Randall the Handle
THE BEST
Patriots (12-3) at Dolphins (5-10)
Spotting double digits in a divisional road game is usually a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, there are exceptions to every rule. Home games for Miami don’t mean much. In fact, as we close out the holiday season, there could be more vacationing New Englanders at this game than locals. Even if that isn’t the case, the Dolphins have won just two of seven games played here this season. When hosting the other two AFC East opponents, the Fish were destroyed 41-14 by Buffalo and 27-14 to the Jets in the ensuing week. That was in the early going when Miami was trying. Just last week, the Fins couldn’t beat a wretched Colts team that had a crippled 40-year old quarterback who was replaced by useless Charlie Whitehurst. The Fins have had tee times booked for weeks. Their coach couldn’t game plan a picnic. We know the Patriots are hurting but they could play this one blindfolded and still get the job done as they protect home field throughout the playoffs. TAKING: PATRIOTS –10
St. Louis (7-8) at San Francisco (4-11)
The Rams are so misguided that they’ll treat this game as meaningful in an attempt to get to .500. Yes, it’s ridiculous but that mindset allows us to spot a relatively short price against a team that can’t wait to end the first year of its rebuilding process. The 49ers defence is tired and the offence is inadequate. San Francisco has not reached 21 points in a regulation game during its past nine attempts. The Niners are dead last in points scored, averaging 14.6 per game. Now they’ll face a pumped up St. Louis defence after it knocked off the Seahawks last week and one that is finally getting some support from its offence. In an early meeting, the Rams were able to limit the Niners to 162 yards passing while Colin Kaepernick led all runners with a whopping 28 yards on the ground, resulting in an easy 27-6 triumph for St. Louis. Expect more of the same on this day. TAKING: RAMS -3½
Seahawks (9-6) at Cardinals (13-2)
Okay oddsmakers. Simmer down. Unlike most of you, we’ve known about the Cardinals for a while. As you are finally discovering, they are a very good team. But now you’ve gone too far the other way. It’s understood that the Seahawks don’t have a lot to play for as they will be a traveling wild-card team in next week’s playoffs regardless of this outcome. But don’t tell coach Pete Carroll that. “We’re going to treat this exactly like it is a championship football game, a playoff game,” Carroll was quoted as saying this week. We believe him. The last thing Carrroll wants to do is ride a two-game losing streak into the post-season. Meanwhile, the Cards may have little to play for also if Carolina beats Tampa Bay as that will lock Arizona in as a #2 seed in the NFC. For the first time in a month, Seattle is not laying double digits. Instead, a bunch of points are being offered. We like that. TAKING: SEAHAWKS +7
THE REST
Jets (10-5) at Bills (7-8)
Win, lose or draw, the Jets shouldn’t be favoured here. Even with Buffalo’s modest 4-3 record at The Ralph this season, the Bills are rarely an easy out here. Buffalo has played five of its past seven on the road but won both home games stuck in between. Granted, this game means a lot to the Jets as a win guarantees participation in the post-season. But it’s equally big to Rex Ryan facing his former club. While we admire what Todd Bowles has done with Rex’s roster, not sure if Bowles’ Jets can be trusted in this spot. Gang Green finally defeated its first winning club when beating an injury-riddled Patriots club last week. While the Bills are sub .500, they still managed to beat the Jets up at MetLife in mid-November. TAKING: BILLS +3
Buccaneers (6-9) at Panthers (14-1)
Obviously the inferior club, the Buccaneers may have caught Carolina at the right time. The Panthers are showing signs of their grueling season. They laid an egg in Atlanta last week after allowing the Giants to comeback from a 35-7 deficit the week before. Now the Panthers are being asked to spot prohibitive points against a team that knows them well. Best runner Jonathan Stewart is still hurting. Outside of Cam Newton, the offence lacks playmakers. The Bucs are best when receiving these kind of points, not when they are giving or taking a few. Tampa has received six or more points on three occasions this year and not only did they cover in all three but they won each game straight up. Lots of room for a cover here from a hard trying team. TAKING: BUCCANEERS +10½
Ravens (5-10) at Bengals (11-4)
What do you do if you’re Marvin Lewis? On one hand, you would love a bye in order to possibly have Andy Dalton back in two weeks’ time. On the other hand, the only way that happens is if you win here and the Chargers somehow upset the Broncos in Denver. In addition, Cincy’s No. 2 quarterback enters this one with a hurting wrist and if he needs to go in an opening wild-card game next week, you may have to preserve him as well. All signs point to a conservative affair which should see a lot of handoffs on the Bengals side of things. Baltimore deserves credit for hanging in with their depleted lineup and we would expect no less on this day, making the points offered attractive. TAKING: RAVENS +9½
