Week 10 NFL Predictions

Jacksonville at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 5

This Titans team is for real. The Jags may have the great defense on paper, but the Titans’ D is outperforming them and are far more scary. With Jacksonville being a fairly one-dimensional team, guess which dimension the Titans are taking away? That’s right, the running game! Titans 13, Jaguars 10

Denver at Kansas City

Line: Chiefs by 3

The Chiefs could start Mike Garrett or Marcus Allen in the backfield and the Broncos still wouldn’t find a way to stop either. As far as offensively, Denver doesn’t stand a chance without Walker. Chiefs 20, Broncos 10

Buffalo at Miami

Line: Bills by 2.5

I GOT LEE EVANS! I GOT LEE EVANS! Perfect timing too, he gets to go against the Dolphins' secondary. Bills 28, Dolphins 17

Cleveland at Pittsburgh

Line: Steelers by 10

This is a different Browns team from Week 1. They no longer have Charlie Frye and instead have a red-hot Derek Anderson, who could keep the Steelers sweating this one out in Pittsburgh. Steelers 34, Browns 28

St. Louis at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 10.5

The rally from 0-4 is complete and I was a non-believer the whole way. Never more! The Saints are dominators of mediocre competition! Saints 34, Rams 10

Atlanta at Carolina

Line: Panthers by 3.5

Remember how Mike Vick used to kill the Panthers before he picked up a second hobby killing canines? OK, I’ll stop, really, it’s getting old. Panthers 24, Falcons 14

Philadelphia at Washington

Line: Redskins by 3

The Redskins get the most disappointing team in their division, the woeful Philadelphia Eagles, who are well on their way to an 0-6 record in the brutal NFC East. Redskins 19, Eagles 14

Minnesota at Green Bay

Line: Packers by 5.5

Can you believe this? My opponent had Adrian Peterson last week, which of course, was his NFL-record-breaking week, and I still won the matchup? Find out later how I pulled that off. Packers 24, Vikings 17

Cincinnati at Baltimore

Line: Ravens by 3

It was painful watching McNair against the Steelers. Just painful! The man’s got nothing left in the tank. Then again, the Bengals’ D might have trouble stopping a dead man. Ravens 27, Bengals 20

Chicago at Oakland

Line: Bears by 3.5

So, when are the Raiders going to start Russell? I mean, their season’s practically over, might as well, right? Bears 21, Raiders 13

Detroit at Arizona

Line: Lions by 1.5

The Lions could compete for the NFC North crown if their D keeps playing at a high level. Arizona’s probably a year away from surprising people if they can ever get the QB situation straightened out. Lions 20, Cardinals 17

Dallas at New York Giants

Line: Cowboys by 1.5

ROMO TO OWENS BABY! ROMO TO OWENS! The hottest hookup since Columbians giving coke to rich white people in the mid-80’s! Yup! That’s why I’m hot! Oh, and as for the Giants, they’re playing well enough to get over against some scrubby teams, but they have no idea what this Cowboys’ team’s got in store! HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS! Cowboys 31, Giants 20

Indianapolis at San Diego

Line: Chargers by 3.5

What Indy showed in the New England game, in spite of the loss, is that they have a very physical defense. San Diego has not always played physical this year and if Indy’s D can establish tempo early, Peyton and Addai can do their thing on the other end. Colts 34, Chargers 24

San Francisco at Seattle

Line: Seahawks by 9.5

Seattle’s just good enough to get over on their sorry division, and that’s about it. Remember when this Niners’ team was 2-0 and everyone was penciling them in as their playoff darkhorse? Seems like ages ago. Seahawks 17, 49ers 10

