LAST WEEK STRAIGHT UP: 7-7
SEASON STRAIGHT UP: 55-36
LAST WEEK VS. SPREAD: 6-8
SEASON VS SPREAD: 40-50-1
SEAHAWKS (+7.5) at 49ERS: Huge win by the Seahawks last week in coming from behind to beat the Pats. This is a big statement game for both sides, especially after the smackdown the Giants issued the 49ers. Gotta believe the 49ers rebound here and grind out a tough win in a battle of defense.
49ers 16, Seahawks 13
REDSKINS (+6.5) at GIANTS: Another huge divisional game with both teams coming off inspiring wins. The Giants really showed the football world they can rise up when it's necessary, while the Redskins held off those pesky Vikings. This will be another tight one and don’t be surprised if the Redskins bolt to a lead but can’t hold on.
Giants 27, Redskins 23
TITANS (+3.5) AT BILLS: The unpredictable nature of the NFL struck again last week as the Bills pulled off an improbable win on the road against Arizona, though the Cardianls did lose their starting quarterback. This week the Bills should carry that momentum for another win.
Bills 20, Titans 13
BROWNS (+3.5) AT COLTS: A toughie. The Colts laid a huge egg against the Jets while the Browns finally got win No. 1. These Browns are getting better, though, and perhaps enough to steal one here.
Browns 24, Colts 21
SAINTS (-3.5) AT BUCS: Will the Bucs ride that thumping of the Chiefs against a much better team this week? Nah. The Saints’ defense is pitiful but Drew Brees and Co. have had a week off to prepare and get healthy.
Saints 30, Bucs 23
COWBOYS (-2.5) AT PANTHERS: The Cowboys had a chance to tie the Ravens and force overtime, and had another chance to win at the buzzer, and obviously failed at both. But they played hard and well against a Ravens team about to go into a slide. The Cowboys ran the ball well, and that will be big against the Panthers.
Cowboys 23, Panthers 20
PACKERS (-5.5) AT RAMS: The Packers in a must-win situation waxed the Texans and, like the Giants, proved they are still elite. Now they must do what they haven’t done all year – win two straight. The Rams will offer some resistance, especially against an injury-plagued Packers’ defense. But Aaron Rodgers likely will be sharp again even against a Rams’ defense that will put pressure on him.
Packers 30, Rams 21
CARDINALS (+6.5) AT VIKINGS: The Cards have lost Kevin Kolb and that will be a big problem here as the Vikings will try to make Arizona one-dimensional early and will succeed.
Vikings 24, Cardinals 13
RAVENS (+6.5) AT TEXANS: The Ravens already were showing signs of a leaky defense before last week. Now they will have to cope without their inspirational leader, Ray Lewis. This will put even more pressure on a Ravens offense that has been anything but a big-play unit. The Texans bounce back from the Packers’ loss.
Texans 31, Ravens 17
JAGS (+4.5) AT RAIDERS: The Raiders took advantage of three Matt Ryan picks and almost pulled off a stunner in Atlanta. They are unpredictable as always, but let’s give them the benefit of the doubt at home.
Raiders 24, Jags 17
JETS (+10.5) AT PATS: It wasn’t that long ago when this spread would have been laughable. But even with the Jets’ thumping of the Colts, a 10.5 spread seems justifiable. The Pats are probably a little ornery after giving one away to the Seahawks.
Patriots 38, Jets 23
STEELERS (-2.5) AT BENGALS: Don’t trust the Steelers at all anymore. They’re probably better than the Bengals but they’re on the road and they’re beat up and even their wins are hardly convincing. Then again, hard to side with Cincy here. Big Ben can’t lose again, right?
Steelers 16, Bengals 13
LIONS (+5.5) AT BEARS: A fairly big number for a division rivalry game. The Bears are rested and at home, but the Lions are coming off a huge road win and maybe they can ride a little momentum to hang close. This one goes down to the wire.
Bears 20, Lions 17
