NEEDING A LITTLE LUCK
Colts QB can lead crew to cover in Oakland
SATURDAY Colts (+3 1/2) over RAIDERS: Nagging overriding factor here? Where or when is Derek Carr going to recover his optimum passing touch after that ugly pinky injury? Indianapolis needs a succession of miracles to make the postseason, but Andrew Luck can be the most dangerous of underdogs. PATRIOTS (-161/2) over Jets: Provided generous numbers, the Jets have managed to hang against their hated divisional foes — when led by experienced QBs. Still, Patriot brain trust demands no cover here. BEARS (+3) over Redskins: Washington has owned this series for quite a while — but are coming off ugly Monday nighter for trip to Soldier Field, on short week. Favorite’s habit of getting off to bad starts — and their habitual yielding pass defense — could put any chalk lay in jeopardy. Dolphins (+4 1/2) over BILLS: Miami has endured sustained trouble here, though with rosters far weaker than this one. Jay Ajayi has provided stability for Miami’s ground game, and stand-in QB Matt Moore — having patiently waited for his next turn — was the Dolphins’ QB the last time they won here five years ago. Buccaneers (+3) over SAINTS: New Orleans is eager to play spoiler, and it is not the easiest task for even a solid side to beat comparable NFL foe twice within a threeweek span, but tough to dislike rockin’ Bucs plus a trey. PANTHERS (+3) over Falcons: With a win, the Falcons make the postseason, even if they lose to Saints next week. But you’ve seen what inherent-class
Panthers can do when playing loose cards and going for gin. PACKERS (-6 1/2) over Vikings: Can’t go crazy with this kind of lay, but Aaron Rodgers maintained stellar December form with narrow escape against Bears. Vikes nipped Pack in their Week 2 new-stadium debut — but Packers relish Lambeau divisional revenge. Titans (-4 1/2) over JAG
UARS: With last week’s collapse at the hands of Tom Savage and the Texans, Jags bid adieu to coach Gus Bradley. The Titans remain in drive mode, and should Tennessee win this — no matter what Houston does Saturday night — next week’s Titans-Texans battle is for the division title. Chargers (-5 1/2) over BROWNS: Bedraggled Chargers staggering to wire, off trio of enervating losses. Without Melvin Gordon, Philip Rivers is rubber-legged under crushing burden, turning the ball over often. But are they down enough to create an opening for the Browns? 49ers (+4) over RAMS: Niners defense is consistently bad, but Rams’ stop unit was having its moments until it collapsed under the weight of unrealistic expectations over the past month. Whom do you trust? Looking to take. Cardinals (+7 1/2) over SEAHAWKS: Seahawks have demonstrated vulnerability to genuine passing attacks — though are now without Earl Thomas. ’ Hawks virtually are assured first-round bye with win here. Aggressive Carson Palmer may have his moments with Larry Fitzgerald. Bengals (pick) over TEXANS: Last Sunday, Savage stepped in to bring the Texans back against the Jags. Now that he starts there is film, and the Bengals have gotten an eyeful. As noted, this doesn’t matter to Houston if Titans won today — and Texans beat Tennessee next week. SUNDAY Ravens (+5) over STEELERS: Should either side win its last two, they’re in. The loser here isn’t dead, but will need a Week 17 win, and help. Pittsburgh boasts bigger stars, but Baltimore is tenacious — and has the superior coach. CHIEFS (-3) over Broncos: Can’t justify significant week-long move toward Broncos — given their running game, deteriorating rushing defense and cheap-shot tactics. MONDAY Lions (+71/2) over COWBOYS: If they’re going to let us keep tucking under-inflated numbers when fading the ’Boys, fine with us. Matt Stafford looked better flinging it around against the Giants than he did immediately after dinging his middle finger the week prior. Dallas cinched top NFC playoff seed when Giants lost Thursday.
LAST WEEK: 6-7-1 SEASON: 98-100-8