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.
Detroit (plus 3) at Baltimore
Lions keep wild-card hopes going, hurt Baltimore’s chances.
Carolina (plus 4) at New Orleans Looked at this for upset special.
Cleveland (plus 13.5) at Chargers
Didn’t even remotely consider this for an upset.
Philadelphia (minus 5.5) at Seattle
It must be a special year for the Eagles if they are favoured so strongly at Seattle.
Minnesota (plus 3) at Atlanta
Another terrific matchup for Week 13.
New England (minus 8) at Buffalo
The Patriots are closing in on another AFC East crown even with Brady taking physical beatings.
Cincinnati (plus 5.5) at Pittsburgh, Monday night
The Steelers aren’t blowing out anyone right now.
Denver (pick-em) at Miami
Shield your eyes for this one — and not from the Florida sun.
Indy (plus 9.5) at Jacksonville
After last week’s stumble, The Jags will have a mean edge vs. Indy.
Kansas City (minus 3) at N.Y. Jets
Really worried about the Chiefs, but they squeeze by here.
Arizona (plus 7) at L.A. Rams Breather in difficult stretch for NFC West leaders.
N.Y. Giants (plus 5.5) at Oakland
Long trip for the Giants to get whipped, though the Raiders are undermanned, too.
San Francisco (plus 4.5) at Chicago
Joe Cool vs. Monsters of Midway? Not quite.
Tampa Bay (OFF) at Green Bay
The Packers could have won at Pittsburgh, will do so here.
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