NFL Team Rankings

Atlanta Falcons (nl) at New York Giants

A bit of the shine is off this game as two of the hotter names (Michael Vick and Jeremy Shockey) are doubtful and neither look to play. With Vick, the Falcons have a good shot (and I'd probably pick them). Without Vick, they could conceivably not cross midfield until the second quarter. As it stands, this game has boring written all over it.

The pick: Giants 14-6.

New Orleans Saints (-1) at Washington Redskins

On the other hand, this game should be very exciting. The rookie Ramsey definitely looked good last week against the Titans, but that's like saying The Twins look good on TV. Davis is questionable, but I look for him to take the field Sunday. The difference-maker here will be McAllister. He has been excellent this year and should continue to produce big numbers against Washington.

The pick: Saints 26-22.

Baltimore Ravens (+6) at Indianapolis Colts

With Ray Lewis listed as doubtful for the Ravens, things are looking much better for the Indy offense in general and James in particular. If Lewis is on the sidelines (and it looks like he will be), James should have quite a day. Those of you expecting big things from Stokely should take a closer look. The Colts have done a number on opposing WRs. Of course they can't stop water from running uphill, and they can't stop opposing RBs from rolling up big numbers.

The pick: Colts 23-16.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-6) at Cincinnati Bengals

Check the above list and ask yourself if Dillon could use a little help in Cincinnati. You have to feel for the guy. He comes to work every Sunday with a big red target on his chest. Sometimes he rumbles, and sometimes he stumbles. I really wish I could tell you which, but Miss Cleo is still in court. I must say that I'm tempted to pick the Bengals here just on the hope the Dick LaBeau will jump in the Ohio River. He's not grasping at straws to motivate this bunch is he?

The pick: Steelers 24-13.

Buffalo Bills (-7) at Houston Texans

If you have a Bill, you have to start him each and every week. With that out of the way, this game will be a lot closer than you might think for two reasons: 1) The Houston defense is no pushover, and 2) The Buffalo defense is. Those two factors combine to create one of the most exciting games of the week. Buffalo will score through Bledsoe while Houston will score ... somehow.

The pick: Bills 28-26.

Cleveland Browns (+7) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While opening with Kansas City, Cincinnati, and Tennessee, this Browns offense didn't look too bad. They didn't look quite so good that last two weeks against Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The Buccaneers defense is easily the best of the lot. That points to an awful effort this week from the Cleveland offense. At least Tim Couch is away from the friendly confines of the Dawg Pound. Sheesh, there's a comfy little relationship. For Tampa Bay, if you've been waiting for Pittman to breakout, this might be your week as the Browns are porous on the ground.

The pick: Bucs 28-10.

Carolina Panthers (+2) at Dallas Cowboys

The Panthers are really missing Muhsin Muhammad. There's a chance he could play this weekend, but he definitely will not be 100%. Without him, Rodney Peete is locking onto Steve Smith. Smith is very talented, but he's far from being the type of WR that can carry a team. Carolina has lost two straight, but their defense is still awfully good. Beating them will take a error-free effort from Quincy Carter. Think he's up for it?

The pick: Panthers 16-7.

Kansas City Chiefs (+3) at San Diego Chargers

Let's switch these two coaches for a bit. As coach of these Chiefs, Marty Schottenheimer would probably have a stroke. There's no way he could handle fielding such a horrid defense, and Green would have been benched after his string of early-season INTs. As coach of these Chargers, Dick Vermeil would probably go insane with boredom. Win with defense? What's that? Good thing for both of these guys they're in the right places. Anyway, this should be quite a show. If you have either RB (or, as a gift from Heaven, both), you're in the place to be. Andersen owners just have to hate a PK listed on the injury report. He'll likely kick FGs on Sunday but will definitely lack distance.

The pick: Chargers 31-24.

Detroit Lions (+4.5) at Minnesota Vikings

This should be a barn-burning, high-scoring affair. And it's not really due to great offenses. It's mostly due to horrid defenses. Simply put, both teams are allowing a lot. This week, both teams will get a lot. So far, Moss is still an active member of the Vikings so keep him in your lineup.

The pick: Vikings 34-31.

Oakland Raiders (-7) at St. Louis Rams

A couple of months ago, this one looked like a possible Super Bowl preview. Now, the Rams are so bad it's a shame. The saddest thing of all is they look no worse without Kurt Warner as compared to with Kurt Warner. On the other side of the coin, the Raiders are averaging 41 points per game. Uh, WOW! The only concern they have right now is the status of Garner (who likely will not suit up).

The pick: Raiders 34-20.

Green Bay Packers (+5) at New England Patriots

There are so many good to great players on both teams that it will just be a pleasure to watch. The difference will be on defense. Neither can defend the run, but the Patriots are the top defense in passing yards allowed (Packers are 16th). Don't expect Favre to be shut out, but everything will be a struggle for him in the air.

The pick: Patriots 34-27.

Miami Dolphins (+3.5) at Denver Broncos

This is the game of the week. If possible, park yourself on the couch and just take it all in. You'll see great run offenses going hard against great run defenses. You'll also see a pair of very good TEs (often missing in today's NFL). I just can't wait for Sunday night. Stay up late and watch the winning FG with :05 remaining.

The pick: Broncos 24-23.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-2) at Tennessee Titans

This Jacksonville squad has really impressed me so far. In August, I figured them DOA, but they have a ton of life still in them. The big three (and a half) are making plays on offense, and the defense is much stronger than expected. Who's the "and a half"? Stacey Mack. The focus of hatred from all Fred Taylor owners. Stacey Mack. The original 3 / 2 / 1 back. Three carries for two yards and one TD. That's strong. Speaking of a sarcastic strong, how about Eddie George? And that Kevin Dyson is finally showing why he was a first round pick. (Psst: I don't know why either.)

The pick: Jaguars 30-17.

San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Seattle Seahawks

This just in: Shaun Alexander has scored another touchdown. Maybe I'm missing something, but shouldn't Mike Holmgren have a better product by now? So far this year, they've beaten a reeling Vikings team and then took a week off (winning one game in a row must have been exhausting). Not exactly a sparkling resume. For the 49ers, the ground game is definitely working as both Barlow and Hearst are good starting options. As a matter of fact, the ground game is working so well that Garcia and Owens have become not-quite-as-studly fantasy players. It makes sense football-wise. Why throw the ball when you have two guys that can each get 100 yards on the ground.

The pick: 49ers 20-16.