NFC

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New York Giants (-3) vs. Atlanta Falcons – This game is about as even as they come. And the 3 point betting line suggests that the odds makers think just that.

The edge however lies with the home team as Atlanta, who plays in a dome, must play outdoors in what figures to be a chillier Sunday afternoon.

So, look for the Falcons to try and run the ball with RB Turner to set up the passing game, which should find success against a less than stout Giants secondary.

There will be opportunities for WR Julio Jones or WR Roddy White to hit the big play.

When New York has the ball, the Giants will use the pass to set-up the run. The Falcons play a lot of zone so look for Eli to use the short to mid range passing game before getting Bradshaw and Jacobs involved.

And once the Falcons bring their Safeties closer to the line, the Giants will target Nicks and Cruz deep, where they’ve been deadly all year.

The contest will be close throughout but look for New York to secure the win in the 4th quarter by more than a FG.

AFC

Pittsburgh Steelers (-8.5) vs. Denver Broncos – Even with the large spread, it’s just very difficult to go with Denver right now. Tim Tebow is playing horribly and likely will not top 100 yards passing this week.

Pittsburgh’s defense is fast enough to keep him contained while getting after him, which makes Tebow a very likely candidate for a turnover which is returned for a TD.

When Pittsburgh has the ball, QB Ben Roethlisberger’s bad ankle and all, expect them to find success down the middle of the field with S Brian Dawkins out. He’s been a big loss to the Broncos D over the three game losing streak and leaves a HUGE hole in the secondary.

That will open up the running game for RB Isaac Redman and the passing game to WR Mike Wallace, WR Antonio Brown and TE Heath Miller.

It was a nice, magical, some say supernatural run while it lasted, but the Broncos season comes to an end on Sunday.

Look for the 17-3 Steelers romp as they advance to round 2

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1. Aaron Rodgers vs. NYG – Rodgers and Co. will pick apart the Giants depleted back 7.

2. Drew Brees vs. Det – The Lions are minus DT Ndamukong Suh and pass D is not their strength.

3. Tom Brady vs. Ind – Expect 300 yards and 4 TDs in this one.

4. Tony Romo vs. Arz – The Cowboys should have WR Miles Austin back and will be throwing plenty in this one. Even if he’s not back Romo will post excellent numbers.

Next

Eli Manning vs. GB – The Packers secondary can be hurt. Manning is playing at a high level.

Matt Stafford vs. NO – The Lions will be winging it on Sunday Night.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Atl – Roethlisberger will hook up with his outside receivers all day long.

The Rest

Cam Newton vs. TB – The Bucs are bad and will be exploited by Newton and Co. – both on the ground and through the air.

Phillip Rivers vs. JAX – Both teams are in disarray but Rivers should be able to find the end zone at least twice on Monday Night.

Joe Flacco vs. Cle – Flacco’s on 10 days rest and will top 225 yards with a few TDs this week.

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Ten – There’s no more ground game in Buffalo. Fitzpatrick will be slinging it.

Josh Freeman vs. Car – The Panthers’ secondary is mighty generous to opposing QBs.

Carson Palmer vs. Mia – Palmer will find success against the Dolphins secondary this week.

Tim Tebow vs. Min – It’s not pretty but he gets it done late.

Fantasy Sleeper

Matt Moore vs. Car – The Dolphins passing game has been clicking at home which is where this will be played. Moore is a nice fantasy sleeper in Week 13 as you ready for the fantasy playoffs.

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1. Aaron Rodgers vs. Det – It’s Turkey Day, and Rodgers is having a historic season.

2. Drew Brees vs. NYG – They’ve had a week off and the Giants are banged up in the back seven.

3. Tom Brady vs. NE – Look for Brady to attack the Eagles down the middle of the field.

4. Ben Roethlisberger vs. KC – Roethlisberger’s skill players will abuse the Chiefs secondary.

Next

Eli Manning vs. NO – The Saints defense is middle of the pack.  Eli will top 250 with 2-3 TDs.

* Michael Vick vs. NE – The Pats give up a lot of yards and points to opposing passing games.

