Rating: 2 Units

Twelve years ago, Pitt came in here & shocked the top-seeded Colts in the Divisionals, on the way to a Super Bowl title. Remember Big Ben's tackle after the "Bus" fumbled? Steelers in off a bye, so note winning their last 2 road games by 19-13 & 20-15 scores, covering their last 3 visiting roles. The Colts halted a 3-game skid, in taking the crippled Texans, 20-14, behind 308 passing yards & 2 touchdowns from Brissett, thereby preventing their first 4-game losing streak under Chuck Pagano. Steelers are 5-0 ATS in the 2nd of 2 road games, & 12-1 ATS vs an opponent with double revenge. It's Pittsburgh

Rating: 2 Units

The most obvious edge in this contest is the overwhelming 19-turnover advantage enjoyed by the Lions, who are +7, while the Browns are at -12. It continues. Cleveland now stands 1-24 & 2-31 SU. And note that Brownies have allowed 31 or more points in 4 of their last 6 games, while posting a current spread record of 5-15. This is one of those old school NFL matchups. Back to Jim Brown days when they met for the title. No pick for Cleveland's Kizer vs Vikings (1st time all year). Tight games rule Detroit games, with last 3 home games decided by 4, 3, 5 points SU. Won't be anywhere near that here.

Rating: 2 Units

Raiders have lost for the 5th time in 6 games, so the much awaited return of Carr has resulted in a pulse-stopping win over the Chiefs, & a sloppy, 4 turnover, 34-14 loss to the Bills, with a 166-54 rushing yard deficit. After scoring on their opening drive, the Raiders' next 7 possessions ended with 4 punts, 3 turnovers, & a failed bid to score at the end of the 2nd quarter. The weather in Buffalo was horrendous, but won't be here. Miami in off their 2nd shutout loss in their last 5 games, managing a mere 196 yards, with 3 sacks & 2 picks from Moore. Miami 1-10 ATS off giving up over 34 points. Must win for Raiders.

Rating: 2 Units

Some pretty cool sidebars here. This will be Romo's first time broadcasting a Cowboys game, while it's Andy Reid's first time back in Dallas since he coached the Eagles back in 2012. By the way, the 'Boys (-10½) won that one, 38-33. Dallas RB Elliott is once again looking pretty dominant, with 147 & 150 rushing yards the past 2 weeks, including a pair of touchdowns in each game. Cowboys blocked a field goal & forced 3 turnovers in win over the Redkins. Dallas seems in the groove

Rating: 2 Units

The Rams have been a great surprise this season, currently sitting atop the NFC West, with only 1 team (Eagles) having more wins. L.A. has topped 32 points 4 times, behind the vastly improve Quarterbacking of Goff, while Gurley is the perfect complement. A couple of weeks ago, I pegged the Broncos as a near "can't miss" choice, when hosting the Giants' punchless overhead game of NY. But it didn't work out, thanks to Denver's equally inept offense. As noted above, that isn't the case with the Rams. And L.A. is in off its bye week

Rating: 2 Units

Obviously, the Jaguars are at their best when taking to the road, as the visitor is 6-0 both SU & ATS this year. A 4-3 start for Jacksonville, scoring 29, 44, 30, & 27 points in those wins. Are in off a bye, following Bortles season-high 330 yards, which ended a 4-game losing streak at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jags set franchise record with 10 sacks, recording first shutout win since Oct, of '06, with a 518-232 yard edge over Indy. Cincinnati is in off 1-point win over Indy, rushing for just 58 yards vs a team that allowed the Jacksonville to score on their first 4 possessions, just a week earlier. Took Indy thanks to a pick-6 in the final 6:58. Jacksonville is 6-1 ATS off a bye, & Cincinnati is 2-8 vs an opponent who is off a bye.

Rating: 2 Units

Matchup of the last two teams to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Falcons in off snapping 3-game losing streak vs Jets, all to other AFC East teams. So 0-4 ATS to that division. And Ryan had all kinds of trouble with the inclement weather, fumbling 4 snaps, & losing 2 of them. The Panther defense didn't allow a touchdown for the 2nd straight week, helping Carolina snap a 2-game losing streak, putting away its win over Tampa Bay away in the 4th, by intercepting Winston twice. The Falcons have Dallas & Seattle on deck, but note that Atlanta won 33-16 here a year ago. Carolina is 0-5 in division play, when taking on an opponent off a non-division contest.

Rating: 2 Units

Are the 'Boys back? They were in a funk, off a pair of 35-point defensive showings, with Zeke & Dak performing below '16 levels. But check 147 rushing yards (5.7 yards per rush), & 2 TDs from Elliott, along with 219 yards from scrimmage, while Prescott was 3/0 (14/4 for the year), in 40-10 rout of the Niners. And Dez tied Bob Hayes' franchise record with his 71st career TD. The Cowboys are 4-10 ATS vs the Redskins, but they did win by 4 & 5 points SU in their 2 meetings of last year. Washington has allowed 20+ points in 24 of its last 26 games, so this one should provide plenty of fireworks. Cowboys offense getting in gear

Rating: 2 Units

Can the Texans make another playoff run, without J.J. Watt again this year? Were smoking hot, before their bye, with a 39.25 points per game average in their last 4 games. Watson continues to amaze, as he has thrown for at least 3 TDs in his last 3 games, becoming the first rookie to perform such a feat in NFL history. Now 15 TD passes, the most by a rookie in his team's first 6 games. Oh, Texans set a franchise record by scoring 30+ points in 4 straight tilts. Seahawks an enigma since blowing that Super Bowl. Did their thing vs the Giants: 7 points, 14 first downs, 46 rushing yards. I'll call for the upset here

Rating: 2 Units

Right, I rarely step out with an NFL double digit favorite, & with good reason. However, the Niners just may have run out of weekly squeaking losses, as the Cowboys did more than expose San Francisco, with that 40-10 romper, running for 265 yards, while totalling more than 500 yards. Philly, of course is in off its Monday war with the Redskins, but has only been bested once this season, by the Chiefs. Niners' Beathard was sacked five times in his debut, while losing 2 fumbles. Eagles covered their last HG (prior to Monday Nighter) by 33½ points, while Wentz a comfortable 13/3 entering that one. Eagles' 3rd-ranked offense vs Niners' 28-rated defense. Philly follows in Cowboys' footsteps.

Rating: 2 Units

These 2 met in this very same stadium for the 1990 AFC title, only to see the Bills destroy the Raiders, 51-3, the week before "Wide Right". Raiders snapped 3-game slide with final play TD pass from Carr to Crabtree, on 85-yard drive vs the Chiefs. Carr: 29-of-52 for 417 yards & 3 TDs (no picks). We'll see what happens to BeastMode, after getting tossed for shoving a ref. After all, he did start his career here with the Bills in '07. For Buffalo, this marks just the 4th time that it has won 4 of its first 6 games, during its 17-year playoff drought. Bills 0-7 ATS as single digit favorite in the 2nd of 2 home games

Rating; 2 Units

Remember the "Miracle at the Met", when Ahmad Rashad caught Tommy Kramer's "Hail Mary" at the gun to beat the "Kardiac Kids" back in 1980? Check Latavius Murray rushing for 113 yards & a TD while Forbath kicked six FGs in backing another suffocating from the Viking "D" in LW's win over the Ravens. Sacked Flacco 5 times, in allowing just 208 TYs. Keenum 20-of-31, & a pick (5/2 for year). Brown "D" did its part LW, holding Titans to zero TDs, but Cleveland "O" also didn't reach the end zone, losing FG contest, 12-9. Browns 1-23 & 2-30 SU, with a 5-14 spread run. And now they've lost Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas. A Viking call.

