Vegas Vic: Win or lose, take the Falcons

Falcons (+2) over EAGLES: The important key numbers in the NFL, for betting purposes, are three, seven and 10 . . . but 13 is the key number in this game, and the one that has everybody all jacked up. That would be Andy Reid's ridonkulous 13-0 record the week after a bye. However, there are some other numbers that Double V has to put on the table: Eight, eight and five. In order, those are Michael Vick's touchdowns, interceptions and fumbles lost. How about one, one and two? Those are the winning margins in the Birds' three victories this season (17-16 against the Browns, 24-23 over the Ravens and 19-17 against the Giants). Finally, five and 21. That is what the Eagles have done against the spread against nondivision opponents, cover only five of 21 (23.8 percent). Looking for the visiting Atlanta squad to stay within two points of the Eagles, win or lose.

Saints (+6) over BRONCOS: OK, everyone loves Peyton Manning. Especially after leading Denver back from a 24-0 halftime deficit, and posting a 35-24 victory. The stuff of legends, right? However, what do you think the mindset was in the San Diego locker room at the half? Probably something like, we got this guys, so let's take our foot off the gas and coast into the winner's circle. Oops! Not with Peyton working his second-half magic. So, we give the Broncs props for pitching a 35-0 second-half bagel at the Chargers, but now they face a New Orleans squad that gets assistant head coach Joe Vitt back, as well as LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith. These guys helped the Saints beat Manning and the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17. Then we looked at Denver's horrible record as a favorite over the years (13-34, .276 winning percentage), and that pushed this pick right to Best Bet status.

TITANS (-3) over Colts: How can Matt Hasselbeck recapture his Pro Bowl form from his days with the Seahawks? Just have RB Chris Johnson rumble for 195 yards every game, as he did last week against Buffalo. Since jumping back into the starting role, Hasselbeck has won two of three, and Johnson looks like the beast who led the NFL in rushing in 2009 with 2,006 yards. Not expecting another Pro Bowl for Hasselbeck, but do expect an easy W for Tennessee.

PACKERS (-15) over Jaguars: Did everything possible to make a case for the double-digit 'dog, but found nothing. Certainly not at Green Bay, where the Packers have won an astounding 21 of the last 24, while Jacksonville has lost 11 of the last 13 on the road. So, it's not a question of which team will win (the Pack), it's just a question of by how much? Two dozen sounds like the right final margin against a group of Jags that averages an NFL-low 235.8 yards per game.

Chargers (-2) over BROWNS: Yeah, San Diego was an absolute disaster the last time out, blowing a 24-0 halftime lead to Peyton Manning and the Broncos, and losing, 35-24. The Lightning Bolts lost the week before that to Drew Brees and the Saints, 31-24. Their other loss came against Matt Ryan and the Falcons, 27-3. You hearing those names? Manning (Hall of Fame), Brees (Hall of Fame) and Ryan (working on it). Now, the Chargers face Brandon Weeden, and I know you get my drift.

Redskins (+5) over STEELERS: We worship at the altar of RG3. The kid leads the NFL with a 70.4 completion percent, and has led Washington to three covers in four road games. And, the only non-cover on the road was a three-point loss at St. Louis.

Giants (-1) over COWBOYS: Speaking of the road, no one does it better than the NFC New Yorkers. The Giants have covered 10 of the last 14 on the road, while Dallas has managed to cover only two of the last 11 at home. New York completes the season sweep.

Rams (+7) over Patriots (London): St. Louis has covered six of the last eight and is worth a jolly, light tickle.

LIONS (-2) over Seahawks: Detroit should squeeze out a W against a Seattle club that sucks on the road, winning only nine of the last 40!

JETS (-2) over Dolphins: Mark Sanchez and Eva Longoria have split. Now that Sanchez has a clear head, maybe NY can string together a few W's.

Panthers (+7) over BEARS: With the exception of an ugly blowout against the Giants, Carolina has not lost a game by more than six points.

CHIEFS (-1) over Raiders: Anyone who wagers on this game will automatically qualify for a job with Donald Trump. Monopoly money only.

CARDINALS (+7) over 49ers: Arizona has covered three of four at home, with the only loss coming against the Bills, and by only three points.