Adding to his stuffed trophy case, The Wildcat captured first place over more than 50 foes in the 2006-07 edition of Playbook’s long-running Wise Guys Contest with an overall record of 25-11 (going 16-2 on top plays, and closing with 11 in a row). Including the 1997-2006 seasons in The Post, Cat’s 12-year record in print stands at 332-270 (55.1 percent) against the spread.
SUNDAY
TITANS (Pick) over Chargers: Tennessee’s in a race with Cleveland for the final AFC playoff spot, and given the Browns’ far-gentler schedule, Titans need to rack this one up. LaDainian Tomlinson ran wild in last year’s 40-7 rout in Southern California, but Tenny’s allowed only one 100-yard rusher all season (Maurice Jones-Drew). With Albert Haynesworth a key intimidation factor on defense, Titans need a solid stop-unit effort to give Vince Young a chance to win this. Jeff Fisher vs. Norv Turner? Cat likee. Titans (Pick) stay alive, for one unit.
Chiefs/BRONCOS Over 37: Cat will happily play an over-adjusted number such as this, especially in a season in which the rules handcuffing defensive backs – and the enforcement thereof – have facilitated many a scoring explosion. Could happen here, with Chiefs defense (likely without DB Greg Wesley and LB Donnie Edwards, among others) potentially easy prey for desperate Jay Cutler and friends. On other side, gamer Brodie Croyle will give it his all, and RB Kolby Smith should gain ample ground yardage against soft Broncos interior. Ring ’em up (over 37), for one unit.
LAST WEEK: 1-1 (even units). Wildcats kicked down the back door (Arizona, plus one unit). Ya think Seahawks have something on Philly’s defensive schemes? (Eagles, minus one unit).
SEASON: 15-15-1.
To contact Cat about his comprehensive advisory service, writer PO Box 739,Hightstown, NJ, 08520, or visit http://www.thesharpmoves.com.