Rating: 2 Units

Two consecutive comeback wins for the Dolphins, who overcame a 17-point deficit in the 2nd half at Atlanta, following that up by erasing a 14-point fourth quarter deficit to beat the Jets, 31-28, this week, with Moore (for injured Cutler) throwing 2 touchdown passes in the final 12 minutes. So 3 straight Miami wins, off that horrid 40-6 combined deficit in their 2nd & 3rd games. Note that the Dolphins hadn't allowed more than 20 points, previously. Two straight losses for the Ravens, & 4 of last 5, after opening at 2-0 (Bengals & Browns). Remember, Dolphins covered their last road game by 16 points, while Ravens are 1-11 ATS vs opposition off a pair of SU/ATS wins. So Miami, as the dog, seems a bit juicy.

Rating: 2 Units

About time I jumped on this smoking squad, which has only a loss at Kansas City, to prevent perfect 6-0 start, although their 5-1 record is the best mark in the NFC. QB Wentz in Thursday win at Carolina had 222 passing yards & 3 touchdowns, so now at 1,584 passing yards & all-important 13 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions. Philadelphia has had Thursday to Monday. An extra 4 days to prepare for this. Peterson is 6-0 ATS at home off a SU win, while Philadelphia is 9-1 ATS on Monday, off a SU win. Consider that the Redskins are 2-9 ATS vs an opponent off a double digit cover. Eagles just keep it going.

Rating: 2 Units

Check "has-been" Peterson's 134 rushing yards & 2 touchdowns in his Arizona debut. That's 47 more yards than the 87 he had in 4 games with the Saints. So 160 Arizona rushing yards, after entering at 52 rushing yards per game. A huge help for Palmer, who completed his first 14 passes vs the Tampa Bay. Rams came in nicely for us last week, but they're 1-11 ATS vs an opponent off SU dog win.

Rating: 2 Units

Packers without Rodgers so they went with Hundley vs Minnesota, but just 10 points, 14 first downs, & 227 yards, & 3 interceptions, about what Aaron would toss over the course of the year. So, what was supposed to be the ultimate QB matchup, is no more. Check running backs Ingram & Kamara combining for 237 yards vs the Lions, while Saint defense forced 5 turn overs, scoring on a fumble return & a pair of pick-sixes. Only 9th time since '92, that neither Favre nor Rodgers will be under center for the Packers.

Rating: 2 Units

Even though the Jets lost at home to the Pats, that was a game for 60 minutes. Seferian-Jenkins losing control of the ball at the goal line, resulting in a touch back was a stomach punch to the Jets. McCown: 31-of-47 for 354 yards with 2 touchdowns (also 2 interceptions). Dolphins came from 17-0 deficit, for 20-17 win at Atlanta. Remember, this is the team which had just 3 offensive touchdowns coming into that game. Jets are 11-2 ATS vs a .500+ division opponent who is off a pair of SU/ATS wins. Division road dog in this one

Rating: 2 Units

Yes, I know that the host team is 5-0 ATS in Colt games, entering previous Monday Nighter vs Tennessee. The Jags got 130 rushing yards from Fournette, in last week's 27-17 loss to the Rams, when they allowed a pair of special team touchdowns (kick off & blocked punt returns). That one marked Jacksonville's 9th loss in their last 10 home games. Fournette, by the way, scored on a 75-yard run on Jags 1st play from scrimmage. And remember, his previous carry was 90 yarder, that sealed their win at Pittsburgh. Note that Colt home games this year have been decided by 3, 3, & 3 points SU. I'll call for a halt to that trend.

Rating: 2 Units

The Titans are coming in off their Monday game with the Colts. Browns now on 1-22 & 2-29 SU runs, averaging 13.2 points per game in 13 of their last 14 games, & are currently on a 4-14 ATS slide. Went with Hogan over Kizer vs the Texans: 1 touchdown pass, with 3 interceptions,  in 33-17 loss. So Browns win less, with head coach Jackson's record in Cleveland now 1-21 SU. Hogan, by the way, became the Browns' 28th starting QB since 1999, when they had a chance to draft Donovan McNabb, instead of Tim Couch.

Rating: 2 Units

Bronco defense continues to impress, holding Beast Mode to 12 yards on 9 carries. That unit has completely dominated Lynch, Melvin Gordon, Ezekiel Elliott, & LeSean McCoy. Those 4 Pro Bowl backs have a combined 95 yards on 50 carries. And Denver hasn't allowed a 1st quarter point all year. Eight years ago, on Thanksgiving Night, Josh McDaniels & the boys crushed the Giants, 26-6, as 5-point dogs. For the winless Giants, note that they have only 2 rushing touchdowns all season, hadn't scored in the first quarter, before those 9 points vs the Chargers. Bronco Defense just smothers the  31st in the league in rushing offense.

Rating: 2 Units

In Tampa Bay's last 2 games, Nick Folk has missed 5 field goals and a PAT. Last week, Tampa didn't convert on 3rd down until late in the 3rd quarter, & that was against the worst defense in the league. Ariens is 10-3 as a dog of less than 4½ points off a non-division contest.

Rating: 2 Units

Would you believe that this is just the 2nd home game for the Jaguars. Jacksonville comes in off their first win over the Steelers in 10 years, picking off Big Ben 5 times, & sacking him twice. Check 181 rushing yards & 2 touchdowns from Fournette. Jags are over .500 after five games for the first time since 2010, & have already matched their victory total from 2016. Jacksonville has 15 takeaways this season, after NFL-low 13 last year. Rams WR Kupp barely missed a diving touchdown grab that would have beaten Seattle. However, the Rams are 2-10 ATS the L12.

Rating: 2 Units

What is it about Aaron Rodgers in Dallas? Once again, the Cowboys gave him too much time (1:18) to answer 11-yard Prescott touchdown run. Aaron marched them 75 yards for the winning touchdown to Adams with only 0:11 left. Three more touchdowns, without a pick, so now with 13 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions for the year. Check five 4th quarter lead changes, in that instant classic. And now Green Bay has a running game, with 125 rushing yards from Rookie Jones. Green Bay is on 13-2 SU run.

Rating: 2 Units

Of course, the main sidebar to this one is, once again, the Texans' loss of Watt (broken leg), & ensuing 42-34 loss to the Chiefs. No, not a win, but, if you can believe it, another five touchdown passes from Watson, who now has 9 passing & 1 rushing touchdowns in the past 2 weeks. Browns are still seeking QB answers, after passing on Osweiler. Kizer benched for Hogan, after he threw his 9th pick of the year. So another loss (21st in last 22 games, & 28th in last 30). Third straight home game for Houston, & note O'Brien a 7-1 ATS home favorite record if off a SU loss, & 13-2 ATS as favorite against an opponent who is off non-division

Rating: 2 Units

Wentz is in off career-best 4 touchdowns in rout of the Cards, including 3 scoring passes on 3 consecutive attempts in the 1st quarter. He was 11-for-12 for 225 yards & 3 touchdowns on 3rd down conversions. Panthers got it together, after falling behind Lions, 10-3, with 24 consecutive points, behind Cam (26-of-33 for 335 yards, & 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions and now has 8 touchdowns with 5 interceptions for the year. Rivera is 11-0 ATS vs a non-division foe off a double digit cover, & 8-1 ATS as a home favorite vs an opponent of a SU/ATS win.

