Sunday 12/13/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Spanish La Liga TODAY 11:00

R. Vallecano

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Malaga

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS4		7/5	9/4	21/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT R. VALLECANO	RECENT FORM
ALHWADHLHWAL​ Most recent​	1 - 0 4 - 1 1 - 3 2 - 0	ALHLALHDALAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Malaga have not scored an away goal in La Liga this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Rayo’s home form in the Vallecas has really picked up in recent weeks and they could have the edge against Malaga. The visitors goal drought ended at La Rosaleda in October but incredibly their travelling fans are still waiting for an away goal in La Liga and the drought could continue.

RECOMMENDATION: Rayo Vallecano
2

 

[superbeets]

League One TODAY 12:00

Sheff Utd

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Coventry

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SS2		7/5	13/5	2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SHEFF UTD	RECENT FORM
AD*HDADHLADHW​ Most recent​	2 - 2 2 - 1 1 - 2 0 - 1	HWHLAWHWADHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Coventry have lost just one of their last 13 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Sheffield United haven’t won any of their last six League One contests and they look unlikely to end that run against Coventry. The Sky Blues have been beaten in just one of their last 13 matches and look likely to have a real push for promotion this season, something that can be highlighted in the Steel City.

RECOMMENDATION: Coventry
2

 

[superbeets]

Scottish Premiership TODAY 12:30

St Johnstone

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Celtic

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		15/2	15/4	4/11	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ST JOHNSTONE	RECENT FORM
AWAWHWAWHDAW​ Most recent​	0 - 0 1 - 2 0 - 3 3 - 3	HLAWHDHLAWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: St Johnstone have kept just one league clean sheet

EXPERT VERDICT: St Johnstone are unbeaten in six Premiership matches, winning five, and have scored in all 17 league games this season. The Saints have avoided defeat in three of their last six league meetings with Celtic, netting in four of those encounters, so they should give the champions a run for their money.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
1


REFEREE: Crawford Allan STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

French Ligue 1 TODAY 13:00

Monaco

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St-Etienne

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BT S		11/10	9/4	14/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MONACO	RECENT FORM
HWHLADHDAWAL​ Most recent​	1 - 1 2 - 1 0 - 2 1 - 2	HLADHWALHDHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Monaco started the weekend 18th in the home form league table

EXPERT VERDICT: Monaco flourish on the road but struggle at their own, soul-less stadium, where they have won just two of eight. That will offer hope to St-Etienne, who are probably playing better than form figures of just one win in seven might imply. The goals for Les Verts are drying up – six in seven – so expect a low scorer.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

Premier League TODAY 13:30

Aston Villa

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Arsenal

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		11/2	16/5	4/7	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ASTON VILLA	RECENT FORM
ALALHDALHLAD​ Most recent​	0 - 3 1 - 2 0 - 0 1 - 2	HDALHWADHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Giroud has scored first three times in Premier League away games this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Olivier Giroud scored at the wrong end last weekend but the striker made amends when netting his team’s second goal against Sunderland. Arsenal will be expected to win at Villa Park as they look to overhaul Leicester at the top of the table and the Frenchman looks likely to contribute.

RECOMMENDATION: O Giroud to score first
2


REFEREE: Kevin Friend STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 14:00

Milan

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Verona

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		4/11	15/4	8	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MILAN	RECENT FORM
AWHDALHWHD*AD​ Most recent​	2 - 2 1 - 0 2 - 1 1 - 0	ADHLHLALHWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Verona have failed to win any of their 15 league matches this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Juventus have been the only team to have beaten Milan in their last eight matches and they have scored twice in six of their last nine home games. It is difficult to see the basement boys making much of an impression and Verona are unlikely to put up much resistance.