Tony Romo vs. Mia – The Dolphins are improving but Romo will hurt them through the air.

The Rest

Matt Stafford vs. GB – The Packers secondary has been torched in two out of the last three weeks.

Phillip Rivers vs. Den – This is as good a time as any to rediscover his game.

Andy Dalton vs. Cle – Even minus AJ Green Dalton put up big time numbers.

Joe Flacco vs. SF – The Niners D is stout. But the Ravens will make plays through the air.

Cam Newton vs. Ind – Expect his sensational rookie season to continue when the winless Colts come to town.

Josh Freeman vs. Ten – Freeman’s got a good match-up this week.

Matt Ryan vs. Min – The Vikings are depleted in this one.

Fantasy Sleeper

Matt Moore vs. Dal – The Cowboys D is soft vs. the pass. Moore comes in red hot and is a solid fantasy sleeper in Week 12.

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Must Start

1. Tom Brady vs. Pit – Brady is coming off the bye and owns the Steelers.

2. Drew Brees vs. Stl – Don’t expect 300 yards and 5 TDs; 3 TDs is probably more likely.

3. Ben Roethlisberger vs. NE  – The Patriots pass D gives up large chunks of yards.

4. Michael Vick vs. Dal – He should be able to amass a ton of yardage plus a few scores against the Cowboys.

Next

Tony Romo vs. Phi – Look for Romo to top 250 yards with 2- 3 TDs.

Eli Manning vs. Mia – The Dolphins may have hit rock bottom in the final minutes of Sunday’s game. However, their secondary being unable to stop anyone has been consistent all year.

Cam Newton vs.  Min  – Newton’s been a monster throwing as well as rushing the ball. The Vikings pass D is suspect to say the least.

The Rest

Phillip Rivers vs. KC – Expect Rivers to bounce back on Monday Night vs. the Chiefs. Gates should open up the entire passing game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Was   – The Bills will have room to work through the air.

Matthew Stafford vs . Den – Check his health status but the Broncos can be hurt through the air.

Tim Tebow vs. Det – It was UGLY for most of the Dolphins game, but Tebow got it done. The Lions pass D is their main weakness.

Matt Cassel vs. SD – The Chargers D was beaten for 3 pass TDs vs. Mark Sanchez.

Matt Schaub vs. JAX – Schaub has enough firepower to eclipse 250 yards and a few TDs this week.

Fantasy Sleeper

Joe Flacco vs. Arz – He’s coming off an embarrassing effort Monday Night but has reason to smile this week. EVERYONE passes on the Cards secondary and Flacco will enjoy a nice bounce back game this week. He is a good fantasy sleeper if your starter is on the bye.

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Must Start

1. Aaron Rodgers vs. Min – No O-Lineman, no problem. Rodgers will light up the Vikings to the tune of 300 yards and 3 TDs in Week 7.

2. Drew Brees vs. Ind – Brees will abuse the Colts secondary all evening long. Expect 300 yards and 3 TDs on Sunday Night.

3. Phillip Rivers vs. NYJ – Rivers and Co. will pass all over a suspect Jets D.

4. Tony Romo vs. Stl – The Rams D gets torched by everyone.

Next

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Arz – Look for Big Ben to have great success against a depleted Cardinals secondary.

Matthew Stafford vs. ATL – The Falcons D isn’t the Niners. Look for 250+ yards and a few TDs.

Josh Freeman vs. Chi – Freeman found his ’10 form vs. the Saints with a pair of TDs. Expect that to carry over vs. the Bears.

The Rest

Joe Flacco vs. JAX – Flacco will find the end zone at least twice on Monday Night.

Matt Ryan vs. Det – The Lions strength is its front 7. Look for Ryan and his receivers to have success on Sunday.

Cam Newton vs. Was – Newton will be a threat both throwing and running vs. the Skins.

Jay Cutler vs. TB – He’s a good fill in if your No. 1 is out. Cutler can do damage against the Bucs.

Colt McCoy vs. Sea – McCoy tossed two TDs vs. the Raiders and faces a much softer pass D this week.

Matt Schaub vs. Ten – The Titans gave up 5 TDs to the Steelers two weeks ago.