Rating: 2 Units

Four turnovers did the Bears in against the Packers. Natives getting restless, so No. 2 overall pick, QB Trubisky will get the nod this week, as Glennon has been horrible (4 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 8 sacks, with Chicago running game sitting at #27). As far as the Vikings are concerned, Sam Bradford can't come back quick enough, as Minnesota had a 36:27-23:33 time deficit in home loss to Detroit. Their defense did sack Stafford 6 times, but they have lost running back Cook. Minnesota is  1-7 ATS as division road favorites off a SU/ATS loss, & 0-10 as road favorites off a SU favorite loss. Monday home division dog.

Rating: 2 Units

What has happened to the Texans? Obviously 57 points (vs the Titans) is a franchise record. Scored touchdowns on their first 3 possessions, as simply put, Deshaun Watson is the epitome of a "winner". In just his 3rd NFL start, he threw for 4 touchdowns, & ran for another, in becoming the first rookie to throw for four touchdowns & run for another one, since '61, when it was done by Fran Tarkenton. Last week they had a 33-9 first down, 173-86 rushing yard, & 445-195 total yard edges, in 43-point win. I still can't get image of Kansas City coming in here in the 2015 Wild Card & destroying the Texans, 30-0, out of my heads. This one is a Kansas City call.

Rating: 2 Units

Huge division win for the Lions last week, after that heartbreaking loss to the Falcons in week 3. They forced 3 more turnovers (NFL best +9 in that department) & held the Vikings scoreless in the 2nd half. For the Panthers, Cam became the 1st QB in NFL history to rush for 50 touchdowns & Stewart became the all-time franchise rushing leader in that win over New England last week. Newton was also a nice 22-for-29 in that win. The Panthers are on a 4-0 run away from home (15 & 12 point covers in that setup this year). But Caldwell is a brilliant 12-2 ATS vs a non-division opponent, that is in off a double digit non-division cover

Rating: 2 Units

What a win for the Bills last week in Atlanta, despite 25-15 first down & 391-281 yard deficits. That top-ranked scoring defense took it to a Falcon team that was averaging 29 points per game, & in off a 26 first down, 428-yard effort vs the Lions. How about that 4th quarter, 19-play drive for Buffalo, which lasted 11 minutes & 20 seconds. And Bills have gone team-record 15 straight quarters without a turnover. Check Dalton last week, with 25-of-30 for 4 touchdowns vs hapless Browns (3 in the 1st half). Bengals averaging just 4.5 points per game in their first 2 home games this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Eli was impressive with 2 touchdowns & no interceptions (now 6-4 for the year, & 70%). Chargers' Rivers started his 180th consecutive game (4th longest streak of all time, 117 behind Favre), while throwing for 2 touchdowns & 347 yards. But frustration continues, with with the Chargers who now have lost 9 straight games (first 0-4 start since '03), with 2 missed field goals at the gun costing them 2 wins this year. L.A. is 5-0 ATS as a road dog of  more than 2 points, and the visitor is 22-8 ATS in Charger games.

Rating: 2 Units

Jags came here 10 years ago, with Jack DelRio, & beat the Steelers, 31-29, in the Wild Card playoff round. Another dominating performance for Bell (144 rushing yards & 2 touchdowns) & Co, in Steelers 26-9 rout of Baltimore. Pitt's 1st drive of the game ate up more than 10 minutes & pretty much set the tone for the game. Surprisingly enough, the Jags lead this series, 12-11. Brutal loss for Marrone & Co in Jacksonville loss to the Jets, as the winning touchdown pass was wiped out by a holding call. Marrone is 12-1 ATS off a straight up loss, facing an opponent off a straight up win. This is a Baltimore/Kansas City sandwich for Pittsburgh.

Rating: 2 Units

From a 27½ point cover, to a 13-point ATS loss. That's the Broncos over the last 2 weeks, as they routed the Cowboy, but could not handle the Bills, although they did have a 94-yard edge over Buffalo. Check QB Siemian with a 4 touchdown and 0 interceptions display vs Dallas, but no touchdowns with 2 interceptions vs Buffalo. Last year, Denver won 24-6 here, although Oakland didn't have Carr. Broncos are 1-10 ATS as division home dog off a non-division game, vs an opponent off a double digit SU loss. However, more importantly Denver is 2-13 ATS as a division home favorite vs an opponent who is off a SU loss. AFC West road dog comes in again!

Rating: 2 Units

What we have here, is a squad which is not only on an 0-9-1 ATS slide, but also on a 1-9 SU run. Thus, the torture continues. In last week's loss to the Chiefs, Charger QB Rivers was a horrid no touchdown with 3 interceptions, so he is now 4 touchdowns with 4 interceptions for the season. And that one pushed the visiting edge in Charger games to 21-8-2 ATS. Seems the Eagles are constantly putting up nice numbers: 193 rushing yards vs the Giants last week, for example. And the Chargers come in at #26 in containing the run. The only way to go

Rating: 2 Units

Jets are off the schneid, with last week's upset of the Dolphins, a 20-point cover, behind McCown's nice 18-of-23 day. And also covered their previous home game by 16½ points However, New York is still in the middle of an 8-19-1 ATS run. The Jags have played their best ball away from home, with opening day rout of Houston: 27-point cover, & last week's 44-7 win over Baltimore: 40-point cover. Bortles: had 4 touchdowns last week, & 410-186 yard edge.

Rating: 2 Units

Perhaps no other rivalry compares with this one, as nothing is left on the field when they go to war. The Ravens are in off an embarrassing 44-7 loss to the Jags (in London), with a 410-186 yard deficit, in a game that was definitely a "trap". As a matter of fact, Baltimore trailed 44-0, until pushing across a touchdown in the final 3:24. The Ravens are 4-0-1 ATS in this series, covering their last 3 as hosts by 17½, 13, & 9 points. Note Pittsburgh's 220-70 rushing yard deficit in its trip to Chicago. I'll take the Ravens yet again

Rating: 2 Units

Tennessee seems poised to take control of the division with an offense ranked fifth in total yards and sixth in scoring, averaging 28.7 points following last week's 33-27 victory over Seattle. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry have been a solid combo in the backfield with both averaging over five yards a carry with a rushing score. Rishard Matthews has become a threat at wideout, leading the team with 201 receiving yards, while tight end Delanie Walker is tops with 15 receptions.

Rating: 2 Units

Bears put up 220 rushing yards vs Pittsburgh's 74 rushing yards per game defense, behind the thrusts of Howard & Cohen (138 & 78 rushing yards, respectfully), topped off by Howard's 19-yard touchdown run in OT. So, the Bears are on a 4-1-2 run at home. Packers came back from a 21-7 deficit vs the Bengals, but caught Cincinnati in the final 0:17 (Rodgers pass), & took it in OT. Seems little breathing room in the NFL, with game-after-game going to the wire. Chicago is just 3-10 ATS against the Packers, as well as 2-12 before taking on the Vikings.

Rating: 2 Units

Was it really 34 years ago, that these 2 met in Super Bowl XVIII? Raiders, 38-9. The return of Carr already paying dividends, with a pair of solid wins, covering by 13½ & 11 points. Last week, Crabtree was the recipient of all 3 of Derek's scoring tosses. He stands at a nice 5 touchdowns with no interceptions and 492 passing yards for the season, and let's not forget that he trailed only Matt Ryan in last year's NFL QB ratings. Washington has allowed 20 or more points in 21-of-23 games, and don't figure to contain this opponent. Home or away, it's the Raiders.

