*3 Star Monday Night Football Bookie CRUSHER* The Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos both have a new coach this year. The Raiders team lost quite a bit of talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Oakland lost the best corner in football, and now their secondary is banged up. While Denver wasn't very good last year, the passing game was very effective. On the other side, Denver was one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The Broncos simply couldn't stop the run, and that is exactly what the Raiders do very well. With McFadden and Bush running hard behind a talented run blocking offensive line, I expect the Raiders to run the ball well on Monday night. The over is 16-5 in Denver's last 21 games overall. The over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these teams. Take the over.

*3 Star NFL Total DOMINATION* The Carolina Panthers will have Cam Newton under center as they start off the 2011-2012 season. Newton will certainly give them a play maker at the quarterback position. Stewart and Williams give the Panthers a nice tailback tandem, and Smith is still one of the best receivers in the NFL. I think Carolina's offense will be quite a bit better than they were last year. Arizona picked up Kevin Kolb, which should help their passing game a lot. Larry Fitzgerald might be the most talented receiver in football, and Kolb should connect deep with him at least once or twice a game. Both teams improved offensively, and I think the oddsmakers have this one set too low. Take the over.

*3 Star NFL Dog of the Week* Matt Hasselbeck gives the Tennessee Titans a solid veteran presence at quarterback, which is more than the Jaguars have at this point. Luke McCown has never proven capable of keeping a starting job for too long, and I don't expect him to perform very well in this one. Chris Johnson may have held out quite a while, but at least he is healthy heading into this season. The Jaguars changed their mind at the last minute on the quarterback spot, and I think that will hurt them in this game. Take the Titans ML.

*3 Star NFL ATS Play of the Week* The Chicago Bears are a team that I believe will be overrated as we head into this season. The Bears won the division last year, but I don't think they can do it again this season. This is a defense that is aging, and they won't be able to carry the load much longer. Jay Cutler hasn't been consistent enough as a starting quarterback. Atlanta has Matt Ryan, who is a very solid quarterback at this stage in his career. The Falcons have two very good WR's in Jones and White, and the running game is very good with Turner. Atlanta is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. Take the Falcons.

*3 Star Super Bowl Bookie BEATDOWN* The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers will meet for Super Bowl 45. This should be a terrific game between two very deserving teams. The first thing that struck me about this game is how strong the two defenses are. The Steelers are first in the league in points per game allowed and the Packers are second.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have a very good offense. I think the Packers will be able to throw the ball some on the Steelers, but in the end their lack of a running game against the top ranked rushing defense in the league will make them awfully one-dimensional. If the Packers are too one-dimensional the Steelers certainly have the front seven capable of getting after Rodgers. On other side, Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense is a more balanced attack. Rashard Mendenhall will probably get his yards here, and I think Pittsburgh will do their best to run it pretty often in this game. Green Bay has a great pass rush and the Steelers offensive line has struggled with teams like this all year.

The Packers games with the Bears and the high-flying Eagles both stayed well under this total. The Steelers lit up the scoreboard against the Ravens, but their game with the Jets stayed under this posted total. The under is 5-1 in the last six Super Bowl games. I like the value on the under in this one!

*3 Star Jets/Steelers Bookie SMASHER* The New York Jets have traveled to both Indianapolis and New England and pulled off improbable victories. The Jets have definitely been very impressive thus far in the postseason, especially on the defensive side of the football. Pittsburgh came from down 21-7 to defeat their AFC North rival, the Ravens, last week in Pittsburgh. Both teams are playing their best football of the season right now.

The Jets offense revolves around getting the running game going. Tomlinson and Greene are both very good running backs, and they are running behind a very talented offensive line. Mark Sanchez has been pretty inconsistent this year, and the Jets could be in trouble if they are forced to throw constantly at any point in the playoffs. The Steelers have gotten back to being a successful running team this year with Mendenhall leading the way. Ben Roethlisberger is a great playoff quarterback who does a terrific job making good decisions with the football. Mike Wallace has given this team a great deep threat, and Hines Ward is still one of the more reliable recievers in the league. This Steelers offense is multi-dimensonal right now.

I expect the difference in this game to be the Steelers rushing defense, which is easily the best in the league. The Steelers will make it very tough for the Jets to control the ball the way they have against the Patriots and the Colts. Troy Polamalu may be the best defensive player in the NFL, and I expect him to make some huge plays for the Steelers in this one as well. The Steelers have been great at covering the number in the playoffs in recent history. The Steelers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 playoff games. They are also 5-0 ATS in their last 5 playoff games at home.

