NFL Best Bets for Week 17
December 29th 2012 - Old Man Winner
SD -6.5 vs. Oak
In week #17 you need to be looking for both teams to be playing on similar
motivational ground. You do not want one team playing to get into the playoffs
and the other to be playing for absolutely nothing. So, in this game, at least
you know that BOTH teams will be playing for absolutely nothing with respect to
the playoffs.
However, as we all know, this will be Norv Turner's last game as the Charger
coach. And, as much as bettors and fans have despised Norv over the years for
his failures, you have to remember that, for the most part, he has always had a
reputation as a player's coach. Translation: the players like him. The Chargers
also hate the Raiders (who doesn't?).
Therefore, I could see this as a "win one for the Gipper" kind of game.
In contrast, I'm not sure Dennis Allen has nearly that kind of support. If you
heard the controversial Lomas Brown story this week you know that players can
opt to suboptimize their performance for personal reasons. I can easily see this
happening today to the Raiders.
The Chargers traditionally have played well in December, are home, and their
defense is playing their best football lately. The Raiders have announced they
will start Terrelle Pryor in this game "to get a look and see what they have."
Look - this guy barely beat out Matt Leinart - the worst paid QB in the league.
It's not gonna be pretty for him today - at all!
I see the Chargers blowing up here with at least one defensive score and
wouldn't be surprised to see more than that.
SD 34 Oak 6
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