Times Leader

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RAMS (7-8) at SEAHAWKS (6-9)

Line: Rams by 3

The winner of this game wins the NFC Less, I mean, West, and hosts a playoff game. This game has seen a point-spread swing (the Rams opened as 1-point underdogs) because of the uncertain status of Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (hip). Seahawks coach Pete Carroll says Hasselbeck is a long shot to start, which means backup Charlie Whitehurst takes over. (I still think Hasselbeck plays). Throw out home (Seattle is 4-3) and away records (Rams are 2-5) for this one. The Rams have a 10-5 ATS record.

The pick: Rams

BEARS (11-4) at PACKERS (9-6)

Line: Packers by 10

I know Danny and all the other Giants fans will become big-time Bears fans beginning at 4:15 today. If the Packers win, they’re in, regardless of what the Giants do against the ‘Skins. When Lovie Smith was named Bears coach in 2004, he said his goals were to beat Green Bay, win the division and win a Super Bowl, in that order. Well, Coach, that statement will be put to the test this weekend. The Bears are currently the No. 2 seed in the NFC. If the Falcons beat the Panthers (1 p.m. start), the Bears can’t vault to the top seed. So then what will they have to play for?

The pick: Packers

GIANTS (9-6) at REDSKINS (6-9)

Line: Giants by 4

Giants coach Tom Coughlin has dominated the back pages, airwaves and Internet since Sunday when Big Blue got thrashed by the Packers.

The Giants need a win (and a Packers’ loss), but this is no gimme for the G-Men. Skins QB Rex Grossman has Washington (2-0-1 ATS last 3 games) playing better. However, I believe the Giants, 8-1 overall against Washington in their last nine meetings, make one last stand for their embattled leader.

The pick: Giants

BILLS (4-11) at JETS (10-5)

Line: Off

The Jets don’t have a whole heck of a lot to play for this weekend. They’ll be either the No. 5 of 6 seed, which means a wild-card road game next week. QB Mark Sanchez will start but won’t play the entire game, according to coach Rex Ryan (he’s probably out by halftime). I can’t see backup Mark Brunell throwing too much, so expect to see a lot of running. The Bills are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games.

The pick: Bills

JAGUARS (8-7) at TEXANS (5-10)

Line: Jaguars by 3

I feel badly for the Jaguars, who need a win here and an Indy loss to make the playoffs. The Jags will be without QB David Garrard (finger) and most likely RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee). Even without Garrard and MJD, I think the more desperate team wins.

The pick: Jaguars

TITANS (6-9) at COLTS (9-6)

Line: Colts by 10

The Colts win and they’re in the postseason. Big spread be darned.

The pick: Colts

BUCCANEERS (9-6) at SAINTS (11-4)

Line: Saints by 7 1/2

The Bucs are 6-0-1 ATS on the road. The Saints flexed their muscles in Monday’s road win against Atlanta.

The pick: Saints

PANTHERS (2-13) at FALCONS (12-3)

Line: Falcons by 14 1/2

If the Falcons win, they clinch No. 1 seed in playoffs.