THE Jets missed a field goal, fumbled a punt and couldn’t stop third-and-long in Oakland Monday night. Still, they had the ball with a chance to win it at the end. So the loss to the Raiders was anything but a resounding smackdown to a too-little, too-late playoff run.
There’s no reason the Jets can’t rev it up again vs. a Denver defense that was shredded at home by the same Raiders offense, that lost at home to the Colts and gave up 30 to a Chargers team the Jets killed.
The Broncos are banged up at QB and WR, so if the Jets can corral Clinton Portis, they should be in good shape. Jets don’t want it to come down to one kick, John Hall vs. Jason Elam, however.
The pick: Jets +1.
SKINS (-21/2) over Giants
Will the Giants quit on Jim Fassel? We probably won’t find out, since so many of the starters will be out, particularly on D. Skins beat the Rams in last home game and will have had extra few days rest for this one.
PATRIOTS (-41/2) over Bills
Pats were on big losing streak when they put 38-7 stomping on Bills. Now it’s Drew Bledsoe’s much-celebrated return to Foxboro, where he won’t get a chance to do much celebrating.
PANTHERS (-31/2)
over Bengals
Although the Panthers went more than two full months without a win, they still have four times as many as the Bengals.
Browns (+11/2) over JAGS
Browns are 6-6 and still in the wild-card hunt after inexplicable home loss to Panthers. But by definition, being a .500 team in the parity-stricken NFL means they are just as capable of a big road win.
CHIEFS (-5) over Rams
This might make Dick Vermeil cry, but the Chiefs are set up to put a hurtin’ on his old team, which now is being led by Jamie Martin. If the Chiefs are developing a defense, they’ll be scary.
STEELERS (-131/2)
over Texans
Heinz Field in December is not the place and time to go with the Texans, who have scored NFL-low 157 points. This is Steelers weather, and with Tommy Maddox back, it shouldn’t be close.
BUCS (-4) over Falcons
Could’ve gone broke betting against Michael Vick this season. He’s probably the NFL’s MVP, but with Warrick Dunn hurt, he’ll have to pretty much do it on his own against a Bucs team that will be snarling after prime-time loss in New Orleans.
Colts (+2) over TITANS
After Colts beat Broncos in snow, it’s hard to pick against them just because it might be cold in Nashville. Titans looked mediocre for most of gift win vs. Giants, and can Steve McNair will his BBQ’d ribs to another performance like that?
COWBOYS (+41/2) over 49ers
Boys upset Niners in Big D last season and still remember Terrell Owens’ shameless stunt a few years back. Shapes up as a defensive struggle, and though Cowboys don’t score much, they have given up 45 fewer points than Niners have.
Eagles (-3) over SEAHAWKS
Would expect to lay more with a 9-3 vs. a 4-8, especially since Eagles won at Seattle last season 27-3. Don’t put much stock in Matt Hasselbeck’s late run at 49ers. Tough Eagles D will get him down and keep him down.
RAVENS (+21/2) over Saints
Have to be worried about health of Aaron Brooks, whose right arm was hanging when he was removed vs. Bucs, and Deuce McAllister. Ravens can’t score on offense, but they can on specials and defense, and that defense would make it real tough on Jake Delhomme.
Lions (+11/2) over CARDS
Can’t justify giving points with a team that is coming off 49-0 loss. Yes, Joey Harrington was taken to school by Bill Belichick, but Lions still had chance in that game and the young QB will find it much easier in desert.
CHARGERS (+3) over Raiders
Raiders coming off tough Monday night win, which is a minus, while Chargers fought off Niners and Broncos to win as home dogs. With Charles Woodson and Tory James hurting in Raiders secondary, Marty Schottenheimer can mix in pass along with LaDainian Tomlinson, who killed Oakland last time.
PACKERS (-91/2) over Vikings
Never mind Pack has clinched their division, they have to keep winning if they want road to Super Bowl to go through Lambeau. Brett Favre is money in the cold, and the Vikings, although decent of late, have been known to pack it in.
MONDAY NIGHT
DOLPHINS (-91/2) over Bears
Ricky Williams had a huge day in the snow in Buffalo. Same could not be said of the Miami defense, but that unit will respond in warmer, friendlier confines against Bears offense now missing Anthony Thomas.
BEST BETS: Dolphins, Redskins, Panthers.
LAST WEEK: 8-7-1.
BEST BETS: 1-1-1.