By BOB MATTHEWS
Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle

The San Francisco 49ers have been a strange team this season. They have a respectable 9-5 record but seldom appear overpowering.

The 49ers have lost five straight games against the Las Vegas point spread (ATS) and are a mere 5-9 ATS this year.

San Francisco needs a boost heading into the playoffs and should get the job done Saturday in Arizona.

The Cardinals put up a decent fight in a 30-28 road loss to the overrated and undermotivated St. Louis Rams last week, but they're 1-7 since a surprising 4-2 start and hurting at the offensive skill positions.

Quarterback Jeff Garcia and the rest of the 49ers should be ready for a big effort as 4.5-point favorites and Week 16's "Best Bet": San Francisco 28, ARIZONA 10.

Saturday's other games (home team in CAPS)

Miami 27, MINNESOTA 20 - The Dolphins are favored by 3 points and have much more to play for in pursuit of the AFC East title. Warning: Miami is 4-16 ATS on the road in December and the Vikings are a respectable 7-7 ATS this season.

Philadelphia 20, DALLAS 7 - The 6.5-point Eagles are 5-0 ATS in their last five games this season and 5-1 ATS in their last six trips to Dallas. The Cowboys are sputtering on offense and Philadelphia's defense has stepped up since QB Donovan McNabb was lost with a broken ankle.

Sunday's games

ATLANTA 24, Detroit 10 - The 11-point favored Falcons and QB Michael Vick are due for a top effort coming off consecutive losses to Tampa Bay and Seattle. The Lions are 7-15-2 ATS in December.

CAROLINA 17, Chicago 10 - The Bears are 3-point underdogs coming off a surprising upset home win over the New York Jets and 3-12 ATS as road underdogs in December.

New Orleans 33, CINCINNATI 15 - Is this the first time the Saints will hold an opponent under 20 points this season? The 7-point underdog Bengals are 3-11 ATS this season.

GREEN BAY 20, Buffalo 17 - The Packers are favored by 6.5 points and that seems overly generous against a team with a running back as hot as Travis Henry and 10-4-1 ATS as a road underdog in December.

INDIANAPOLIS 27, New York Giants 17 - The Giants are 15-4 ATS as underdogs in December and benefit from a 5-point spot but it will be difficult to stick close indoors against a team with as much offense as the Colts.

Tennessee 20, JACKSONVILLE 14 - The Jaguars are dangerous 3-point underdogs at home but the Titans are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings and on a roll with an 8-1 record since a 1-4 start.

San Diego 23, KANSAS CITY 14 - The Chiefs are favored by 2 points but probably couldn't beat the Chargers without a 100 percent Priest Holmes. San Diego won 35-34 at home Oct. 13.

WASHINGTON 27, Houston 7 - Redskins star RB Stephen Davis is through for the season, giving coach Steve Spurrier an excuse for taking to the air against the 6.5-point underdog expansion Texans.

SEATTLE 24, St. Louis 17 - The Rams are 3-11 ATS this season and probably can't beat the less talented but much healthier 1-point favored Seahawks.

Cleveland 28, BALTIMORE 20 - The 3-point underdog Browns generally play close games and it is their turn to win one. The Ravens won 26-21 in Cleveland Oct. 6 and lead the series 5-2.

OAKLAND 27, Denver 20 - The Raiders won 34-10 in Denver Nov. 11 and should be primed to complete the sweep as 4-point favorites coming off a road loss to Miami. Warning: the Broncos are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

New York Jets 23, NEW ENGLAND 20 - The 4-point underdog Jets are 5-0 ATS in the last five trips to New England, 12-3 ATS as underdogs in December and should be eager to avenge a 44-7 home loss Sept. 15.

Monday night's game

TAMPA BAY 24, Pittsburgh 13 - The 4.5-point underdog Steelers lead the series 5-1 but the Buccaneers have at least as much offense and a much more consistent defense.

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS - 9-7 picking winning teams outright (135-88-1 this season); 7-9 picking winning teams against the spread (106-113-5); the "Best Bet" is 8-7 after the 6.5-point favored New York Jets lost 20-13 to Chicago.

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