Week 9 vs Spread 6-8

Week 9 Straight up 11-3

Season vs Spread 57-65-8

Season Straight up 84-46

Week 1 NBA Rankings

1. Detroit Pistons (3-0) Getting lit up by LeBron in the playoffs was the best thing to happen to the Pistons. Look at how much better their D has gotten.
2. Boston Celtics (2-0) Already showing signs of dominance and it’s just been two games.
3. San Antonio Spurs (3-1) Ginobili and Parker are already in midseason form while Duncan’s still rounding into preseason form.
4. Dallas Mavericks (3-1) Moving Jet to the bench looks like a brilliant move so far.
5. Phoenix Suns (3-1) Came out surprisingly flat against the Lakers.
6. Houston Rockets (4-1) Win over Spurs a real early season statement for a team that’s trying to establish itself among the elite.
7. New Orleans Hornets (4-0) Not only is Paul healthy, but Peja’s poppin’ the threes again.
8. Utah Jazz (2-2) Brewer is already making Jazz fans forget about Derek Fisher.
9. Los Angeles Clippers (3-0) T-squared’s getting his money’s worth right now, but how long can they hold up without Elton?
10. Los Angeles Lakers (2-2) Challenged Houston, beat Phoenix and Utah, and Odom’s still on the shelf.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2) At least they have Pavlovic back, but without Sideshow Bob, they don’t have the same kind of energy.
12. Orlando Magic (3-1) Turkoglu’s playing out of his mind and Howard is starting to move into the elite category of PF’s
13. Indiana Pacers (3-0) There’s no way they can keep this up, there’s just no way. I feel good about drafting Granger though.
14. Toronto Raptors (2-2) Got an early-season statement win in New Jersey, but have since fallen back to earth.
15. New Jersey Nets (3-1) While the rest of the trio struggles, Jefferson is playing out of his mind.
16. New York Knicks (2-1) If they can establish the inside game with Curry and Randolph, they’ll be leaps and bounds better than last year.
17. Denver Nuggets (2-2) For a team with such size up front, you would think the Nuggets could play better defense than they’re playing.
18. Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) Redd alert! Redd alert! He’s back in full force and the Bucks look improved.
19. Atlanta Hawks (1-2) Speaking of improved, this is a possible playoff sleeper right here.
20. Charlotte Bobcats (2-1) Already missing Morrison, now they may be without Felton for a while.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (1-2) With Reggie Evans coming over from Denver, they look good defensively.
22. Miami Heat (0-3) They look helpless offensively without Wade.
23. Chicago Bulls (0-4) It’ll take more than a Kobe trade to save this team, but then again, they got off to a bad start last year too.
24. Golden State Warriors (0-4) This team’s hurting without Jackson. They need him back ASAP!
25. Washington Wizards (0-3) Agent 0 is not liking the fact that the zero is in the left-handed column.
26. Sacramento Kings (1-3) They might as well tank the season with no Bibby for months.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (0-2) They at least look more competitive than they did last year.
28. Portland Trail Blazers (0-3) Aldrige is one of the few bright spots in what looks like a dismal season.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-3) Talent-challenged, but still competing very hard despite this.
30. Seattle Supersonics (0-4) The fans in Seattle may only get to enjoy Durant for one or two more seasons unless the taxpayers help fund a new arena.

Week 9 NFL Predictions

Washington at New York Jets

Line: Redskins by 3.5

Might as well throw up a white flag, Jets, your season’s finished. And to think, all they needed to do was start Kellen Clemens about eight weeks earlier and they might have a fighting chance. Redskins 24, Jets 14

Green Bay at Kansas City

Line: Chiefs by 2.5

Herman Edwards is circling the wagons yet again, taking a team with no QB’s, no WR’s, an aging TE and an overworked RB to a 4-3 record and a tie for the division lead as they near the midway point. A little ball-control and some tough D and they should knock off the Pack to maintain their momentum. Chiefs 21, Packers 13

Arizona at Tampa Bay

Line: Buccaneers by 3.5

Does Jon Gruden have that same scowl on his face when he’s getting the mail or walking the dog? ESPN should do a reality show to find out. They should do another reality show on retired coaches and figure out of Dennis Green’s gained about 20 more pounds in an effort to keep up with Mark Mangino. Buccaneers 20, Cardinals 19

Carolina at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 4

No truth to the rumor that Steve Buerlein has been contacted for a QB job. Maybe the Panthers should go after Steve DeBerg next. Just think how dangerously close we were to watching Vinny Testaverde vs Kerry Collins and breathe a huge sigh of relief. Titans 13, Panthers 10

