Skip to content
Sports
Link copied to clipboard

Struggling Birds not likely to get better against the Ravens

RAVENS (-1) over Eagles Kinda obvious that the Birds were not available Sunday, physically or mentally. For the physical part, the Eagles looked as if they were sleepwalking. How else do you explain scoring 13 points against Cincinnati, and in five quarters! Inexcusable. For the

RAVENS (-1) over Eagles

Kinda obvious that the Birds were not available Sunday, physically or mentally. For the physical part, the Eagles looked as if they were sleepwalking. How else do you explain scoring 13 points against Cincinnati, and in five quarters! Inexcusable. For the mental part, just two words: Donovan McNabb. Now they have to face one of the NFL's toughest defenses, and it could be without the multi-talented Brian Westbrook. And without him, it's gonna be a long afternoon. Baltimore has been quite a surprise this season, posting a 6-4 mark with rookie Joe Flacco at quarterback. If the defense does its job (which it usually does) and homefield is truly an edge (Ravens are 3-1 at home), then John Harbaugh will get what he wants so badly . . . a W against the team with which he spent 10 seasons as an assistant coach.

Colts (+3) over CHARGERS

For a team that posted a 23-1 record over the last 3 years in the first half of the season, it took a little while for Indianapolis, and Peyton Manning's knee, to get rolling. But the Colts are now rolling, right into Best Bet territory. They have won three in a row, and the only thing on their mind Sunday is revenge. Last year, Indy lost twice to San Diego. It was 23-21 out west, when Manning threw six interceptions (his worst performance as a pro), and then 28-24 at home in the playoffs. Now, the Horseshoes get a chance to erase that double stain, and Manning is getting hot (30 of 46 for 320 yards and two TDs Sunday) at just the right time. And the Colts should be able to get the job done against these Chargers, who have covered only two of the previous six, and are the proud owners of the worst pass defense in the league, allowing 267 yards per game.

Bills (-3) over CHIEFS

Buffalo started out on fire, winning four in a row, and five of its first six. The Bills have gone into quite a downward spiral, losing four in a row, but there's no better place to fix that than Kansas City. The Chiefs have lost 18 of their last 19 games, and have covered only three of the last 13 at home. If the Buffs can't get it done in KC, then they can kiss the playoffs goodbye for the ninth straight season.

COWBOYS (-10) over 49ers

Tony Romo has to be my idol - he's dating Jessica Simpson and taking homeless guys to the movies. Man, it does not get much better. He also happens to have a day job, which he came back to Sunday night, and guided Dallas to a 14-10 road win over the Redskins. Tony Ro should be even more comfortable in his second game back against a San Francisco defense giving up an average of 30 points per game on the road.

Bears (-8) over RAMS

Each and every week, we try to make a case to grab St. Louis with a bundle of points. After watching the Rams perform the last few weeks - loses to the Niners (35-16), the Jets (47-3) and the Cardinals (34-13) - it's impossible. St. Loo has covered only three of the previous 13, has only one win in its previous 12 home games, and it would be a miracle if the Rams come within a dozen points of Chicago. No miracles today.

Jets (+5) over TITANS

Still can't believe that Tennessee is sitting at 10-0 with Kerry Collins. The Titans could very well be sitting at 11-0 when the gun sounds, but the final margin, that's no more than a field goal.

Packers (+3) over SAINTS

Green Bay has had quite a profitable spread run since mid-October, posting a 4-0-1 mark. Give the Pack a cover, and also try the over in this game, which should see the scoreboard post a total in the mid-60s.

Texans (+3) over BROWNS

Cleveland looked solid Monday night, but asking the Browns for two in a row is a stretch.

Patriots (+1 1/2) over DOLPHINS

Last season, New England was a 16-point favorite at Miami. This time, the spread is more reasonable.

LIONS (+9) over Buccaneers

Detroit's covering at a 66 percent clip the last month and a half, so we're buying the nine.

JAGUARS (-2) over Vikings

Since Minny has covered only one of its last six on the road, we'll tickle the Jags.

FALCONS (-1) over Panthers

Atlanta has won five of its previous six at home, so it's a slight lean to the Falcs.

Raiders (+9 1/2) over BRONCOS

Can you believe Denver has not covered a game at home (0-4-1) yet this season?

Redskins (-3) over SEAHAWKS

Washington has been money on the road, covering five of its previous six.

Giants (-3) over CARDINALS

At 9-1, the defending champs are serious about defending their championship.