Now that all the unbeaten shenanigans are out of the way, the final weekend of the regular season is spiced up by the NFC East showdown between the Eagles and Cowboys.
Dallas, maligned in recent years for struggling through December, has won its last two in impressive style after a tight loss to San Diego. Philadelphia has taken six in a row, although only Denver of those opponents has a shot at the postseason.
The Cowboys are a 3-point favorite, which usually is caused by being the host. Dallas edged Philly 20-16 in November; the Eagles then lost at San Diego and have not been beaten since.
Both sides have productive offenses spiced by big-play Pro Bowl performers: Eagles receiver/kick returner DeSean Jackson and Cowboys wideout Miles Austin and tight end Jason Witten. The Dallas defense has come on lately, while Philly has been able to outscore everyone, average 31.2 points during the winning streak.
“Our main goal this year was to finish strong and to finish together,” Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins said “We’re doing it.”
lk off with the division crown? Sure.
COWBOYS, 24-23
Tennessee (minus 5 1/2) at Seattle
After 0-6, the Titans really want that .500 record as a boost toward 2010.
BEST BET: TITANS, 28-7
Atlanta (plus 1) at Tampa Bay
Falcons seek that winning record for second consecutive season – for first time in team history.
UPSET SPECIAL: FALCONS, 21-16
Cincinnati (plus 7) at N.Y. Jets
Decades of history tell us Jets fail in these situations. Recent history tells us Bengals won’t play starters for long. Still …
BENGALS, 10-9
Baltimore (minus 10) at Oakland
Raiders have beaten some good teams, but not with this much at stake.
RAVENS, 21-10
Kansas City (plus 11) at Denver
From dynamic (6-0) to desperate (8-7), Broncos will do their part to remain in playoff picture.
BRONCOS, 21-13
Pittsburgh (no line) at Miami
Man, will Steelers be kicking themselves for sloppy losses this season.
STEELERS, 24-23
N.Y. Giants (plus 9) at Minnesota
Vikings need to get straight before playoffs, Giants need to do so before vacation.
VIKINGS, 27-20
San Francisco (minus 7) at St. Louis
Niners want to avoid seventh straight losing season. Rams get No. 1 draft spot.
49ERS, 20-3
Green Bay (plus 3) at Arizona
likely will play each other next week, so stay healthy, gents.
PACKERS, 23-21
New England (plus 6 1/2) at Houston
Slight chance these guys could meet next weekend, too. Texans get first winning season.
TEXANS, 24-14
Washington (plus 8) at San Diego
Chargers will use backups to finish with 11 consecutive victories.
CHARGERS, 21-7
Jacksonville (plus 2 1/2) at Cleveland
Jags once were in control of wild-card race. Browns finish with flourish.
BROWNS, 14-13
Chicago (minus 2 1/2) at Detroit
You really have to be a fan to watch this one.
BEARS, 23-9
Indianapolis (no line) at Buffalo
Peyton Manning will get a few snaps to keep consecutive starts string intact.
BILLS, 17-10
New Orleans (no line) at Carolina
Saints don’t want to finish with three straight losses, but do want to be healthy for postseason.
PANTHERS, 20-17
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RECORD:
Versus spread, 7-9 (100-120-3 season); Straight up, 10-6 (157-73 season)
Best Bet: 6-10
Upset Special: 9-7