Saints (6-9) at Falcons (8-7)
Don’t let the Falcons fool you. Sure, knocking of the previously undefeated Panthers is a feather in their cap but this is an underachieving, unreliable bunch that hasn’t suddenly turned things around off of one Sunday. Let’s not forget Atlanta’s 5-0 start that followed with a 3-7 run leading up to this one. Let’s also not forget that these birds perform better in the underdog role as five of their six covers this year occurred when receiving points. Atlanta’s lone cover as a favourite was when it blew out a Ryan Mallett-led Houston team back in early October. Oddly, the Falcons were favoured when they visited the Saints on a Thursday night before falling 31-21 at the Superdome. New Orleans’ inept defence is well documented but its offence can trade punches here. TAKING: SAINTS +4
Jaguars (5-10) at Texans (8-7)
Can’t see the Texans risking much here as the only way they lose the AFC South is if the Colts win and nine other games fall Indy’s way. In other words, not going to happen. QB Brian Hoyer is expected to clear concussion protocol for this one but preserving him for next week’s wild-card game would be the logical approach to take. Meanwhile, the rebuild in Jacksonville continues. The team gave coach Gus Bradley a vote of confidence by assuring he’ll be back next year. Bradley’s Jaguars appear to pointing the right way with a strong foundation of good, young offensive players. QB Blake Bortles has thrown for nearly 4200 yards this year along with 35 touchdowns. He’ll be anxious to end 2015 on a positive note. TAKING: JAGUARS +6
Steelers (9-6) at Browns (3-12)
Had the Steelers not stumbled in Baltimore last week, we’d be inclined to go with a loosey-goosey Cleveland group here. But Pittsburgh figures to use that loss as a wake-up call even if they wind up missing the bus. The Steelers can still make the playoffs with a win here combined with a Jets loss in Buffalo. Even while scoreboard watching, Pittsburgh can ill afford to play at anything but full speed. Ben Roethlisberger’s offence has owned this paltry foe with Big Ben owning a 19-2 lifetime mark against these guys, including a 30-9 whipping earlier this year. More Johnny Manziel noise coming out of Cleveland and whether he plays or not, the Browns are incapable of keeping pace against this dominant foe. TAKING: STEELERS –10
Raiders (7-8) at Chiefs (10-5)
Chiefs still have division title hopes as they seek their 10th straight win. While they are certainly capable of handling the Raiders, Oakland will not be intimidated by the current situation of each team. The Raiders took a fourth-quarter lead into the first meeting between these two rivals, only to see three late interceptions by Oakland QB Derek Carr undo his side’s chances. The Raiders have had 10 days to prepare for their season finale and doing it on the road might be a benefit as the Silver and Black are 4-3 in away games this year while covering five of seven. Chiefs rely on the run and mistakes by their opposition. If Oakland can secure the ball, its 9th ranked run defence should keep this game within range. TAKING: RAIDERS +7
Redskins (8-7) at Cowboys (4-11)
If anything, football folks thought it would be Dallas resting players here before a playoff clash. But the Redskins were able to take advantage of its dysfunctional division and are now locked in as a #4 seed for the post-season. As a result, coach Jay Gruden is expected to rest many of his guys for this one including starting QB Kirk Cousins. However, it’s not like the Cowboys get some sort of edge in the QB department as they will send out Kellen Moore to face Colt McCoy. Where’s the advantage there? Dallas has reached 19 points just once in its past five games. Giving away any points with the punchless offence is risky no matter the conditions. The Redskins have bigger fish to fry but also haven’t forgotten the Cowboys’ earlier win. TAKING: REDSKINS +4
Lions (6-9) at Bears (6-9)
One has to wonder where the Lions would have been if Jim Bob Cooter was the offensive coordinator from the season’s start. Since taking over that role, the Lions are 5-3 (one loss was the infamous Hail Mary) with QB Matthew Stafford throwing for 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions under Cooter’s guidance. The Leos will attempt to end the year on a high note, riding a modest two-game win streak. Detroit has managed to put up 67 points in those two victories and in the prior meeting between these two, Stafford was able to pass for 405 yards and four majors in a 37-34 overtime win. Losers in three of past four, Chicago could be missing key offensive players as both WR Alshon Jeffrey and RB Matt Forte are iffy. TAKING: LIONS +1
