NFL Playoff Preview  
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Miami Dolphins (11-5) 
Sunday, 1:00PM Eastern 
 
Bookmaker.com betting line - Baltimore -3, 37.5 O/U 
 
A pair of AFC teams with identical regular season records square off Sunday in the first round of the NFL Playoffs. Miami clinched the AFC East with their win over the Jets last week while the Ravens clinched the final wildcard spot with a victory over the Jaguars. The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Florida to battle with the Miami Dolphins for the second time this season. Earlier this season, the Ravens beat the Dolphins in Miami by a final score of 27-13. However, since that lost the Miami Dolphins stormed back to win 4 straight games and 9 of their last 10 becoming one of the hottest AFC teams at seasons end. The Dolphins look to extract a little revenge this time around when they host the Ravens this Sunday. 
 
Miami has been the biggest turn-around team perhaps in NFL history. The Dolphins won only one single game a year ago barely escaping a winless season. This year things are very different as Miami has been striving in their last 10 games and are poised to make a run in the postseason. Dolphins QB Chad Pennington has played a major role in the success this season. Pennington has completed 67% of his passes this season which places him as the most efficient passer in the NFL this season. Pennington has also racked up 3,653 yards this season along with 19 touchdowns. The Dolphins have become a very effective offensive force and they will need another big performance against a stout Baltimore defense. Miami has played solid defense as well down the stretch contributing to their great run. The Dolphins are only allowing 14 points per game in their last 5 match-ups. Both sides of the ball will have to play stellar this Sunday in a colossal first round battle. 
 
Baltimore QB Joe Flacco has had a good year in his rookie campaign. The youngster has thrown for 2,971 yards this season with 14 touchdowns. Flacco has been picked off 12 times this year and the rookie will try to limit his mistakes despite not having any postseason experience. The Baltimore running game has been solid this season behind the legs of running back Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. The two backs have combined for 1500 yards of rushing this season along with 17 touchdowns. The big factor in this game will not be the Baltimore offense, but rather the play of the defense. The Ravens have the 2^nd best defense in the NFL behind the lucrative Pittsburgh defense. The Ravens rank in the top 3 in all 4 major defensive categories. Baltimore will wreak havoc on the Miami offense Sunday and they will try to shut down the Dolphins and continue their late season surge. 
 
What to watch for… 
Turnovers are the category that many people do not preview, but it could be a big factor in Sunday’s game. Both teams have been subject to turnover problems at one point or another this season. Ravens QB Joe Flacco has been really suspect to interception problems and can not afford to give the ball away to the Dolphins. Also, the running game was a big factor in the first match between these two opponents. Willis McGahee led the Ravens to a +100 yard performance while Miami leading rushing had only a mere 27 yards on the ground. Keep an eye on the ground attack. 
 
Pick - Baltimore defense got it done earlier this season and I believe they will again. Take Baltimore -3.

NFL Playoff Preview 
Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6) 
Sunday, 4:30PM Eastern 
 
Bookmaker.com betting line - Philadelphia -3, 42 O/U 
 
The Philadelphia Eagles won 4 of their last 5 games to surge into the playoffs capping off the season with a huge 44-6 blowout over the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles captured the final wildcard spot in the NFC and travel to the Metrodome to battle the Vikings. Minnesota captured a big win over the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in week 17 to seal the NFC North. The Vikings have also played well towards the end of the year winning 5 of their last 6 games down the stretch. Minnesota and Philadelphia are both playing their best football at this point in the season and this game has the makings for a classic battle. 
 
Philadelphia has been striving ever since QB Donovan Mcnabb was pulled out of the game against the Baltimore Ravens. Since, Mcnabb has had a chip on his shoulder with something to prove leading the Eagles to an offensive breakout averaging 30 points in their last 5 games. The Eagles defense has also responded fabulously to the emerging offense. The Eagles defense has not allowed an opponent to score more than 14 points in their last 4 games. That is big accomplishments considering those games were from high power offenses like New York and Dallas. The Eagles have allowed an incredible 8.25 points per game in their last month of football. A big statistic heading into this game to consider is the play of the Philadelphia rush defense. The Eagles will take on one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL and the league’s leading rusher Adrian Peterson. However, Philadelphia sports the 4^th best rush defense in the NFL only allowing 92 yards per game this season. The Eagles defense will have to stand strong again this Sunday to maintain the Minnesota ground game. 
 
