GRIDLINE's Primetime Plays
National Football League 2012 Season

Games of WEEK 16

We corrected an error in our forecast that had the Niners playing at home. After recalculating the HFA the projection was a 21-21 tie, not a 22-18 Frisco victory. It is no longer a BEST BET, but we still consider it a good bet. These are two very good teams, and they are very much the same. They both feature strong running games and strong air attacks, even if they don't pass much. They are tied at 1st for fewest points allowed and both have strong pass D's. The one place they differ is in defending the run. The 49rs are among the best, while the Seahawks defense can be had. San Francisco may have slightly better numbers but the Seahawks should have an equal chance at winning at home. What isn't equal is the spread. Getting it at 3 or buying it to 3 should guard against a loss in OT if it is a tied. The new OT rules don't make this as safe a bet as it used to be but we like it.

49rs +3 (buy) 49rs 21 Seahawks 21 Computer Projection MISS: Seahawks 42 49rs 13

Browns +11 Broncos 29 Browns 18 Computer Projection MISS: Broncos 34 Browns 12

Cardinals +7 Bears 21 Cardinals 16 Computer Projection MISS: Bears 28 Cards 13

Ravens +3 (buy) Ravens 26 Giants 26 Computer Projection HIT: Ravens 33 Giants 14

Jaguars +14 Patriots 34 Jaguars 20 Computer Projection HIT: Patriots 23 Jags 16

Rams +3 Bucs 25 Rams 22 Computer Projection HIT: Rams 28 Bucs 13

Titans +12 Packers 30 Titans 20 Computer Projection MISS: Packers 55 Titans 7

Chiefs +7 Colts 25 Chiefs 20 Computer Projection PUSH: Colts 20 Chiefs 13

Eagles +6 Redskins 27 Eagles 24 Computer Projection MISS: Redskins 27 Eagles 20

Cowboys -2 1/2 Cowboys 30 Saints 26 Computer Projection MISS: Saints 34 Cowboys 31

Texans -7 (buy) Texans 28 Vikings 19 Computer Projection MISS: Vikings 23 Texans 6

Jets -2 1/2 Jets 25 Chargers 22 Computer Projection MISS: Chargers 27 Jets 17

Panthers -8 Panthers 30 Raiders 20 Computer Projection HIT: Panthers 17 Raiders 6

Dolphins -4 (buy) Dolphins 26 Bills 20 Computer Projection HIT: Dolphins 24 Bills 10

Steelers -3 (buy) Steelers 25 Bengals 20 Computer Projection MISS: Bengals 13 Steelers 10

It's that time of year again, when tiny tot's eyes are all aglow. We saw last week that same attitude can stretch onto the football field as at least 10 teams were watching their presents mount under the tree even as the receiver blew by them on a streak route. If the Lions can concentrate for a few moments Saturday night they might find that they can compete with the Falcons. A lot of bettors will point out that the Falcons are playing for top seed in the playoffs while the Lions are playing for nothing, but the Lions should come in loose as a goose in front of the home fans. We may see the Lions put up some good offensive numbers. If Detroit does approach it's potential we should be pleasantly surprised by their run game. The Lions do use it on occasion and that Atlanta run D is not anything to crow about. Of course, if you are betting the Lions you have to account for a TD being awarded to their opponent. We have seen that too much this season. Call it a lite play on the home gang.

Lions +3 1/2 Lions 25 Falcons 25 Computer Projection MISS: Falcons 31 Lions 18

Good Luck Everyone!