RECOMMENDATION: Milan to win 2-0
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Buffalo at Philadelphia

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Eagles are hearing a great deal of chirping out of both a current and former running back. The Eagles hope to receive production out of offseason acquisition DeMarco Murray and look to keep former franchise rushing leader LeSean McCoy in check when they host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

"From our perspective, we couldn't be happier with (the trade)," Buffalo coach Rex Ryan said of McCoy, who was acquired in March for linebacker Kiko Alonso. "I mean, obviously LeSean is a great player, great talent and we love him in the building. He's got that great energy about him and (is a) good teammate." A disgruntled Murray rushed for just 24 yards last week, but Philadelphia posted a 35-28 victory over New England to move into a three-way tie atop the woeful NFC East. Last season's rushing leader, Murray reportedly talked to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie over his reduced use but his workload likely won't get any better with the expected return of Ryan Mathews (concussion).

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bills -1.5. O/U: 47

ABOUT THE BILLS (6-6): Tyrod Taylor tossed three touchdown passes for the second consecutive week as Buffalo remained within striking distance of the postseason with a 30-21 win over Houston. Taylor could be in for another big day against an Eagles defense that has allowed 18 passing touchdowns in the past five games. Electric wideout Sammy Watkins has reeled in three scores with 267 yards receiving over the last two weeks.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (5-7): McCoy's departure and the money saved in the transaction aided in Philadelphia acquiring quarterback Sam Bradford from St. Louis one week later, coach Chip Kelly confirmed on Thursday. With Nick Foles shuffled to the Rams, Bradford hasn't set the City of Brotherly Love on fire with just 13 touchdown passes and 2,417 yards. Jordan Matthews, who has scored in consecutive weeks, reeled in one of Bradford's two touchdown passes versus the Patriots.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Buffalo begins a three-game stretch versus NFC East opponents with a road game at Washington (Dec. 20) and a home tilt against Dallas (Dec. 27) on tap.

2. Philadelphia's 23 takeaways are tied for second-best in the league, but its 22 giveaways are tied for third-worst.

3. Bills S Aaron Williams (neck), who was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return two months ago, participated in practice on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Eagles 20, Bills 16

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: San Francisco at Cleveland

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Johnny Manziel begins what may be his final opportunity with the league-worst Cleveland Browns when they host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The talented but problematic quarterback was named the starter for Cleveland's final four games after being benched for two contests when his partying during the team's bye week was caught on video.

"I was forced to learn a hard lesson," Manziel told reporters. "I had to learn the hard way and I'm lucky to be back in the position that I'm in and being the starter again, so I'm definitely not taking that lightly." While the Browns attempt to halt their seven-game losing streak, the 49ers look to make it two straight road wins after dropping seven in a row away from home. San Francisco ended its road skid last week with a 26-20 overtime victory at Chicago, which also was just its second triumph in six overall contests. The 49ers are visiting Cleveland for the first time since suffering a 20-7 defeat on Dec. 30, 2007.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Browns -2. O/U: 41

ABOUT THE 49ERS (4-8): Running back Carlos Hyde is expected to miss his sixth consecutive game with a stress fracture in his foot, which is disappointing news as Cleveland ranks 31st against the run with an average of 136.3 yards allowed. Meanwhile, San Francisco has yielded at least 170 yards on the ground in four of its last six contests. Anquan Boldin made five catches in last week's victory, leaving him 11 shy of becoming the 11th player in NFL history with 1,000 receptions.

ABOUT THE BROWNS (2-10): Gary Barnidge was rewarded for his breakout season Thursday as he was signed to a three-year contract extension worth a reported $12 million. The 30-year-old leads Cleveland with 60 receptions and seven touchdowns and ranks second with 817 receiving yards - all career highs. Barnidge needs one 100-yard performance to tie the franchise single-season record for tight ends of four held by Milt Morin (1968), and he is two TD catches shy of matching Ozzie Newsome's mark.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Browns WR Travis Benjamin did not practice Thursday and is questionable due to a shoulder injury.

2. San Francisco QB Blaine Gabbert is 2-2 with five touchdown passes and a completion percentage of 63 since taking over for Colin Kaepernick.

3. Manziel last played on Nov. 15, when he threw for a career-high 372 yards in a 30-9 loss at Pittsburgh.

PREDICTION: 49ers 27, Browns 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Detroit at St. Louis

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

The Detroit Lions have had over a week to recover from their Hail Mary home loss to the rival Green Bay Packers but don’t look like they’ll have enough time to rejoin the playoff race. The Lions will try to take advantage of another team struggling to turn things around when they visit the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.