Rating: 2 Units

The visitor is on a 46-15 ATS run in Kansas City games, while the guest is 20-8-2 ATS in Charger contests. Chiefs are on an 11-3 SU run, with their only misses coming by 2, 2, 2 points. Check Smith now at 5 touchdowns with 0 interceptions and 78%, with 229 rushing yards from Hunt (7.6 yards per rush). And note KC posting 5 touchdowns in the 4th quarter of their 2 games. Chargers are on an 0-8-1 ATS run, as well as on a tragic 1-13 SU run, while allowing more than 25 points in 12 of their last 18 games. Chiefs all the way!

Rating: 2 Units

First chalk or even role for Browns since they took the Niners, 24-10, as 2-point favorites on 12/13/15, & first road favorite designation since being routed by Jacksonville, 24-6 on 10/19/14. Seems foolish, in light of the fact that Cleveland now stands at 1-18 & 2-25 SU. And check allowing 8, 33, 27, 29, 30, 31, 28, 31, & 24 points in their last 9 road game. However, the Colts, despite their near upset of the Cards, are -29½ points ATS in their last 6 home games. Cleveland is 8-0 ATS in September off a pair of losses vs an opponent off a SU loss.

Rating: 2 Units

Well, if anyone figured that the Falcon Super Bowl collapse would mortally wound them, that angle hasn't materialized. In last week's showdown with the avenging Packers, who opened with a defense that held Seattle without a TD, Atlanta was in charge from the beginning, taking a 34-10 lead in the 3rd, before settling for its 34-23 final. Ryan has thrown for 573 yards with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. So 33+ points 12 times since last year. However, the host squad is 11-3 ATS in Detroit games, & the Lions got 29-of-41 from Stafford in their upset of Arizona

Rating: 2 Units

The host squad now sits at 13-6 ATS in games involving the Eagles, including their opening 30-17 win over the Redskins. This is Philly's only home game in its first 4 games, so note winning its first 4 home games of '16, covering by a combined 74 points ATS, & that includes such heavyweights as the Steelers, Vikings, & Falcons. Impressive, to say the least. The favorite has covered to the tune of 10-2-3 in the Giants' last 15 road games, for yet another Eagle plus. And catching New York off a Monday Night game clinches this

Rating: 2 Units

I know that the Niners took the measure of the Rams here, the last 2 years, including that 28-0 blowout last year (30½ point cover). However, San Francisco burning up the scoreboard to the tune of 6 points per game so far, although finally got some rushing (Hyde: 124 yards, 8.3 yards per rush) in last week's loss to Seattle. Rams obviously improved, & are 6-1 ATS as favorites vs opponents off consecutive losses. Niners 2-13 ATS if less than .500, & taking on division opponent that is in off a SU home loss. And San Franvisco is a near-perfect 1-6 ATS on Thursdays.

Rating: 2 Units

Lion QB Stafford tossed up a pick-6 in the first 3:36, of battle with the Cards. But that was about it as he finished with 4 touchdown passes, no more picks, & 71% (29-of-41). Trailed Arizona 10-0, but led 35-17 in 35-23 final. Giants were mauled by the Cowboys. Just 3 points, with Eli at no touchdowns with 1 interception. Detroit is 8-1 as an avenging road dog of less than 6 points. In addition, 11 of NY's last 12 home games have been decided by 6 points or less SU. So only one way to go. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Double revenge affair for the Packers as it went down twice to the Falcons last year, a 33-32 regular season setback, as well as a 44-21 shellacking in the NFC title game. Atlanta has had to live with that giveaway loss in the Super Bowl, so may come out smoking, although 125-64 rushing yard deficit at Chicago isn't exactly frightening, as Falcons ranked 5th in rushing production last year. Green Bay opened with 17-9 point, 26-12 first down, & 370-225 total yard edges over Seattle. Aaron over Matt in what could very well be a classic.

Rating: 2 Units

Bruce Arians returns to Indianapolis, where he filled in for Chuck Pagano for 12 games in 2012. Is there a worse team than these Colts without Luck? Well, they did manage to post 9 points (3 field goals), and 10 first downs vs the Rams, in last week's 46-9 slaughter, as Tolzien & Brissett threw for a combined 150 yards. But Indianapolis is home. Forget it. Indianapolis stands at -33 pts ATS in their last 5 home games. Four turn overs did the Cards in in loss to Lions. But not here

Rating: 2 Units

The Chiefs, & new-found explosiveness, really put it to the champion Patriots in that NFL Thursday Night opener, with a 21-0 4th-quarter edge, as QB Smith never looked better (80%, 368 yards, & 4 touchdowns with 0 interceptions), including huge backbreaking plays. A definite entrant in the brass ring chase. But don't dismiss the Eagles, based on last year's quick start, poor finish season. QB Wentz has a year's experience, which is invaluable. The visitor in Kansas City games is on an incredible 46-14 spread run, with extra tight games being the rule. We take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

A year ago, the host Ravens took the Browns, to the tune of 28-7. Their defense was superb in white-washing Cincinnati, holding the Bengals just 77 rushing yards, & forcing 5 turn overs. Two Baltimore touchdowns over a 24-second span of the 2nd pretty much put  that one away. Despite that one, note that the home team is 9-3 ATS in Raven games, while they're +46 points ATS in their last 5 home games. The Browns allowed 29, 30, 31, 28, 31, 28, 33, & 27 points in their road games last year. And they're scoring 13.8 points per game in L9 games

Rating: 2 Units

Quite a start for both HC Marrone, & RB Fournette. Jacksonville has had the Titans' number, covering 9-of-12, & that includes 5 straight as the home team in this series. Last year it was 38-17. As noted above, the Jaguars took full advantage of that 4-0 turn over edge, for their 29-7 upset of Houston (27-point cover), with 155-93 rushing yard edge. Just 16 points for the Titans last week, but they are still averaging 25.3 points per game in their last 14 games. Tennessee is just 2-13 ATS with a less then .500 record with revenge, & off a non-division contest. Jags keep it up.

Rating: 2 Units

These 2 met in the playoffs in both '11 & '12. Talk about self destruction. They both enter this off minus 4 turnover margins on opening week. Bengal QB Dalton had it the worst, tying a career-high with 4 interceptions, along with a forced fumble. Cincinnati is on a 5-11-2 ATS run, as well as 6-11-1 SU. And check an 80-rushing yard deficit vs the Ravens. Texans: 4-0 TO deficit, to go along with a franchise record 10 sacks. Houston is 8-1 ATS in Sept off a SU/ATS loss, while Bengals are 0-5 ATS as favorites of  less than 7 points off a double digit ATS loss. Texans all the way!

Rating: 2 Units

Well, Adrian Peterson is back in Minneapolis, but this time as a Saint. His addition just enhances New Orleans running game, when added to the talents of RBs Ingram & Kamara. Nice, but the possibility of a bit of friction has to be considered. The Saints are a premier road team, with their current 8-1-1 ATS run as NFL travelers (only miss by just 3 points). And throw in the fact that the dog is on an 18-6-1 spread streak in Saint contests. Minnesota's running game is actually stronger than last year, as rookie RB Dalvin Cook is the real deal. Minnesota is on a 3-8 SU slide, so Saints are the play.