Fantasy Sleeper

Kevin Kolb vs. Pit – The Steelers may be without S Troy Polamalu. The Cards are coming off the bye which gave Kolb and his receivers time to clean some things up. This game is at home and he’s a good fantasy sleeper.

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Must Start

1. Tom Brady vs. Oak – The onslaught of opposing secondaries continues. The top ranked fantasy football QB in Week 4.

2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Den –Rodgers will top 300 yards and 3 TDs vs. a depleted Broncos D.

3. Drew Brees vs. Jax – Another 300 yard game with 3 TDs is on the menu vs. the Jags.

4. Phillip Rivers vs. Mia – The Dolphins are reeling. Regardless if Gates is back for this one, Rivers is in line for a big day.

Next

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Hou – The Texans showed that their pass D is still a cut below.

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Cin – The Bills high powered offense continues to roll on Sunday.

Matthew Stafford vs. Dal – Stafford’s hot hand will continue to be vs. a suspect Cowboys secondary.

The Rest

Michael Vick vs. SF – If Vick plays, look for big plays against a 49ers secondary that’s prone to giving up the big play.

Tony Romo vs. Detroit – The Cowboys skill players match up well vs. the Lions secondary.

Josh Freeman vs. Indy – This could be a game where Freeman breaks out statistically.

Eli Manning vs. Ariz – The Giants passing game is starting to find its rhythm. 4 TDs a week ago and now Eli gets the weak Cardinals pass D.

Jay Cutler vs. Car – Cutler should do well against the depleted Panthers.

Matt Schaub vs. Pit – Schaub will be forced to pass a ton in this one.

Fantasy Sleeper

Jason Campbell vs. NE – The Patriots secondary is banged up and has been horrible in 2011. Campbell is an interesting fantasy sleeper on Sunday and could top 250 yards with multiple TDs.

In this one, we’re going with the Packers to win by a TD, which makes them with the point spread a good bet. . Both teams play solid defense, but the one are of weakness for the Steelers is the strength of the Packers. Aaron Rodgers and Co. can pick apart any secondary and they’ll be feasting on Pittsburgh all evening.

Expect a quicker passing game to neutralize the Steelers ferocious front seven and blitz scheme, but ultimately the Packers will put points on the board.

The Steelers offensively will also have success, but the Packers are tough against the run and the pass. LB Clay Mathews should have a big game against a depleted Steelers O-Line and we think QB Ben Roethlisberger will take a few unnecessary chances which lead to turnovers.

When the Super Bowl comes to an end, look for a 24-17 Packers win.

Baltimore Ravens (+3)

The Ravens 12-4 record was deceptive because they struggled offensively throughout, but they appear to have put things together after their 30-7 shellacking of the Chiefs last week. Look for another close, hard fought game, as they always are, but one which Baltimore pulls out at the end.

This is a good money line bet at +150.

Green Bay Packers (+2.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons – The good news for the Falcons is they earned the top seed in the NFC. The bad news is they get the Packers, who now field the most complete team left in the NFC Playoffs. The addition of RB James Starks has helped make Green Bay’s offense balanced, and ultra dangerous.

Homefield advantage aside, the Packers D is peaking, and matchup well with Atlanta’s offense. And offensively, expect Aaron Rodgers and Co. to have great success against the Falcons  secondary.

When the clock hits triple zeros, we expect Green Bay to pull out a minimum three-point victory on Sunday.

They’re at +120, which is also attractive on the money line.

1. Drew Brees - He’s coming off a bye week and should have Reggie Bush back. This is a great matchup vs the Seahawks and Brees will top 300 yards and 3 TDs.

2. Peyton Manning - Look for a big effort against a young Patriots secondary

3. Michael Vick - Coming off a tremendous Monday Night performance and facing a Giants defense which suddenly looks vulnerable to the passing game.

4. Joe Flacco - The Panthers are downright horrible. Look for 275 yards and 3 TDs.

Next In Line

Aaron Rodgers - The Vikings D is old and slow. Rodgers and Co will have a field day.