San Francisco at Atlanta

Line: Falcons by 3

A few weeks ago, a Falcons fan was popping off on a Niners’ message board about Alex Smith being a bust. This leads me to wonder what’s worse, drafting a QB who never lives up to his promise because of the team around him, or drafting a QB who takes a bad team to the playoffs a few times but enjoys making hot dogs in the offseason and ultimately screws the team (and himself) over? Falcons 23, 49ers 17

Jacksonville at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 3.5

Not drinkin’ the Saints’ Kool-Aid. Their three game winning streak has come against three teams that are not playing good football. All Jacksonville has to do is run the ball the way they did last week and the Saints’ D is at their mercy. Jaguars 24, Saints 17

San Diego at Minnesota

Line: Chargers by 7

It appears the Chargers have rallied around their embattled coach and are playing with the same explosion that won them 14 games last year. After the Minnesota game, however, the schedule gets difficult starting with a showdown against the Colts. Chargers 38, Vikings 17

Denver at Detroit

Line: Lions by 3

Feel the wrath of the Lion growl . Detroit is on the prowl and they’re about to double their win total by the halfway mark of the season. As woeful as Denver’s run D has been, expect Kevin Jones to have one of those 150+ yards/3 TD games against them. Lions 31, Broncos 21

Cincinnati at Buffalo

Line: Bengals by 1

JP Losman is starting! Any rumors of a Buffalo win have since been quickly put to rest. Bill Simmons maybe getting screwed in his column for picking Buffalo, but being that I can wait till Sunday to make my picks, I have the freedom to adjust! Bengals 17, Bills 13

Seattle at Cleveland

Line: Browns by 1

How on earth does Mike Holmgren keep his job? Are they so delusionally overjoyed by the ‘Hawks Super Bowl appearance that they can’t see this guy is wasting the prime of several talented players’ careers? Anyways, if there were a NOW segment for this column, the rapidly-improving Browns would be the NOW team of the present. Browns 23, Seahawks 20

Houston at Oakland

Line: Raiders by 3.5

Andre’s back! It’s gotta work now Texans! Show them you’re more than just a last place team. At least you can beat the Raiders, right? Texans 21, Raiders 20

Indianapolis at New England

Line: Patriots by 5.5

This is it! The game of the year! All the hype, all the questions all the Super Bowl 41 and a half talk, and now the two best teams in the National Football League take the field. Who has the edge this time? Indianapolis has done nothing to disappoint as their defense has overcome injuries to post an impressive 7-0 record, but since the Pats added Moss, Welker and Stallworth, they’ve taken their biggest weakness and made it their biggest strength. So far, they’ve dominated every team they’ve played hands down, as not one game has been closer than 21 points. Do the Colts have what it takes to make this a ballgame? Sure they do, as I don’t think the Pats’ defense will have much success stopping them. But can the Colts stop the Patriots’ offense? It just may be too tall a task. Patriots 38, Colts 35

Dallas at Philadelphia

Line: Cowboys by 3.5

The Eagles are 0-2 in the division and didn’t look particularly competitive against either the Redskins or Giants. That’s too bad because the Cowboys are easily the toughest divisional opponent. Unless Philly figures out a way to score overnight, it’s going to be a long night. Cowboys 23, Eagles 10

Baltimore at Pittsburgh

Line: Steelers by 9.5

This is a divisional rivalry often determined by which offense looks worse since the defenses always bring their A-games. This year, it looks like Baltimore’s on the short end of the stick, as Roethlisberger’s motorcycle wounds have healed. Still, it’s a divisional rivalry and you never know if the Ravens suddenly show up to play after looking so inconsistent in their first seven games. Steelers 20, Ravens 14

Week 8 vs Spread 4-9

Season vs Spread 51-57-8

Week 8 Straight up 6-7

Season Straight up 73-43

Week 8 NFL Predictions

Indianapolis at Carolina

Line: Colts by 7

It’s not that he’s starting. It’s the fact that Vinny Testaverde actually looks like a serviceable QB that has me wondering where all the good college QB’s are. Teams can’t be in such a sad state at that position that they’re actually depending on mediocre career QB’s in the their 40’s, can they?