Rating: 2 Units

For the 5th time in 6 years, these 2 square off on Sunday Night Football to start the season. The Giants have had the best of it of late, covering 5 straight vs the Cowboys, with Dallas just 2-6 ATS when hosting New York. The last time we saw the Cowboys, Aaron broke their hearts in last year's Divisional game. The Cowboys QB Prescott returns (NFL's 3rd-ranked passer), but will he be as effective in his sophomore year? Giant defense returns intact, although Eli may not have Odell (ankle). To wire in this one so take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

This may come as a surprise, but Detroit has made the playoffs 2 of the last 3 seasons. So time to give Caldwell, Stafford, & teammates their due credit. Coincidentally, the Cards failed to make the preseason last year, after back-to-back post-season runs in '14 & '15. Last year, the Lions had a run, in which they held 6 straight opponents under 20 points, while the Cards were the opposite, allowing 30.8 points per game over an 8-game span, covering just 2 of those 8. The return of RB Abdullah is a huge plus for the Lions (played just 2 games in '16), & note that Detroit is 4-1 ATS as the series host. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Sorry, Atlanta, but no team enters this season with a larger chip on its shoulder, than do these Raiders, who lost MVP candidate, QB Derek Carr, to a broken leg in their final game. He sure can put points on the board, reaching 30+ points 8 times, & being held under 27 points in just 4 games. And how about the addition of Marshawn Lynch? Titans also on the upswing, coming from 2-14 & 3-13 campaigns, to last year's 9-7 log, with Mariota coming into his own. However, note Tennessee is 2-11 ATS hosting AFC West.

Rating: 2 Units

Wentz set a franchise record with 379 completions last season, a total which ranked as the most by a rookie in NFL history. The 24-year-old endured significant troubles in two games versus Washington last year as he was sacked nine times. Veteran running back Darren Sproles reeled in 52 receptions in 2016 to notch his eighth consecutive season with 40-plus catches, although he had just three for 17 yards in two meetings with the Redskins. Cousins also has versatile - and oft-injured - tight end Jordan Reed as well as speedy slot receiver Jamison Crowder (career-high 67 receptions) as aerial weapons. Second-year back Rob Kelley is expected to lead a young backfield that includes Chris Thompson and rookie Samaje Perine. While Washington boasted the league's third-ranked offense last year (403.4 yards per game), the defense was often quick to yield field position by surrendering 377.9 yards per contest. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan registered a double-digit sack total for the second time in his career with 11 in 2016, with 3.5 coming against Philadelphia.

Rating: 2 Units

Line opened at New England minus 8, and is now between -8.5 and minus 9 depending on where you bet. Sure, the Chiefs, especially under Reid, have emerged as a premier squad, accumulating a combined record of 44-24, including 10-8 ATS as road underdogs. The latter record seems to undercut the fact that many an "expert" is of the feeling that KC is a highly profitable play in that setup. The Patriots just continue on. One lone SU win in the preseason, which means nothing. Try covering their last 8, while crushing opponents to a 16-3 ATS mark. Super Bowl winners golden in openers.

Rating: 2 Units

NewEngland has recorded multiple takeaways in 7 of its last 8 games. While the Patriots are perennial SuperBowl contenders, the Falcons certainly qualify as novices, with that single appearance in '98. So, a definite edge to the Pats. Brady & Belichick are genuine contenders, if not already crowned as the best QB & HC coach in NFL history. They continue to do it, with a multiple of talent offsetting losses due to attrition & injury (Gronkowski, for example), with what many consider "no-names". Everyone knows of their offensive prowess, but check that top-ranked scoring "D".  Both "O" lines are among the best, with Coleman, Freeman, Blount, etc all quality ball toters. Top scoring "O"s vs top scoring "D"s normally goes to the defense (Pats)

Rating: 2 Units

The Patriots have been at the pinnacle all year especially in their last 13 games, as they've averaged 30.3  points per game in that baker's dozen affairs. And, as I've been saying repeatedly, Tom has been the main cog in their current 12-1 run, since his reinstatement, with 30 TD passes & only 4 interceptions. However, he was at 28/2 entering their less than impressive win over the Texans; just 47% & 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. However, Lewis became the 1st player in the Super Bowl era with running, receiving, & kick returning TDs. Not the best offensive display, but check holding Houston to 3 points over the final 40:49. They've already taken the measure of the Steelers, 27-16, in week #7, but Ben didn't suit up for that one.  No TDs for Pitt, in its narrow 18-16 escape at KC (playoff-record 6 FGs for Boswell), and Roethlisberger is just 2 touchdowns with 3 interceptions in Steeler wins over the Dolphins & Chiefs. However, their overland game has a 350-113 yard edge in the playoffs. But running on this underappreciated Patriot defense could be another matter.

Rating: 2 Units

When it comes to blitzing the scoreboard, the Falcons are without a peer this season, having topped 17 points 13 times, while averaging 36.5 points per game in their last 8 home games. They showed their worth in rout of the physical Seahawks, holding them to 2 field goals over a 48:05 stretch, in turning a 7-0 deficit into a 36-13 lead. Ryan has always been there, but this year has been special. He was 38 touchdown with only 7 interceptions, with 4,944 passing yards, before a solid 70.3%, 338 yards, & 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions vs Seattle, which marked just his 2nd playoff success, as he was previously 1-4 in post-season play. The Falcons have made it to the Super Bowl just once ('98 loss to Denver), & this makes only their 4th conference title game. These 2 met earlier, with the Falcons taking it 33-32, on Ryan's 3rd TD pass in final 0:31 (80%, 3/0), although Rodgers was his match: 74%, 4/0. But, I'll take the home field.

Rating: 2 Units

In a '93 Wild Card meeting between these 2, the Chiefs beat the Steelers 27-24 in OT here. The QBs that day were Joe Montana & Neil O'Donnell. How time flies. Pittsburgh had its way with KC in their 1st meeting, with 300 passing yards (81.5%), and 5 touchdowns with 0 interceptions from Ben, while Bell ran for 144 yards (8.0 yards per rush). Can Pitt duplicate that? Of course not, but check a 215-133 point edge in its last 8 games, & from a an 0-4 SU run, to an 8-0 windup. Note Bell's 162 rushing yards vs Miami (post-season franchise record). Chiefs enter on 10-2 SU run (2 & 2 point losses). Chiefs rank just 20th on offense, & 23rd on defense.

Rating: 2 Units

There is little doubt that Dallas, well-rested after its bye week and its previous low-key effort in its finale at Philly, will do its share of scoring. Elliott should be quick on his feet after the time off and the Cowboys always have Romo in their back pocket in the event Prescott shows some rookie playoff difficulties. But even if Jordy Nelson’s rib injury is a concern, there is still plenty to be confident about the Packers’ scoring ability as long as G.B.’s OL can keep Rodgers upright and on the move. Green Bay has gone “over” its last five games, and nine of its last 11. Behind three first-team All-NFL O-linemen (LT Tyron Smith, C Travis Frederick, RG Zack Martin), Elliott should take lots of pressure off fellow rookie Prescott, allowing Dak a chance to do his thing with his fine cast of receivers, especially with the Packers thin in the secondary. Stopping Rodgers might prove to be a tougher task for Dallas. Look “over” for sure.

Rating: 2 Units

The Patriots have been the standard for the past sixteen years, ever since shocking the football world with their '01 Super Bowl win over the Rams, as 2-TD underdogs. Went it without Brady for 1st 4 games, but still managed a 3-1 log without him, including a 27-0 whipping of the Texans, behind 3rd-string QB Brissett, despite a 284-282 yard deficit. Since Tom's return, the Pats averaging 30 points per game, with Brady at unimaginable 28 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. The home team is 11-4-2 ATS in Houston games, while the favorite is on a 33-15 ATS run. Texans took Oakland, thanks to 3-0 turn over edge, & no veteran Raider QB. Osweiler came up empty in first game.