Detroit began the season 1-7 before winning three in a row to perk up expectations, but the Week 13 final-second loss to the Packers likely ended any slim hope of a wild-card run. The Lions’ turnaround began shortly after the team made a change at offensive coordinator, elevating Jim Bob Cooter to the position, and the Rams are hoping a similar change provides a similar result. St. Louis, which ranks 31st in scoring at an average of 15.4 points, relieved Frank Cignetti of his duties as offensive coordinator and promoted tight ends coach Rob Boras to the position following last week’s 27-3 loss to Arizona. "It was, in my estimation, time to move in a different direction,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher told reporters. “Our focus is on the future of this offense, the future of this football team, and I felt like this was the best thing we could do."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Lions -2.5. O/U: 41

ABOUT THE LIONS (4-8): Detroit coach Jim Caldwell is ready to move on from the tough loss and is concentrating on getting his team to play consistently and build some momentum over the last month of the season. “We’ve been through a real rough patch,” Caldwell told reporters. “It was real tough – to get a team to hang in there together and to focus and get it turned around where they’re playing consistently, I think in itself, is a lot more difficult than what you’re talking about because I think it’s over a long span of time.” One player displaying more consistency under the new offensive coordinator is quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has nine touchdown passes and one interception in his last four games.

ABOUT THE RAMS (4-8): St. Louis ranks last in the NFL in passing with an average of 178 yards but is ready to make a change at quarterback, with Case Keenum cleared to return after passing the concussion protocol. “To have the opportunity like this, obviously it’s a tough part of the season, but honestly, I’m not looking at what’s happened,” he told reporters. “I’m not looking ahead, I’m looking at today and how did practice today go.” Keenum managed 136 yards and one touchdown on 12-of-26 passing in his lone start at Baltimore before going down in that game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah (hamstring/elbow), WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) and WR Lance Moore (ankle) all were limited in practice but are expected to play.

2. Rams CB Janoris Jenkins (concussion) sat out practice on Thursday and still is in the protocol.

3. St. Louis RB Todd Gurley has been limited to a total of 60 yards on 18 carries in the last two games.

PREDICTION: Lions 35, Rams 14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: New Orleans at Tampa Bay

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can remain in the thick of the playoff race and eclipse their win total of their previous two seasons combined on Sunday when they host the reeling New Orleans Saints. Top overall pick Jameis Winston capped a 12-play drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans late in the fourth quarter to lift Tampa Bay to a 23-19 victory over Atlanta last week.

"We've been saying for a while we're getting better, that we're a good football team," Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said. "... We're right in the mix, which is exciting." While New Orleans sports an active nightlife, the football team hasn't provided much in the way of excitement - well, as it relates to the win column. After surrendering 49 points in their last victory, the Saints have yielded 146 more during a four-game losing skid to plummet into the cellar of the NFC South. Drew Brees tossed three touchdown passes in last week's 41-38 setback to undefeated Carolina, and may be without several key weapons this Sunday.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Buccaneers -3.5. O/U: 50.5

ABOUT THE SAINTS (4-8): Running back Mark Ingram was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury and questions abound over wideout Brandin Cooks, who is missed Thursday's practice with a concussion. The second-year star has pieced it together as the season has gone on, reeling in 41 receptions for 625 yards and seven touchdowns during the last eight games. Fellow wideout Willie Snead returned to practice on a limited basis after missing last week's game with a calf injury.

ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (6-6): Doug Martin is the NFL's second-leading rusher with 1,133 yards and faces a juicy matchup against the Saints' 32nd-ranked defense. Although he was limited to just 78 yards on 21 carries in the first meeting, Martin has run roughshod over the last three weeks (427 yards, one touchdown). Evans has reeled in two touchdowns in the last three games and faces a New Orleans club that has yielded an NFL-high 20 scores to wideouts this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Tampa Bay rookie LB Kwon Alexander (93 tackles) was handed a four-game suspension by NFL for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy.