Eagles (6-9) at Giants (6-9)
Chip, Chip, Cheerio. Philadelphia coach Chip Kelly couldn’t even make it to Black Monday after being canned earlier this week. It’s anybody’s guess as to how the Eagles will respond. Which Giants’ team shows up here in a meaningless game that ends a frustrating season is a mystery as well. Fittingly, the first encounter with these two produced seven turnovers with Philly getting the best of it in a 27-7 rout. While Odell Beckham Jr. will be on the field after serving his detention for bad behaviour, were not sure that spotting points with the muddled G-Men is the way to go. Just a quick jaunt along the highway, the Eagles are comfortable playing here with seven wins and covers in past eight as guests. Philadelphia seems the prudent way to go. TAKING: EAGLES +3
Chargers (4-11) at Broncos (11-4)
Chargers have been game as road underdogs covering five straight but don’t be surprised if the buck stops here. San Diego is one of several teams that has more starters in the infirmary than on the field, adding four guys to injure reserved this week. Now the undermanned Bolts will travel to Mile High and attempt to penetrate the league’s top defence. Good luck. The Chargers have not won a game against AFC West foes all season. They managed just three points in the earlier contest between the two. San Diego’s paper thing offensive line will have its hands full with Denver’s potent pass rushers all afternoon. Denver still hoping to improve playoff position and will remain focused. TAKING: BRONCOS –9
Vikings (10-5) at Packers (10-5)
We don’t want to rain on the Vikings’ parade after putting together a very solid season which has them heading to the playoffs after a three-year absence. We just still need for them to prove that they belong. Minnesota’s only victory against a winning club came way back in October against a Chiefs’ team that was 1-5 at the time. After that, the Vikes failed against the Seahawks, Cardinals and to these Packers. Green Bay’s stock is dropping faster than the temperature these days but let’s not forget that the Pack had won three straight before getting thumped at Arizona. Packers home after two away and giving away a mere field goal with Aaron Rodgers on this field is the preferred choice for us. TAKING: PACKERS +4½
Jimmy Moore
Buffalo Bills +3
How ironic is this game. The Jets need a win to get into the playoffs and they have to get it against the Bills now led by coach Ryan. You know Sexy Rexy will be very motivated to keep the Jets out of the post-season and he is in a good spot here since as a head coach he is 11-6 ATS when playing a team off of a SU dog win. The Jets traditionally choke in these spots as well as they are just 1-7 ATS after winning SU as a dog. That was a very big emotional win for the Jets last week and as much as this one means it will be a let down out of the blocks for the Jets here against Buffalo. Take the field goal with Rex and the Bills to get this win or at least the cover.
Mark Franco
Jets -2
It's only fitting that Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills are the last obstacle standing in the way of a playoff berth for the New York Jets. Visiting New York faces its former coach, who was fired after six seasons and immediately hired by Buffalo last January, on Sunday with its first postseason bid since 2010 on the line. The Jets leapfrogged the Pittsburgh Steelers with their fifth straight win last week, leaving them in control of their own destiny. Led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York knocked off New England 26-20 in overtime a week ago to move to the brink of the playoffs. Jets are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. AFC East. Bills are 11-25-2 ATS in their last 38 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
DAVE COKIN
STEELERS AT BROWNS
PLAY: STEELERS -11
The Steelers really hurt themselves last Sunday with an inexcusable loss to the Ravens. Now they have to play the hope game, as if the Jets beat the Bills, what happens in this game won’t matter at all. That said, Pittsburgh has to make sure they hold up their end of the bargain by handling the Browns.
That really shouldn’t be much of a task for the Steelers. The Browns are incredibly beat up, and while I’m sure they’re going to be pros and give it all they have, I’m not sure even their best effort will be enough to keep this competitive.
Austin Davis will be making the start at QB for Cleveland, and third-string NFL QB’s don’t exactly have a great success rate. Davis is definite here, as Johnny Manziel has been ruled out with a concussion. USA Today reported that Manziel was spotted here in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood. I have no idea whether that’s accurate and I seriously don’t give a rat’s behind.