Minnesota has had an emergence on offense as well late in the season. The Vikings averaged 22 points per game this season and nearly 27 points in their last 6 games. Minnesota has found success through the big performances behind running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson is the NFL’s leading rushing racking up 1,760 yards this season. Peterson has also added 10 touchdowns this season becoming one of the best looking backs in the NFL despite this only being his 2^nd season. Minnesota will need their defense to play a supporting cast this Sunday to slow down the Eagles balanced offense. Minnesota has been very strong against the run this season allowing an NFL best 77 yards per game. However, Minnesota has been subject to give up some big plays through the air on defense. The Vikings must not give up any big plays from Eagles QB Donovan McNabb this Sunday and control the ground for a chance to continue on in the playoffs. 
 
What to watch for… 
 
The Vikings ground game vs. the Eagles passing game will be the difference maker. I expect both these offensive sides to have success, but one will break through likely deciding who wins this game. Philadelphia opened a lot of eyes with their blowout over the Cowboys last week and the betting lines are favoring them in this game. The Eagles will get the chance to prove they are a team to be reckoned with when they get the Vikings in the Wildcard Round. 
 
Betting Trends… 
The Vikings have lost 3 of their last 4 games ATS and are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games at home. Minnesota has reached the under total in 3 of their last 4 games as well. Philadelphia on the other hand is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games and a strong 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games on the road. The total has also gone on the under in 4 of the Eagles’ last 5 games. 
 
The last time these two teams met was all the way back in the 2004 season when the Eagles defeated the Vikings twice, once in the regular season and once in the 2^nd round of the playoffs. 
 
Pick - Eagles are poised to make a deep run and I think they will be around longer than one week. Take Philadelphia -3

NFL Playoff Preview 
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals 
Saturday, 4:30PM Eastern 
 
Bookmaker.com betting line – Atlanta Falcons -2, 51.5 O/U 
 
The Arizona Cardinals get the luxury of hosting the first game of the 2009 Playoffs when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. Arizona captured the #4 seed with a final record of 9-7 benefiting from a poor NFC West. Atlanta finished at a mark of 11-5, but that was only good enough for a wildcard spot considering they finished 2nd in their division behind the Carolina Panthers. These two teams have been on different paths towards the end of the season and it will be interesting to see if they stay in those directions. The Cardinals are losers of 4 of their last 6 games to close out the season and have really struggled on both sides of the ball down the stretch. Atlanta has been headed in the right direction winning 3 straight and 5 of their last 6. Will the Falcons continue their strong stretch or will the Cardinals bounce back and return to early season form? 
 
Arizona started the year with one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. Veteran QB Kurt Warner has led the Arizona offense to 365 yards per game ranking as the 4^th best overall offense in the league. The passing attack has been superb averaging 292 yards per game which ranks 2^nd best in the NFL. However, in recent weeks the high power offense has not been playing up to par. Arizona had averaged nearly 30 points per game up until their last 3 weeks of the season. During that bad stretch of games to end the season, the Cardinals have only averaged 18 points per game. Arizona will look for Kurt Warner and company to get back to offensive dominance and try to put up some big number this Saturday. The Cardinals are 1-5 against NFC South teams in their last 6 attempts, but will try to give Arizona their first playoff victory since 1999. 
 
Atlanta has really played well closing out the season behind the play of rookie QB Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner. Ryan has played like a stealthy veteran behind center this season throwing for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns. Turner leads a powerful ground attack that has the Falcons ranked as the #2 best rush offense in the NFL. On the season, Turner has racked up an amazing 1,699 yards which also 2nd most in the NFL behind Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson. The Falcons will look to establish the running game and keep the Cardinals offense off the field. If the Falcons can control the ground game, then Arizona could have a hard time finding rhythm. The Atlanta offense will line up with a defensive that has really struggled this season. The Cardinals have allowed 26 points per game this season and Atlanta hopes to be able to post some touchdowns on the scoreboard. 
 
