Packers (7-3) @ Falcons (8-2), 1:00PM ET, Sunday
If there’s one game you don’t want to miss this week in the NFL, it has to be Packers-Falcons. Both teams are fighting for the top spot in the NFC and both are white-hot. Aaron Rodgers (214 of 334, 2,601 yards, 19 TDs) and Matt Ryan (238-377, 2,518 yards, 18 TDs) have similar numbers to date and it wouldn’t be surprising to see this game come down to the play of these two quarterbacks. The Packers have the edge defensively but the Falcons’ ground attack can wear down opponents in the second half. This one should come down to the wire.
CURRENT ODDS: FALCONS –1
Chargers (5-5) @ Colts (6-4), 8:20PM ET, Sunday
Most matchups that feature a 5-5 team against a 6-4 squad don’t make the top games list. But this one could potentially turn the AFC playoff picture on its head if San Diego can muster a huge road win. The Chargers have won three in a row and the Colts are undefeated at home this year. Injuries have left the Colts vulnerable, but they’ve played incredibly well defensively at home while getting the best of quarterbacks such as Matt Schaub and Carson Palmer. Can Philip Rivers continue his MVP-like play and lead the Bolts to victory or will Indy start to turn things around with another home win?
CURRENT ODDS: COLTS –3
Eagles (7-3) @ Bears (7-3), 4:15PM ET, Sunday
Put up or shut up time for the Bears. They don’t appreciate the media constantly calling them “lucky” and a win this Sunday would certainly silence their critics. But if they allow Michael Vick and company to roll into Solider Field and dominant, then they’ll have to put up with everyone calling them pretenders. With the Packers facing a tough road test in Atlanta this week, a win coupled with a Green Bay loss would go a long way for Chicago, which has already beaten its NFC North foes once this year. For the Eagles, many people believe that they’re the team to beat in the NFC but a loss coupled with a Giants’ win over the Jaguars and the East will be in a deadlock once again (at least record wise; the Eagles would still hold the tie breaker after beating New York last Sunday).
CURRENT ODDS: EAGLES -3.5
Saints (7-3) @ Cowboys (3-7), 4:15PM ET, Thursday
We can’t go through the top games this week without mentioning at least one of the three Thanksgiving games, although there’s an argument to be made that Bucs-Ravens is a better matchup. Even though Dallas is sitting at 3-7, this game is definitely the best of the Turkey Day trio. The ‘Boys have won two straight under interim coach Jason Garrett and are starting to play up to their potential (albeit a couple months late). But the Saints will be seeking revenge after Dallas crushed them at home last year and New Orleans is starting to heat up again. Can Jon Kitna continue to play well or will Jerry Jones have to endure another beating at Cowboys Stadium?
CURRENT ODDS: SAINTS –3.5
2010 NFL Week 12 Point Spread Odds & Over/Under Totals
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I like Shaun Hill again this week given his matchup at home with the Pats’ 31st-ranked defense…Eli Manning is a little short on weapons, but the Jaguars have given up 246 yards and 2.0 pass TDs per game this season and have enough offense to keep the Giants throwing…Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s matchup isn’t as bad as it looks. The Steelers are 22nd against the pass, though they’ve only given up 1.1 TDs per game this season. Still, I think Buffalo’s plan will be to spread Pittsburgh out and throw, throw, throw…Sam Bradford figures to have another solid outing against a Denver defense that has given up an average of 2.0 pass TDs per game on the year.