Rating: 2 Units

In an unusual twist, all 4 Divisional Playoff contests feature squads which have already met this season, with this one seeing the Seahawks taking a 26-24 win in the final 1:57. Ryan tossed 3 of his 38 TD passes in that frustrating affair. He has been magnificent all year: 4,948 yards, 70%, & 38 touchdowns with 7 interceptions. The Falcons are averaging 36.6 points per game in their last 7 home gamess. Can he do it vs this Seattle defense, which didn't allow the Lions to run any plays in the Red Zone? Seahawks are at 29.2 points per game in 8 of their last 10 games, & in off season-high 177 rushing yards. Matt's playoff record is 1-4 SU & 0-4-1 ATS, but did prevail vs Seattle, 30-28 in '12 Divisionals. Revenge, in an epic game.

Rating: 2 Units

Here we go again. Giants' last 2 playoff trips to Green Bay resulted in upset wins & eventual Super Bowl upsets of the Patriots ('01 & '11). So NY is on a 9-1 ATS post season run, including 8-0 as an underdog. Six straight wins to wind up season for 'Pack, directly on heels of an 0-4 run. And Rodgers is a perfect 15 touchdowns with 0 interceptions during current 6-game run. Giants opened at 2-3, so a 9-2 SU & 7-3-1 ATS windup. This one will go to wire.

Rating: 2 Units

Yet another veteran post-season outfit vs a novice. For Pittsburgh, this makes it 11 times in the last 16 years, & for Miami, its first in 8 years, & 2nd in 15 seasons. Dolphins did it with a 9-2 SU windup (7-2-2 ATS). They were smoking, behind RB Ajayi & QB Tannehill. But the latter is out. So note Fish with >222 RYs 3 times in last 11 games, but

Rating: 2 Units

We all know the story line behind this one, namely the fact that the Seahawks have won their last 9 home playoff games, while the Lions are on 0-10 SU road playoff run. Seattle is 8-4 SU, but 6-6 ATS in postseason play since '10, and is actually on an 0-4 ATS playoff run. The underdog is 9-3 ATS in Seattle games of late, while Lions have come from 6-1-1 ATS & 8-1 SU runs, to 0-4 ATS & 0-3 SU windup. Underdog call in this one.

Rating: 2 Units

What a shame. Raiders make playoffs for 1st time since '02's Super Bowl loss to Tampa, only to lose their engine (Carr: 3,937 PYs, 28/6). Couldn't begin to stay with Denver LW (6 pts, 11 FDs), & Cook (for McGloin) is green. Visitor in Oakland games was 8-0 ATS, but home was 6-0-2 ATS down stretch. Texans were bombed, 30-0 by KC, here, in LY's Wild Card round (5-1 TO deficit), & are also experiencing a fluid QB situation. Home team and favorire are 10-4-2 & 32-15 ATS in Houston games. Take Houston

Rating: 2 Units

Let's see: 1, 3, 2, & 3 points. Those are the margins of 4 of the Saints' 8 losses this season. And another 5 & 6 point misses for good measure. So close, & yet so far. Clash of QB titans here, as Drew is at 35 touchdowns with 14 interceptions for 4,858 yards & 71%, while Matt is at 34 touchdowns with 7 interceptions for 4,613 yards & 69%. The undog is 17-6-1 ATS in New Orleans games, while the Saints are 7-1 ATS on the road, with their lone miss by just 3 points. The Falcons have topped 27 points eleven times this year, but Saints are 12-3 ATS off a pair of wins vs an opponent off 2+ victories. A call for classic barn burner

Rating: 2 Units

Bucs' 5-game run extinguished with tight losses at Dallas & New Orleans, a couple of venues near impossible to sweep. But still alive, & on a 6-1 ATS run (+63 points). Check allowing only 9 points per game in their last 3 home games, while Winston is now 27 touchdowns with 17 interceptions. Panthers folding tent to torturous campaign, & now not only on a 6-9 SU run, but 8-13-1 ATS. They've been stung for 35 & 40 points in 2 of their last 3 road games. Were never in last weeks loss to the Falcons, with more than 100 yard deficit. Going with teams that need it, vs opponents who don't is hardly foolproof, but sets up here

Rating: 2 Units

The Browns have escaped the tag of being only 1-of-2 teams to post an 0-16 log, as their upset of the Chargers put an end to this year's 0-14 run, & 0-17 overall losing streak. Note over 100-yard deficit in that one, & also possibly losing RG3 to a concussion for this merciful windup. The Steelers had to overcome 20-10 fourth quarter deficit, taking the Ravens in the final 0:07 (2 Roethlisberger TD passes in final 7:16). Steelers are 12-1 ATS vs less than .500 division opponents off a SU home win. Note Browns allowing 29, 30, 31, 28, 31, 28, & 33 points away

Rating: 2 Units

Jags snapped 9-game slide, with lopsided 38-17 win over smoking Titans, coming from 9 first downs to 25, as Bortles had his first pressureless outing of the year, with the departure of Bradley (27-of-39 for 325 yards). That broke the norm, which showed that the prior 6 Jaguar covers came by merely 1, 3, 2, 2½, ½, & 3½ points. The Colts are out of it, with setback at Oakland just their first road loss in 2 months. And they have a 50-24 point deficit in their last 2 home games. But Indy is 11-2 as division avenger, facing an opponent off a SU/ATS division win, & Pagano is 16-2 ATS off a SU loss. Jags pay price.

Rating: 2 Units

The last time that these 2 met was in the first round of the '14 playoffs, with the controversial no pass interference call, against Dallas, after the yellow flag was thrown. Cowboys won that one, 24-20. Nice bounceback effort in win over the Bucs, for Dallas, with Elliott a career-high 159 rushing yards, with Prescott a brilliant 32-of-36 for 279 yards. But Cowboys haven't covered since before Thanksgiving (81-71 point edge last 4 games). Lions had 5-game run snapped last week, but have held 8-of-9 opponents under 21 points, and Stafford is still a solid 22 touchdown with 8 interceptions. Take the points.

Rating: 2 Units

K.C. was the beneficiary of a dubious Gary Kubiak decision in the first meeting a month ago, as the Broncos attempted a 62-yard FG late in OT on a cold night in Denver. The resultant miss set up patient K.C. for its own winning 34-yard FG at the end. Now, the defending champion Broncos may be down (8-6, two straight losses), but they’re not yet out. And the Denver defense continues to give up points grudgingly (10, 13, 16 last three games). The low-variance Chiefs (2-8 vs. spread last 10 at home) have a knack of allowing opponents to hang around at Arrowhead. It’s hard to trust them laying the points vs. a stubborn, familiar, desperate opponent. In additoin, the visitor is 43-13 ATS in KC games.

Rating: 2 Units

It's about time for Roethlisberger to break out, after being held to a single TD pass (1 touchdown with 3 interceptions) over the last 2 weeks. Took the Bengals 24-20, despite 20-9 halftime deficit, thanks to club record 6 field goals from Boswell (45, 49, 49, 40, 49, 30 yards). But don't forget 329 rushing yards from Bell over the last 2 weeks. Despite that narrow margin, the Steelers hold a 127-70 point edge in their last 5 games. And in this one, they have the revenge hammer. The home team is 8-1 ATS in Raven games, and Baltimore hasn't covered on the road since Sept.

