Redskins are lesser of two evils in Eagles matchup

Redskins (+9) over EAGLES

This 2009 edition of the Birds is very tough to figure out. We had the Eagles last week against Chicago and squeezed out a cover, but just by the skin of the turkey (24-20 as a 3-point favorite). Since the bye week, it has been a very strange run. They beat Tampa, 33-14, as a 16-point favorite. Lost to Oakland (seriously, they did), 13-9, as a 15-point road favorite. Beat Washington, 27-17, as 9-point road fave. Beat the Giants, 40-17, as a two-point home 'dog. Lost to Dallas, 20-16, as a 2-point home favorite. Lost to San Diego, 31-23, in a pick 'em affair out West. And they have not been too fabulous against the spread when Washington is on the other side of the ball, covering only three of the last 10. Gotta take the bundle with the Redskins, but it's most definitely a light play. For you over/under fans, the total against the Skins has gone under in nine of the last 12.

TEXANS (+3) over Colts

Pretty tough bucking 10-0, but that's exactly what Double V is gonna do and make it our best bet! Of course, Indianapolis is the obvious choice, but why be obvious. This AFC South matchup has turned into quite a tasty rivalry. On Nov. 8 at Indy, Houston fought hard, but fell three points short, easily covering as a nine-point underdog. Last season, the Texans lost to the Colts at home, 31-27, but covered as a 4-point 'dog. At Indy, the Texans lost, 33-27, but covered once again, this time as an eight-point underdog. So, a nice, little 3-0 spread run for Houston. Now take a look at the Colts' last four - 18-14 over San Francisco, 20-17 over Houston, 35-34 over New England and 17-15 over Baltimore. Not exactly blowouts. And with the Texans winning a very healthy 16 of the last 23 at home, this could be the spot where the Horseshoes get bucked off the perfecto saddle.

BENGALS (-14) over Browns

Last week, we talked about Cincinnati not covering after the Pittsburgh game, and that's exactly what happened. The Bengals were actually coming off two huge wins - the Pittsburgh game, and the week before against Baltimore. How could they possibly get up for Oakland? Back at home, against the helpless Cleveland Browns, a team that has covered only five of the last 19, we're are expecting the final to read Cincy, 45-10.

FALCONS (-12) over Buccaneers

Atlanta has had 2 tough weeks on the road, losing at Carolina, 28-19, and at the New York Giants, 34-31. But now the Falcons are back home, where it's all about perfection. They are 4-0 there this season, and have won 12 of the last 13. Since Tampa has only one win in its last 14 outings, and has covered only three of the last 12, we have to think that Atlanta wins by at least two dozen.

SAINTS (-1) over Patriots

Huge hype generally leads to dull, boring, pedestrian games. But not always. Can we just hope for a game that was as phenomenal as the New England/Indy game that ended 35-34? This is the game for New Orleans, the one that could be the last roadblock in the quest for perfection. Speaking of perfection, the Saints are on a sweet 5-0 run at home, and have covered nine of the last 12 in the dome. If the line drops to pick 'em, bump this baby up to a best bet.

TITANS (-2) over Cardinals

Kurt Warner is still a little woozy, and Vince Young is just perfect. Since the bye week, Young has led Tennessee to a 4-0 mark, straight up and against the spread. Ain't gettin' off the money train now.

Chiefs (+14) over CHARGERS

Really like what San Diego is doing, but it might be time for a little letdown after the big win (32-3) at Denver. And Kaycee is rocking the spread world with a perfect 3-0 mark since the bye week.

VIKINGS (-10) over Bears

Minny has won at home by an average of 21 ppg after the bye, which is more than enough to cover this spread.

Dolphins (-3) over BILLS

Miami has covered five of the last seven, and with Ricky Williams on a tear, it should be six of eight.

RAMS (+3) over Seahawks

This is our weekly "Please Mr. Goodell, cancel this game!" game!

Panthers (+3) over JETS

Can't buy into a New York team that has covered only one of its last seven (14 percent).

49ERS (-3) over Jaguars

San Fran has covered five of the last seven at home, so we'll try Mike "Eyes" Singletary and his crew.

RAVENS (-1) over Steelers

This line could move dramatically, depending on the status of Big Ben Roethlisberger, so stay light until you know for sure.