I think Roethlisberger gives the Steelers a big edge at quarterback, and this Steelers defense is the real deal. I like Pittsburgh to cover here.

*3 Star NFC Championship Total Knockout* The Green Bay Packers have put together a very impressive run in the playoffs thus far. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have probably been the most impressive team in the playoffs so far. The Chicago Bears defense is determined to make life much tougher on him this weekend. Make no mistake about it, there is no love lost between these two teams. This is a huge rivalry, and now it is for a bid to the Super Bowl.

Both defenses are very good. The Packers have the fifth ranked defense when it comes to yards allowed, but they are second in the NFL in points allowed at just 15 per game. What about the Bears? Chicago is excellent against the run, and they have improved throughout the year against the pass. The Bears are fourth in the NFL in points allowed at just 17.9 per game. The Packers offense is impressive right now, but they don't have much of a running game to keep the Bears honest. Chicago's offense really hasn't been impressive all year, but they have done what they need to do to win.

In their two meetings earlier this year, the Bears won 20-17 at home, and the Packers won 10-3 on their home field. I was quite surprised to see the total at 44 in this one, since these teams have a nice history of low-scoring games. The under is 6-0 in the last 6 games between these two. Nine of their last ten meetings have finished under 44 points. I think the value here is on the under. Take the under in this NFC Championship Showdown!

*3 Star Jets/Patriots Total DOMINATION* The New York Jets were absolutely humiliated last time in New England. One has to expect them to come out and play better than they did last time. The Jets have a solid running game, and the Patriots allow 108 rushing yards per game. Mark Sanchez is the type of guy that I think is good for an 'over' because he has big play ability, but he can also throw some picks that lead to defensive scores or great field position for the opponent.

Tom Brady and the Patriots offensive are absolutely firing on all cylinders right now. How good has the Patriots offense been? In the last eight games they are averaging 37 points per game. Their lowest point output in the last eight games was 31 points. The consistency of their production is truly amazing. The Jets defense is very good, but they have had some trouble against the pass at times this year, and I think New England's precision passing game will give them trouble.

What about the trends for this one? The over is 12-4 in the Jets last 16 games overall. The over is 15-3 in the Patriots last 18 overall. The over is 8-1 in the Jets 9 road games this year. The over is 7-1 in the Patriots 8 home games this year. I think the Patriots are likely to get to at least 28 in this one, and I expect the Jets to put up a fight. I like the value on the over. Take the over in this one.

*3 Star Green Bay/Atlanta GUARANTEED Cash* The Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons square off in what should be a terrific game in Atlanta Saturday night. The Falcons have been terrific at home. It is much publicized now that Matt Ryan has a 20-2 record at home in this three-year career. The Falcons beat the Packers 20-17 back on November 28th. Both teams moved the ball pretty well in that game, and I think the line here is low enough that the over is a solid value. Last time they played the over/under was set at 47.5. The Falcons defense has given up quite a few yards all year, but they have managed to give up only 18 points per game. I feel like Green Bay is the type of team that is playing well enough to capitalize on their opportunities in this one and put the ball in the end zone. Green Bay's defense is 2nd in the NFL in points per game allowed at just 15, but I think Atlanta's offense will be ready in this one. Michael Turner can do some damage against Green Bay, and Matt Ryan is definitely a clutch quarterback. With Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, the Falcons have a couple very reliable weapons in the passing game. Both defenses are good, but I think these offenses will be able to put up more points than most people are expecting on Saturday. I like the over here.

*3 Star Wildcard Weekend Best Play* The Baltimore Ravens are on the road once again in the playoffs, and they've had a lot of success in recent years in these situations. What about their body of work this year? The Ravens have been very good against good teams this year. Against teams above .500 they are 4-3, with their three losses coming by a combined 11 points. In each of those three losses they were at least tied late in the fourth quarter. What about the Chiefs? They did not beat a team all year that is above .500. Kansas City feasted on a pretty weak schedule. The Chiefs needed overtime to beat Buffalo at home, and they narrowly beat Denver at home as well. Last weekend's beatdown at the hands of the Raiders was hardly a good way to head into the playoffs. Baltimore is the veteran team here, and I think they'll be ready for this one. The Baltimore run defense is great, and I suspect they'll make Matt Cassel beat them with his arm. I think the Ravens win this one by a touchdown or more. Take Baltimore here.

