CHALKS & ’DOGS Pro picks

Buffalo (+ 5 1/2) at Cleveland: Two negative stats: Cleveland has allowed 356 points, the most in the NFL; the Bills, despite a 7-6 record, have been outscored 291-222, although that’s skewed by two losses to New England by a combined 94-17. The conventional wisdom is to go with defense, especially in a cold-weather venue like Cleveland. BROWNS, 27-24

Jacksonville (+ 3 1/2) at Pittsburgh: No guarantees from Pittsburgh on this one. STEELERS, 20-19

New York Jets (+ 24) at New England: Surprisingly, folks are betting on the Jets, who opened as 27-point underdogs. That’s despite suggestions Bill Belichick might want to win 74-0 against the team that turned him in for illegal tapes. It won’t be that bad. New York is playing better lately. But ... PATRIOTS, 49-10

Washington (+ 4 1/2) at New York Giants: The Giants have been better on the road, but they’re going for a playoff spot against a backup QB. GIANTS, 19-13

Seattle (- 7 1/2) at Carolina: Seahawks have clinched NFC West and won’t get a bye. Less incentive. SEAHAWKS, 27-24

Detroit (+ 10) at San Diego: Baltimore almost beat New England and was awful the next week. The Lions almost beat Dallas and ...CHARGERS, 41-7

Baltimore (- 3) at Miami: If the Ravens play as they did against the Colts, anything’s possible. RAVENS, 13-3

Philadelphia (+ 10 1/2) at Dallas: Cowboys need this in drive to clinch NFC home-field advantage. COWBOYS, 27-13

Tennessee (- 4) at Kansas City: Jeff Fisher doesn’t condone letdowns. But after last week ... CHIEFS, 13-12

Arizona (+ 3 1/2) at New Orleans: Elimination game for two teams seeking the final NFC wild card. SAINTS, 31-26

Associated Press