What to watch for… 
 
The Arizona offense will be fun to watch. They are a pass happy bunch and keep an eye on how their receivers stack up against the Atlanta secondary. On the other side of the ball, Michael Turner could be a big difference in the ball game. There should be some points scored in this ball game, but which team will be able to come up big defensively will be the question. 
 
Betting Trends… 
 
Atlanta is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games. The Falcons have been pretty even on the over/under total this season reaching the under side in 9 of their 16 games. The Falcons are also 2-0 ATS against the Cardinals in their last two meetings. Arizona is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games while reaching the over total in 5 of those last 6 games. However, the Cardinals have been solid at home this season with a 6-3 ATS mark in Phoenix. 
 
Pick – Atlanta stays hot against the struggling Cardinals.

NFL Playoff Preview 
Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego (8-8) 
Saturday, 8:00PM Eastern 
 
Bookmaker.com betting line – Indianapolis -1, 51 O/U 
 
The Indianapolis Colts closed out the season as the hottest team in the NFL winning their last 9 straight games. Indianapolis was completely written off after 3-4 start, but has rallied with a vengeance. The Colts travel across the nation to San Diego to battle with the Chargers Saturday night. San Diego is the first team since the 1985 Cleveland Browns to capture a playoff berth without a winning record. However, San Diego took advantage of a weak AFC West division and trampled the Broncos last week 52-21 to gain postseason life. This game features two hot teams that did not lose one game in the month of December and it will be interesting to see who continues on this path. The Colts beat the Chargers in a great game earlier this season 23-20 and this game looks to be another exciting match-up. 
 
San Diego became the first team to ever overcome a 3-game deficit to win their division in the final 3 weeks of the season. The Chargers offense has came to life in the final weeks of the season. San Diego has averaged 37 points per game in their last 4 games. The Chargers bring a strong passing offense to the table which is rather different than San Diego teams of the past. The Chargers running back LaDainain Tomlinson has lead one of the best ground games over the past few seasons. However, this year the running game has not been near as good considering the offense has been transformed into a passing attack. Tomlinson has 1,110 yards on the season with 11 touchdowns. QB Phillip Rivers has been the major asset to the offense this season throwing for 4,009 yards and 34 touchdowns. This game has all the making to be a great quarterback showdown between two of the best in the NFL. 
 
Peyton Manning has the Colts offense back in high gear after a sluggish start to the season averaging a 5^th best 255 yards per game through the air. The big reason the Colts have achieved late season success lies in the play of the Indianapolis defense. The Colts defense has been spectacular in the latter part of the season. In their last 5 games, Indianapolis has only allowed 11 points per game including a shutout last week over the Tennessee Titans. The Colts defense will get a big test this week against a high octane offense from San Diego. The Chargers offense ranks as the 2^nd best scoring offense in the NFL averaging 26 points per game. Indianapolis will try to keep the San Diego offense in check and allow the Colts offense to continue their stellar play.  
 
What to watch for… 
The Indianapolis secondary is ranked as a top 5 pass defense in the NFL this season holding opposing offenses to only 188 yards per game. San Diego will try to utilize the passing game against this strong secondary. The winner of this battle when the Chargers have the ball could have a huge impact on how the game is played out. Expect a lot of passes in this game and watch for Peyton Manning experience in big games to shine as well. 
 
Betting Trends… 
Indianapolis is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games while reaching the under in 4 of those 6 games as well. The Colts are 15-3 SU in their last 18 games on the road. San Diego is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games at home while reaching the under in 4 of their last 6 games. The Chargers are a strong 12-3 SU in their last 15 games at home. 
 
Pick – The line in this game is a little too high. San Diego posted 52 last week against a bad defense. Indianapolis has a solid defense that should keep this one under 51.