Phillip Rivers - They get the Broncos at home. Rivers will light it up.

Ben Roethlisberger – The injuries to the O-Line have hurt the running game. Big Ben will be passing on Sunday.

Rounding Out the List

Eli Manning - His receiver corps is thin, but Philly’s D is nothing special.

Carson Palmer – The losses haven’t really affected his performance in fantasy football. He’ll throw 2-3 TDs this week.

Matt Cassel – The Cards are atrocious on the road.

Matt Ryan - He and Roddy White have developed into a dynamic duo. The Rams are stingy on D, but Ryan will have success.

Tom Brady - He’ll be good for 2 TDs vs. the Colts, but look for New England to run the ball more this Sunday to keep Manning on the sidelines.

Kyle Orton - He’ll probably throw between 40-50 times in this one. While it won’t lead to a win, his numbers should be solid.

Shaun Hill - He’s facing a banged up Cowboys secondary in Dallas. Look for Hill to connect with Calvin Johnson and Co. all afternoon for a solid day in fantasy.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Mark Sanchez - The Texans made David Garrard look All-Pro a week ago. Sanchez will toss for over 225 yards and between 2-3 TDs on Sunday. He’s a strong fantasy sleeper play in Week 11.

Five weeks ago you would’ve found a lot of takers if you were betting that San Diego would be in this situation; they were 4-8, in the midst of a three game losing streak, and three games behind the Denver Broncos.

The Steelers on the other hand, have been on a pretty good roll for the better part of the season, and wrapped up their second straight AFC North title after beating the Ravens in Week 15.

This is the second time these teams have played this season with the Steelers winning 11-10 in their November meeting.

Here’s how we see this game unfolding.

When the Chargers have the football, they’re going to have to use the passing game to set-up the run.  For one, Tomlinson is not expected to play; he has a torn groin tendon that limited him to just five carries vs. the Colts. And although it remains to be seen just how effective he would’ve been against this defense, he was coming on towards the end of the season before sustaining his groin injury against Denver.

Second, for as spectacular as RB Darren Sproles was last week in their win vs. Indy, these are the Steelers, and running on them is extremely difficult. In fact, they were the top ranked defense in the NFL against the run in 2008.

So in order for the Chargers to use Sproles effectively and get the most out of the little man, they’re going to have to attack Pittsburgh’s defense down the middle – TE Antonio Gates in particular – and then use a quicker passing game to the wideouts to keep the chains moving.

But this will not be easy; the Steelers pressure oriented defense, led by LB James Harrison, blitz on nearly every down, and usually with great effectiveness, so having the time to set-up routes and hit on timing patterns is usually few and far between.

However, if this Chargers can do this with any success, it will allow them to use Sproles on screen passes and draw plays, hopefully creating opportunities to put him in space and allow him to do the rest with his legs.

When the Steelers have the football, look for them to follow the same plan as the Chargers: pass to set up the run. And the reason for this is the revamped Chargers’ defense, led by DC Ron Rivera.

His schemes are more attacking than his predecessor, Ted Cottrell, and this is helping his defense tremendously; when the QB has less time to throw, his receivers have less time to get separation from the DBs, and the main issue for the Chargers earlier in the season was its inability to stop the passing game.

So look for Pittsburgh to utilize a quick passing game—targeting WR Ward and TE Miller—to go with its running game. The goal of this will be to generate first downs and keep the time of possession in their favor, so they can pick and choose their spots for when to use RBs Willie Parker and Mwelde Moore.

And if this becomes a reality on Sunday, and they are able to move the chains, then in the second half, when the Chargers’ defense does begins to tire, look for Roethlisberger to take his shots down the field and locate WR Holmes or Washington for a long one.

All things considered, when the clock hits 0:00, we like the Steelers to move on by the closest of margins—17-13 or 14-10. The defenses will play major roles in deciding the outcome of this game, and we like Pittsburgh’s to create a little more havoc in the end than San Diego’s.

So the Steelers will move to the AFC Championship Game, while the Chargers, who weren’t even expected to be here after Week 13, will head home early and have all off season to figure out how to get things going earlier in 2009.