This Football Blog

Well, I called Thursday night’s game right. So I’ve got that going for me. Here’s what not to expect from the rest of the weekend.

Dallas (+7) at New Orleans
The Saints continue their march toward a perfect regular season (not saying they’ll get there, just that they’ll be taking another step in that direction here) while Wade Phillips continues his march toward unemployment. New Orleans, still playing for the one seed, wins by 10.

Cleveland (+1.5) at Kansas City
Yeah, I know the Browns are coming off a huge win (I watched the game; they were very impressive) and the Chiefs are coming off an embarrassing loss, but I just can’t take the Browns, with their league-worst minus-12 giveaway/takeaway differential, to win a game on the road. I can’t and I won’t. Kansas City by four.

Chicago (+10.5) at Baltimore
With this game, a visit to the disintegrating Steelers and a home finale against the Raiders ahead of them, the Ravens likely have the inside lane in the race for the AFC six seed. I don’t expect to see them blow it against a Bears squad that won’t have much to get excited about until at least April 22.

Arizona (-11.5) at Detroit
Often a second straight road game, particularly when it’s played on a short week, can be a setup for a loss. But I just don’t see Arizona getting surprised again. Cardinals by nine.

New England (-7) at Buffalo
Moss, Moss, Moss. Enough already. You know what? I don’t think Randy Moss or the other 81 is gonna be much of a factor in this game. What is? A swelling Patriots rushing offense vs. a Buffalo run D that ranks last in the league, giving up 5 yards per carry and 170 per game. New England by 13.

Atlanta (+6) at NY Jets
This could be an interesting game. Both teams are getting healthier and both are playing for their playoff lives (though the Falcons aren’t in great shape if they win, the fact that they’re plain old done if they lose has to mean something). I think it’s a much closer game than the spread indicates. The Jets may have a distinct edge on defense, but the Falcons main vulnerability on that side of the ball in the passing game. And I’m not convinced the Jets can capitalize on that particular deficiency, regardless of who’s taking the snaps. If taking the Jets straight up, because they do arguably have more on the line and the game is happening in New Jersey. But I’m not giving six. More like one. Three tops.

Miami (+3) at Tennessee
With San Diego on the way in week sixteen, things aren’t looking too good for the Titans playoffs-wise. I’m not sure they’re ready to accept that, though. And it’s clear that they still feel like they’ve got something to prove. I know the Dolphins want this game like crazy. I know they need it, with their wild card competitors the Jets and Ravens likely winning this weekend (the Broncos, too, of course; but I’m assuming Denver’s all but locked up a playoff spot) and the Patriots just a game ahead of them in the division. I just don’t think they’re gonna get it. Titans by a point.

San Francisco (+9) at Philadelphia
Not only are the Eagles heating up in December as usual, but they demonstrated Sunday night that they’ve figured out how to use Michael Vick in a way that’s tough to defend. I think they’re the most dangerous team in the NFC and I won’t be at all surprised if they push on through to that thing in Miami February 7. The Niners, who are traveling across three time zones to play on short rest, should be a breeze. Eagles by 14.

Houston (-10.5) at St. Louis
Well, Jimmy, the Rams do have neat looking helmets. And a better-than-average shot of turning things around within three years. So there’s that. Houston by 10.

Oakland (+14) at Denver
If the Broncos take care of business here and in their week seventeen home game against the Chiefs, they won’t have to worry much about what happens next weekend in Philadelphia (unless the Chargers manage to lose to Cincinnati, in which case the division, at least on paper, would be back in play). That should provide plenty of motivation for putting a beatdown on the Raiders. The fact that the Raiders are down to plan C at quarterback won’t hurt, either. Denver wins and covers.

Cincinnati (+6.5) at San Diego
Just as I think the Eagles are the most dangerous team in the NFC, I think the Chargers are the most dangerous team in the AFC. That’s bad news for the Bengals, who are facing a tough matchup on the road for the second consecutive week. This should be the game in which the Chargers lock up the two seed. San Diego by seven.

Tampa Bay (+7) at Seattle
I refuse to comment on this game. Seriously. I’ll take Seattle to win and figure on a push with the points. Because I just don’t care.

Green Bay (+2) at Pittsburgh
Can someone explain to me how the Steelers, who have lost six straight, three of the last four of which were to the Chiefs, Raiders and Browns are giving points to the 9-4 Packers. And, no, I don’t care where the game’s being played. Green Bay by four.

Minnesota (-9) at Carolina
The Vikings wrap up the NFC North title and take a big step toward locking up the conference two seed. I’m taking Minnesota and giving the points.

NY Giants (-3) at Washington
The Giants are hanging on to their playoff hopes by the merest thread. It snaps here. The Redskins become the second straight home underdog to pull off an upset against a better divisional opponent.