Rating: 2 Units

Chargers firmly in place in AFC West cellar, with their latest failure coming in 5 turnover loss to the stumbling Panthers. Another 3 picks & 5 sacks for Rivers (now 27 touchdowns with 17 interceptions, with 33 takedowns). So an 11-point spread loss at Carolina, but a split,  statwise. The Raiders had their 6-game winning streak snapped at KC, managing but a single TD, after scoring 30+ points in 5 of their previous 6 outings. Note Carr at only 17-of-41 in that one, and grimacing from time to time (finger?). Series is underdog 14-1 ATS.

Rating: 2 Units

Battle of former NFC West rivals. 'Complacency" isn't in the Falcons' vocabulary, as the oncoming Bucs have given them no breathing room, with both at 8-5, atop the NFC South. Bounced back quickly, off that 29-28 killer loss to KC, with 42-0 lead over the Rams, in the 3rd. Matt (3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions) now at 30 touchdowns with 7 interceptions, with Falcons topping 27 points 9 times, already. Check 1-12 Niners with 582 rushing yards last 3 weeks (248 last week, with Hyde career-high 193). But San Francisco pays price for last years upset.

Rating: 2 Units

- On this field 8 years ago, Andy Reid benched Donovan McNabb for the 1st time in his career. That team ended up making it to their 5th NFC title game. The Eagles have seen it all fade away, with current 5-8 log, after impressive 3-0 start. Lost to Redskins in final 1:53, then fumbled at the 'Skin 14. The home team is 10-3 ATS in Eagle games (0-6 SU & ATS away this year), & 7-0 ATS in Raven games. Sure, Baltimore is in Pat/Pitt sandwich, but can't falter. The Ravens are 15-2 ATS as Dec home favorites vs non-division opponents off a SU loss

Rating: 2 Units

Both teams are getting it done, one way or the other, as the Lions are on an 8-1 SU run (6-2-1 ATS), while the Giants have won 7-of-8 (5-2-1 ATS). Detroit has trailed in the 4th of every game but one, including all 9 wins. Winning breeds winning. Tight games the rule for both squads, as 13-of-14 Lion games have been decided by 7 points, or less, SU. Ditto the Giants, as their last 11 home games have been decided by less than 7 points. Detroit is 4-0 ATS at NY, while Giants are 1-7 ATS before playing on Thursday Night

Rating: 2 Units

These 2 have met here 4 times in the playoffs since 2009, & there have been some classic moments, as each team has won twice. I've been monitoring the success of the Patriots since the return of Brady. Try 7-1 SU, 6-2 ATS, averaging 29.8 points per game, and Tom his normal brilliance on display, now standing at 19 touchdowns with only 1 interception. Unreal. Ravens made an emphatic statement with last weeks 38-6 rout of a Miami team, which had won 6 straight. But Baltimore is just 4 points from a 3-8 ATS run, and the favorite is 4-0 ATS in Raven road games.

Rating: 2 Units

This one is all about "revenge" as the Giants administered the only loss on the Cowboy slate, with their 20-19 opening day win, as Eli was a solid 3 touchdowns with 1 interception, including the winning pass to Cruz in the final 6:13. Prescott & Elliott were decent, & the Cowboys held to 24-18 first downs & 36:43- 23:17 time edges. So, can Dallas even the score in this one? No reason not to think that they can't. The Giants' 6-game run ended at Pittsburgh, with Manning just 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions, with 2 red zone interceptions. Eleven straight wins for the Cowboys with Prescott 19 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions and Elliott 1,285 rushing yards.

Rating: 2 Units

It's fifteen straight losses for the Browns, with just 1 SU win in their last 23 games, although they did have 21-13 first downs and nearly 100-yard edges in 27-13 loss to the Giants, before taking their bye week. The Bengals are in off their 1st win in 42 days, scoring in 6 straight possessions in 32-14 win over the Eagles. Dalton: 2 touchdowns with 0 interceptions (now 14 touchdowns with 6 interceptions). Cincy's last 2 road games have been decided by 0 & 1½ points ATS. Bengals are 8-1 ATS on division road off double digit SU win, vs an opponent off SU/ATS loss. Cleveland is 1-9 ATS in Dec vs a less than .500 division opponent.

Rating: 2 Units

Battle of snake bitten teams here. The Panthers paid dearly for their ouster of Seattle in last years playoffs, with last weeks 40-7 massacre, which included a 263-yard deficit. Oh, that one featured allowing an unanswered 37 points to wind it all up. The Carolina defense was its only saving grace, before that onslaught. Rivers: an endzone interception, and a pick-6 in losing to the Bucs. The Chargers are 9-0 ATS in Dec vs a less than .500 opponent off a double digit ATS loss, & the Panthers are 0-5 ATS as a home team off a double digit SU loss. Carolina: just 6-12-2 ATS in their L20.

Rating: 2 Units

The Colts come into his one tied with the Titans and these Texans atop the AFC South, all sharing an awesome 6-6 log. The favorite is 31-13 ATS in Houston games, with the home team at 9-2-1 ATS. Three straight losses for Houston, which is 1-5-2 ATS vs Indianapolis. The Colts are 12-1 ATS as avengers vs an opponent off SU/ATS loss, & Pagano a profitable 14-2 ATS vs division opponents.

Rating: 2 Units SNF Easy Play

Panthers swept Seahawks last year, winning 27-23 here, to go to 5-0, and held on for dear life in 31-24 Divisional win. Seahawks: 5 points in loss at Tampa. Wilson: 3 turn overs. But Seattle defense held Bucs without a point over final 47:53, and Seattle is still 3 up on Cards in weak NFC West. Panthers a shell of '15's edition. Last week, they turned 24-7 deficit, into 32-24 lead, but lost 35-32 in last 1:45. Cards are on a 6-11-2 ATS slide, and occupy last place in the NFC South. Carroll is 9-2 ATS off a SU non-division loss vs a less than .500 opponent.

Rating: 2 Units

Eight covers in nine games for th Redskins, who went tooth-&-nail with the Cowboys in that Thanksgiving Day shootout. During one 2nd half stretch of that one, the two scored TDs on 5 consecutive drives, with Cousins 41-of-53 for 449 passing yards with 3 touchdown and 0 interceptions.  That set a Washington record of two 400-yard passing games in a season. Check just 1 punt vs Dallas, as well as an eventual cover. Washington is 12-4 ATS and the underdog is 8-1 ATS in Washington games. Arizona has dropped 4 straight, allowing 29.5 points per game and on 5-16 ATS run. Upset call in this one

Rating: 2 Units

Three straight wins & covers for the Bucs, who are just 1 game back of the Falcons. Check holding Seattle to only 5 points and 245 yards, causing 3 turn overs. Despite that one, the visitor in Buc games is 27-15 ATS, and Tampa covered its last 3 road games by 9, 17, 9 points, and Jameis has been purring of late (21-of-26 vs Seahawks, with 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the season). Chargers took Texans, thanks mainly to 4 takeaways, including 3 picks. Visitor is 17-6 ATS in Charger games, and San Diego is still 2 games back in the AFC West cellar. Bucs call in this one.

Rating: 2 Units

Five straight wins for the Raiders, who've reached 30+ points in their L4 games, & 5-of-last-6, while topping 26 points in 10-of their last-11. The Raiders are now guaranteed their first winning season since '02. Last week, Carr went out with an injury vs the Panthers, but came back to overcome an 8-point deficit in the 4th, setting up Janikowski's winning field goal. He now has 22 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. Bills got the big play to overcome the Jags (McCoy: 75-yard TD run), amassing 241 2nd half yards, after only 63 in first 2 quarters. Buffalo is 0-4 ATS vs Oakland. I am going to lay the FG.