But I do know that Manziel’s absence is meaningful here. Not that he’s a stud QB, but the Browns have evidently game planned for this matchup using the option. Austin Davis is not an option QB, so that would not seem like something that’s going to produce much offense for the Browns.
On the other hand, it can’t be any worse than the one prior start Davis had this season. That was against the Bengals and I’d be happy to see a rerun of what took place in that game, as Cincinnati crushed the Browns on this field by a 37-3 count.
In fairness, Davis is not all that horrible, particularly for a guy who’s #3 on the depth chart. He had a handful of decent efforts last season while with the Rams, including one really stellar effort in an upset of the Seahawks. But aside from a terrific tight end, there’s not much for Davis to work with on this offense and I don’t see how he can keep pace with Big Ben and company.
The Browns put up a good fight last week at Kansas City and I won’t say I’ll be shocked if they hang tough here for awhile. But they’re still facing an extremely potent and efficient Pittsburgh offense and the Cleveland defense is atrocious. Over the course of 60 minutes, I can’t envision the Browns being competitive.
I have no idea what home dog trends might be in play here, as I’m not a trend player. This is all about the matchup and the situation for me. The Steelers were embarrassed by Ryan Mallett last week, and while this is not a great defense by any stretch, I don’t see any way that’s happening again here. Meanwhile, while the Baltimore defense isn’t sensational, it’s considerably stronger that what Big Ben and company will see here and I fully expect the Steelers to have a good offensive day.
Laying this kind of lumber is not generally what I like to do in the NFL. But I simply don’t see Cleveland being able to stay in this for 60, and if they get behind early, it could be boatrace time. I’ll spot the big points with the Steelers.
Vegas Butcher
Detroit Lions -1
The Lions are a much better team than their record indicates. They lost games to SEA (Calvin Johnson fumble at the goal-line) and GB (Hail-Mary TD), which they should have won, and overall have played really well since their BYE week. Now they'll take on a Bears team that is decimated with injuries on offense. Defensively, Chicago ranks 30th at home this year. I'll back the 'healthier' team in this one.
Sleepyj
Philadelphia +5.5
Give me the 3.5 and 4.5 all day with the Eagles...Look both teams are cooked this year in terms of making the playoffs..The season is over and the Eagles IMO have something to prove...They will go out and play the best football they can today...We had big issues with the defense with Chip Kelly..They hated the style of offense the Eagles ran and it really took a toll on this group the last 2 years....Eagles have plenty of play makers on this team..I know the Eagles have the better defense...It may not look like it with the results of the last few weeks, but this Philly team is coming to play today...Giants on the other hand get Beckham back for this game..We saw the Giants struggle a bit in the passing game with his suspension last week..Giants struggle to run the ball regardless, and playing against a decent Philly front will be tough on the Giants....I'm not buying into the Chip Kelly departure as a bad thing and the Giants winning to close out the year...If any team could careless about this game today...It very well might be the Giants...I will ride with the Eagles to make a statement today..Win or lose..Getting +5.5 is a very good bet IMO.
Andy Iskoe
San Francisco +3.5
St Louis completed a season sweep of Seattle with their road win on Sunday and would finish 8-8 with a win here. The 49ers were expected to struggle this season and at 4-11 that's exactly what has transpired. Although the defense has played well at home, the offense has struggled and the 49ers have scored under 20 points in 8 of their last 9 games. But that may not be as big a negative as perceived. The Rams have also been below average on offense all season, scoring 13 points or less 7 times, 4 of which have been on the road. The Rams have averaged less than 5 yards per play in 6 of their last 8 games including under 4 ypp twice. Despite their limitations the 49ers have not quit in recent weeks even though their season has long been over, including competitive efforts vs Arizona and Cincy in their last 2 home games that followed a win over Atlanta. The Rams are playing well down the stretch and have won 3 straight. But after upsetting Seattle at home to open the season they lost at Washington as road favorites the next week and 2 other times they followed wins with road losses.
Brad Wilton
Miami has dumped New England in each of the Pats last pair of visits to balmy South Florida, but I doubt that will be the case today. In fact, far from the case!
The Patriots lost in OT last week at the Jets, and that means they still must win this game to assure themselves the home-field advantage for the upcoming playoffs, thus no rested players etc. on the New England side of the football.
