In honor of Pro Picks’ skill at picking Best Bets _ 2-12 against the spread, no winners since Week 6 _ we offer a Worst Bet to go along with it this week.
First, though, a look at the juiciest game on the schedule, the Bradys vs. the Tebows, uh, the Patriots against the Broncos in Denver.
For those still in wonderment over the Broncos’ six-game winning streak built on a solid defense and the magic of quarterback Tim Tebow late in games, Patriots coach Bill Belichick offers this:
“We brought Tim in and spent a whole day with him here, in addition to our other interactions with him. He’s an impressive young man. He had great success in college. I think all his attributes are pretty well documented. He’s a strong guy, smart, works hard, a great leader, great football character.”
Sounds like Belichick is a believer, too. But his Patriots can clinch the AFC East with a win. New England’s defense has been torn up by two weak offenses, Indianapolis and Washington, the last two weeks, yet the Patriots still have won five in a row. Win this and Belichick can tool with the D as the playoffs approach.
Las Vegas doesn’t adhere to Tebowmania, apparently, making New England a 6-point favorite. We sort of believe _ by a point.
PATRIOTS, 23-18
As for the Best Bet _ and Worst Bet:
Cleveland (plus 7) at Arizona
Browns come off long layoff, which won’t help against streaking Cardinals.
BEST BET: CARDINALS, 27-14
New York Jets (plus 2 1-2) at Philadelphia
Jets are 0-8 against Eagles. Make it 0-9.
But it’s so dangerous to trust Philly.
WORST BET: EAGLES, 21-17
Detroit (minus 1) at Oakland
Raiders must send Lions into Black Hole or forget about postseason.
UPSET SPECIAL: RAIDERS, 24-23
Jacksonville (plus 11) at Atlanta, Thursday night
Falcons can put vice grip on wild-card berth.
FALCONS, 28-15
Dallas (minus 7) at Tampa Bay, Saturday night
So close to being comfortable, Dallas now is desperate.
COWBOYS, 27-17
Washington (plus 7) at New York Giants
If Giants win out, they are in playoffs. Nice place to start.
GIANTS, 30-20
Green Bay (minus 13 1-2) at Kansas City
At least Todd Haley won’t have to watch this from the sideline.
PACKERS, 33-13
New Orleans (minus 7) at Minnesota
Saints won’t need missed call by officials on last play to win.
SAINTS, 33-13
Baltimore (minus 2 1-2) at San Diego
Ravens are league’s most-balanced team, but struggle on road.
RAVENS, 21-20
Seattle (plus 4) at Chicago
Both teams trying to stay in wild-card chase. Bears barely will.
BEARS, 16-13
Carolina (plus 6 1-2) at Houston
With first playoff berth secured, Texans seek AFC’s top seed.
TEXANS, 31-20
Tennessee (minus 6 1-2) at Indianapolis
Two years ago, Colts were unbeaten at this point. They remain winless …
TITANS, 17-14
Cincinnati (minus 6 1-2) at St. Louis
If things break right, Bengals can take control of final wild-card again.
BENGALS, 20-7
Pittsburgh (OFF) at San Francisco, Monday night
Wonder what the spread would have been if Ben Roethlisberger was healthy.
49ERS, 20-17
Miami (OFF) at Buffalo
Lovely way to spend a December afternoon for Floridians.
DOLPHINS, 16-13
___
RECORD:
Against spread: 6-7 (overall 101-89-4); straight up 12-4 (overall 135-73).
Best Bet: 2-12 against spread, 9-5 straight up.
Upset Special: 9-5 against spread, 7-7 straight up.
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