FANTASY FURNACE

This is a late edition of our weekly best bets. We have selected the two most intriguing games of the week first, followed by less meaningful ones which are more of the norm for the final two weeks of the season. Those two games are the Giants vs Ravens and the Seahawks vs 49ers. Our 4-1 tally last week has put our season record 48-27. Here now are our  Five Best Bets…

*Home team in CAPS

Giants vs the RAVENS- As if the Giants need any more incentive to win this game, by having a 4:25 kickoff, they will have already seen the results of the other two teams jockeying for a playoff spot in the NFC East, the Redskins and the Cowboys. The Ravens, although in as a wildcard for this years playoffs, have been a team in turmoil since the arrival of Jim Caldwell. Ray lewis is not a definite ‘go’ for this one but the G-Men’s main concern will be Ray Rice. They will also need to muster up some kind of pass rush on Joe Flacco, who, in case you thought he was just a scrub, has a QB rating of 86.4 this season; Eli’s is 84.0…

The Furnace is predicting a win for the Giants at Baltimore.

SEAHAWKS over the 49ers- Tough one to call. Jim Harbaugh has never lost to Pete Carroll in the NFL. The 49ers defense is a great one. However the Niners don’t really need this one as they get to play the visiting Cardinals in week #17; a game in which they can clinh the NFC West. We all know by now how the Seattle fans have become the 12th man on the field and there is no bigger stage in the NFL than the one on Monday Night Football. The home field, the noise, the way the Seahawks have played (and annihilated several of their opponents of late), are all factors as to why we’re going with them.

JETS over the Chargers- We’ve been told that we need therapy for picking the Jets in 3 of the last 4 weeks, and maybe we do. However we’re still going with them once again this week. The starting debut and audition of third string quarterback Greg McElroy should be enough reason for him to take advantage of the opportunity and prove to the Jets organization, as well as any other team in the league desperate for a QB for next season, that he is for real. The Chargers have that tenuous 3,000 mile trip to Met Life Stadium which could be just two-thirds full and have been inconsistent all season. Edge Jets in another yawner 16-12.

BRONCOS over the Browns- Denver has won nine in a row and is seeking that elusive first round bye. Peyton is coasting on all cylinders and his defense has been stellar. Don’t be turned off by the large spread. Cleveland had some close games earlier in the season but  have also lost four games by double digits. With the Browns it’s been basically the “The Trent Richardson Show” and he will not be enough to offset the the Broncos offense.

Redskins over the EAGLES- If RGIII plays it could be a nightmare for the Eagles as he is the only quarterback to post a perfect 158.3 rating by a rookie in NFL history the last time these two teams met. Although even if he’s not starting we think the Redskins offense is burning on all cylinders scoring 31 or more points in four of their last five games. We’re saying the ‘Skins win this one by at least 10.

Redskins offense scoring at will of late will take this one in Philadelphia this week.