NFL Team Rankings

Carolina Panthers (+3) at Atlanta Falcons

Welcome the return of Michael Vick. It's amazing how much faster a starter heals when his backup has a great outing. One starter that is definitely out is Rodney Peete as Chris Weinke falls back into that role for the Panthers. Even with all the QB changes it's really difficult to get excited about this matchup. Even though Carolina started off hot, neither team looks ready to be a quality unit this season. Both do have solid future prospects though.

The pick: Atlanta 12-10.

Denver Broncos (-2.5) at Kansas City Chiefs

On the other hand, there's no shortage of excitement here. Here's all you need to know: if the Chiefs are playing, it will be high scoring and down to the wire. As you can see above, the big dogs on these teams are sure starters. As a team, Kansas City desperately needs this game to keep from falling three losses behind the division leader. As a team, Denver let one get away last week against the Dolphins. Don't be surprised by a similar finish this week.

The pick: Kansas City 33-32.

Buffalo Bills (+4) at Miami Dolphins

Yes, the Miami passing game is in a state of flux due to injuries to Jay Fiedler, Oronde Gadsden, and Chris Chambers. This week, it won't matter as the Bills are horrible defending the run. The Dolphins will hitch up their ride to Ricky Williams, and the stud will perform masterfully. Meanwhile, Miami will have just enough defense to keep the hot Drew Bledsoe on ice (actually, in a glass of slightly chilled water, but you get the idea). Simply put, the Dolphins are the better football team.

The pick: Miami 40-24.

San Francisco 49ers (+2.5) at New Orleans Saints

No Terrell Owens puns here. You guys are too Sharpie for that. While the 49ers did pull out the win last week, they still are not the dominating team they were expected to be. Sure they're still winning, but the offense just isn't clicking. The Saints offense, however, is hitting on all cylinders, and the defense isn't as bad as advertised. This should be a close-fought contest with the deciding factor being the home-field.

The pick: New Orleans 27-23.

Minnesota Vikings (+3) at New York Jets

Oh my these are not good tackle football teams. Look for lots of offense and, well, that's about it. Should be fun to watch (unless you're a defensive coordinator).

The pick: Minnesota 30-25.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3.5) at Philadelphia Eagles

Speaking of defensive coordinators, here's your spot. Besides being the two best teams in the NFL (what happened to that AFC dominance?), both defenses are excellent. This one will be decided by turnovers and field position, and it will be an absolute joy to watch.

The pick: Philadelphia 21-20.

Seattle Seahawks (+5) at St. Louis Rams

Break up Marc Bulger! You just have to feel for Kurt Warner owners. They went out and gave up a 1st round pick for the guy. In turn, Warner produces a little more than zero points per week before falling to injury. These Warner owners likely have Jamie Martin waiting in the wings, but he produces very little in his only start before falling to injury. These Warner owners likely do not have Marc Bulger and likely lose out on acquiring him via free agency. Bulger lights it up last week. Ah well, the joys of fantasy football. The bigger concern is whether or not the Rams are back to being the Rams. Only time will tell, but they should have their 2nd straight victory this week.

The pick: St. Louis 21-20.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+2.5) at Baltimore Ravens

So, do the Jaguars rely heavily upon Mark Brunell or what? David Gerrard was just painful to watch. Note to Tom Coughlin: Get someone ready to play QB2. Two keys to this game are Brunell is back and Ray Lewis (barring a miracle) isn't.

The pick: Jacksonville 20-17.

Chicago Bears (-3) at Detroit Lions

You know, Chris Chandler takes a lot of heat for being Mr. Glass, but he's a very talented QB. With Jim Miller's elbow AND shoulder tendonitis keeping him on the sidelines, Chandler will get his first start this weekend. He just might fire up the Chicago offense. For Detroit, their receivers (Schroeder and Ricks ... who should play) just can't stay healthy but Germane Crowell might see a dozen snaps this Sunday. How's that for irony?

The pick: Chicago 28-24.

San Diego Chargers (+7) at Oakland Raiders

In the AFC West, where the Broncos get most of the attention, San Diego and Oakland are only playing for sole possession of the division lead. This one should be a dandy, high-scoring affair.

The pick: Oakland 30-23.

Houston Texans (+9) at Cleveland Browns

You Tim Couch owners penciling him in for a stellar performance are going to be disappointed. This Houston defense isn't stellar, but they're certainly no pushover. This will be hard-fought from the opening kick. On the other hand, the Cleveland defense should score extremely well this Sunday as the Texans offense is prone to errors.

The pick: Cleveland 22-14.

Washington Redskins (+7.5) at Green Bay Packers

It's Stephen Davis versus the world as Washington's best receiver has been demoted to WR3 status. Why? Because Derrius Thompson and Chris Doering ran the best routes last week against the Saints. This has to be a motivational ploy towards Gardner. Still, even with Gardner, the Redskins can't handle Brett Favre and Co.

The pick: Green Bay 33-22.

Dallas Cowboys (+3.5) at Arizona Cardinals

For the insomniacs of the world, this game's for you. How can a matchup of two 2nd place teams (yes, both are 2nd in their respective division) look so excruciatingly painful to watch? Too bad Emmitt Smith isn't a tad closer to the record (175 yards away). At least there would be some reason to check this one out.

The pick: Arizona 21-10.

Indianapolis Colts (+4.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers

This game is everything ABC wanted in a MNF matchup as both teams are leading their respective division. Of course this game is nothing ABC wanted in a MNF matchup as the Steelers are 2-3 and the Colts are squeaking out victories against mediocre opponents. Still, you have to like both offenses to perk up a bit as the Steelers have shown to be very vulnerable against the pass while the Colts are still weak against the run. In the end, ABC will get an extremely exciting MNF matchup that comes down to a FG with :28 remaining.

The pick: Indianapolis 20-19.