Cowboys should know history is on Eagles' side

EAGLES (-3) over Cowboys: Here's what Rob Ryan, brother of Rex and defensive coordinator down in the Big D offered up when asked about the Birds: "I don't know if we win the all-hype team," Ryan said in July. "I think that might have gone to somebody else, but we're going to beat their ass when we play them." There's your motivation. Now, here's your history, Part 1: The Eagles have a magnificent 12-0 record coming off the bye week during the Andy Reid reign. History, Part 2: Tony Romo has had seven regular-season starts against the Birds and has thrown 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. And it looks as if the Eagles' walking wounded are starting to heal with DE Trent Cole and OT Jason Peters listed as probable. Great news for the Eagles as they look to climb back into contention in the muddled NFC East.

RAVENS (-12) over Cardinals: Another dip into the beautiful bowl of perfection and it's all about Baltimore. After that embarrassing, 12-7 loss to the Jaguars Monday night, we expect nothing less than blowout city. Why? Over the last 2-plus years, the Ravens have posted a spotless 11-0 record coming off a loss. And the winning margin in games in which they played at home after a loss is a sturdy 20.7 points per game. More than enough for an easy cover. Then if you would be kind enough to peek at Arizona's recent work, you'll see why VV is so high on Baltimore. The Cardinals are 3-14 overall since the middle of October 2010, and, even more depressing, 1-10 on the road. Throw in the Ravens' top-ranked defense (allowing only 272.7 yards per game and 13.8 ppg), and you can't have any doubt about which team Vic is using at his Best Bet.

TEXANS (-9) over Jaguars: Talk about protecting your building. Houston has been amazing in its last four games games against the AFC South rivals. In this year's opener, the Texans (minus-10) pounded the Colts (34-7). Last year, Houston (plus-1) beat the Colts again (34-24). Then it was the Texans (minus-5) by 20-0 over Tennessee, and Houston (minus-4) by 34-17 over Jacksonville. That's an average win of 18.5 points per game, which will translate into an easy, breezy cover.

Saints (-13) over RAMS: Normally, we would shudder at laying double digits on the road, but no worries in this spot. New Orleans scored 62 points Sunday, more than St. Louis has scored all season. Let that sink in a bit. The Rams, with 56 points on the tote board after six games, are maybe a tick better than Temple, or, without QB Sam Bradford, maybe not. But they are no where close to the Saints.

Chargers (-3) over CHIEFS: San Diego has looked pretty mediocre since the start of the season, not playing up to its true potential, and yet the Chargers are 4-2 and lead the AFC West. Kansas City has put together a tidy, little three-game winning streak, but don't let that fool you. The Chiefs have beaten the 1-6 Vikings, the 0-7 Colts and the 4-3 Raiders, who played without their starting QB (Jason Campbell) Sunday. No big whoop. Lightning Bolts to the winner's circle.

Bills (-6) over Redskins (Toronto): Buffalo has not won a game yet in its Toronto home since signing that 5-year, $78 million deal to play eight games north of the border. These Bills are vastly improved and should finally give Canada a return on the investment with a W.

Vikings (+3) over PANTHERS: Minny beat Michael Vick, one of the top passing/running QBs in NFL history, last season, 24-14. They might not win here, but the Purple People should be able to handle the new Vick, Cam Newton, and get a cover.

TITANS (-8) over Colts: Another game and the bagel gets bigger, as in 0-8, for Indy.

Dolphins (+10) over GIANTS: Not thrilled with the Fish, but they should swim fast enough to cover this double-digit spread.

Lions (-3) over BRONCOS: If QB Matthew Stafford is whole, or even close to whole, Detroit is the side. If not, we'll take a pass.

Patriots (-3) over STEELERS: Brady has beaten Pittsburgh six of the last seven. Make it seven of the last eight.

49ERS (-8) over Browns: Cleveland has covered only three of the last 14, while the Niners are perfect against the spread this season (5-0-1).

Bengals (-3) over SEAHAWKS: All of a sudden, Cincy is a money machine, covering eight of the last nine.