2. New Orleans DE Cameron Jordan's eight sacks trail only Detroit DE Ezekiel Ansah (12) in the NFC.

3. The Buccaneers are vying for their first season sweep of the Saints since 2007.

PREDICTION: Saints 28, Buccaneers 21

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tennessee at N.Y. Jets

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The New York Jets pulled off a dramatic come-from-behind win against their co-tenants of MetLife Stadium last week to stay in the thick of the AFC wild-card race. With no room for error, New York hosts the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in another must-win.

Ryan Fitzpatrick threw an eye-popping 50 passes in last week's overtime win over the Giants. The Jets currently hold the No. 6 seed in the AFC and have won two straight but are not in control of their own destiny. If the Chiefs and the Steelers win out, they would bump New York out of the final playoff berth no matter what the Jets do. The Titans outlasted the Jaguars 42-39 last week, ending their 11-game home losing streak. Rookie Marcus Mariota threw for three scores and rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown in the wild contest.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jets -7.5. O/U: 43.

ABOUT THE TITANS (3-9): Mariota's rushing total from last week was certainly boosted by an 87-yard scramble for a score but also a conscious effort on the Titans' part to make him more of the dual threat he was at Oregon. The ground game has been a major concern as David Cobb and Antonio Andrews combined for 98 yards while splitting carries last week, but their performance left coach Mike Mularkey wanting more. "I’d like to just see both of these guys break some of these tackles," Mularkey said of his backs, who have been part of the trouble of an offense that ranks 28th in the league.

ABOUT THE JETS (7-5): Fitzpatrick's 390 passing yards last week were the most by a Jet since Vinny Testaverde in 2000. Brandon Marshall caught 12 of those passes for 131 yards and a touchdown against the Giants, becoming the first player in NFL history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season for four different teams. Cornerback Darrelle Revis remains uncertain after missing the past two games with a concussion, but he returned to practice on Wednesday.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jets pass-rusher Mike Catapano (foot) was placed on injured reserve.

2. New York won at Tennessee 16-11 last season.

3. Titans rookie WR Dorial Green-Beckham had a breakout game with 119 yards and a touchdown on five catches last week.

PREDICTION: Jets 35, Titans 14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

The Cincinnati Bengals can capture the AFC North title at the expense of one of their most bitter rivals on Sunday when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cincinnati, which rallied for a 16-10 victory over Pittsburgh on Nov. 1, is attempting to complete its first season sweep of the series since 2009.

While a division title is quite a feather in their cap, the Bengals hold the tiebreaker over both New England and Denver as the teams jockey for position for home-field advantage. "We know what we're playing for. There's a lot riding on these last four weeks," said Andy Dalton, who has thrown for five touchdowns as Cincinnati recorded back-to-back victories following a two-game skid. Ben Roethlisberger tossed a season-high three interceptions in the first meeting with the Bengals, but has righted the ship by throwing 10 touchdown passes as the Steelers have won three of their last four. The Ohio native tossed four scoring strikes last week as Pittsburgh breezed to a convincing 45-10 rout of Indianapolis.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bengals -3. O/U: 49.5

ABOUT THE STEELERS (7-5): Antonio Brown has caused a stir with both his play and his celebrations, with 41 catches for 592 yards and four touchdowns in the last four weeks underscoring his worth on the field. Brown also added a punt return for a touchdown last week, with a costly video game-style celebration that earned him a reported fine of $11,576. Fellow wideout Markus Wheaton has grown more comfortable in the offense, amassing 251 yards receiving and two touchdowns in the last two weeks.

ABOUT THE BENGALS (10-2): A.J. Green rolled up 128 yards receiving and a touchdown in Cincinnati's lopsided 37-3 victory over Buckeye State-rival Cleveland last week. Green was limited to just five catches in that contest, but had a season-high 11 for 118 yards and a score in last month's visit to Pittsburgh. Tight end Tyler Eifert spent a portion of Tuesday sitting on Santa Claus' lap and asking for a Super Bowl title for the Bengals, but found himself in a more familiar place on Thursday, returning to practice after being bothered by a pinched nerve in his neck.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Pittsburgh veteran DeAngelo Williams has stepped in admirably following the season-ending injury to fellow RB Le'Veon Bell, rushing for 387 yards and adding 189 more in receiving in the last four weeks.

