Eagles have eye on rivals’ matchup
Washington and Dallas fight to keep playoff hopes alive
What once looked like a showdown in the NFC East now is a matter of survival for Dallas and Washington.
A Washington victory or tie clinches the division for the Philadelphia Eagles, the league’s team of the year. Yes, not even into December and folks in Philly could be celebrating — even if that means rooting for a despised team from the nation’s capital.
Dallas still is without suspended running back Ezekiel Elliott, and the offence has stagnated in his absence. The Cowboys really need a healthy Sean Lee at linebacker, too.
Dallas is a one-point favourite over Washington. All those missing players for the visitors make them impossible to select. Cowboys, 24-20
Houston (plus 7.5) at Tennessee
Too many points to give the Texans, who could spring a surprise. Best bet: Titans, 22-17
Detroit (plus 3) at Baltimore
Lions keep wild-card hopes going, hurt Baltimore’s chances. Upset special: Lions, 23-13
Carolina (plus 4) at New Orleans Looked at this for upset special. Panthers, 31-30
Cleveland (plus 13.5) at Chargers
Didn’t even remotely consider this for an upset. Chargers, 30-6
Philadelphia (minus 5.5) at Seattle
It must be a special year for the Eagles if they are favoured so strongly at Seattle. Seahawks, 21-20
Minnesota (plus 3) at Atlanta
Another terrific matchup for Week 13. Falcons, 21-17
New England (minus 8) at Buffalo
The Patriots are closing in on another AFC East crown even with Brady taking physical beatings. Patriots, 27-16
Cincinnati (plus 5.5) at Pittsburgh, Monday night
The Steelers aren’t blowing out anyone right now. Steelers, 23-20
Denver (pick-em) at Miami
Shield your eyes for this one — and not from the Florida sun. Dolphins, 17-15
Indy (plus 9.5) at Jacksonville
After last week’s stumble, The Jags will have a mean edge vs. Indy. Jaguars, 30-19
Kansas City (minus 3) at N.Y. Jets
Really worried about the Chiefs, but they squeeze by here. Chiefs, 20-16
Arizona (plus 7) at L.A. Rams
Breather in difficult stretch for NFC West leaders. Rams, 32-16
N.Y. Giants (plus 5.5) at Oakland
Long trip for the Giants to get whipped, though the Raiders are undermanned, too. Raiders, 24-14
San Francisco (plus 4.5) at Chicago
Joe Cool vs. Monsters of Midway? Not quite. Bears, 16-13
Tampa Bay (OFF) at Green Bay
The Packers could have won at Pittsburgh, will do so here. Packers, 16-13
2017 RECORD
Last week: Against the spread, 104-2; straight up, 14-2
Season totals: Against the spread, 83-81-5; straight up, 110-65
Best bet: Against the spread, 7-5; straight up, 9-3
Upset special: Against the spread, 8-4; straight up, 8-4