Colts 31, Panthers 17

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Line: Steelers by 3.5

Pittsburgh fooled a lot of people, myself included, into thinking they’re contenders. This team still hasn’t put together a good road game since Week 1. Most of Cincinnati’s failures have occurred outside of Paul Brown stadium, so they ride some more of that home-crowd mojo in upsetting the Steelers. Bengals 24, Steelers 23

Detroit at Chicago

Line: Bears by 5

Going with Chicago is a dicey proposition, but the Lions were completely uncompetitive in their last two road outings and will have a tough time throwing in cold weather. Bears 24, Lions 14

Oakland at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 7.5

And speaking of aging, mediocre QB’s, Kerry Collins somehow still has a job. No I’m not drinkin’ the Kool-Aid, even when Collins was a regular, did he ever string together two good games in a row? Titans 16, Raiders 14

Cleveland at St. Louis

Line: Browns by 3.5

Everyone’s excited about the Pats and Colts chasing the ’72 Dolphins, but the battle for 0-16 is just as mesmerizing. Oh yeah, JLew, stop making guarantees that you’re gonna play and copping out at the last minute! I can’t keep playing Kevin Faulk every week!

Browns 17, Rams 10

Philadelphia at Minnesota

Line: Vikings by 1

I’ll keep drinking the purple Kool-Aid as long as A-Pete keeps showing signs of being the next great one. What happened to Philly last week will probably keep them staggering for the next few weeks. To lose a game at home to the Bears when you had them pinned on the three yard-line? Forget about a punch in the gut, that’s being hit in the back of the head with a champagne bottle while not looking! Vikings 21, Eagles 16

New York Giants vs Miami

Line: Giants by 9.5

So, does anyone think the English will start rioting when they hear that instead of seeing Trent Green and Ronnie Brown, they get to watch the always formidable duo of Cleo Lemon and Jesse Chatman? Giants 24, Dolphins 10

Buffalo at New York Jets

Line: Jets by 3

The Jets can’t just keep “coming close” every week. Eventually they have to break through, right? Last chance, Mangini! Save the season now or you’re officially on my shit list! Jets 24, Bills 20

Houston at San Diego

Line: Chargers by 10.5

I have visited San Diego. It’s a beautiful city and it breaks my heart to hear that it’s caught ablaze. Hopefully, wherever the game is played, the players, their families, the fans and the good citizens of San Diego find that state of normalcy again. Chargers 24, Texans 17

Jacksonville at Tampa Bay

Line: Buccaneers by 3.5

No Garrard, no MoJo, no chance. Tampa should count their blessings, first the Titans lose Vince when they travel there, and now the Jags come in banged up. The good vibes stay with the teams I jock (remember two years ago suckas??) Buccaneers 14, Jaguars 7

Washington at New England

Line: Patriots by 16

Alas, a line even the legendary Patriots may not cover. Washington won’t win the game outright, but I could see them limiting New England’s possessions by churning out rushing yards and hitting the Pats’ receivers on virtually every play. Patriots 31, Redskins 17

San Francisco at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 2.5

The classic Sunday Night Game with Preseason hype that fizzles when both teams go in the tank about halfway through the season. Watching the Niners’ OL against the Saints’ DL will be the resistable force against the moveable object. 49ers 17, Saints 14

Green Bay at Denver

Line: Packers by 3.5

Shanahan’s Broncs have circled the wagons yet again. I had that feeling I’d be screaming “Where was that in the first five games!!” at the TV, now with another win here, Denver can move into a possible 3-way-tie for first in the AFC West. Broncos 24, Packers 21

Week 7 vs the spread 7-7

Season vs the spread 47-48-8

Week 7 Straight up 10-4

Season straight up 67-36

Week 7 NFL Predictions

Baltimore at Buffalo

Line: Ravens by 3

Buffalo has played above expectations at home and Baltimore’s offense is running hot-and-cold. I’m taking Buffalo outright as a home underdog. Bills 16, Ravens 13

