Randall the Handle
BEST BETS
Seahawks (8-4) at Jaguars (8-4)
LINE: JACKSONVILLE by 2½
Fighting for a division or a playoff spot is foreign to the Jaguars while it is old hat for the Seahawks. Seattle grounded the high-flying Eagles last week when schooling them on what December football is all about. Battling with the Rams for the NFC West, Seattle will be full throttle once again as it looks to improve on its incredible 18-5 December record since QB Russell Wilson took over in 2012. The Jaguars like to rely on their stellar defence while utilizing RB Leonard Fournette offensively to eat up yards and clock. Despite Seattle’s vast defensive injuries, it is deep and adept at stopping the run. The Jags have played just two NFC teams this season and were favoured in both before losing straight up to Seahawks’ division mates Rams and Cardinals respectively.
TAKING: SEAHAWKS +2½
Vikings (10-2) at Panthers (8-4)
LINE: MINNESOTA by 2½
Even though this is Minnesota’s third road game in a row, it may provide the least resistance. The Vikes were at Detroit on short week for early Thanksgiving Day game before travelling to Atlanta to dispose of the Falcons. Now rested, they get a troubled Carolina team that the Vikes manhandled 22-10 on this very field a year ago and that was against a much healthier version of the host than today’s roster offers. QB Cam Newton has little support as he is the team’s best runner while his substandard passing abilities are to a depleted receiving corps. Meanwhile, the Vikings have won nine straight games, covering eight in a row and doing it with strong play both offensively and defensively. Carolina taking home points may have some appeal but they’ve covered just three of past 11 played here.
TAKING: VIKINGS –2½
Packers (6-6) at Browns (0-12)
LINE: GREEN BAY by 3½
The Packers were still hopeful of a playoff berth until Seattle upset Philadelphia last week. Now having to leapfrog two teams and trailing the wild-card entry by two games, Green Bay’s chances are greatly diminished. While they anticipate the possible return of Aaron Rodgers next week, it could be moot should the Packers lose here. Such a scenario would not surprise us. No team wants to go winless. Surprisingly, coach Hue Jackson has kept the Browns attentive despite Cleveland’s 0-12 record. This could be their best shot at a victory as they play two of final three away while hosting Baltimore next week. WR Josh Gordon provided a spark in spirited effort against the Chargers. Cleveland deceptively adept at stopping the run. That combo might be good enough on this day.
TAKING: BROWNS +3½