Steve MerrilFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pittsburgh vs. DallasFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: PittsburghFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pittsburgh is 12-1 off a SU loss over the last three seasons and we expect their #1 defense to enforce their will on Tony Romo and the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon.
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Pittsburgh has lost three of their last four games but keep in mind they were without QB Ben Roethlisberger for two of those losses. Last week’s 34-24 home loss to San Diego was surprising, but we’re willing to draw a line through that result. Big Ben was playing his first game in a month, and the Steelers were coming off a last-second 23-20 win at Baltimore. They simply overlooked the Chargers and ended up paying the price. But we expect a supreme effort in this game, and they get the perfect opponent to lay their physicality upon as the Cowboys are a soft team all around.
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Dallas may appear to have turned the corner with their 4-1 record over their last five games. However, the Cowboys four wins have come against a pair of bad teams in the Browns and Eagles (2x), and they got a very fortunate 20-19 win over the Bengals last week. This team is not any good, and they’ve actually been out-gained in three of the four wins. Dallas won an emotional game last week after the tragedy of losing a teammate, but that will leave them drained for this game. Pittsburgh is 12-1 off a SU loss over the last three seasons and we expect their #1 defense to enforce their will on Tony Romo and the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon.
Kyle HunterFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Indianapolis vs. HoustonFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play; Over 47½FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts have both been part of quite a few high scoring games lately. Three of the Texans past four games have had at least 56 points scored. On the Colts side, three of their last four have had at least 50 points scored. The Texans pass defense has weakened of late, and Luck and the Colts should exploit that. The Texans will pound it down the Colts throats, and I don't think the Colts will be able to slow them down much at all. The over is 18-7 in the Colts last 25 road games. The over is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings between these teams. Take the over.
Greg Daraban
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Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Pick: Green Bay Packers
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Very Important game in the NFC as well as the NFC North. Chicago has really struggled with the Packers. In fact GB has won 5 straight and 8 out 10 vs Chicago. Rogers will have a big day Cutler wiil struggle.
Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Hornets at TrailblazersFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: OverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Hornets bring a six game losing streak into tonight's contest in Portland. They are in desperate need of a win, but look hard pressed to find one tonight. In fact, New Orleans has won just two of it's last 17 games. They have done a bit better at covering the games, but not much. The Hornets are 2-4 ATS their last six games and 5-9 their last 14 games. The Hornets have been a good bet over on the road, going over the number in six of their last eight away contests. The Portland TrailBlazers have a modest 2-game winning streak after beating San Antonio at home last time out, 98-90. Portland is also a good over play of late, posting a 3-0-1 over mark in the last four home games. And after a straight up win, Portland is 13-4 Over/Under. The Hornets are not a good defensive club and I look for Portland to push the tempo in this one. Go with the OVER on Sunday.
Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pittsburgh Steelers at Dallas CowboysFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Dallas CowboysFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Lots of sharp dollars on the Steelers today, but I'm just not sold on them right now. Dallas clearly has its share of flaws, but the numbers tell me they can win this game. I'll give the Cowboys the edge in a close contest.
Andy IskoeFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Pittsburgh -1.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Dallas has won 4 of 5 while the Steelers have dropped 3 of 4 as they meet in a game that may well doom the Playoff hopes of the loser. Pittsburgh has long been the more stable franchise in recent seasons and has overcome numerous injuries on both sides of the football yet control their own Playoff destiny. Dallas has played well over the last month but remains a team that fares much better on the road than at home. The 'Boys are just 3-3 SU at home but are 0-6 ATS. Of course that streak would end with a win in this pick 'em game but the Steelers' defense is a concern. Especially given Dallas' inability to run the football all season. Pittsburgh has the league's best overall defense, ranking third against the run and first against the pass. Expect QB Ben Roethlisberger to be sharper with a game under his belt following his ribs injury.
SPORTS WAGERSFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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New Orleans +5½ over PORTLANDFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Perfect spot for the Hornets to catch this emotional host on a low. The Trail Blazers are one of this year’s most erratic teams with some horrible losses to poor clubs and some outstanding wins against the elite. That suggests that Portland is not an even keeled club and after its biggest win of the season over the Spurs, chances are they regress badly against a team they figure they just have to show up against.
