I have long hated the idea of resting starters, or anything short of not trying to win. Something about integrity.....but I've talked that to death.
So...
Jets +2.5
#1 Rush attack, #1 Scoring Defense, #1 Total Defense, only allowed 181 YPG and 8.8 PPG last 6 weeks, peaking at right time, and as long as rook doesn't turn ball over, manages game, this rematch will remind Bengal boys why it is important to always try to win.
Cowboys -4
The myth about beating a team three times in a season goes like this. In 19 times the scenario has popped up, the team that won the first two also won the 3rd one 12 times. Dallas is on a two-consecutive shutout run, and yes, one of them was against these same Birds. Dallas playing well, Romo on a hot streak too, exorcising those Dec/Jan demons of the past.
Ravens +3
The only non-week17 rematch, the Ravens were a dropped TD pass from beating the Pats earlier this year, and I look for them to finish the job this week. Welker will be missed. Pats don't lose at home, esp in playoffs, but that run ends
Packers (P)
Jekkyl and Hyde Cards w/o Boldin, and at home, where they are curiously not strong. Nothing to play for last week, and the rust is still there, cannot just turn it back on. Pack on a tear, and may have what it takes to ride the road to the Super Bowl, with three road wins. The first one is here.
So...
Jets +2.5
#1 Rush attack, #1 Scoring Defense, #1 Total Defense, only allowed 181 YPG and 8.8 PPG last 6 weeks, peaking at right time, and as long as rook doesn't turn ball over, manages game, this rematch will remind Bengal boys why it is important to always try to win.
Cowboys -4
The myth about beating a team three times in a season goes like this. In 19 times the scenario has popped up, the team that won the first two also won the 3rd one 12 times. Dallas is on a two-consecutive shutout run, and yes, one of them was against these same Birds. Dallas playing well, Romo on a hot streak too, exorcising those Dec/Jan demons of the past.
Ravens +3
The only non-week17 rematch, the Ravens were a dropped TD pass from beating the Pats earlier this year, and I look for them to finish the job this week. Welker will be missed. Pats don't lose at home, esp in playoffs, but that run ends
Packers (P)
Jekkyl and Hyde Cards w/o Boldin, and at home, where they are curiously not strong. Nothing to play for last week, and the rust is still there, cannot just turn it back on. Pack on a tear, and may have what it takes to ride the road to the Super Bowl, with three road wins. The first one is here.