Rating: 2 Units

Seems impossible, but the Bengals have won just 1 game since Sept 29, suffering one bitter defeat after another, losing their last 3 contests by 1, 4, & 5 points. Cincinnati ranks a respectable 9th on offense (Dalton: just 12 touchdowns wih 6 interceptions, and 32 sacks), but there are 26 NFL teams with more wins. Have a bit of an edge here, as the home team is 9-1 SU & ATS in Eagle games (8-0 lately). Philly is 10-1 ATS vs the AFC , but Cincy is 9-0 ATS vs the Eagles, a pretty interesting stat, considering that they play each other once every 4 years.

Rating: 2 Units

These 2 have playoff history here: "4th & 26" from McNabb to Freddie Mitchell in 2003, & Green Bay winning Wild Card here in 2010, on way to its Super Bowl title. Eagles still haven't won a playoff game since trading Donovan. The Packers are on a 4-game slide, allowing 38.3 points per game in that stretch. They have given up 162 & 151 rushing yards the past 2 games.  Rodgers does his part (25 touchdowns with 7 interceptions, including 355 passing yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions last week). The home team is now 9-1 both SU & ATS in Philly games this year, so extending Packer problems seems a given.

Rating: 2 Units SNF Smoker

The Broncos come into this one rested in off taking New Orleans on a blocked PAT runback for 25-23 win in final 1:22, when they seemed headed for a 24-23 loss. So another underdog cover, with the pup standing at 14-6 ATS in Denver games, while the visitor is now a highly profitable 40-12 ATS in Kansas City contests. The Chiefs' 5-game run is now history, with 2-point loss to Tampa, and a 99-yard deficit to boot. Broncos are 1-10 ATS as division hosts off a SU underdog win. KC won 29-13 here last year, as 4½ point dogs. So I'll call for a repeat.

Rating: 2 Units

Its Back to business for these rested Falcons, who've reached the 30-point mark 6 times in 10 games, behind Ryan's 24 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Check their last 2 home games: 30-33 OT loss, & 33-32 win. The underdog is 19-3 ATS in Falcon games, 12-1 more recently, by 114½ points ATS. Cards dominated Minnesota (135-72 rushing yard edge), but were killed by a pair of 100-yard TD returns. The #2 offense vs the #2 defense here. Plenty of fireworks, but the Card backs are already to the wall.

Rating: 2 Units

Tough loss for Titans in setback at Indy, as they nearly overcame quick 21-0 deficit in 2nd, before losing 24-17. But they are still at 31.3 points per game in their last 7 outings, with Mariota a sizzling 19 touchdowns with 3 interceptions in this stretch. Bears have bookend covers (1½ ponts last week), surrounding a 36-10 loss at Tampa. Led Giants, 16-6, before losing 22-16. However, just a single turnover, following 4-giveaway showing at the Bucs. Mularkey is 9-2 ATS as a favorite vs

Rating: 2 Units

The Dolphins have been playing excellent ball over their last 5 games (5-0 SU & 4-0-1 ATS). They were at 29 points per game in the first 4 games of this run, before coming out flat vs the Rams, trailing 10-0 late. But consecutive 77 & 75 yard TD drives, for the 14-0 win in the final 0:30. Winning breeds winning. The Niners are on 0-9 SU & 1-8 ATS runs, with their nonexistent defense allowing at least 30 points in 7 of those 9. I just can't ignore mere 7.5 spread here.

Rating: 2 Units

The amazing Cowboys have now won 9 straight games, both on the field, & vs the points (+82½ points ATS). They continue to do it behind the brilliant rookie duo of QB Prescott, who is now a highly efficient 17 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions, & RB Elliott, who leads the NFL with 1,102 yards. Last week, Dallas punted on its first 4 possessions, but got it into gear, with Dak 14-of-15 after intermission, in a 27-17 win. Redskins burning it up as well, with 7-1 ATS run (only miss by 2 points), and taking Packers apart, in 42-24 romper. However, as hot as the Cowboys are, this on is a home call

Rating: 2 Units

The Raiders are the surprise team of the NFL thus, far, even exceeding the Cowboys by a little. Oakland has 57 first downs and 1,023 yards in their last 2 games (30-24 at Tampa, & 30-20 hosting Denver). They've reached 28+ points in 7 of their last 9 games. Carr has 2,505 passing yards, hitting 66% of his passes, with 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, with Cooper 3rd in receiving yards. They also have a +9 turnover ratio. Texans in off 1st road win, although QB Osweiler managed just 3.3 yards per throw. He was sacked 5 times by Khalil Mack (including a safety) last Dec, when the Raiders faced the Broncos. This one is an Oakland call.

Rating: 2 Units

Would you believe that the Seahawks have but 1 cover in their last 5 home games? Right, against the Niners. Eight lead changes in their 31-24 win over the Patriots, with Wilson a perfect 3 touchdown with 0 interceptions, all 3 to Baldwin. That one pushed the underdog edge in Seattle games to 5-0 ATS. The Eagles can crank it up. They're 5-4 ATS, but are +74 points ATS, with the home team winning and covering their last 7 games. And they've allowed 24, 27, 29, 28 points in their last 4 road games. Philly is 1-9 ATS vs the NFC West, and 2-12 ATS vs a .666+ NFC opponent.

Rating: 2 Units

The Dolphins are on a nice 4-0 SU run, with accompanying 3-0-1 ATS log (+39 points). I keep noting the importance of Ajayi, who posted another 79 rushing yards in their narrow escape at San Diego. He now has 608 rushing yards in this 4-game stretch. And the Fish defense is contributing, with 4 picks of Rivers in that 31-24 win, including the winning 60-yard pick-6 in final 1:01. Rams aren't scoring (9.7 points per game in the L3 weeks, no TDs last week), but their defense is keeping them competitive (less than14 points 4-of-last-8 games).

Rating: 2 Units

Highly questionable officiating may have cost the Bills a shot at the tying field goal in the final seconds of 31-25 loss at Seattle in that Monday Night match. Note that Buffalo had 30-19 first down and 162-33 rushing yard edges in that one. So Buffalo's #2 ranked rushing offense, vs Cincy's 23rd-rated run defense. Bills are in off their bye, so note that the Bengals are 1-7 ATS when facing an opponent with rest. The underdog is 4-0 ATS in Buffalo's last 4 road games, while Cincy enters this on 2-7-1 ATS run.

Rating: 2 Units

Both of these teame are in off upsets of Green Bay, although Indy had a 50 yard deficit in 3-point win (did lead by 18 in 4th), and the Titans a 45-yard edge, in 22-point win. Tennessee smoking, averaging 33.7 points per game in their last 6 games, with Mariota a brilliant 17 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions during that stretch, and note Murray's 930 rushing yards so far. Check a 35-16 halftime edge over Pack, mopping up with four 2nd half field goals. Luck is a decent 17 touchdowns with 7 interceptions (33 sacks). I feel strongly that the wrong team is favored

Rating: 2 Units

I Still can't believe that Seahawks didn't give the ball to Lynch, from the one, no less, in final seconds of '14 Super Bowl. Well, here they are again, but without the aforementioned Lynch. This year, the Pats again sit atop the AFC East, with 7-1 record matched only by the Cowboys. Brady as awesome as ever, sitting at 12 touchdowns and Zero interceptions since returning from the deflategate suspension, with 73% completion rate, overseeing 20, 18, 11, and 16 point wins. Home team is 38-18 ATS in Patriot games, while Seattle is just 4-7 ATS, and 6-4-1 SU of late. Pats