2. Cincinnati S Reggie Nelson has an NFL-leading seven interceptions.

3. Bengals RB Jeremy Hill has recorded three touchdowns in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Steelers 24, Bengals 21

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indianapolis at Jacksonville

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

With Andrew Luck still a week away from returning, Indianapolis will be forced to give Matt Hasselbeck another start when the Colts visit Jacksonville on Sunday. Hasselbeck suffered injuries to his neck and ribs in last week's loss at Pittsburgh but the desperate Colts won't have their All-Pro starter back until next week at the earliest.

The Jaguars dropped their second straight game last week despite a franchise-record five touchdown passes from Blake Bortles. Bortles has thrown at least one scoring pass in every game this season but Jacksonville's defense continues to be its downfall, ranking 30th in the league by allowing 28.4 points a game. Indianapolis remains tied with Houston for first place in the AFC South with the two set for a showdown next week. The Colts, with Hasselbeck under center, beat the Jaguars 16-13 in overtime in their first meeting of the season.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Colts -1. O/U: 45

ABOUT THE COLTS (6-6): According to coach Chuck Pagano, Hasselbeck "took the lion's share of the snaps in practice" and is listed as probable but he gave way to journeyman Charlie Whitehurst after struggling badly in Sunday's 45-10 loss to the Steelers filled in. Luck continues to make strides and is running sprints but has not been cleared to fully participate in a practice session after suffering a lacerated spleen three weeks ago. Hasselbeck is 4-1 as the starter and the Colts have won 16 straight games against AFC South opponents.

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (4-8): Bortles threw for 298 yards and a touchdown and T.J. Yeldon rushed for 105 yards in the first meeting but an Adam Vinatieri field goal late in overtime proved to be the game-winner. Wide receiver Allen Hurns is expected to return after missing last week's game with a concussion, but star linebacker Paul Posluszny is unlikely to go after suffering a broken hand in last week's 42-39 loss at Tennessee. With four games to play, the Jaguars have already scored more points this season than they did in any of the prior four. Bortles is third in the NFL with 27 touchdown passes and Allen Robinson ranks fifth with 1,080 yards receiving.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Colts, who had their three-game winning streak snapped last week, are 3-3 on the road and Jaguars are 3-3 at home.

2. Indianapolis has won the last six games in the series.

3. Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart (sports hernia) underwent season-ending surgery on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Jacksonville 30, Indianapolis 21

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: San Diego at Kansas City

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri


The Kansas City Chiefs look to continue their march toward completing an historic turnaround and earn a seventh consecutive victory when they host the woeful San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The Chiefs need a win to keep pace in the AFC wild-card race as they seek to become the first team in 45 years to reach the playoffs after a 1-5 start.



The Chiefs aren’t just winning, but winning big – only one of their six straight victories have come by single digits and they’ve won their last five by an average of 20.6 points. “We’re on a mission,” Kansas City wide receiver Jeremy Maclin told reporters after catching nine passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-20 win at Oakland last week. Kansas City’s winning streak has included a 33-3 drubbing of San Diego three weeks ago in which the Chargers managed only 201 total yards, their lowest amount since Week 9 of last season. Their offense wasn’t much better last week, mustering only 272 total yards and committing three turnovers in a 17-3 loss to Denver.

TV: 1 p.m ET, CBS. LINE: Chiefs -10. O/U: 45



ABOUT THE CHARGERS (3-9): San Diego has lost seven of its last eight, though three of those defeats have come by four points or fewer. The biggest issue on offense is an inability to run the ball effectively, as the Chargers rank 30th in the league in rushing and have not topped 100 yards on the ground since Week 2. They’ve had a tough time stopping the run as well, giving up triple digits in four straight games and 10 of their last 11 - including a whopping 153 yards in Week 11 against the Chiefs.

