Randall the Handle
Vikings (7-3) at Falcons (6-4)
If ever there was a 5-0 imposter to start the season, these Falcons would be at the front of the line. Perhaps it is evident as Atlanta’s current three-game losing streak and six consecutive non-covers more than speaks for itself. The Falcons’ only win on this field during the past six weeks was a 10-7 snoozer over lame Tennessee. The Dirty Birds blew a 21-7 third-quarter lead to the Matt Hasselbeck led Colts last week before losing 24-21. Prior to that game, the Falcons allowed Blaine Gabbert and San Francisco’s makeshift offence to beat them. To date, Atlanta has had the luxury of facing Gabbert, Hasselbeck, Ryan Mallett, Brandon Weeden and Zach Mettenberger. They also lost to rookie QB Jameis Winston. Now they’ll get something they are not used to: A team that is intact. The Vikings will be anxious to bounce back after humbling loss to the Packers last week. Expect the Vikes to do what they do best by running the ball and having QB Teddy Bridgewater making wise decisions. We’ll do the same by endorsing the better team only needing a win for a cover. TAKING: VIKINGS +1½
Chargers (2-8) at Jaguars (4-6)
Has Jacksonville ever been four points over anyone? Not the most appealing of games, but we’re not here to judge a beauty contest. We take aim at opportunities presented and this one has neon lights flashing at us. The best thing that could have happened here was Jacksonville winning last Thursday night in a game that they did little in but were fortunate to win after a couple of Tennessee blunders. That victory made two wins in a row after being gifted a victory at Baltimore in the game prior. Two wins and up goes the line. But this is a team that isn’t familiar with winning as their 11-31 record since the start of 2013 would indicate and they certainly aren’t accustomed to winning by a margin. This will mark only the fourth time that Jacksonville has been favoured in its past 53 games. Trumping all the negative information though is that the Jaguars are awful. The Chargers have been pretty bad themselves, but at least they have a top-ranked passing game. San Diego can also apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks, something the Jags are susceptible to. TAKING: CHARGERS +4
Steelers (6-4) at Seahawks (5-5)
Surprisingly, the Steelers have been underdogs in six of their 10 games this season. The only time they failed to cover in those half dozen games was when taking 3½-points at Kansas City, when Landry Jones made his first NFL start. Now, off of a week’s rest and with Ben Roethlisberger back in game shape, it is difficult to refuse this offering. With Big Ben in the lineup, this group averages 33 points per game. Aside from the Steelers being a top offensive club when healthy, they face a Seattle club that is not displaying the same impenetrable defence that we’ve grown accustomed to. Don’t be fooled by recent results. Seattle’s past four games have been twice to the offensively challenged 49ers to go with a 13-12 win vs. the Tony Romo-less Cowboys. The only game this past month against a capable offence saw Carson Palmer and the Cardinals torch this ‘D’ for 363 yards and three touchdowns. Carolina, Cincinnati and Green Bay were all able to score 27 points against the Seachickens. Seattle has just three covers on the season with two of them also being against the Niners. The times, they are a changin’. TAKING: STEELERS +3½
Saints (4-6) at Texans (5-5)
Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was jettisoned out of town after New Orleans’ latest defensive debacle. Too bad he didn’t take the players with him. While Dennis Allen has to be a coaching upgrade, this simply doesn’t get fixed in 13 days. Offence is great, but defence is what separates the haves from the have nots. The Saints are as bad as it gets, allowing the most yards in the league at 424 per game while also permitting the most points against at 31.5 per contest. Meanwhile, the Texans have found some mojo after three straight wins, relinquishing only 29 points combined in those triumphs and suddenly tied for the division lead. With Brian Hoyer expected to start after missing a game, his side should be able to rack up enough points to protect this number. TAKING: TEXANS –3
Rams (4-6) at Bengals (8-2)
The Rams are rat droppings. Their talent at various positions is exceptional, but they clearly don’t know how to utilize it to their advantage. It doesn’t help that they are in never-ending search for a quarterback. Heck, they just lost to floundering Baltimore after losing as a seven-point home favourite to Chicago. Despite St. Louis’ woes, they aren’t an automatic fade. They are placed where they are best and that’s taking points. A earlier trip to Arizona in this price range resulted in a straight-up upset. St. Louis also won at Seattle to start the season. The Bengals are looking to get back in the win column after a pair of losses but until we witness the ship being righted, not interested in spotting the big number. TAKING: RAMS +8½
Buccaneers (5-5) at Colts (5-5)
Bucs have been money-makers recently, covering three of past four while also earning covers in nine of past 12 away games. That success is reflected in this line as Tampa getting noticed these days, due largely in part to the dynamic play of rookie QB Jameis Winston. The same can’t be said of the Colts as their season has been anything but smooth after a sluggish start and then losing QB Andrew Luck. However, those that saw beneath the perceived despair have been rewarded with Indy covering in five of its past six games with oddsmakers luring the public into fading the Colts. Same could apply here. Indianapolis is off a pair of wins, including one over Denver and QB Matt Hasselbeck has been effective with three wins in three tries as starter. TAKING: COLTS –3
