INSIDER'S EDGE Wednesday, December 6, 2000 With no college football this weekend we will focus our full attention to the NFL this week. Next week we will have a full slate of both college and pro football games, including the bowls. The NFL is heading for its last three weeks of the season, and we have enjoyed success over the years finding excellent plays as teams are either jockeying for playoff positions, or just finishing out the season. We have some outstanding plays this weekend. Let's get right to the NFL schedule..... THREE STAR PRO PHILADELPHIA -13 VS CLEVELAND. Just how bad are the Browns? With QB Tim Couch out for the season with a hand injury the Browns have been absolutely awful. Not to mention a plethora of injuries to additional players throughout the roster. Philly QB Donovan McNabb is having a fabulous season and the Browns defense just can't stop anyone. Also note, the Browns offense has only earned just seven first downs over the last two games!!!! QB Spergon Wynn has been rushed into services and just not ready for the NFL, at this juncture. The Browns are just 2-9 vs. the line in their last 11 games while the Eagles are 13-4-2 during their last 17 games. Philly in a blowout. Take Philadelphia....three star best bet.... BALTIMORE -13- VS SAN DIEGO. The Ravens aggressive defense is not what the doctor ordered for San Diego QB Ryan Leaf. In fact, Baltimore is currently striving for a NFL record 5th shutout of the season. Leaf had four picks last week and don't expect many big plays against this rock ribbed Ravens defense. Meanwhile, the Ravens getting QB Trent Dilfer ready for the playoffs while acclimating him to a moving pocket. Rookie sensation RB Jamal Lewis will pound away at this Charger defense. Ravens on pace to allowing the fewest points allowed in one season. Take Baltimore....three star best bet.... OVER 49 POINTS DENVER-SEATTLE. These two teams just met two weeks ago with Denver pulling off a big 38-31 victory. We expect another high scoring affair with a lot of passes in the air. Doesn't matter that backups Gus Frerotte or Mike Anderson are filling in for Griese and Terrell Davis, the Broncoes continue to roll on offense. The Seawhawks have the worse defenses in the NFL and gave up 538 yards against Denver, just two weeks ago. Now, the Seahawks defense is on the road in rowdy Mile High Stadium. Key note- Denver is 12-1 "Over" this season!! Just double check the Denver weather forecast before kickoff. Take Over 49 points Denver-Seattle.....three star best bet.... TWO STAR PRO CINCINNATI +14 VS TENNESSEE. Realize it's always risky backing the Bunguls, but getting nearly two touchdowns in this situation. The Titans are playing with a banged up Steve McNair, and mainly relying on a lot of Al Del Greco field goals lately. No, Corey Dillon should not rush for over 200 yards against this Titan D, but he did have 95 yards in the first meeting between these two clubs. Cincy's offense has a little more bite with QB Scott Mitchell now taking over for Akili Smith. Tennesse is 0-5 vs. the spread in it's last 5 games. Interim head coach Dick Labeau needs a upset win in order to keep that same title next season. Take Cincinnati...two star best bet..... UNDER 35- PITTSBURGH-N.Y.GIANTS. Expect a lot of yards from both Jerome Bettis and Ron Dayne in this one. Pittsburgh has played much better football as of late and trying to make a late AFC division playoff push. Meanwhile, Giants are coming off huge upset win at Washington, last week. Don't expect pocket-locked Kerry Collins to mount many touchdowns against the Steelers defense. The Giants are 2-4 ATS..Under on the road this season. We expect a lot of punts in this game. Take Under 35- Pittsburgh-N.Y. Giants.....two star best bet.... ONE STAR PRO GREEN BAY -6- VS DETROIT. Although both teams are hurting on defense the Lions lost CB Westbrook for the season, with a leg injury. That should bode well for Brett Farve and company. Although the Pack has been inconsistant all season long, they are extremely tough in Lambeau Field in December, over the years. In fact, Farve is an unheard of 20-0 at home, when the temperature is BELOW 34 degrees or lower!!! Packers should get some revenge from earlier 31-24 loss in the Silverdome. Take Green Bay...one star best bet..... GOOD LUCK AND WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FOR COLLEGE BOWL GAMES AND NFL ACTION.......