ABOUT THE CHIEFS (7-5): Kansas City’s rebound is especially unexpected given that it coincided with star running back Jamaal Charles’ season-ending injury, but Charcandrick West has proven capable of carrying the load in the backfield. Alex Smith has been excellent at taking care of the ball, throwing only three interceptions against 14 touchdowns and developing a strong rapport with Maclin, who leads the team in receptions (66), receiving yards (867) and receiving touchdowns (five). The defense features a fierce pass rush but could play a second game without linebacker Justin Houston, who leads the team in sacks (7.5) and returned an interception by Philip Rivers for a touchdown in the last meeting.



EXTRA POINTS

1. Rivers needs 184 passing yards to surpass Joe Montana (40,551) for 15th place on the all-time list and 287 to become the fourth player in NFL history with seven or more 4,000-yard seasons.

2. Smith has attempted 305 consecutive passes without an interception, the third-longest streak in NFL history behind Tom Brady (358) and Bernie Kosar (308).

3. San Diego TE Antonio Gates has 15 career touchdown catches versus the Chiefs, his most against any opponent.



PREDICTION: Chiefs 27, Chargers 20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Washington at Chicago

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

If the Washington Redskins could play every one of their games at home, they would be running away with the NFC East instead of sitting two games below .500 and tied atop the worst division in the league. The Redskins will try to secure their first road victory of the season when they visit the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

The Bears would be among the crowd tied for first if they were in the East but instead sit three games behind Green Bay in the NFC North, in large part due to their 1-5 record at home. "Our main focus is to try and turn the problems at home around and win our last couple of games," Chicago cornerback Tracy Porter told reporters. "I don't know what Washington is doing differently on the road versus at home, and I really don't know what we are doing differently on the road versus when we are at home. We just have to come out and execute better." Washington has been outscored 162-86 on the road, and eight of quarterback Kirk Cousins’ 10 interceptions have come away from home. "We understand our struggles on the road," Redskins coach Jay Gruden told reporters. "We have to address them head on and go compete against Chicago."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Bears -3.5. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (5-7): Washington had a chance to open up a lead in the NFC East on Monday but failed to keep Dallas out of field-goal range in the final seconds of a 19-16 home setback. The Redskins will play three of their final four games on the road, with the lone home contest coming against Buffalo in Week 15. “I think we definitely need to win on the road,” Cousins told reporters. “We have experience playing on the road. It’s always a challenge, but we have confidence in our team and our offense’s ability to go out there and have success.”

ABOUT THE BEARS (5-7): Chicago missed out on a .500 record with an overtime loss at home to San Francisco last week, and each of its last four home setbacks have come by six or fewer points. “These guys are professionals, they understand that we still have a full quarter left of the season,” coach John Fox told reporters. “The worst you can finish is 5-11, the best you can finish is 9-7, and those sound completely different, so that's in front of you.” Quarterback Jay Cutler could be working with his top three receivers for the first time this season with Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal (knee) and rookie Kevin White (leg) all returning to practice on at least a limited basis this week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Redskins DE Stephen Paea (toe) is not expected to play.

2. Chicago WR Marquess Wilson (foot) missed practice this week and remains questionable.

3. White, the No. 7 overall pick in last spring’s draft, could make his season debut.

PREDICTION: Bears 24, Redskins 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Atlanta at Carolina

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina


The Carolina Panthers already have locked up the NFC South title and can check a first-round bye off their list with a victory over the visiting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The undefeated Panthers also could further douse their division rivals’ fading playoff hopes by sending the Falcons to a sixth straight defeat.