Giants (5-5) at Washington (4-6)
Washington has been tough at home winning four of five played here, but prefer having a rested Giants team spotting a few points. The G-Men’s record could be much better, if not for a few indescribable gaffes. Heck, they should have beaten powerful New England before this past week off. But the late-season bye will have served the Giants well as they return to defend their modest division lead. In games after a bye, Tom Coughlin’s team has won seven of 11. Last year’s post-bye loss to Indianapolis ended a six-year streak of wins after a rest week. Washington could be demoralized after getting shellacked by the Panthers and it may be missing some key guys to injuries. Also can’t ignore Washington’s penchant for turnovers, a sure killer against potent Eli Manning. TAKING: GIANTS –2½
Raiders (4-6) at Titans (2-8)
There are few secrets in this league. So when average or below-average teams suddenly do something well for a few weeks, co-ordinators stock up on game film and usually find a way to disrupt the successful formula. The Raiders appear to be a textbook case. After scoring in the 30’s for three straight weeks, Oakland has abruptly slowed down by churning out just 14 and 13 points in their previous two games. Talk of the town WR Amari Cooper was held to one catch for four yards against the Lions last week. Oakland now traveling east for third time in four weeks and they’ll face an underrated Tennessee defence. Needing the Titans to win is by no means comforting, but Marcus Mariota has had 10 days to prepare an assault against the Raiders’ 30th ranked pass defence. TAKING: TITANS +1½
Bills (5-5) at Chiefs (5-5)
This one is puzzling. How can Kansas City be a 6½-point favourite over the visiting Bills when New England was a seven-point fave as hosts to Buffalo last week? Wouldn’t K.C. be close to a touchdown underdog in Foxborough? Well then, let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth. We understand that the Chiefs are on a roll, pounding their opponents with four straight decisive wins. We also acknowledge that the Bills are on a short week after losing to the Pats on Monday night. But this is like a playoff game as both teams are seeking to be wild-card entries to the playoffs and this one is essential in the quest. Buffalo had won a pair before Monday’s setback, but with a healthy roster, Rex Ryan’s boys are capable of staying close enough here to reward their backers. TAKING: BILLS +6½
Dolphins (4-6) at Jets (5-5)
Neither side trustworthy these days with each dropping three of past four. But if we have to put our faith in one, prefer the Jets as Miami’s wins have come against some of the league’s doormat and struggling teams with most recent against imploding Eagles. When facing any team with merit, the Fish have been easily manhandled. The Dolphins have also failed miserably against their division foes with a 0-4 mark to this point while being outscored 137-52 combined, including a previous 27-14 setback to these Jets over in England. With Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick being sacked a league-low 13 times this season, he should be afforded many opportunities against Miami’s 26th ranked defence. Fitz, when not making silly mistakes, has utilized the receiving tandem of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker very effectively. TAKING: JETS –3½
Cardinals (8-2) at 49ers (3-7)
Sometimes you just have to close your eyes, plug your nose and dive in. This is such a time. Understand that teams prepare for their division opponents first and foremost. The extra motivation is always present no matter the records of the two combatants. You don’t need us to tell you how much of a better team the Cardinals are in this matchup. The first hookup with these two resulted in a 47-7 blowout in favour of the hometown Cards. That was an embarrassment and we expect San Fran to give it their all in what is a meaningful spot for them. The 49ers have been able to pull off covers in three of five home games and QB Blaine Gabbert has been serviceable since taking over, completing 63% of his passes for 449 yards with three touchdowns. TAKING: 49ERS +10½
Patriots (10-0) at Broncos (8-2)
The annual Manning-Brady bowl is on hold for now as Brock Osweiler steps in for injured Peyton (whether we believe that or not). New England coach Bill Belichick will have some surprises in store for the neophyte thrower, but this game figures to be won by defence as both teams currently experiencing obstacles on offence. Denver will certainly have seen Buffalo’s pressure on Brady this past Monday and the Broncos have the personnel to execute such pressure at a higer level than the Bills. This one could easily come down to a field goal and that won’t earn a cover no matter who kicks it. Patriots are also in the unenviable position of playing a Monday night game and then traveling. With a full infirmary, that demand is greater than usual. TAKING: BRONCOS +3
Ravens (3-7) at Browns (2-8)
Getting a jump on some Christmas shopping might be the way to go with this one. If you must, we only see one way to play here and that’s taking any points offered. While the Ravens have been ravaged by injuries, all the while staying close in games, the Browns are just useless. The Johnny Manziel circus remains center stage in Cleveland and the distraction is clearly affecting an already porous club. The Browns have smallish receivers, crummy runners and an underwhelming defence that is just plain tired. Cleveland has been outscored 119-45 over its past four games, all one-sided losses. While Mike Pettine might be a decent coach, he is unable to make lemonade from the lemons handed to him. Baltimore is thin with all the hurts but still a better choice than the alternative. TAKING: RAVENS +3
