Here’s a look at this weekend’s action in the NFL.
Steelers (6-6) at Browns (1-11), 8:20PM ET Thursday
The defending champs have lost four in a row and now face a must-win against division rival Cleveland on the road. The Browns have only won one game this season, but Brady Quinn has thrown seven touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last three outings. If the Steelers overlook the Browns like they overlooked the Raiders last week, then they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.
Odds: Steelers -10.
Saints (12-0) at Falcons (6-6), 1:00PM ET
The Falcons’ postseason hopes are on life support thanks to a shoddy defense and a slew of injuries on the offensive side of the ball. The Saints have set their eyes on perfection, so if Matt Ryan and Michael Turner are unable to go, things could get ugly inside the Georgia Dome this Sunday.
Odds: Saints -10.5.
Packers (8-4) at Bears (5-7), 1:00PM ET
All the Packers have to do is avoid a late-season collapse and they’ll make the playoffs. Green Bay must avoid having a letdown after beating Baltimore on Monday night. Chicago is never an easy place to play in December, even when the Bears are struggling like they are now.
Odds: Packers -3.
Broncos (8-4) at Colts (12-0), 1:00PM ET
A trip to Indianapolis is the last thing the Broncos need right now while chasing the Chargers in the AFC West. But if they can knock off the undefeated Colts, they should be able to carry that momentum the rest of he season and at least clinch a Wild Card berth.
Odds: Colts -7.5.
Bengals (9-3) at Vikings (10-2), 1:00PM ET
The game of the week is in Minnesota this Sunday, as the Vikings host the best surprise in 2009, the Bengals. The Vikings will be looking to rebound from their loss to the Cardinals last Sunday, while the Bengals have their eyes set on clinching the division. Carson Palmer vs. Brett Favre should be incredibly entertaining.
Odds: Vikings -6.5.
Panthers (5-7) at Patriots (7-5), 1:00PM ET
The suddenly sputtering Patriots are in the midst of a two-game losing streak and will look to take it out on the Panthers this weekend. Playing in Foxboro hasn’t been a problem for the Patriots this season: They’re 6-0 at home.
Odds: Patriots -13.
Jets (6-6) at Buccaneers (1-11), 1:00PM ET
With the Patriots loss last week, the Jets (winners of two in a row) still have a shot to win the division and make the playoffs. But they need to take care of business on the road this week against a Bucs team that has shown some signs of improvement over the past couple games.
Odds: Jets -5.
Dolphins (6-6) at Jaguars (7-5), 1:00PM ET
Both of these teams are fighting for a Wild Card in the AFC, while the Dolphins still have hopes of leapfrogging the Patriots in the AFC East. The Jaguars have been settler at home, posting a 5-1 record thus far. But the Dolphins haven’t been as good on the road (2-4) and must win in Jacksonville to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Odds: Jaguars -2.5.
Lions (2-10) at Ravens (6-6), 1:00PM ET
After rolling over in Green Bay on Monday night, Baltimore essentially has to win out in order to have any shot at making the playoffs. The Lions shouldn’t offer much of a challenge, although Matthew Stafford and company can’t be taken lightly either.
Odds: Ravens -13.
Chargers (9-3) at Cowboys (8-4), 4:15PM ET
The Cowboys need a good showing this week at home after the Giants handled them fairly easily in New York last week. They’ll get quite a battle from a San Diego team that has won seven in a row and that can light up the scoreboard.
Odds: Cowboys -3.
Eagles (8-4) at Giants (7-5), 8:20PM ET
The Eagles got a free win last weekend in Atlanta against a depleted Falcons team, but they’ll find things much tougher this Sunday in New York. The G-Men need a win to keep pace in the division and with the Cowboys playing a tough Chargers team this week, both teams would love to secure a victory if/when Dallas falls.
Odds: Giants -1.
Cardinals (8-4) at 49ers, 8:30PM ET Monday
Arizona can lock up the NFC West for the second consecutive season with a win in San Diego. The Cardinals have been outstanding on the road this season, winning five of six games. But the 49ers have an improved passing attack, are 4-2 at home and have already beaten the Cardinals once this season so a win won’t come easy for ‘Zona.
Odds: Cardinals -3.
NFL Week 14 Points Spreads & Over/Under Totals:
Thursday, December
Pittsburgh Steelers –10 Over 37
Cleveland Browns +10 Under 37
Sunday, December 13
Denver Broncos +7.5 Over 44.5
Indianapolis Colts –7.5 Under 44.5
Cincinnati Bengals +6.5 Over 43.5
Minnesota Vikings -6.5 Under 43.5
New York Jets -5 Over 39.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +5 Under 39.5
Buffalo Bills PK Over 38
Kansas City Chiefs PK Under 38
Green Bay Packers -3 Over 41
Chicago Bears +3 Under 41
New Orleans Saints -10.5 Over 52.5
Atlanta Falcons +10.5 Under 52.5
Detroit Lions +13 Over 40
Baltimore Ravens -13 Under 40
Miami Dolphins +2.5 Over 44
Jacksonville Jaguars –2.5 Under 44
Carolina Panthers +13 Over 44
New England Patriots –13 Under 44
Seattle Seahawks +6 Over 44.5
Houston Texans –6 Under 44.5
St. Louis Rams +13 Over 41.5
Tennessee Titans –13 Under 41.5
Washington Redskins PK Over 36
Oakland Raiders PK Under 36
San Diego Chargers +3 Over 47.5
Dallas Cowboys –3 Under 47.5
Philadelphia Eagles +1 Over 46.5
New York Giants –1 Under 46.5
Arizona Cardinals -3 Over 44.5
San Francisco 49ers +3 Under 44.5
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