Laying double-digits on the road in the NFL is not always a wise proposition, but after watching Miami once again just go through the motions against an Indianapolis team that resembled the cast of "The Walking Dead", I don't see how you can even entertain thoughts of backing the Dolphins.
Remember, Miami owns just one straight up win over their last 6, and they have failed ALL 6 against the spread!
Miami was also pancaked, 36-7 by New England in the first go'round when the Dolphins had some momentum under interim coach Dan Campbell.
This one could and should be a 17-point win and cover for the Pats.
4* NEW ENGLAND
Jeff Benton
Your Sunday freebie is the Falcons minus the points over the Saints.
Back on October 15th, the Falcons were flying high at 5-0, while the Saints stood at 1-4.
Then came their Thursday night division rivalry meeting in the Big Easy, and the Saints dumped the Falcons 31-21 to start the Atlanta tailspin that saw the Falcons lose 7 of their next 8 games!
Now we come to this meaningless game, but I suspect their is a little more meaning for the host team here, as Dan Quinn seems to have the ear of his team, and Atlanta is coming off back-to-back victories, including a win over the last unbeaten team in the NFL - the Carolina Panthers last week at the Georgia Dome.
New Orleans has some tough questions to answer come Monday, as Drew Brees is due a new contract, and Father Time has a front row seat at his door step these days. That and the fact head coach Sean Payton may very well be wearing his coaching visor with a new logo on it come next season.
True the Saints have won 2 of their last 3 games, but they have failed against the spread in each of their last 3 visits to the Peach State.
Prefer to lay it with the Falcons to end the year the right way.
3* ATLANTA
Rob Vinciletti
Eagles vs. Giants
Play: Giants -5
The Giants will look to get coach Coughlin a win in what looks like it may be his final game. OBJ is back for this one and the Giants have 20 points loss revenge against an Eagles team that has dealt with the distraction of the removal of controversial coach Chip. The Giants are 5-0 as a home favorite of -3.5 to -7 and have covered 10 of 12 in their last home games vs a division team. Road teams in the final game of the season that lost by 10 or more points and failed to cover by 10 or more points are 3-18 off back to back home games. Look for the G-Men to get it done today.
Jack Jones
New York Jets -3
The New York Jets have been in must-win mode for the last six weeks of the regular season. They've handled the pressure of these must-win games very well. Indeed, they've gone 5-0 in their last five games overall to get to 10-5 after their 5-5 start. Now they are just one win away from clinching a playoff berth, and I expect them to handle themselves admirably again this week.
The Jets are not only winning, they are dominating. They have outgained five straight opponents by at least 63 yards. They are outscoring opponents by 10.4 points per game and outgaining them by 108.0 yards per game during their 5-game winning streak.
New York now ranks 4th in the NFL in yardage differential, outgaining teams by 54.8 yards per game on the season. This is a very important stat because they trail teams like the Cardinals, Seahawks and Broncos, and they are just ahead of teams like the Patriots and Panthers. I would consider all five of those teams to be elite, and the Jets have to be considered elite as well.
The Bills have been eliminated from postseason contention for a few weeks and have nothing to play for but pride. They have lost four of their last six games overall with their only wins coming against the Texans and Cowboys. While I do expect them to show up for this game, I don't foresee them being able to do anything to slow down this Jets team that's clearly on a mission.
Plus, the Bills have a massive list of injuries right now to several key players. Among the players listed as questionable, doubtful or out are RB LeSean McCoy, TE Charles Clay, LB Nigel Bradham, DT Marcell Dareus, T Seantrel Henderson, WR Robert Woods, CB Stephone Gilmore, WR Percy Harvin, and DT Kyle Williams. It's no wonder the Bills have not finished well this season.
The Jets are 49-29 ATS in their last 78 road games against division opponents. New York is 8-1 ATS in the final four weeks of the regular season over the last three seasons. The Jets are 36-20 ATS in their last 56 road games when revenging a loss against an opponent. The Bills are 15-33-3 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up win.
Jimmy Boyd
Chargers +10
I know this game means so much more to Denver than it does San Diego, but I don’t expect the Chargers to just lay down for the Broncos in this matchup. Even though it came in a losing effort, San Diego played well last week against the Raiders and that was on the heels of a 30-14 win against the Dolphins.
