Last week: 10-6 Against the spread: 7-9
Season: 138-70 Against the spread: 90-118
SATURDAY’S GAME
Cowboys (8-5) at Saints (13-0)
Line: Saints by 7 1/2 Over/under: 53
7:20 PM TV: NFL Network
The Saints are averaging 36.7 points at home and have too many ways to score. Losing DeMarcus Ware is huge for the Cowboys, who are not a great road team anyway.
Saints 34, Cowboys 21
SUNDAY’S GAMES
Patriots (8-5) at Bills (5-8)
Line: Patriots by 7 Over/under: 40
NOON
The Patriots have won 17 of 18 against the Bills, including the last 12. The Pats would feel better, though, if they had the ground game to attack the Bills’ porous run defense.
Patriots 27 Bills 17
Browns (2-11) at Chiefs (3-10)
Line: Chiefs by 2 Over/under: 37
NOON
The Browns’ defense finally woke up in Week 14, sacking Ben Roethlisberger eight times. The Chiefs have had a hard time protecting Matt Cassel, who has limited targets.
Browns 20, Chiefs 17
Texans (6-7) at Rams (1-12)
Line: Off Over/under: 37
NOON
While the Texans have a chance at their first winning season in franchise history, the Rams have the inside track on the No. 1 overall pick. So, in a sense, this result is a win-win.
Texans 30 Rams 13
Dolphins (7-6) at Titans (6-7)
Line: Off Over/under: 42
NOON
If Vince Young, who’s battling a strained hamstring, still can pose a run threat, that will help create opportunities for Chris Johnson. And that could spell trouble for the Dolphins.
Titans 24 Dolphins 20
Falcons (6-7) at Jets (7-6)
Line: Off Over/under: 37
NOON
Coming off three consecutive victories, the Jets defense has rounded into a solid unit. The Jets have a secondary that matches up well against the Falcons’ passing attack.
Jets 24 Falcons 13
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49ers (6-7) at Eagles (9-4)
Line: Eagles by 8 1/2 Over/under: 43
NOON
Dealing with a short week or a cross-country trip is difficult — but both? The 49ers’ task is tough, especially with a shaky secondary looking to contain an explosive passing game.
Eagles 27 49ers 20
Cardinals (8-5) at Lions (2-11)
Line: Cardinals by 12 Over/under: 47
NOON
The prize is dangling for the Cardinals, who need a victory (and a 49ers loss) to clinch the NFC West. That should be sufficient incentive.
Cardinals 31 Lions 10
Bears (5-8) at Ravens (7-6)
Line: Ravens by 11 Over/under: 40
NOON TV: WFLD-CH. 32
It’s strange to think of Jay Cutler as a liability, but it’s hard to get around his 22 interceptions, all but five coming in road games. The Ravens are a big test for him and his offensive line.
Ravens 24 Bears 17
Bengals (9-4) at Chargers (10-3)
Line: Chargers by 6 1/2 Over/under: 43
3:05 PM TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
As evidenced last week, the Bengals are having a tough time scoring. That won’t do against the scorching Chargers, who have so many ways to score.
Charers 28 Bengals 13
Raiders (4-9) at Broncos (8-5)
Line: Broncos by 14 Over/under: 37
3:05 PM
Earlier this season, the Broncos posted a 23-3 victory on the road. The Raiders have the capability to surprise, but they have had to switch quarterbacks again to Charlie Frye.
Broncos 34 Raiders 6
Packers (9-4) at Steelers (6-7)
Line: Steelers by 2 Over/under: 40
3:15 PM
The Packers have won five in a row, and the Steelers have lost five in a row. They are a lot closer in talent than what those numbers indicate.
Packers 21 Steelers 17
Buccaneers (1-12) at Seahawks (5-8)
Line: Seahawks by 6 1/2 Over/under: 39
3:15 PM
Matt Hasselbeck has a sore throwing shoulder, so it’s a blessing to be facing the league’s worst run defense. The Seahawks have won three of their last four home games.
Seahawks 24 Buccaneers 13
Vikings (11-2) at Panthers (5-8)
Line: Vikings by 9 Over/under: 42
7:20 PM TV: WMAQ-Ch. 5
The Vikings are built to shut down what the Panthers do best — run the ball. Plus the Vikings have motivation: A victory, and they clinch the NFC North. Motivation wins.
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Vikings 34 Panthers 9
MONDAY’S GAME
Giants (7-6) at Redskins (4-9)
Line: Giants by 3 Over/under: 43
7:30 TV: ESPN
The Giants have lost their last three road games by an average of three touchdowns. But the incentive of staying in the postseason race should nudge them past the Redskins.
Giants 24 Redskins 20