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Hurting Birds are a bad bet against 49ers

49ERS (-5) over Eagles When we tapped Washington to cover last week, everyone from South Philly to Doylestown was shooting poison arrows my way. Today, Double V is expecting even more haters to come out of the woodwork. Just ask yourself this: You have a 3-0 team facing a 1-2

Eagles quarterback Nick Foles and head coach Chip Kelly. (Clem Murray/Staff Photographer)
Eagles quarterback Nick Foles and head coach Chip Kelly. (Clem Murray/Staff Photographer)Read more

49ERS (-5) over Eagles

When we tapped Washington to cover last week, everyone from South Philly to Doylestown was shooting poison arrows my way. Today, Double V is expecting even more haters to come out of the woodwork. Just ask yourself this: You have a 3-0 team facing a 1-2 squad, and the 1-2s are a five-point favorite. What? Why? Maybe a little past history, or maybe it's the M*A*S*H unit they call the offensive line. History: Last season, San Francisco started out 1-2, and then blew out the Rams in Game 4, 35-11, on the way to 12-4 record. O-Line: Center Jason Kelce has joined the group of Birds that will be wearing a hospital gown instead of shoulder pads, with sports hernia surgery on deck. Still no Lane Johnson, no Allen Barbre and no Evan Mathis. And might we suggest that the Niners could be a fantastic wager at -2 1/2 or so to win the first half. Because of all that, we like San Fran and the over.

Patriots (-3) over CHIEFS

"Memories, may be beautiful and yet, what's too painful to remember we simply choose to forget." That's a line from the song and the tear-jerker movie "The Way We Were." And it fits Tom Brady perfectly. Why? Lemme take you back to 2008, opening game, when Tommy Terrific was hit by KC safety Bernard Pollard and tore his ACL. That was it for the season. Done! Does Brady hold a grudge? What kind of memories does he have? The answers are, in order - yes, and not pleasant. Well, the next time New England played the Chiefs, Tommy Boy was 15 of 27 for 234 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions as the Pats crushed Kansas City, 34-3. Not expecting a 31-point margin on the road, but certainly do expect a comfortable cover. After all, KC is basically a pathetic 20% at home against the spread, covering only two of the last 10. All that makes this our Best Bet.

Packers (-1 1/2) over BEARS

If Aaron Rodgers tells me not to worry, then I'm not gonna worry. And if you wanna talk memories, Rodgers broke his collarbone last year in the first game against Chicago, and did not come back until the final game of the season, at - you guessed right - Chicago. What did Mr. Double Check do? Only throw for 318 yards, two TDs in the Pack's 33-28 win over the Bears. One more stat: Chicago is horrible against the spread against the NFC North, covering only two of the last 12.

COLTS (-7) over Titans

This was rather easy . . . Just had to take out the Jaguars and substitute the Titans. Take out the 6-0 and substitute 7-0. That is Indy's current spread perfecto against the AFC South. And Tennessee comes to town with a questionable Jake Locker at QB (wrist), and having allowed 49 points the last two games. With the Horseshoes domination in this series (winning 10 of the last 11 at home), can't see the Titans coming within a dozen.

Saints (-3) over COWBOYS

Wonder why Sean Payton likes to pound Dallas? He was an assistant head coach under Bill Parcells for 3 years, and seemingly the head coach in waiting. Didn't happen. He took his talents to New Orleans, and with the exception of a little blip known as "Bounty Gate," Payton has led the Saints to the playoffs five times and hoisted one Super Bowl trophy. The 'Boys have not hoisted anything since 1995 - almost 20 years. Way to go Jerry Jones!

Dolphins (-4) over Raiders (London)

Miami is having some internal issues, but not enough for Oakland to come back with a victory.

RAVENS (-3) over Panthers

Carolina coach Ron Rivera said that the 35-year old Steve Smith has lost his "top-end speed." Well, Smith is only Baltimore's best receiver, with 18 catches for 290 yards. That, plus the Ravens' recent 30-6 record at home, should equal a W.

STEELERS (-7 1/2) over Buccaneers

Pittsburgh has covered a very healthy eight of its last 11 (73%), while Tampa Bay couldn't cover a pinhole with a Frisbee. And please don't forget that dating back to the end of last season, the Bucs are an ugly 0-6 against the spread.

Bills (+3) over TEXANS

Houston has covered only two of the last 10 as a favorite, so we're looking at the Buffs for a light play.

JETS (+1 1/2) over Lions

Megatron has missed 2 days of practice (ankle), and if he can't play, the New Yorkers should be able to find a W.

Jaguars (+13) over CHARGERS

Sure he's a rookie, but Jax QB Blake Bortles might just have enough talent to cover this double-digit spread.

Falcons (-3) over VIKINGS

With Adrian Peterson on the shelf, Minny has averaged only eight points per game. That ain't gonna win in the NFL.