Washington (-2.5) @ Minnesota Vikings
THIS ISN’T EXACTLY the most glamorous of Thursday Night Football encounters but it could prove a pivotal game for Washington who, in their final eight games, will face five teams with losing records, starting with Minnesota. The Vikings will start with Christian Ponder at quarterback again as they look set to have one of the top three picks in next years draft. Expect a high-scoring affair given that Minnesota and Washington rank 30th and 31st respectively in points allowed.
Seattle Seahawks (-7) @ Atlanta Falcons
After their playoff run in 2012, the Falcons (2-6) have, perhaps, been the most disappointing team in the NFL this year but Matt Ryan will be glad to face a team he has a perfect record against this Sunday, even if that team is the NFC leading Seattle. The Seahawks are 8-1 for the first time in team history but needed a second half surge to overcome the winless Buccaneers in overtime last weekend. Seattle should win, but they need a big improvement if they’re to prove real Super Bowl contenders.
Cincinnati Bengals (evs) @ Baltimore Ravens (evs)
The Bengals lost in the strangest of circumstances in week nine when Andy Dalton was sacked in the endzone for a walk off safety, ending a four game win streak. More significantly though, the Bengals lost stud defensive end Geno Atkins which should give Joe Flacco’s offence a little more time than they could have expected. The Ravens haven’t lost four straight since 2007 and home advantage should be just enough for them to steal a win.
Detroit Lions (-1) @ Chicago Bears
The Lions took advantage of three interceptions and a fumble from Jay Cutler when these two met earlier in the season to come out on top in a 72 point shootout. The Bears will probably be once again without Cutler for this game but will hope running back Matt Forte can have his second great game against NFC North opposition in a week. Top spot in the North, and the bragging rights to go with that, is the prize for the winner of this one.
Philadelphia Eagles (ev) @ Green Bay Packers (ev)
This would have been a very easy pick a week ago, the Eagles looked terrible while Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offence were beginning to show signs of real balance for the first time in years. However, Nick Foles suddenly became a touchdown machine last week and Rodgers went down with a injury. Seneca Wallace has had a bit more time with the offence this week and that, coupled with home advantage, just gives Green Bay the edge.
Denver Broncos (-7.5)@ San Diego Chargers
While the Broncos should win this game off a rejuvenating bye week, it’s worth noting the Chargers have covered the spread in nine of 11 games as home underdog. San Diego have looked like possible AFC challengers at times this season and then they lose to a team like Washington and you begin to question just how good they are. The Broncos will have their sights on their two upcoming games with the AFC West leading Chiefs but will need to be careful here.
And the rest*
St Louis Rams @ Indianapolis Colts (-11)
Oakland Raiders @ New York Giants (-9)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans (-12.5)
Carolina Panthers @ San Francisco 49ers (-7)
Houston Texans @ Arizona Cardinals (-1)
Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans Saints (-7.5)
Miami Dolphins (-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*Note, the teams in italics have been picked to beat the spread, not necessarily win the game.
