Re-focusing might be a struggle
In-depth game breakdowns, simulations, fantasy projections
We're coming off Showdown Sunday. The question is, will the participants coming off games with division title implications come up flat this weekend? Or will only the winners of those games be in for a letdown?
New England wrapped up the AFC East by shutting out Miami in a Foxboro blizzard. Home field in the playoffs is the incentive. The Pats will face a Jacksonville defense that has given up just eight points per game in its last four. If Fred Taylor can find some running room, seven points might be worth talking.
Dallas lost to Philadelphia last week, but gets Washington, which it has beaten in 11 of the last 12 meetings, including 10 covers. The Redskins' two running backs and center are out. Bill Parcells wants to turn around the Cowboys' 1-3 skid.
Monday Night's game has taken on less importance for Philadelphia and more for Miami. With all of the "down" Decembers, the Fins are 6-2 at home on Monday nights. The Eagles have given up over 100 yards rushing in eight of their last nine. Ricky Williams should have a big night as will the Miami defense.
Cincinnati should bounce back from Baltimore as it hosts San Francisco, which is 0-6 on the road. The Bengals have four straight wins and covers at home and will run Corey Dillon and Rudi Johnson over and over. At quarterback, Jon Kitna suffered six sacks last week.
Baltimore faces the worst point-spread team in the league at Oakland, but Buyer Beware: The Raiders have won 11 of their last 16 at home.
Indy, off a huge win at Tennessee, hosts Michael Vick and Atlanta. Over 48 is the way to go as Peyton Manning shreds the Falcon secondary.
Kansas City, crushed by Denver, gets 0-22 on the road Detroit. It should be ugly as the Chiefs pad their win total for a playoff bye and home field.
Early picks: Rams -7; Jacksonville +7
In-depth game breakdowns, simulations, fantasy projections
We're coming off Showdown Sunday. The question is, will the participants coming off games with division title implications come up flat this weekend? Or will only the winners of those games be in for a letdown?
New England wrapped up the AFC East by shutting out Miami in a Foxboro blizzard. Home field in the playoffs is the incentive. The Pats will face a Jacksonville defense that has given up just eight points per game in its last four. If Fred Taylor can find some running room, seven points might be worth talking.
Dallas lost to Philadelphia last week, but gets Washington, which it has beaten in 11 of the last 12 meetings, including 10 covers. The Redskins' two running backs and center are out. Bill Parcells wants to turn around the Cowboys' 1-3 skid.
Monday Night's game has taken on less importance for Philadelphia and more for Miami. With all of the "down" Decembers, the Fins are 6-2 at home on Monday nights. The Eagles have given up over 100 yards rushing in eight of their last nine. Ricky Williams should have a big night as will the Miami defense.
Cincinnati should bounce back from Baltimore as it hosts San Francisco, which is 0-6 on the road. The Bengals have four straight wins and covers at home and will run Corey Dillon and Rudi Johnson over and over. At quarterback, Jon Kitna suffered six sacks last week.
Baltimore faces the worst point-spread team in the league at Oakland, but Buyer Beware: The Raiders have won 11 of their last 16 at home.
Indy, off a huge win at Tennessee, hosts Michael Vick and Atlanta. Over 48 is the way to go as Peyton Manning shreds the Falcon secondary.
Kansas City, crushed by Denver, gets 0-22 on the road Detroit. It should be ugly as the Chiefs pad their win total for a playoff bye and home field.
Early picks: Rams -7; Jacksonville +7