The thing that you can’t overlook with the Broncos win over the Bengals, is they beat a Cincinnati offense that was being guided by the inexperienced A.J. McCarron and had to overcome a 14-point deficit to do so. You also have to factor in the emotional aspect of that game. Denver was facing enormous pressure to win against the Bengals, as they were in jeopardy of missing the playoffs completely. It’s not going to be easy bouncing back mentally from that game and bringing that same energy and intensity against a bad San Diego team.
Another big factor here is rest and the Chargers have a huge advantage in this department. While San Diego has had an extra 3 days to prepare for this matchup, Denver will have one fewer day of preparation after playing on Monday Night Football. That’s not something the public is going to consider a whole lot, as their only focus will be on the Broncos being the only team with something to play for.
It’s also important to note that while Denver won at San Diego by 14-points, that was a much closer game than the final score would indicate. The Broncos only had a 292 to 272 edge in total yards and the Denver defense scored 7 of their their 17 points with a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Chargers defense more than held their own against Denver’s offense and have continued to play well on that side of the ball down the stretch. San Diego has allowed 20 or fewer points in regulation in each of their last 4 games.
San Diego is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games and 11-3 ATS in their last 14 road games against a team with a winning homee record. Denver on the other hand is just 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 when playing on Sunday after playing on Monday Night Football and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 against a team with a losing record. Adding to all of this is a strong system in favor of the Chargers. Road teams who are off a road loss by 3-point or less are 25-5 (83%) ATS in the last 2 weeks of the regular season since 1983.
Jimmy Adams
Lions vs. Bears
Play: Lions
We have a rivalry to close out the regular season as Detroit heads to Chicago. The Bears are not in good current form. In fact, they had lost 3 straight games before getting a narrow victory over the Bucs last week. Jay Cutler has done a better job at taking care of the ball this season, but there are major personnel concerns on both sides of the ball.
The Lions have won two straight games and would love to finish out their season on a high note. Much of the blame has been put on head coach Jim Caldwell, but his calm demeanor has actually been a positive for this team, especially due to all of the turmoil that we’ve seen from various players the last couple of years. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson may very well be playing his last game in a Lion’s uniform, so he should have a monster game here. Detroit is 4-1 ATS against teams with a losing record. Expect that trend to continue in this one.
Sam Martin
Eagles vs. Giants
Play: Giants -5
This is a horrible motivational spot for the Eagles, who not only lost their head coach this week but also have to play on the road in a meaningless game with no hope for a playoff spot. This entire season can only be viewed as a disappointment for Philly, who had very high hopes in Chip Kelly's third season. As it stands, Kelly is out as head coach and the Eagles are in danger of suffering a ten-loss season.
Giants are looking to get revenge from their worst offensive game of the season in a 27-7 loss at Philadelphia earlier this year - a game that saw the Giants put up season-worst efforts in points scored (7), passing yards (166), and turnovers (3, tied a season-worst). Can't expect those numbers to be anywhere close to the same this time around and on their home field where New York has played extremely well of late vs. quality competition - losing to the Patriots, Jets, and Panthers by a combined 7 points. Eagles come out flat and we look for New York to build an early lead and cruise to a win and cover!
Scott Spreitzer
Redskins vs. Cowboys
Play: Cowboys -4
The Washington Redskins have captured the NFC East and their position for the postseason has been determined; Washington will go into the playoffs with the #4 seed and nothing they can do on Sunday will change that fact. The Skins will host the Packers, Seahawks, or Vikings next weekend. Reports are saying that Jay Gruden will start Kirk Cousins and his key players, but that he will likely sit a lot of his key players before too long. That doesn't mean the Skins won't attempt to beat their chief rival, but it does mean Dallas has a better chance to head to the off-season on a winning note. The Cowboy defense has allowed 19 points or less in five of their last seven games and the stop unit has played well against the pass all season, ranked 5th in yards passing allowed. Offensively, Kellen Moore will look to solidify a spot on the Dallas roster, while RB Darren McFadden, a bright spot in a tough season, needs just three yards to reach 1,000 yards this season. He and the Dallas offensive line should do damage against the Skins' 26th ranked run defense. Dallas held Washington to 266 total yards and 15 first downs in the Cowboys 19-16 win in early December. NFL home favorites of 3 1/2 to 10 points are on a 51-23 ATS run if they're off a SU road loss, provided their opponent is off an upset win over a division rival.