Beware the NFL’s meaningless games

This late in the season, it’s wise to invest only in meaningful games, particularly those in which both teams have something at stake.

Most intriguing is Carolina at Atlanta, where there’s plenty on the line.

The Panthers own a playoff berth and still can win the NFC South, though they need Tampa Bay to upset New Orleans.

Atlanta, which came so close to winning the Super Bowl in February, must win or have Seattle lose to qualify.

The Panthers are 3.5-point underdogs at Atlanta, the idea being there’s much more desperation for the Falcons. We’ll buy that, though if they were to meet in the playoffs, we’d go the other way.

Falcons, 21-20 New Orleans (minus 7.5) at Tampa Bay

The Saints won’t stumble this close to a poorhouse-to-penthouse turnaround.

Best bet: Saints, 30-16

Buffalo (minus 2.5) at Miami

The drought continues.

Upset special: Dolphins, 17-13 Cincinnati (plus 10) at Baltimore

The Ravens’ D could be scary in the post-season, which they get into with a win.

Ravens, 23-14

Oakland (plus 7) at Los Angeles Chargers

From 0-4 to a wild card. Nice rally, Chargers.

Chargers, 28-19

New York Jets (plus 15) at New England

Patriots secure yet another AFC top seed.

Patriots, 31-13 Dallas (minus 3) at Philadelphia

The Eagles already have homefield advantage for the playoffs.

Cowboys, 26-17

Jacksonville (plus 3) at Tennessee Jags force Titans to stay home. Jaguars, 24-23

Cleveland (plus 10.5) at Pittsburgh

Wonder if the 2008 Lions will applaud the Browns’ perfecto.

Steelers, 30-16

Kansas City (plus 4) at Denver

The Chiefs want to keep folks healthy.

Broncos, 17-15

San Francisco (plus 6) at

Los Angeles Rams

Hey Niners, pay Jimmy G now. The Rams will be resting starters.

49ers, 30-17

Arizona (plus 7) at Seattle

Disappointing and injuryplagued season for both teams.

Seahawks, 26-13 Chicago (plus 12) at Minnesota

The Vikings will take the No. 2 seed in the NFC and set their sights on hosting and playing in the Super Bowl.

Vikings, 26-9

Green Bay (plus 7) at Detroit

Not quite an NFC North title showdown.

Lions, 20-10

Washington (minus 3) at New York Giants

What a mess the Giants have become.

Washington, 30-14

Houston (plus 1) at Indianapolis

What a mess the Colts have become. But they’ll get this one.

Colts, 17-12

Last week: Against spread 4-11-1, straight up 12-4

Season totals: Against spread 108113-10, straight up 153-85

Best bet: 9-7 against spread, 10-6 straight up

Upset special: 9-7 against spread, 9-7 straight up