot of pressure on Tom Brady last Sunday, and the Jaguars have allowed their quarterback to be hit more times than any other QB in the NFL. MIAMI, 23-14.

RECOMMENDED
*NEW ENGLAND over CAROLINA by 22
It's almost like magic. Carolina removes Jake Delhomme from the quarterback position and -- poof! -- the other team's quarterback throws five interceptions. Addition by sub- traction. One problem: Despite being +3 in TO Margin vs. Tampa last Sunday, the Panthers scored only 16 points and earned only 15 first downs. For the season, they have averaged less than 18 first downs per game. The Patriots' defense has looked bad on national television two games in a row in losses to New Orleans and Miami. But those offenses have averaged 22 and 20 first downs per game in '09, and were able to make a dent in the Patriots' NFL-high time of possession. Carolina probably won't. Playing without RB DeAngelo Williams would be one reason why they wouldn't. New England getting RB Fred Taylor back would be another reason why they wouldn't. The Pats des- perately need Taylor to boost a sagging running game. Reports are that his return from injury has been targeted for this game. Good team, off two road losses, returns home for important game now that their AFC lead against Miami and the Jets is only one game. NEW ENGLAND, 35-13.

[LLXC]

RECOMMENDED
*TORONTO over HOUSTON by 10
It’s a tough year to lean on Toronto for Sunday morning games, but this is actually a pret- ty good match-up for the Raptors. While Houston has experienced success through great teamwork, they lack a go-to guy for offense and their system is predicated on having all their players on the same page. Who wants to guess these guys went out last night in Toronto? Look for Houston’s systems to fall down to Earth, for one day, as the Raptors offense finally clicks against a slower defense. TORONTO 107-97

RECOMMENDED
*BOSTON COLLEGE over RHODE ISLAND by 14
This marks the 5th game in 11 days for the Rams – so you gotta wonder if they can hang for 40 minutes against a BC team that will hold the frontcourt advantage. The Eagles also play a much more methodical game and will look to force Rhode Island to play out of a lot of half court sets. Without their best scoring threat Sanders, BC has learned that playing tough defense is their key to winning. Just ask Michigan and Providence – two teams that shot under 37% in losses to the home team. BOSTON COLLEGE, 81-67.