*3 Star Wild Card Total DOMINATION* The New York Jets haven't been running the ball as well in the last few games, but I have a feeling they'll run it effectively against the Colts in this one. Indianapolis is 25th in the league against the run, and this Jets line is very good. At the same time, Peyton Manning has been playing very good football the last few weeks. As the Colts needed their wins, Peyton and this offense stepped it up a notch. The Colts are averaging 31 points per game in their last five games. The Colts running game has actually picked it up nicely of late as well, which should help keep the Jets honest. A healthy Joseph Addai is key to the Colts attack. The Jets are a big play team on both offense and defense. Even though they do have the third ranked defense in the NFL, they do allow some big plays. The offense and special teams have both been putting up the points of late as well. The Jets averaged 31 points per game in their last three contests. The over is 7-2 in the Jets last nine games. The over is 5-1-1 in the Colts last 7 games. The over is also 4-0 in the last four meetings between these two. I like the over in this Wild Card showdown.

*3 Star NFL Play of the Week* The Carolina Panthers are just miserable on offense this year. In 10 of their 15 games so far this year they have scored 14 points or fewer. The Falcons held the Panthers to just ten points in their first meeting this season. This is definitely an important game to the Falcons, since they can clinch the top seed in the playoffs with a win. Jimmy Clausen will start for the Panthers at quarterback, and he hasn't shown the ability to do much yet. Carolina has the worst passing attack in the NFL. Carolina's running game is also slowed now because DeAngelo Williams is out and Johnathan Stewart is hobbled by a minor foot injury. I think Atlanta will take control of this game from the beginning and then they'll be looking to get out of here with all their players healthy. I think the Falcons defense will flex their muscles in this one. I like the under in this game.

*3 Star NFL Bookie SMASHER* The Indianapolis Colts offense seems to have turned it around the last few weeks. Peyton Manning is looking like the same terrific player he has the last few years, and the running game has even improved. The Colts defense is still weak against the run, and I think the Raiders will be able to exploit that with their terrific rushing game. Most people don't realize this Raiders offense is 8th in the NFL in total offense, and the rushing attack is the second best in the NFL this year. The Raiders have given up 28.4 points per game in their last five games, and the Colts have given up 30.8 per game in their last five games. Both teams need a win here, and I think the offenses will have the upper hand in this game. I like the over.

*3 Star NFL Total DOMINATION* The Washington Redskins have turned to Rex Grossman as their starting quarterback and I think that means more points in their games, both for them, and the opposition. Grossman will take more chances with the football, which should lead to plenty of points. The Redskins defense is the worst in the NFL, and I expect Jones-Drew and the Jaguars rushing attack to have a field day in this one. At the same time, the Jaguars defense is one of the worst in the NFL against the pass, which means the Redskins should have chances to score as well. The over is 7-1 in the Jaguars last 8 games overall. The Redskins game against the Cowboys last week showed what their offense could look like with Grossman, which is both good and bad. I like the over in this one.

*3 Star NFL ATS Play of the Week* This is a classic case of one team having a ton to play for and the other having nothing to play for. Tennessee showed up with a good effort to exact revenge on Houston this week, but other than that game they haven't looked interested in the last few weeks. The Chiefs are atop the AFC West, but they know they can't afford to lose a game like this with the Chargers playing great football right now. The Chiefs are unbeaten at home this year, and while some of their games have been close, I think they'll win this one comfortably. Kansas City has the top rushing attack in the NFL, and Tennessee hasn't been very good against the run this year. Matt Cassel is back and healthy and I think the passing attack will give the Chiefs enough balance in this one. I like the Chiefs at home here.

*3 Star NFL Total DOMINATION* It should be no secret by now that the Indianapolis run defense is not any good. Jacksonville knows how to exploit this defense, as they have shown in recent meetings with the Colts. The Jaguars are averaging 179 yards per game on the ground in their last eight games against the Colts. At the same time, Peyton Manning has thrown for more than 300 yards in three of the last four meetings with Jacksonville's defense. The over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between these two teams. The over is 10-3 in the Colts 13 games this year and 8-4-1 in the Jags games this season. There is a good chance some of the starters will be back for the Colts in this matchup and Manning will have some extra weapons. Both quarterbacks have thrown a lot of picks this year, so don't be surprised if the defense scores in this one as well. I like the over in this game.

