Eagles small fish in Dolphins' pond

DOLPHINS (-3) over Eagles

Don't get all warm and giggly just yet, just because Michael Vick is returning. If you remember, and I'm sure you do, the Birds dropped six of their first nine with Vick under center. And since the 2011 Andy Reids have the most turnovers in the NFL at 29, the job becomes much more difficult. And to make it even more difficult, Miami is on one hellacious roll. After starting the season at 0-7, the Dolphins have won four of the last five, and are riding a 6-0 spread streak. The Fish have outscored their opponents by 139-54 starting with game No. 8. Quarterback Matt Moore has completed 64.3 percent of his passes while throwing for eight TDs against only one interception the last five games. And, there has been a Reggie Bush sighting. He rumbled for 100 yards against Oakland last week, and will be a huge problem for the Eagles, as the Fish swim into the winner's circle.

SEAHAWKS (-6) over Rams

OK class, can anyone tell me what a Brandstater is? The latest planet? A new element on the Periodic Table? An electric car? Actually, it's Tom Brandstater, the new quarterback for St. Louis. If you're interested, Mr. Brandstater was the 174th pick in the 2009 NFL draft out of Fresno State. He has never, ever, taken an NFL snap. That could prove to be a serious problem against a Seattle team that has utterly dominated the Rams. The Seahawks have beaten St. Louis 12 of the last 13, including a 24-7 breeze on the road back in November. And up in Seattle, the 'Hawks have ripped off six straight against the Rams with the average margin of victory a very healthy 17.6 points per game. Seattle has been on a sweet surge in the second half of the season, winning three of the last four, and covering four of the last five. That makes this my Best Bet.

RAVENS (-16) over Colts

These two teams have a glorious and contentious history. The Colts left Baltimore for Indianapolis, which is a huge sore point among the locals. That plus an eight-game losing streak to the Horseshoes is gonna make this win way sweet. Most of the Ravens veterans remember facing another team that had not won a game (the 0-13 Dolphins in 2007), and wound up losing, 22-16. Not this time. Look for Baltimore to bagel Indy and cover with room to spare.

Patriots (-8) over REDSKINS

Kinda hard to believe, but Washington is the only place that New England has never won. That will change on Sunday. The Redskins have dropped seven of their last eight and are 0-3 against the AFC this season. And after a fourth-quarter meltdown last week against the winless Colts (they were leading, 31-3, at the end of the thirrd), you can bet that the Patriots will not let this one get close. Pats by at least a dozen.

CHARGERS (-7) over Bills

One win probably will not get San Diego into the playoffs, but this is December and this is the time when the Lightning Bolts shine their brightest. Over the last 5 years, the Chargers have been phenomenal in the final four games of the season, posting a ridiculous 19-1 record. And with the bumbling Bills coming to town (losers of five in a row, and 12 of the last 15 on the road), Philip Rivers & Co. should post an easy, breezy cover.

TITANS (+3) over Saints

After rushing for only 509 yards in his first 10 games, Chris Johnson has exploded for 343 yards in the last two. Against a New Orleans defense that ranks 27th in the NFL, it shakes out to be a solid day for Tennessee.

CARDINALS (+4) over 49ers

San Francisco clinched the NFC West and celebrated like it was 1999. Arizona has won four of the last five, covered five of the last six, and could spring an upset against this Niners team that still has champagne in their eyes.

BENGALS (-3) over Texans

Houston is down to a third-string QB and will be without All-Pro WR Andre Johnson. It's a Cincy cover.

PACKERS (-11) over Raiders

Green Bay wins (18 in a row) and Green Bay is a money machine, covering 12 of its last 16.

Chiefs (+10) over JETS

A double-digit cover with Mark Sanchez under center? Don't think so.

LIONS (-10) over Vikings

No Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder is questionable, so we gotta buy the kids from Motown.

Falcons (-2) over PANTHERS

Love the versatility of Cam Newton, but Matty Ice is fighting for the playoffs and gets the nod in Carolina.

JAGUARS (+2) over Buccaneers

Both teams gave up 38 points in losses last week.

BRONCOS (-3) over Bears

Cashed a ticket with Tim Tebow last week as a best bet so we'll go "Tebowing" once again.

COWBOYS (-3) over Giants

New Yorkers have covered only five of the last 20 the last 3 years in the second half of the season.