Atlanta @ Carolina (+3.0) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX
Don’t expect this game to play out like October’s matchup, which Atlanta won 31-17 thanks to Michael Turner’s 139 yards and 2 TDs in addition to Cam Newton’s 3 INTs. Carolina’s offense is now ranked 8th in passing, 5th in rushing, 8th in scoring and is feeling good with back-to-back wins. Meanwhile, Matty Ice struggles to deliver consistently and this game is a must-win if the Falcons have any plans of playing in January. I expect Matt Ryan to pick up his fourth straight win against Carolina and Michael Turner to improve on his 109ypg average and 11 TDs in the teams' last six meetings...Atlanta 27, Carolina 21
New England @ Washington (+8.0) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX
New England can clinch their third straight division title with a win on Sunday and a loss by the Jets. A win would also mark the 9th straight season with 10 wins, which will be a league best now that the Colts’ streak has come to an end. To make things worse for the ‘Skins, the Pats aren’t happy with last week’s win against the Colts. They got off to a slow start on offense and saw their defense struggle (against one of the league's worst offenses) towards the end of the game. I don’t see the Pats having any problem this week as Rex Grossman and the 'Skins simply cannot keep up with the Pats' scoring. Even if the ‘Skins thought they had a chance, that has likely changed after the 4 game suspensions TE Fred Davis and Trent Williams face as part of violating the league's substance abuse policy. I wonder if Mike Shanahan has decided whether he’s going to fire his son at the end of the year or bite the bullet himself...New England 28, Washington 17
New Orleans @ Tennessee (+3.5) - SUN 1:00PM - CBS
Chris Johnson is playing well, but Drew Brees is playing better. The Saints are hitting their stride at the right time and are looking for their fifth straight win this weekend in Tennessee. Look for Brees to use Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham to take advantage of Tennessee’s relatively slow and weaker-than-average defense, while Chris Johnson will work towards his fourth consecutive 100 yard game. It’s worth noting the Saints are just 3-2 on the road this season, but I’m putting my money on the Saints understanding the importance of that first round bye in the playoffs given last year’s trip to Seattle...New Orleans 31, Tennessee 21
San Francisco @ Arizona (+3.5) - SUN 4:05PM - FOX
I’m still trying to figure out what the Vegas odds-makers are thinking here. Arizona does not have a prayer against SF this week. Even though Arizona came up big with a win against Dallas last week, there’s no chance Jim Harbaugh will let his team come in flat after clinching a playoff spot last week. San Fran is still fighting for a first round bye and home field advantage in the playoffs. Look for the 49ers to cover with another impressive showing on defense...and you can be sure that Harbaugh won't be icing David Akers in Arizona...San Francisco 24, Arizona 10
New York Giants @ Dallas (-3.5) - SUN 8:20PM - NBC
Last week’s loss to the Packers is reminiscent of the Giant’s loss to the Patriots in the final regular season game of ’07. We all know that was the turning point for the G-Men in ’07, who eventually went on to upset one team after another in the playoffs before ending the Pats not so "perfect season" in the Super Bowl. The line on this one opened with the Giants as a 4 point underdog, but has since moved slightly with 88% of the money in Vegas taking the Giants ATS. This always concerns me, but I think the Giants are feeling confident and recognize if they beat the ‘Boys in their upcoming two matchups, they are headed to the playoffs. Look for Eli to make Nicks and Cruz shine and move the G-Men into a first place tie in the NFC East...New York Giants 27, Dallas 23
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