NFL Betting Preview 
Dallas Cowboys (9-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-6-1) 
Sunday, 4:15PM Eastern 
 
Betting Line – Bookmaker.com – Eagles -1.5, over/under 42.5 
 
The final game of the regular season takes place this Sunday with a classic NFC East battle for playoff hopes. Week 17 promises to hold a number of exciting games with teams battling for postseason positions with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles game being no different. Despite a loss last week, Dallas is still one win away from sealing a playoff birth. Philadelphia actually controlled their own destiny a week ago, but a loss to the Redskins ruined the majority of their chances. The Eagles still have a chance even though they will need a bunch of help. Still this NFC East battle has always hosted great games and this match-up should be another great battle. 
 
Philadelphia stumbled last week in their 10-3 loss to the Redskins. The Eagles now will have to beat the Cowboys and hope for Chicago and Tampa Bay to both lose. While that may seem far fetched, this NFL season has proven that anything can happen. The Eagles have won 3 of their last 4 games with big help from an emerging offense. Philadelphia sports one of the better defenses in the NFL and they will be facing a very talented Cowboys offensive attack. On the season, the Eagles rank 3^rd in the league in total defense holding teams to 272 yards per game. Philadelphia also host a 2^nd ranked secondary that has only allowed 180 yards per game. The Eagles secondary will face a big challenge when Tony Romo and company come rolling into town. Philadelphia will look to capture a big victory at home and pray for some help in order to make the postseason. 
 
The Cowboys elite offense has mellowed down a little towards the end of the season. However, the Dallas defense has played very well in the last few weeks. Before last week’s meltdown to the Ravens, the Dallas defense had held teams to only 13.8 points per game. QB Tony Romo has been rock solid this season racking up 3,265 yards and 26 touchdowns despite nearly missing a month of football. Wide receivers Jason Witten and Terrell Owens both have over 900 receiving yards this season and have totaled 14 touchdowns between the two. The Cowboys offense will look to move the ball through the air against a tough Eagles secondary. Dallas must win this game to make the playoffs because a loss would officially eliminate them from postseason play. 
 
What to watch for… 
The Cowboys beat the Eagles 41-37 earlier this season in an offensive shootout. This match-up will be considerably different. Look for the defenses to control the game. Eagles’ running back Brian Westbrook had a total of 3 touchdowns in that game and the Cowboys must find a way to contain him this time around. The running game will also be key for the Cowboys. If running back Marion Barber can have a big performance, the Cowboys should fair well. 
 
Betting Trends… 
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games, but has only gone 1-4 ATS on the road in their last 5 games. The Cowboys have found the under total in 4 of their last 6 games as well. Philadelphia is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games. The Eagles have also gone on the under total in 6 of their last 9 games. Philadelphia is also 4-1 ATS against the Cowboys in their last 5 games in this rivalry. 
 
Pick – In cold weather this match-up has favored the under strongly in recent years.  Expect a defensive game. Take the under 42.5

NFL Betting Preview 
Miami Dolphins (10-5) at New York Jets (9-6) 
Sunday, 4:15PM Eastern 
 
Bookmaker.com betting line – Jets -3, 42.5 over/under 
 
The AFC playoff picture is still up for grabs and the most important game to decide that outcome with take place in East Rutherford, NJ this weekend. The Miami Dolphins are in a first place tie with the New England Patriots in the AFC East. The New York Jets are one game back and need a victory and some help to make the playoffs. This game will be a battle between two teams who will be expected to bring the best effort in attempt to gain a chance at postseason play. The Jets won the first meeting this season 20-14 in Miami in Brett Farve debut as the New York quarterback. This game will be much different as they will take on a hot Miami team that has won 4 straight games and 8 of their last 9. 
 