San Francisco at New York Giants

Line: Giants by 9

I wonder what this line would look like if these teams met up in Week 3. Since these teams are moving in dramatically opposite directions, you go with the Giants to cover, especially with Vegas moving the line back almost 2 points. Giants 27, 49ers 10

New England at Miami

Line: Patriots by 16.5

You can forget the “Tom Brady in Miami” theory. This Patriots’ system is fool-proof. They can score points with Kevin Faulk and Kyle Eckel in the backfield. As long as the dominant receivers are there, Miami is helpless to stop them. Patriots 41, Dolphins 10

Tennessee at Houston

Line: Titans by 1.5

The Texans just seem to inspire less and less confidence in me that they’ll truly emerge as a playoff team. Is it too late to say first winning record in franchise history? They win this week because of Vince’s bum wheel limiting him. Texans 17, Titans 10

Tampa Bay at Detroit

Line: Lions by 2

Finesse offense against a speed defense. Gotta go with Tampa in this one, other than the Indianapolis game, their defense has allowed a grand total of 54 points. Buccaneers 14, Lions 13

Atlanta at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 9

Possibly the worst line of the week. New Orleans has had precisely one good offensive half all year and somehow they’re 9 points better than the Falcons. Sorry, but Atlanta has at least made things respectable in all their losses. Saints 24, Falcons 17

Arizona at Washington
Line: Redskins by 9

Not too crazy about this line either, as I think the Arizona defense can at least make the contest respectable on the road. Redskins 20, Cardinals 17

Kansas City at Oakland

Line: Radiers by 3

I’ll let recent history be the judge of the outcome here, as the Chiefs have dominated the series lately, have played beyond expectations, and the Raiders are still a young team that must take its lumps. Chiefs 13, Raiders 10

New York Jets at Cincinnati

Line: Bengals by 6

Two talented teams are fighting desperately for their playoff lives and the Bengals are the ones who finally play up to their lofty preseason expectations. Bengals 28, Jets 23

Minnesota at Dallas

Line: Cowboys by 9.5

Dallas is already showing early signs of playing down to its competition, as they did two weeks ago in Buffalo. They’re also facing a red-hot RB in Adrian Peterson, who’s enough of a threat to beat a team single-handedly. The Cowboys fortunately have just enough talent to overtake the Vikes. Cowboys 31, Vikings 24

Chicago at Philadelphia

Line: Eagles by 5

Chicago is abysmal against the run and you know Philly can’t wait to give them a handful of Brian Westbrook, who can kill you running and catching. Oh, and Brian Griese in Philadelphia? Fuhgidabowdit! Eagles 24, Bears 10

St. Louis at Seattle

Line: Seahawks by 8

Until I see the Seahawks’ offense play like it has a pulse, I’m going to continue to pick against them. I probably should have started this trend last week when they got embarrassed by the Saints. Seahawks 21, Rams 14

Pittsburgh at Denver

Line: Steelers by 3.5

The Broncos’ flat offense is not going to get better against one of the toughest defenses in football. Meanwhile, the Steelers should play a solid, efficient game and hammer one of the most overrated teams in the NFL. Steelers 24, Broncos 10

Indianapolis at Jacksonville

Line: Colts by 3

None of the Sunday games are watchable, they had to save the good game for Monday Night. While the Jaguars’ D will be game, Peyton has shown that he can overcome a good defense and always plays well under the spotlight. Plus, the Colts’ D will show some pride after last year’s meltdown against the Jags. Colts 27, Jaguars 20

Week 6 vs the spread 6-5-2

Season vs the spread 40-41-8

Week 6 Straight up 8-5

Season Straight up 57-32

Week 6 NFL Predictions

St. Louis at Baltimore

Line: Ravens by 9.5

As bad as the Rams are, I hesitate to take the Ravens to win by more than 7 against anyone unless their offense suddenly shows a dramatic improvement. Ravens 14, Rams 7