*3 Star NFL Total Knockout* The single biggest takeaway from the Ravens game with the Texans last Monday night for me was that this Ravens defense isn't even close to the level they used to be. The secondary is fairly weak, and the front seven wear down by the fourth quarter as well. The New Orleans Saints offense may have started a bit slowly this year, but they are absolutely on fire of late. The Saints have scored at least 30 points in each of their last five games. The passing attack ranks third in the NFL, and I think they'll exploit the Ravens secondary in this game. Baltimore has been a little better offensively at home this year, and I think their trio of great wide receivers will be a mismatch against the Saints as well. Ray Rice is bound to have a breakout game soon, and I think it could be here. I think the line is set too low here, and I'm taking the over.

*3 Star NFL Bookie CRUSHER* The Philadelphia Eagles have had the best offense in the NFL over the last five weeks. Mike Vick is throwing the ball as well as ever and McCoy is proving to be the real deal in the backfield. The Eagles are averaging 35.2 points per game in their last five games. The Giants defense is solid, but at this point I believe the Eagles can move and score quite a few on everyone in the league. Philadelphia's defense is allowing 26 points per game on the road this year. The Giants running game has gotten going of late and I expect them to be productive again on Sunday. This may well be the biggest game of the week as both of these teams enter at 9-4. The over is 8-1 in the Eagles last 9 and 8-3 in the Giants last 11 games at home. I expect the offenses to have the upper hand all throughout this game. Take the over here.

*3 Star Monday Night Football Bookie CRUSHER* The Houston Texans are a talented team, especially on offense, but they have underachieved this year. Andre Johnson has been dinged up this year, and that has hurt the team quite a bit. The biggest problem they have is that their pass defense is absolutely terrible. They are on pace to set a record for most passing yards allowed in a season. Opponents are racking up 287 passing yards per game. Joe Flacco has been inconsistent this year, but I think this secondary will bring the best out in him. Boldin, Mason, and Houshmandzadeh are a good trio of wide receivers and I expect them to be open all night long. Arian Foster is a good runner, but I don't expect this terrific Ravens defense to allow the Texans run game to get going very much. This Ravens defensive front is terrific. The Ravens need this game and they are the much more balanced team. I like Baltimore in this one.

*3 Star NFL Sunday Night Bookie BASHER* The Eagles and Cowboys probably have the two hottest offenses in the NFL right now. If you look back a few weeks it is hard to imagine saying the Cowboys offense is good, but they have averaged 33.25 points per game in their last four games. Jason Garrett is now the head coach and this team seems to have changed their game plan a bit since then. The Eagles continue to roll on the offensive end behind some terrific quarterback play from Mike Vick. The Eagles have scored 26 points or more in seven of their last eight games overall. The Cowboys defense is allowing 28 points per game. The over is 7-1 in the Eagles last eight games. The over is 8-0 in the Cowboys last 8 games. This is a pretty high number, but I think we'll see a game that hits at least the mid 50's. Take the over here.

*3 Star NFL Bookie CRUSHER* The Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills are no strangers to ugly low-scoring games. Last year the Browns beat the Bills 6-3 in what may have been the worst game of the year to watch. This year there is a major weather system that will impact this game. Buffalo is expected to be getting snow and 15-20 mph winds during this game. Since it is right by the lake, the conditions can deteriorate rapidly here. I fully expect this to be a game where both teams rely on their running game, because the conditions won't allow much passing. The under is 5-1 in the Bills last 6 home games in December, largely because of the poor weather that occurs here. This weekend we have two teams with suspect offenses and bad weather conditions. I'll take the under.

*3 Star NFL Total DOMINATION* The Pittsburgh Steelers have the best run defense in the NFL. Pittsburgh is under a winter storm watch for Sunday because they are expected to receive several inches of snow and high winds. The Bengals rushing game is not impressive at all, and I think Cincinnati will struggle to score in this game. Inclement conditions will likely make the Steelers willing to just run the ball and methodically score on the Bengals, eating up a lot of time in the process. With winds of 15-20 mph and heavy snow at times, I fully expect this to be a low scoring game. The Steelers defense will flex their muscles against a weak Bengals running game and this one will likely be a snoozer. Take the under and expect the weather to impact this game in a major way.