It’s safe for NFL
betting fans to say we’ve reached the stretch run of the 2009 season. With
Thanksgiving and Christmas and bowl games and so many other things to juggle on
our busy schedules over the next month, it’s a good idea to mark down the most
important remaining NFL games on the calendar. Here they are, in chronological
order.
Monday,
November 30: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Everyone’s talking this one up and for good
reason. We have the undefeated Saints in their rowdy Louisiana Superdome on Monday Night Football. The Saints have
the NFC’s best offense and the Patriots lead the AFC in scoring. Tom Brady,
Drew Brees, Randy Moss – what more could you want?
Saturday,
December 19: DALLAS COWBOYS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
It’s already a treat to make NFL picks for a Saturday
game, so the fact that we see two contending teams clash is gravy here. Aside
from New England, the Cowboys probably pose the greatest threat to the Saints’
undefeated season. Tony Romo will have to shake his history of December woes to
make this a game but I like his chances to do so indoors.
Sunday,
December 20: GREEN BAY PACKERS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Here’s a matchup we don’t get to see enough in online betting,
don’t you think? Two storied teams with gritty, smashmouth team personas going
head to head. We get to see two of the game’s top defenses challenge two of the
game’s top quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger.
Sunday,
December 27: BALTIMORE RAVENS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS
We have to have at least one key divisional
matchup on this list and there’s perhaps none bigger than this Week 16 tilt.
The Ravens and Steelers have slipped behind the Cincinnati Bengals for now and
could very well be battling for the final AFC Wildcard berth come Dec. 27. This
is a big game.
Sunday,
January 3, 2010: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ HOUSTON TEXANS
This pick probably comes as a shocker, especially
when Week 17 includes Giants/Vikings, Eagles/Cowboys and possible bids for
perfect seasons from Indy and New Orleans. However, the Patriots and Texans
could offer something else – the biggest game in a young franchise’s history.
If the Houston Texans make the playoffs, it’ll be by the skin of their teeth;
they’ll probably find themselves in a “win to get in” situation on the last day
of the season. Hosting the powerful Patriots, the Texans could give fans and sportsbook
bettors a real thriller as they push to finally reach the postseason.