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New Orleans has dropped six in a row and eight of its last nine. However, a taxing schedule that has seen them play Minnesota, OKC twice, the Lakers, Miami and Memphis over that stretch should have them well-prepped to snap its losing streak against this inconsistent and beatable host. Ryan Anderson and Anthony Davis make up one of the most deadly duo’s in the league with Anderson attempting and making more three-pointers than anyone in the NBA. He's also one of the league's most efficient shooters. The Hornets are certainly on the verge of a win and should be in position to get it here.
Tony GeorgeFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Green Bay -2.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Cannot wrap my head around this one for the Bears. The offense is in a funk, QB Cutler all banged up, on a losing streak, and 3 studs out on defense that are all difference makers. The face a red hot Green Bay team clicking on all cylinders, even without some key players but they are getting healthier. Packers are 4-0 ATS last 4 against the Bears and can clinch the NFC North Division Title with a win here. Cannot count on Bears offense here to keep pace. AND we get this under the crucial fall number of 3...last I checked we are betting into numbers and this is a good one if you are a Packers backer today.
Charlie ScottFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami DolphinsFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Jacksonville JaguarsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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I know this is 2 bad Teams and an ugly game, However, bad Teams cover the spread and their money spends just as well. Jacksonville is capable of being competitive on the road, while Miami is 0-3 ATs and 1-2 s/u when favored this season. This play comes under the theory of, Bet against bad Teams as Favorites of -7 or more.
Charlie SportsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Denver Broncos at Baltimore RavensFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Baltimore RavensFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The (10-3) Denver Broncos of the NFC West division will take on the (9-4) Baltimore Ravens of the AFC North division in 2012 NFL action. The Broncos have dropped 7 of their last 8 Against The Spread vs. Baltimore since the 2001 season. Denver has won their last 8 staright up, but are only 1-3 ATS their last 4 football games. The Ravens have dropped their last 2 straight up and ATS. Baltimore gets the home cover.
Bob BalfeFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Buffalo +5.5 over SeahawksFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Seahawks have been impressive this year and who can forget the 58-0 blowout last week against the Cardinals. People want to put this team in the elite category, but they are just 2-5 on the road this year. Outside of Seattle this is another average at best football team with a rookie QB. The Seahawks also are thin at cornerback with Browner out and now his backup out. There is going to be someone who is constantly going to get picked on in that secondary. The Bills have a capable run game with CJ Spiller and I think brings Seattle back down to earth in Toronto today. Remember that the NFL is a business and the reason why they play this game in Canada is to spark interest. Maybe there will be a team in Toronto one day. The Bills need to start being more competitive in their home games at the Rodgers Centre. Take Buffalo.
Scott Delaney
I am on a 54-31-2 freebie run right now, and look to improve with a potential playoff showdown taking place in the Georgia Dome.
As much respect as I have for Matt Ryan, I'm not sold on the rest of his teammates, and that's why I cannot back his Atlanta Falcons in this game today. I like the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, who currently hold a one-game lead over Washington and Dallas in the NFC East. Atlanta, on the other hand, has already clinched the NFC South title.
Now I realize the Falcons are hoping they can wrap up home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs with a win, but they also need both Green Bay and San Francisco to lose tonight. And in no way shape or form is either of that cut and dry, regardless of them playing tough opponents this week.
I see that Atlanta has lost back-to-back games only three times in Mike Smith's five years as coach, all during the 2009 season, but I'm not sure how in the hell his Falcons lost by 10 to the Panthers last week in a game Carolina dictated for the most part.
On the other hand, the Giants got revved up for this potential playoff showdown with a 52-27 rout of the New Orleans Saints, improving to 3-0 against the NFC South on the year.
And even though Atlanta has not given up more than 31 points in a game, make note the Giants have topped 40 points three times, and have surpassed 35 points two other times. I just don't know if the Falcons are ready for an Eli Manning-invasion.
The line tells me this game could go either way, which has to be surprising when looking at the records. We're talking about an 11-2 team hosting an 8-5 team. And the line is virtually a pick'em? Yes, to me a 1-point spread is a pick.
