Dec. 19-20, 2009 NFL PREDICTIONS

Manhandled last month, the hole may be too big to climb out, but here goes:
86-81 (-27.7 units)

NO -7.5: at home in the dome, the Saints have dominated, beating opponents by 8 or more all season long; score: Saints 35-Cowboys 24 (3 units). LOSER

BAL -11: play against Cutler and his INTs. Bears have tanked it for the season. Score: Ravens 27-Bears 10 (5 units). **WINNER**

CLE +2: 'swagger theory' at work, off their win vs. Steelers last week. Score: Browns 18-Chiefs 12 (2 units). **WINNER**

SF +9: public is backing the Eagles like they already know what the score will be. Niners need the win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Score: Forty-Niners 27-Eagles 24 (4 units) LOSER

GB +1: talk about shady lines, I'll bite. the Steelers need this game, but that didn't mean much vs. the Browns. I'll go with Rogers' hot hand again vs. the banged up Ward and 'hold-the-ball-too-long Rothlesberger, not to mention Troy-less defense. Score: Packers 28-Steelers 18 (5 units). PUSH (unless you got 1.5 or 2)

HOU -11: the Rams have tanked it for the season. St. Louis' only offense in Jackson is hurt. I smell a blowout of epic proportions. Score: Texans 38-Rams 6 (4 units) LOSER

TB +6.5: the Bucc QB will either throw 3 TDs or 5 INTs, I'll play the TD angle. Score: Buccaneers 21-Seahawks 24 (2 units) **WINNER**