For the second week in a row the "under" had the edge in the NFL with nine of 16 games staying under 5Dimes closing betting odds. For the second week in a row I came up on the wrong of my top three total line picks for Doc's Sports at 1-2, but I am still clinging to a winning record on the year at 24-23-1.

I will have one more shot at regaining my winning edge before the start of the NFL Playoffs; where the stakes are raised for both the teams involved and the bettors wagering on the games. Fortunately, my confidence level remains high for this Sunday's free picks based on betting odds as provided by 5Dimes.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens (1 p.m. CBS)

Total Line: 42.5

Game Overview

The Browns are still trying to figure out who they are going to start at quarterback with Johnny Manziel ruled out and Brian Hoyer still battling through injuries. However, in reality, does it even really matter? After a promising start, Cleveland has returned to form with just one victory in its last six games. During this slide the offense has averaged just 13.3 points a game.

Baltimore is in a must-win situation to squeeze its way into the postseason, so it is safe to say that the motivation level for this game will be running high. The only reason in my book that the Ravens are in position for a wild-card spot in the AFC has been the solid level of play on defense This unit is ranked ninth in the NFL in yards allowed (342.1) and seventh in points allowed (19.5).

Game Trends

The total line for this AFC North tilt opened at 42.5, and it has held steady as the week as progressed. Weather should not be a factor at M&T Bank Field this Sunday, but the lack of offense for Cleveland coupled with the Ravens' defense will. The total has stayed under in five of the Browns' last seven road games as underdogs, and it has stayed under in eight of their last 11 games against Baltimore.

Game Pick: UNDER

San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs (1 p.m. CBS)

Total Line: 42

Game Overview

San Diego is in the midst of another one of those late-season charges to the playoffs, and leading the way as expected is quarterback Philip Rivers. Playing through the pain of a back injury, he has led the Chargers to a 4-2 run down the stretch in which the offense has scored 27 points or more in three of the victories. This compares to a season scoring average of just 22.7 points a game.

The Chiefs are also in the hunt for that final wild-card spot in the conference, but they need to win Sunday and get some help. This has been a tough team to figure out this season at 8-7 on the year, and while the stats paint the picture of a shutdown defense leading to much of the team's success, this unit has had its issues in Kansas City's 1-4 slide in its last four games.

Game Trends

This AFC West clash opened with a total line of 42, and early action either way from the betting public has been unable to move it off of that mark. I still see this betting line being a bit low for this matchup. The teams combined for 43 points in the first meeting when San Diego's offense was not playing its best ball, and looking back at the recent betting trends in this matchup, the total has gone over in four of the last five meetings.

Game Pick: OVER

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco (1 p.m. FOX)

Total Line: 36.5

Game Overview:

I took the bait on a very low total line (36.5) last week with the Cardinals and lost. While the offense held up its end of the bargain with just six points, the vaunted defense wilted under the pressure by allowing 21 points fourth-quarter points in the loss to Seattle. I remain confident that Arizona's offense will remain in a funk after scoring a grand total of 56 points in its last five games, and I expect a much better effort on defense against the 49ers.

San Francisco continues to ride out the string with an apparent lame duck coach at the helm, so you really have to question just how much motivation this team will bring into this season finale. The offense did manage to put up 35 points last week in an overtime loss to San Diego, but on the year it's ranked 26^th in the league in scoring with 19.1 points a game.

Game Trends:

The total line in this NFC West clash opened at 36.5, and it remains right at that number on 5Dimes' current board. It looks like Logan Thomas will get the start for Arizona at quarterback, but unless Carson Palmer can magically come off the IR list, it really doesn't matter who gets the call. The total has stayed under in the Cardinals last three road games against the division, and in it has stayed under in five of San Francisco's last six games at home.

Game Pick: UNDER

YTD Record: 24-23-1

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