NFL SpreadSHREDDER: Down, but Not Out
__________________________________________________________________________SpreadSHREDDER Week 16 Record ATS: 0-3
Overall Record ATS: 19-25-1
Overall Record vs. Wagering Total: 3-2
The SpreadSHREDDER has hit a bit of a wall as our current 0-6 stretch the past two weeks is the worst performance ever. The last week of the NFL season, like bowl season, is where many handicappers go to die. However, week 17 is where we get back on the beam as we weave through this regular season finale maze of playoff implications and resting starters.
WASHINGTON (+4) OVER NEW YORK GIANTS {Bodog}
Like it or not, Washington has been playing arguably its best football of the year under quarterback Rex Grossman. Now, with the chance to knock a struggling division rival out of the playoffs at home, the Skins will have all the motivation they need to let it all hang out in what will be their final game of the season. 
The New York Giants will be playing their third road game in four weeks, and have gone into full on meltdown mode right on cue. A playoff position hanging in the balance is not enough for us to trust a team who gave up over 40 points last week yet still finds itself as a favorite on the road. The Redskins will be looking to seek revenge for an embarrassing loss to the Giants back in week 13, and New York’s turnover problems will facilitate the cause.
Expect turnovers to plague the suddenly shell shocked Giants as the Redskins cruise to an easy victory. Cowher on line one. WASHINGTON, 28-13.
ST. LOUIS (-2.5) OVER SEATTLE {5Dimes.com}
If nothing else, this is a ‘there had better not be a 7-9 playoff team’ pick, but there are other caveats that make the Rams a solid pick. Starting a new quarterback at home as an underdog gives Seattle value, however we just don’t trust Seattle under first year (blowout prone) head coach Pete Carroll in such a big spot.
The Rams have traveled well this season, going 5-2 ATS on the road, and will be seeking revenge for a 20-3 home loss to the Seahawks earlier this season.
Promising young quarterback Sam Bradford should have no problem lighting up a Seattle Defense ranked 28th in the league, giving up 34 of more points in five of its last six games.
The difference in this game should be turnovers, as the Rams (+5 turnover differential) should capitalize on mistakes made by Seattle’s (-9 turnover differential) inexperienced quarterback in Charlie Whitehurst. The Rams cover and earn the right to be the most sought after home playoff opponent in NFL playoff history. ST. LOUIS, 23-13.
DETROIT (-3) OVER MINNESOTA {Sportsbook.com}
While the Lions’ playoff hopes were dashed long ago, they do have some incentive in this spot as they look to close the season with their first four game win streak in over ten years.
Detroit finds itself in the advantageous position of playing the Vikings, who will be coming off of an extremely short week having played on a Tuesday and being jerked around the country due to the collapsing of the Metrodome.
The Lions offense has been on point no matter who starts at quarterback. Joe Webb showed promise in the Vikings’ last game against the Eagles, however Philadelphia was coming off of a highly emotional divisional win and was a heavily overvalued favorite in the follow up.
Joe Webb will struggle with pressure from Detroit’s improved defensive line lead by rookie pro bowler Ndamukong Suh (WHO WAS SO CLEARLY ROBBED OF THE HEISMAN), and the Lions should end their season on a strong note heading into a promising 2011 campaign (should that season even happen). DETROIT, 24-10.
TAMPA BAY (+9) OVER NEW ORLEANS {5Dimes.com}
Coming into this game, the Saints will likely have no hope at improving their playoff positioning, and Tampa Bay will be motivated to get to ten wins despite the fact that they will likely miss the playoffs.
Tampa Bay will be playing hard to possibly make the playoffs and/or gain revenge for a blowout loss they suffered at home to the Saints earlier this season. Bucs QB Josh Freeman has peaked at the right time and it’s very possible that the Saints could come out flat against a talented Buccaneers team following an emotional win on national television on a short week. TAMPA BAY, 17-14.
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Tags: 2010, Betting Lines, Bill Cowher, New York Giants, NFL, Playoffs, Point Spreads, SpreadSHREDDER, Washington Redskins
