NBC isn’t very good at picking games to flex, is it?
For the second week in a row the Peacock network has picked a potential dud. There are 12 games with playoff implications, but NBC picked the one that’s most likely to be a runaway – and I thought that before Tony Romo was hurt.
Had they chose to flex the Bears-Packers game, they would have had Aaron Rodgers’ triumphant return from his cracked collarbone.
Instead, it’s Kyle Orton trying to lead a team seemingly incapable of playing defence against an offensive juggernaut. Tell me again why this was a good pick by NBC?
Packers-Bears is also a much better rivalry than Eagles-Cowboys. The NFC North rivalry is one of the best in all of sports, while the Eagles and Cowboys each have two bigger rivals within their own division.
While there is that appeal of win-and-you’re-in, don’t expect much drama on Sunday night.
The lines are from 5Dimes and the home teams are in CAPs.
Carolina -5.5 over ATLANTA
The Falcons have been playing better, but not good enough to hang with the Panthers.
Green Bay -2.5 over CHICAGO
Aaron Rodgers picked a good time to come back from his injury. I just don’t think the Bears defence is good enough to stop him, even if he is rusty.
Houston +7.5 over TENNESSEE
The Texans can’t end the season on a 14-game losing streak, right?
Cleveland +7.5 over PITTSBURGH
The Browns are a competitive bunch and Josh Gordon may be the best non-Megatron receiver in the league.
Washington +3 over NEW YORK GIANTS
Lost in all the drama in D.C. is the fact that the team has played well with Kirk Cousins at QB.
Baltimore +7 over CINCINNATI
The Bengals can be hot and cold, which is why they shouldn’t be giving a touchdown in a rivalry gaem with a playoff spot on the line for Baltimore.
Jacksonville +12 over INDIANAPOLIS
The Colts have looked better recently, but so have the Jags down the stretch.
MIAMI -5.5 over New York Jets
Rex Ryan doesn’t deserve to be fired, but will after this loss.
Detroit +2.5 over MINNESOTA
While the Lions have looked terrible down the stretch, should they really be underdogs to the lowly Vikings?
NEW ENGLAND -10 over Buffalo
The Bills can at least hold their heads high for improving in a lot of areas this season. Buffalo could be a nice sleeper next year.
NEW ORLEANS -13 over Tampa Bay
Greg Schiano should get his walking papers on Black Monday while the Saints can’t afford to slip up.
OAKLAND +13 over Denver
I think we’ll see a healthy dose of the Broncos backups here.
San Francisco (pk) over ARIZONA
Even if the Cards win, it’s very unlikely they’ll make the playoffs.
Kansas City +10.5 over SAN DIEGO
Just because the Chiefs don’t have anything to play for, doesn’t mean that they should be double-digit dogs. And wouldn’t it be fitting for the Chargers to blow this game?
SEATTLE -13 over St. Louis
The Rams’ best assets are their pass rush and rushing attack with Zac Stacy, both of which can be negated by the Seahawks.
Philadelphia -7 over DALLAS
I wouldn’t take the Cowboys unless they were getting two touchdowns. That’s how little faith I have in my own team, that defence and Kyle Orton.
Last week: 9-7
This season: 112-116-9