Miami controls their own destiny and simply needs to put away the Jets to seal themselves into the playoffs. A Dolphins loss would officially eliminate Miami from the playoffs. However, considering the Dolphins run of late they may be a dangerous team if they can get in. Miami has been in some grudge matches this year on the gridiron. In the Dolphins 10 wins this season, 8 of those wins have been by 10 points or less. Dolphins QB Chad Pennington has really been the turning point for the franchise. Last year the Dolphins had one of the worse seasons of any team in history only winning one ball game. This season they are primed to make one of the biggest turnarounds in history. Pennington has been a big part of the success becoming a lethal offensive threat. Pennington has thrown for 3,453 yards this season while completing 67% of his passes for a total of 17 touchdowns. Pennington looks to be a big threat against a weak New York secondary that is allowing over 237 yards per game through the air. 
 
New York put together a mid-season run that made them look like one of the best teams in the NFL yet along the AFC. The Jets won a total of 7 out of 8 games in that stretch with some very quality wins. However, in recent weeks the Jets have really struggled losing 3 of their last 4. In those 3 losses, the Jets are averaging 11 points per game. The offense that was so strong early this season has vanished and the Jets need locate their weapons once again. Brett Farve has had a big year wearing the Jets uniform. Farve has thrown for 21 touchdowns and over 3000 yards. However, New York has found its main success this season behind the legs of running back Thomas Jones. Jones has amassed 1,289 yards this season along with 13 touchdowns. Jones will play a big part in the Jets success this weekend in cold conditions. Jones has not rushed over 78 yards in the last 3 weeks. Earlier in the year the star back was picking up nearly 100 yards every time out. New York needs to get their running game back and allow Jones to open up the struggling offense. 
 
What to watch for… 
The Jets out rushed the Dolphins 122 – 49 in their first meeting and the running game could likely tell the story again. Running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have come on strong for the Dolphins in the latter part of the year. The Miami running game could be the difference this time around. Also, the big play ability of both quarterbacks will be fun to watch. Brett Farve and Chad Pennington can trigger some big plays for their teams and it will be interesting to see which quarterback is more effective. 
 
Pick – Only 34 points scored last game. Jets offense struggling and cold conditions mean another low scoring affair. Take the Under 42

NFL Betting Preview
Denver Broncos (8-7) at San Diego Chargers (7-8)
Sunday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers -  8.5 ,  Total  50

The AFC West title will be on the line Sunday night as the San Diego Chargers host the Denver Broncos on NBC.  The Broncos have collapsed in recent weeks allowing the Chargers back in the race and now it is San Diego that looks like a playoff team rather than Denver.  The Broncos have been in first place in the division all season but a loss to the Chargers and it all means nothing.  If the Broncos lose they would become the first team since division play began to blow a three-game lead with three weeks remaining.

“Unfortunately we’re not going to be able to go up there and take it easy,” Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall said. “We’re going to have to go up there in their back yard and prove to them that we’re better than them. They’re a good team, they’re playing better now, and they’ve got all the momentum.”

SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Chargers at Home.

The Chargers are red-hot having won three straight games including last week’s 41-24 win at Tampa Bay. “We were 4-8. We could have shut it down,” said San Diego tight end Antonio Gates, “Honestly, you know, we could have said, ‘You know what, Denver ain’t going to lose three in a row.’ We could have taken that mind-set. But it was more about the San Diego Chargers and what we were trying to accomplish. Eventually that gave us a chance to sit here and play.” The Chargers have won big in the last two home games against Denver by a combined score of 71-23. 

Earlier this season in Denver the Chargers lost to the Broncos because of a bad referee’s call but now that seems a distant memory as San Diego can get their revenge and win the division on Sunday.  It could be an offensive shootout considering Denver has Jay Cutler throwing the ball all over the field while San Diego’s Phillip Rivers has been even better.  Cutler broke Jake Plummer’s single-season franchise record with 4,210 yards in last week’s loss to the Bills.  Cutler is headed to the Pro Bowl while Rivers is not.  Rivers though has the better numbers as he leads the NFL in touchdowns and passer rating.

Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Broncos are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 road games. The Broncos are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 vs. AFC West. The Broncos are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in December.

The Broncos are 0-4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.