The Panthers keep finding ways to win – after three straight lopsided victories, they rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat New Orleans 41-38 last week on Cam Newton’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery with 1:05 left. With five wins by seven points or fewer, though, they’ve seemed far from invincible. “You have to give them their respect, but you know in this league, anything can happen any week,” Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan told reporters. “We have to really take a look at ourselves and see what we can do better.” For starters, the Falcons have to cut down on turnovers – they’ve committed 24 in their last eight games, including eight in the past three contests.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -9. O/U: 46.5



ABOUT THE FALCONS (6-6): Atlanta’s 5-0 start is a distant memory, as it has dropped six of seven and slipped a game behind Seattle for the final wild-card spot in the NFC. The team’s 26 turnovers, including Ryan’s 13 interceptions, have overshadowed a sensational season from Julio Jones, who leads the NFL in receptions (102) – the second-most all-time through 12 games – and receiving yards (1,338). Atlanta’s inability to stop the run has played a big role in the slide, too, as it has allowed an average of 136.2 rushing yards per game during its five-game skid.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (12-0): Newton’s MVP stock soared after leading Carolina to another comeback victory with five touchdown passes against the Saints – his second five-TD game in the last three weeks. Newton also has contributed to the league’s third-ranked ground game, rushing for 476 yards and seven touchdowns to complement a strong campaign from featured back Jonathan Stewart (914 yards, five TDs). Last week notwithstanding, the Panthers haven’t needed to gear up for many shootouts, thanks to a defense that is third against the run and leads the league in interceptions (19), takeaways (29) and interceptions returned for touchdowns (four).



1. The Panthers have won four of the last five meetings, including a 34-3 triumph at Atlanta to clinch the division title in Week 17 last season.

2. Atlanta WR Roddy White has recorded either 100 receiving yards or a touchdown catch in six straight meetings with Carolina.

3. Newton has 30 career games with rushing and passing touchdowns – second-most in league history behind Steve Young (31) – including four of his last six contests against Atlanta.



PREDICTION: Panthers 30, Falcons 20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Seattle at Baltimore

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

The Seattle Seahawks have snapped out of their midseason malaise and will go for their fourth consecutive victory when they visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. After blowing fourth-quarter leads in five of their first nine games, the two-time reigning NFC champions have come alive and outscored the opposition 106-50 during their three-game winning streak.

Seattle is coming off a dominating 38-7 victory at Minnesota to take a one-game lead for the sixth and final playoff slot in the NFC. The Seahawks are riding a wave of confidence and also have a favorable schedule coming up with the next three opponents sporting a combined 10-26 record. “I just think the defense, the way we are playing the way we play, and the offense, the way they are playing right now, that there’s really not a team that can beat us," Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner said. Already without starting quarterback Joe Flacco, Ravens backup Matt Schaub also did not practice, putting Jimmy Clausen in line to possibly face Seattle for the second time this season with two different teams.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Seahawks -10. O/U: 42

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (7-5): After throwing a single scoring pass in seven consecutive games, Russell Wilson has turned his season around with 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions while compiling a scintillating 148.2 passer rating to fuel the three-game winning streak. Wilson has tossed five scoring passes to Doug Baldwin in the past two games while rookie Thomas Rawls has thrived in the absence of injured running back Marshawn Lynch, rushing for 391 yards and three touchdowns in the last three wins. Seattle's defense held Minnesota to 125 total yards last week and did not permit an offensive TD.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (4-8): Each of Baltimore's games have been decided by eight points or fewer, although the Ravens have faced only one opponent with a winning record in the past eight contests. Flacco was lost for the season in a Week 11 win over St. Louis, continuing a trend of crucial injuries that sidelined No. 1 receiver Steve Smith and top running back Justin Forsett. Kamar Aiken has been a reliable target in the absence of Smith, registering 30 catches over the past five games, while Baltimore's defense ranks No. 10 in the league against the run with 97.5 yards allowed per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Wilson has 21 games with multiple TD passes, the most by any QB in his first four seasons.

2. Clausen could become the sixth QB to face the same opponent with two different teams. He threw for 63 yards versus Seattle in Week 3 while with Chicago.

3. Rawls has rushed for 712 yards in his six starts, the most by an undrafted free agent since the NFL merger in 1970.

PREDICTION: Seahawks 26, Ravens 16

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oakland at Denver

When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

The Denver Broncos potentially can clinch their fifth straight AFC West title when they host the division-rival Oakland Raiders on Sunday. A victory coupled with a loss or tie by Kansas City will wrap up the division for Denver, which also can secure the title with a tie and a loss by the Chiefs.

