New England @ Buffalo +5.5
This one is tough, because the weather is just plain awful and the Pats don’t really need to win. Even with people sitting, the Pats will cover this number.

Kansas City @ Cincinnati -2.5
Cinci is definitely the hotter team, but I like KC in this game. Thigpen wants a starting job.

Detroit @ Green Bay -11
Can Detroit possibly win this one? No! And they won’t cover either. Give the points.

Chicago @ Houston -2.5
I like the way Houston has been playing. They had a rough one last week, but Slayton will pick up some yardage as the Bears worry more about Johnson/Schaub. Give the points.

Tennessee @ Indianapolis +3
More important for Indy to win this game because they don’t have a bye and want to stay up. BS? Yes, yes it is. Ok, I’ll take the home team and the points. Indy.

N.Y. Giants @ Minnesota -7
Minnesota absolutely needs this game and the Giants do not. Regardless what Coughlin says, they will rest players. The Vikings will win, but will they cover? No. They just aren’t good enough to completely roll against anyone. I’ll take the points.

Carolina @ New Orleans +1.5
New Orleans will be motivated in the spoiler role. I’ll take the points.

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh -11
Cleveland is done. Romeo is fired. Pittsburgh rolls. Give the points.

Oakland @ Tampa Bay -14
This game means something to the Bucs. It means nothing to Oakland. This is a long road trip and the Raiders just want the season to end. Give the points.

Sunday 4:15pm
Jacksonville @ Baltimore -11.5
Jacksonville is another team just wanting this season to end. The Ravens have to win and will be geeked up. I wouldn’t want to go against this defense today. Give the points and expect numerous turnovers.

Miami @ N.Y. Jets -2.5
There is no bigger lock this week! The Jets own Miami — winners of 5 straight. They need the win. They’re at home. Just hope they get the help they need to make the playoffs. Give the points.

Dallas @ Philadelphia -1
Romo will make a huge mistake in this game. It will cost them. Phillips will be fired. The Cowboys will back into their new stadium. Give the point.

Seattle @ Arizona -7
Arizona hasn’t covered (or won) since they sewed up the bye. I’ll take the points.

Washington @ San Francisco -3
This game is meaningless. I guess I’ll take the home team again. Give the points. Congrats to Singletary on getting the job.

Sunday Night 8:15pm
Denver @ San Diego -9
The Bolts are on a huge roll. They will win this game going away. I like giving the big number.

Sunday 1:00
Bungles @ Cleveland(-3)
This is a bad game. The Bengals have won a couple here, so why not stick with the hotter team. Both coaches would be gone by now if their owners weren’t so cheap. Take the points.

Saints @ Detroit(+7)
The Saints offense will have no troubles in that dome. I’ll give the points.

Dolphins @ Kansas City(+3.5)
The Dolphins can’t possibly lose to a team with nothing to play for, right? Only 3.5? I’ll give the points, but I hope they lose.

Cardinals @ New England(-9)
The Cardinals starters will play sparingly. They’re fine with coasting into the playoffs. Meanwhile, NE has to win. Give the points.

Niners @ St. Louis(+5)
The Niners should be able to win this easily. Give the points.

Steelers @ Tennessee(+1)
The Steelers keep squeaking out these games. Tennessee has been reeling a little bit. And now Haynesworth is out. That has to be a big blow. I’ll take the Steelers on the road.

Chargers @ Tampa Bay(-3.5)
The Chargers needed a miracle to beat the Chiefs. Even with Griese, Tampa should be able to exploit the Chargers’ soft defense. I’ll give the points at home.

Sunday ~4:10
Bills @ Denver(-7)
Denver has a chance to sew up the division with this one. At home they should be able to roll the bills, who once again feature Trent Edwards.

Texans @ Oakland(+7.5)
The Schaub – Johnson show continues its late season tour! Give the points.

Jets @ Seattle(+3.5)
The Jets had such cake schedule this year. The fact that they lost so many games is *very* telling. And this game just screams out “trap!” Ok, I’m taking the points. Hopefully the Jets eke it out with a last second field goal.

Falcons @ Minnesota(-3)
I like both teams very much. But Jackson gives me pause, despite putting together some great plays. I’ll take the points. The Falcons are quite good.

Eagles @ Washington(+5)
Washington has gone very very sour. Zorn appears to be losing the team after a very promising start. The Eagles, of course, need a win. (Oh please please make that Cincinnati tie be what keeps them out of the playoffs!!)

SNF
Panthers @ New Jersey Giants(-3)
I think Brandon Jacobs will be back, which should be huge for the Giants. I don’t see how Carolina will hold up against the Giants blistering pass rush. I’ll give the points.

MNF
Packers @ Chicago(-4)
The Packers are missing Barnett, the heart of their defense. Of course, he doesn’t run the ball or catch passes. I’ll take the Bears and give the points.