The Chargers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in December. The Chargers are 20-7-4 ATS in their last 31 vs. the AFC West. The Chargers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers -  8.5 ,  Total  50.5

The Over is 9-3 in the Broncos last 12 vs. the AFC West. The Over is 9-4-1 in the Broncos last 14 road games. The Under is 4-0-1 in the Chargers last 5 home games. The Over is 4-1-1 in the Chargers last 6 vs. the AFC West. The Under is 7-3-1 in the Chargers last 11 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.

Pick: Broncos 2 out of 5 units

NBA Betting Preview 
Boston Celtics (27-2) at L.A Lakers (23-5) 
Thursday, 5:00PM Eastern, ABC 
 
Betting Line- 
 
The two best teams in the NBA will square off on Christmas day when the Boston Celtics take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The game will highlight the two biggest powerhouses in professional basketball and promises to be an exciting game to watch. These two teams have been the best two in the history of the NBA. The Lakers and the Celtics are number 1 and 2 in all-time wins. They also rank 1 and 2 in all-time Championships with the Celtics with 16 and the Lakers with 11. This season these two historical teams are once again dominating the NBA. Combined both teams only have 7 losses through nearly the first 30 games of the season. The Celtics own the best record in the NBA at an astonishing mark of 27-2 and the Lakers have the 3^rd best record standing at 23-5. Thursday night on Christmas day will be a clash of titans as these two opponents try to prove their supremacy in the NBA. 
 
Boston is off to one of the best starts in NBA history and is pacing themselves to break the best single season all-time record that the 1996 Chicago Bulls have at a mark of 72-10. The Celtics amazing success lies in the play of their defense first and foremost. Boston has held opposing teams to 91 points per game which is 2^nd best in the NBA. The Celtics have also only allowed opposing teams to shoot 41% on average from the floor ranking as the best in the NBA by a good margin. Led by the trio of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett, it’s hard to imagine any team wanting to battle with the Celtics. The Celtics are averaging 50 points per game just amongst those three stars. Ray Allen has perhaps been the most consistent playmaker this season averaging 18.8 points per game and shooting a very strong 50% from the floor. The Celtics look to utilize their offensive weapons and use the defense to keep the Lakers in control. 
 
Los Angeles owns very possibly the best player in the NBA in Kobe Bryant. However, the entire team is a high scoring threat for any opposing team. The Lakers average the most points per game in the NBA posting a strong 107 points every time out. Los Angeles has also controlled the boards very well this season averaging 45 rebounds per contest which ranks 3^rd in the NBA. With the addition of power forward Pau Gasol a year ago, the Lakers have come an even stronger force. Kobe Bryant ranks 4^th best in the NBA in scoring at 27 points per game. However, when the Lakers have big performance from Gasol they are at their best. The Lakers will hope for some big performances from their star players this Christmas as they try to take down what most consider the best team in the NBA. 
 
What to watch for… 
 
Keep an eye on the rebounds in this game. Both teams average a high rebound total and one will likely perform under par. Los Angeles is a high scoring team and Boston is accustomed to more low scoring affairs. However, in low scoring games this season the Lakers have played really well. In their 5 losses, 4 of those games both teams scored nearly 100 points or more with a 200+ game total. Both of the Celtics losses came to teams who tend to score more points like the Lakers. How much of effect will each team be able to play on the other and who will establish their style of play. 
 
Pick – Lakers have struggled in last week or so, but they rise to the challenge in this one.

NFL Betting Preview
Green Bay Packers (5-9) at Chicago Bears (8-6)
Monday, 8:35 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Bears -  4.5 ,  Total  42

The Chicago Bears will be trying to keep their playoff hopes alive on Monday night as they host the Green Bay Packers. The Bears trail the Vikings by one game in the NFC North but they lose the tiebreaker against the Vikings, so Minnesota only needs to win either this week against Atlanta or next week against the New York Giants to clinch the division.  Chicago is also in the Wild Card race with Dallas, Tampa Bay, Atlanta and Philadelphia. The Bears should be motivated on Monday regardless of the situation since the Packers beat them like a drum last month in Green Bay.
SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Bears at Home.