The injury-riddled Broncos can simply clinch a playoff spot by defeating Oakland and having either Pittsburgh or the New York Jets lose. The Raiders' postseason hopes have taken a major hit as the club has dropped four of its last five contests. The latest defeat, a 34-20 setback against Kansas City in Week 13, marked the third time in five games - and fifth overall this season - Oakland has allowed at least 30 points. The Raiders have lost eight consecutive meetings with the Broncos, including a 16-10 defeat at home in Week 5.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Broncos -7.5. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (5-7): Despite the team's downward spiral, Derek Carr remains in reach of a pair of club records. The second-year quarterback has thrown 26 touchdown passes, three shy of the team record since it joined the NFL set in 1997 by Jeff George and eight fewer than Daryle Lamonica's franchise mark registered in 1969. Carr also is one 300-yard performance away from joining Rich Gannon (10) as the only Raiders with seven in a season.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (10-2): The team from the Mile-High City has an injury list nearly a mile long, beginning with Peyton Manning, who is expected to miss his fourth straight game with a torn plantar fascia. Also ailing are running backs C.J. Anderson (ankle) and Ronnie Hillman (foot), tight end Vernon Davis (concussion), defensive end DeMarcus Ware (back), nose tackle Sylvester Williams (ankle), guard Louis Vasquez (groin), linebacker Danny Trevathan (concussion) and safeties T.J. Ward (ankle), David Bruton Jr. (knee) and Omar Bolden (hamstring). Ware, Williams and Vasquez may play Sunday while coach Gary Kubiak is hoping Anderson, Hillman and Davis will be able to return.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Raiders WR Michael Crabtree, who has made 66 catches for 760 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season with the club, signed a four-year contract extension Wednesday.

2. Denver WR Demaryius Thomas is 28 receiving yards away from joining Rod Smith (six) as the only Broncos with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

3. Oakland S Charles Woodson needs one interception to pass Ken Riley (65) for sole possession of fifth place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Broncos 27, Raiders 13

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dallas at Green Bay

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, December 13, 2015
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers benefited from an improbable Hail Mary completion to improve their postseason aspirations while the Dallas Cowboys upped their standing in the woeful NFC East with a last-second victory as well. The teams will look to ride the momentum of those stirring wins when they meet at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers' 61-yard heave to tight end Richard Rodgers gave Green Bay a 27-23 win over Detroit on Dec. 3 and moved the club into a tie with Minnesota atop the NFC North. While the Packers have won two of their last three, the Cowboys finally emerged victorious without Tony Romo under center on Monday with a 19-16 triumph over NFC East rival Washington. Dan Bailey kicked a 54-yard field goal for Dallas, which resides one game behind the other three representatives of the dreadful division. The Cowboys are trying to return to the playoffs after a controversial call in the fourth quarter involving Dez Bryant last season led to Green Bay advancing to the NFC Championship with a 26-21 victory.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Packers -7. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (4-8): Coach Jason Garrett didn't take the bait when asked to discuss owner Jerry Jones' critical comments following Monday's win. "Oh, I think everybody has to do everything better,” Garrett said. “You start with us as a coaching staff, me as the head coach, the coaches throughout the staff, how our players play, and we all have to do better." Bryant continues to be held in check - the superstar had three catches versus the Redskins and just 21 in six weeks since returning from a foot injury.

ABOUT THE PACKERS (8-4): Eddie Lacy's topsy-turvy season continued as he was limited to just five carries after missing curfew last week. Coach Mike McCarthy seemed to note that Lacy's punishment is up after telling reporters that "everything Eddie wants to accomplish is right there in front of him." Fellow running back James Starks is mustering just 2.9 yards per carry in his last six games while undrafted rookie John Crockett ignited the offense with 22 yards on five carries versus the Lions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Dallas RB Darren McFadden has amassed just 64 yards on the ground over the last two weeks.

2. Green Bay's nine giveaways are the fewest in the NFL.

3. Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence has four sacks in his last four games.

PREDICTION: Packers 23, Cowboys 20