Washington at Green Bay

Line: Packers by 3

The Redskins will be game, but Favre will do them one better as the Pack put last week’s meltdown against Chicago behind them. Packers 20, Redskins 16

Tampa Bay at Tennessee

Line: Buccaneers by 3

This is a banged up Tampa squad playing at home against one of the premier teams in the AFC. Vince will be back to his old tricks after a stinker performance against Atlanta last week. Titans 20, Buccaneers 10

Cincinnati at Kansas City

Line: Bengals by 3

The Bengals’ miserable D is making the entire league look good. Even an anemic offense like KC’s can put up points against this sad excuse for a D. Cheifs 27, Bengals 24

Philadelphia at New York Jets

Line: Eagles by 3.5

The Eagles are a different team without Brian Westbrook. That was apparent against the Giants when they had no blitz protection against McNabb, no short targets in the passing game, and their offense turned to goo. This week, not only is Westbrook back, but so is William Thomas, whose backup got burned last week by Umenyoria to the tune of 6 sacks. I’ll go with a healing Philly against the blundering Jets. Eagles 24, Jets 17

Houston at Jacksonville

Line: Jaguars by 6.5

The Jaguars smell the cheese and get lured into this trap game, thanks to the Houston Texans, the team on a mission to make the playoffs for the first time in it’s franchise history. Ride that mojo one more week, Andre’s coming back soon! Texans 24, Jaguars 21

Minnesota at Chicago

Line: Bears by 5.5

With two bad offenses taking the field, no one’s beating anyone by more than three points. Whatever the O/U is, take the under, even if it’s 10. If you’re a fan of defense, expect to see a lot in this game, with points at an absolute premium. Bears 6, Vikings 3

Miami at Cleveland

Line: Browns by 4.5

Cleo Lemon on the road. I just keep reminding myself of that. But anyone that’s a Ronnie Brown owner, I’d like him in a trade please. I knew I shouldn’t have dealt him two years ago! Wish I could take that back! Browns 20, Dolphins 10

Carolina at Arizona

Line: Cardinals by 4.5

Mr. Brenda Warner has his revenge! We still believe in you Kurt. Suddenly, the Cardinals are becoming favorites for the second week in a row. Has that ever happened in recorded history? Could this team actually be playoff good? They should at least beat the Panthers with all the QB problems they’re having. Cardinals 17, Panthers 10

Oakland at San Diego

Line: Chargers by 9.5

From a pure talent standpoint, it shouldn’t be close, but do not underestimate Norv Turner’s coaching, as it can strike at any time and plague a talented team, making them work harder than they need to against an inferior opponent. Chargers 24, Raiders 17

New England at Dallas

Line: Patriots by 4.5

In the big showdown of the year between two 5-0 teams, New England has dominated the league like few in recent memory with a bone-crushing defense and a playmaking offense. Dallas, meanwhile, might have had its cover pulled with last week’s stinker performance in Buffalo. While they did escape with the win, Dallas’s offensive line looked very beatable and Romo showed he’s a much less effective QB against constant pressure, something the Patriots’ defense will be sure to give him plenty of. Patriots 27, Cowboys 13

New Orleans at Seattle

Line: Seahawks by 6.5

Lets call this the Tums Blowout of the Week, as the miserable Saints can do little right against the Seahawks, extending their long losing streak. Seahawks 27, Saints 7

New York Giants at Atlanta

Line: Giants by 3.5

I’m not 100% sold on the Giants’ defense, but they do show up against bad offensive teams, like this Atlanta squad. Giants 24, Falcons 14

Week 5 vs Spread: 5-9

Season vs Spread: 34-36-6

Week 5 Straight up: 11-3

Season Straight up: 49-27

Week 5 NFL Predictions

Carolina at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 3

The losses stop here for the Saints, as the David Carr-led Panthers can’t get it done on the road and Drew Brees finally breaks free of his season-long slump. Saints 28, Panthers 21