The Bears may have been humiliated 37-3 against Green Bay last month but since that time Chicago has won three of their last four while the Packers have lost four in a row to fall out of the playoff race.  The Packers have blown fourth quarter leads in their last three losses and has given up 79 points in their last three games.

Chicago is coming off an overtime win over New Orleans last Thursday that kept their playoff hopes alive.  Chicago running back Matt Forte is expected to be ready on Monday after missing part of last week’s game with an injured toe. Forte needs 69 yards to break Anthony Thomas’ team rookie rushing record set in 2001.

Chicago has won six of the past nine games against Green Bay. The teams have split their last four games at Chicago.  Here are more NFL betting stats for Monday’s game. The Packers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NFC North.

The Packers are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games as a road underdog. The Packers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall. The Packers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 meetings in Chicago.

The Bears are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December. The Bears are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games as a home favorite.

SBG Global Current Line: Bears -  4 ,  Total  41

The Over is 6-1 in the Packers last 7 vs. the NFC North. The Over is 5-1-1 in the Packers last 7 games as a road underdog. The Over is 9-2-1 in the Packers last 12 road games. The Over is 22-8-1 in the Packers last 31 games overall. The Over is 7-3 in the Packers last 10 Monday games.

The Over is 17-4 in the Bears last 21 games as a home favorite. The Over is 28-11-1 in the Bears last 40 vs. the NFC. The Over is 9-4 in the Bears last 13 games in December.

Pick: Bears 4 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview 
Carolina Panthers (11-3) at New York Giants (11-3) 
Sunday, 8:15PM Eastern 
 
Beted.com betting line – New York Giants -3, 39 O/U 
 
The NFC home field advantage will be determined this Sunday night one two of the best teams in the conference meet in an epic grudge match. The Carolina Panthers and New York Giants both have the best records in the NFC at 11-3. Each team is one win away from claiming home field advantage throughout the playoffs and you can expect to see a great game this Sunday night. The Giants have lost two games in a row after starting the season 11-1 while Carolina has been the hottest team in the NFL in recent weeks winning 3 straight games. 
 
The Panthers have captured two really big wins in their last two outings. Carolina hopes to continue their success this Sunday when they travel to East Rutherford to battle the Giants. The Panthers running game has been superb lately and they rank 4^th in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Tailbacks DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have shared carries and both been extremely effective. Williams has over 1200 yards on the season while Stewart is about 200 yards shy of the 1,000 yard make. The two backs have accounted for 23 touchdowns this season and they hope to keep the ground game moving this week. Also, the Panthers defense has been playing well putting a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.  
 
New York has dropped two straight games to NFC East foes and look to rebound this weekend at home. The Giants troubles started a few weeks ago with some off the field trouble by star wide receiver Plexico Burress. Burress is officially out for the season and the offense just not has found the fire power since. The Giants have averaged 26 points per game this season, but have not scored more than 14 points in their last 3 games. The offense must get back to early season form or the Giants will likely continue to struggle. The New York defense has played well despite the offenses struggles and they will need to hang in there until the offense can turn things around. 
 
What to watch for… 
 
The Panther running game is the huge factor in this game. Carolina needs at least one of their two impressive backs to establish the ground game. If that happens, WR Steve Smith will likely get some big plays and the Panthers will continue to roll. The Giants have to find some answers on offense. This team has not looked nothing like the team that was so strong early in the year. QB Eli Manning needs to find some new targets and open up the playbook against the Panthers. 
 
Betting Trends and Stats… 
 
The Giants are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home and also 6-1 SU in their past 7 games at home. New York is 16-4 ATS in their last 20 games while reaching the under in the last 3 games. Carolina is 7-1 SU in their past 8 games and 4-2ATS in their last 6 games. The Panthers have gone on the over total in 4 of their last 5 games and also gone on the over total in 6 of their last 9 games on the road. New York won the last meeting between these two teams 27-13 back in 2006. 
 
Pick – Giants cool off the Panthers, Giants 4 out of 5 units