Can we quit it with the Jay-Cutler-for-MVP talk?
It seems like every year in most sports we get this type of debate: A player gets injured, their contending team starts faltering, he comes back and we start discussing how valuable he is. Let’s just quit it.
The first thing is the actual wording of the award: Most Valuable Player. How can you be valuable if you’re not playing? Because Cutler sat out a game and a half due to injury, he should be penalized for it, not praised.
Next, even though the Bears seriously need Cutler to be able to move the ball, he might not even be the most valuable player on his own team. There are several members of the Bears’ amazing defence that deserve a MVP nod over Cutler, like a rejuvenated Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs or Charles Tillman.
Finally, how can you pick Cutler when there are several other QBs much more integral to their teams. Are you saying that Cutler is more valuable than Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or Matt Ryan? Because I seriously doubt that.
The home teams are in CAPS and the lines are from 5Dimes.
CHICAGO -4.5 over Seattle
The Seahawks aren’t a good road team and the Bears got “MVP†Jay Cutler back.
GREEN BAY -9.5 over Minnesota
It seems like a lot of points to give in a divisional game, but the Pack should be seeking some revenge after their big loss to the Giants.
ST. LOUIS +8 over San Francisco
So, these two teams tied in San Fran, but the Rams are getting eight at home? Yes, I’ll take the points, thank you.
NEW YORK JETS -4.5 over Arizona
You honestly want to take THE Ryan Lindley on the road?
Carolina -2.5 over KANSAS CITY
Cam Newton beats bad teams and the Chiefs certainly fit that bill.
Indianapolis +4.5 over DETROIT
The Lions’ season is essentially over while the Colts can seriously exploit their defence. I’d also say this one is a lock for the ‘over.’
Jacksonville +5.5 over BUFFALO
I believe in Chad Henne. And, seriously, who would you rather have at this point: Henne or Ryan Fitzpatrick?
New England -8.5 over MIAMI
Now that the Patriots defence is scoring too, does anybody have any hope?
Houston -5.5. over TENNESSEE
After two overtime games in five days, the Texans will be well-rested for this one.
Tampa Bay +8 over DENVER
Aren’t the Bucs a bit too good to be getting eight points? And the Broncos can afford to slip up with a four-game division lead.
BALTIMORE (NL) over Pittsburgh
Even if Big Ben does play, I’d still side with the Ravens.
Cleveland (NL) over OAKLAND
I’m not sure why Darren McFadden’s potential return makes this a NL, but I’d wager on the Browns defence here.
SAN DIEGO +1.5 over Cincinnati
Just when you start to count out the Chargers, that’s when they surprise you with a great performance.
Philadelphia +10.5 over DALLAS
The Cowboys don’t cover at home, this is still a rivalry game and double-digit favourites are always a dicey proposition.
New York Giants -2 over WASHINGTON
This is the time of the season that the Giants start taking off on a Super Bowl run. Watch out.
This week: 0-1
Last week: 11-3-2
This season: 89-84-8