Jacksonville at Kansas City

Line: Jaguars by 2

The Jaguars run hot-and-cold and the Chiefs’ Dwayne Bowe is quickly becoming a front-runner for Rookie of the Year. His ability to stretch the defense will be the difference. Also, keep in mind, the Kansas City defense has yet to let up a second half TD. Chiefs 13, Jaguars 10

Detroit at Washington

Line: Redskins by 3.5

Bad matchup for Detroit. Their secondary is clearly the club’s weak-link and Washington has playmakers in the passing game. The offense will get it back on track with a well-balanced effort against the Lions. Redskins 35, Lions 21

Atlanta at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 8.5

If he continues to play at a high level, Joey Harrington can keep the Falcons close in Tennessee. Ultimately, though, the defense will be helpless trying to stop Vince. Titans 27, Falcons 20

Miami at Houston

Line: Texans by 5.5

It looks like the Texans’ Cinderella story has taken a pit-stop, but not to worry, even without Andre Johnson for the time being, the Texans will get back on the path that leads to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Lose to the Dolphins, however, and my theory will be almost in ruins. Texans 31, Dolphins 21

Seattle at Pittsburgh

Line: Steelers by 6

These teams are evenly matched on paper, so it will likely come down to who can run the ball better. I’ll go with Pittsburgh after last week’s lackluster rushing effort against Arizona to get back on track in that regard. Steelers 24, Seahawks 21

Cleveland at New England

Line: Patriots by 16.5

Every week, the lines get more staggering for this team, and you know what? You still take the points, that’s how dominant this Patriots team is. Don’t expect much of a let-down as this well-oiled machine rolls over Cleveland in the tune-up to the Dallas showdown. Easy candidate for Tums Blowout of the Week. Patriots 38, Browns 17

Arizona at St. Louis

Line: Cardinals by 3.5

This Cardinal team has sleeper potential written all over it with their hard-hitting defense and newfound running game. They should have little difficultly dominating the hapless Rams. Cardinals 34, Rams 21

New York Jets at New York Giants

Line: Giants by 3.5

Nothing like a good old-fashioned inner-state rivalry. The beauty of this game is, like the Lakers and Clippers, there’s no real home-field advantage. The Giants are the pick though after their defense has come back on track with a strong second half against the Redskins and a dominating effort against the Eagles. Giants 23, Jets 17

Tampa Bay at Indianapolis

Line: Colts by 9.5

The Colts’ O will suddenly face tougher sledding when the #1 defense in the NFL comes to town. They’ll still get enough points to get by, but Indy will have its hands full with Tampa, especially being thin at LB since Garcia thrives in the short game. Colts 24, Buccaneers 17

San Diego at Denver

Line: Broncos by 1

This Chargers’ team is quickly becoming a complete disaster. Norv Turner is literally coaching them into the ground and Philip Rivers has shown signs of regression after a strong first year. They still should be able to dominate on the ground, however, against a helpless Broncos’ run defense so long as they keep it simple and pound it between the tackles with LT. Chargers 24, Broncos 20

Baltimore at San Francisco

Line: Ravens by 3

As much as people criticize Alex Smith, he was probably the Niners’ best offensive player, as his armstrength and decision-making have improved even though the O-line has been woeful. Baltimore’s been no great shakes this year, but they should have enough to beat the helpless Trent Dilfer-led Niners in San Francisco. Ravens 17, 49ers 10

Chicago at Green Bay

Line: Packers by 3

The Bears should just clone Devin Hester and start him at WR, RB and QB. That would solve two problems with the Bears’ offense. The Packers don’t run the ball, but it won’t make a difference as Brett Favre should torch the Mike Brown-less Bears’ secondary as the Packers stay perfect. Packers 20, Bears 13

Dallas at Buffalo

Line: Cowboys by 10.5

Dallas is 4-0 for the first time since 1995 and they should keep it rolling against the Bills as long as the offense keeps clicking in high gear. Cowboys 35, Bills 17

Week 4 vs spread: 7-7

Season vs spread: 29-27-6

Week 4 Straight up: 5-9

Season Straight up: 38-24