Looking at the betting numbers, these are the games the Giants thrive in, as they're on an 11-2 ATS run against winning teams, and 6-2 when taking on an NFC foe. On the other hand, the Falcons are mired in ATS slides of 2-6 against winning teams and 1-4 both overall and against the NFC.
Take the road team in this one, as I think the Giants will end up on the winning side.
3♦ N.Y. GIANTS
Chuck O'Brien
There was a point in the season where I thought the New Orleans Saints were on their way back to the top of the NFC South. They methodically clawed their way back to .500, at 5-5, following an 0-4 start. And for that brief moment, I thought the Saints were about to put their off-season doldrums behind them.
Enough with those thoughts, cause even though they're playing at home, the Saints come into this one after a 52-27 demoralizing loss to the New York Giants. It was the third straight setback for New Orleans, which at 5-8 are most certainly out of the playoff picture.
But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) are clinging to their hopes of making the NFC Playoffs as a wild card team, an can extend their chances to next week if they can pull this one out. And even though New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees torched the Bucs when New Orleans won 35-28 in Tampa Bay back on Oct. 21, I am taking my chances with the road pup in this NFC South clash.
I know the Buccaneers' defense ranks dead last against the pass, allowing a whopping 311.6 yards per game through the air, but they also rank first against the run, and that could pose a problem when the Saints look for balance.
In fact, I think the Buccaneers may be in a better position to display more balance on offense, as I love what running back Doug Martin has been doing for Tampa Bay's ground game, as he ranks second in the NFL with 1,612 yards from scrimmage (1,234 rushing, 378 receiving) and is tied for NFC lead with 10 touchdowns rushing, and how quarterback Josh Freeman has attacked this season and has already surpassed 3,000 yards in the air for a third straight season.
Tampa Bay is on a 6-1 run at the books, and has covered 20 of its last 27 on the highway. On the other hand, the Saints are mired in a 2-7 spread slide when hosting the Bucs. I'm taking the points and want you to be sure you're getting the half point on this spread, and don't be scared to buy the number up 4, if your book is already offering you a 3-1/2.
3♦ TAMPA BAY
Chris Jordan
My free pick for Sunday is going to be in the oldest rivalry in the NFL, as I take a look at the Chicago Bears hosting the Green Bay Packers, and as strange as this may sound - I love the Bears in this opportunity to score an outright win. Now I'm not going to stipulate a moneyline play here - you can do that on your own - but I will tell you to buy the half point up on Chicago and be sure to take the full +3 points in this game.
While I know a win at Soldier Field would give Green Bay the NFC North title, but take note, a victory by the Bears quite possibly would salvage their season. The Bears, who are sitting in sixth place overall in the NFC, has dropped four of five after a 7-1 start.
There are three games left on the slate, and the looming postseason. But make no bones about it - this the Bears' playoff game. Nothing else matters.
I am well aware that Green Bay has won five straight and seven of eight against Chicago, including a conference championship a couple years back. And it's no secret the Packers' defense has given quarterback Jay Cutler fits through the years. He's 1-7 with twice as many interceptions (16) as touchdowns (eight), including a game with Denver.
All that being said, I lean on the ol' everything looks too good to be true theory, and am not going to buy into the Packers and Aaron Rodgers, when I've seen them melt down in other circumstances.
Green Bay's defense is a bit dinged up, including cornerback Charles Woodson, who remains sidelined by a broken collarbone.
Besides, with everything I pointed out easily telling us Green Bay should win this game, why in the hell is the line so low? Nah, I'm not falling for it. Buy the half point up, take +3 and look for the Bears to claw themselves a cover.
4♦ CHICAGO
Matt Rivers
Sunday free play winner in the NFL on the Colts plus the generous points at Houston.
Houston is fresh off their Monday night shellacking in New England in which they allowed 42 points to be scored on them. That makes 120 points allowed their last four games. Not too good when you consider you are asking the Texans now to cover -10 points or so against the prolific Indianapolis attack.
The Colts have averaged 26 points per game over their last six, and if they can come close to that average, I doubt seriously if Houston will be able to get on top of this massive impost.
The Texans have failed four of their last seven as the favorite, while the Colts have cashed in on three of their last four when listed as the underdog.
Just enough leeway here for Indy to find an open back door and grab the money as the underdog.
2♦ INDIANAPOLIS