Week 16 handicapping column

By Keith Schleiden, Managing editor
Friday, Dec. 28, 2001

Arizona (+1) at Carolina

The Cardinals are 4-1-1 vs. the spread on the road. The Panthers are 4-1-1 vs. the spread at home. So who’s going to give? In my mind, the Cardinals are clearly the better team at this point. They have playmakers on offense in QB Jake Plummer and WR David Boston. They have an overachieving defense. They have confidence on their side after beating the Cowboys last week. Arizona head coach Dave McGinnis believes his team is finally rounding into shape and is ready to build momentum that it intends to carry over into next season.

Schleiden’s pick: Arizona

Atlanta (+7) at Miami

The Falcons are 4-1-1 vs. the spread on the road. The Dolphins are 5-1 vs. the spread at home. This is the third game in a row for the Falcons against an AFC East opponent. They were defeated soundly by the Colts in Week 14 before narrowly beating the Bills last week. As for the Dolphins, they have lost two in a row and desperately need to get things turned around if they intend to be a factor in the playoffs. I think the Dolphins have a lot more at stake here, which will lead to an impressive showing from them.

Schleiden’s pick: Miami

Oakland (+1) at Denver

The Raiders are 4-2-1 vs. the spread on the road. The Broncos are 5-2 vs. the spread at home. In seven of the last 10 times the Raiders have traveled to Denver, they have left as losers. That trend doesn’t bode well for Oakland. But then again, the Raiders are going to come out fighting mad after being upset last week at home. The Raiders also are still playing for a bye in the first round of the playoffs, which should be added inspiration. Even though Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan always has his team prepared to take it to the Raiders, I like Oakland this week.

Schleiden’s pick: Oakland

Chicago (–3.5) at Detroit

The Bears are 5-2 vs. the spread on the road. The Lions are 4-2 vs. the spread at home. Let’s face it, the Lions have played just about every opponent tough this season. They lose a lot, but they don’t often lose by much. The Bears, on the other hand, win a lot but don’t often blow out their opponents. That’s why the Bears are favored by such a narrow margin. However, Chicago needs to make a statement. It needs to prove that it is worthy of such an impressive record. The Bears are playing for a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Lions, on the other hand, have achieved their one win. They don’t have to worry about going winless. They may have packed it in, as evidenced by their 47-14 trouncing last week.

Schleiden’s pick: Chicago

Last week: 2-2
Season record: 32-24-2

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