Better late than never... Chicago (9-3) @ Pittsburgh (7-5): pick CHI +6/under 30

The Steelers need it, and the Bears want it. Both teams have historically strong defenses, but only Chicago has been up to the task consistently this season. Both teams also like to run the ball, but Pittsburgh has struggled with their unreliable three headed monster. Something in the back of my head tells me Big Ben vs. Orton is really no contest though: Pittsburgh 16, Chicago 12

Cleveland (4-8) @ Cincinnati (9-3): pick CIN -11.5/over 43

Ohio finally has a decent football team and probably wasn’t aware of that when these teams opened the season against each other. Braylon and Kellen can share stories in the hospital while Frye and Droughns try to save this offense from getting swamped by a turnover happy Cincinnati defense. After clinching a winning record last week the Bengals can put themselves a single victory away from a division title by beating their rivals. Unless their locker room door gets locked shut that is just what they do: Cincinnati 35, Cleveland 18

Houston (1-11) @ Tennessee (3-9): pick TEN -6.5/over 44

There was a time when someone cared that the Titans were the Oilers. When the divisions were aligned upon the new Houston joining up it was even said this could be a rivalry. I guess going a combined 3-19 (discounting their first meeting) sort of takes the juice out of all that. Now it is a battle for survival for the head coaches. Reggie Bush has his Heisman Trophy and if I hear one more political reference I am going to scream. Well, I guess him playing in Texas would be fitting. Oops: Tennessee 30, Houston 21

Indianapolis (12-0) @ Jacksonville (9-3): pick IND -7.5/under 42.5

With Leftwich the Jags would have a great chance to win this game. Darius and a fully healthy Taylor wouldn’t hurt either. The fact is that the Colts are peaking big time and have no serious injuries on offense. It would take a perfect effort for David Garrard to lead his team to the upset. I can see that happening because anything is possible. I’m not in the business of picking the improbable though: Indianapolis 23, Jacksonville 14

New England (7-5) @ Buffalo (4-8): pick NE -3.5/over 36

The tide turned for these teams when the Bills completely gave away the first meeting the day before Halloween. Since then Buffalo is 1-3 and totally out of contention while New England has gone 3-2 to take control of a terrible division. Things are starting to look up for the champs now that they can actually line up a running back. Their defense still sucks, but this is the Bills after all: New England 26, Buffalo 21

Oakland (4-8) @ NY Jets (2-10): pick OAK -3/over 36.5

I am pretty sure neither team cares much about this game, but in that case individuals usually turn the tide. Jordan will be motivated to show the Jets they blew it by not retaining him. Tuiasosopo is hoping to win himself at least another start at quarterback with a strong performance. Those guys play for the Raiders last I checked: Oakland 24, NY Jets 14

St. Louis (5-7) @ Minnesota (7-5): pick STL +7/over 45

Honestly I could have seen both of these teams winning a division title this year. The Rams had just swept three off Seattle last year while the Vikings had a much talked about face lift through free agency. St. Louis is officially out of the hunt, but Minnesota has a chance thanks to a five game winning streak. Harvard is for stuffy rich kids isn’t it? What is Fitzpatrick doing starting for the Rams? Well, I guess it is better than searching for a grocery bagger to play quarterback. Whatever, Brad Johnson is a warrior and won’t let his team lose: Minnesota 27, St. Louis 22

Tampa Bay (8-4) @ Carolina (9-3): pick CAR -5/over 36

The Panthers crushed these guys in their own backyard the first time around. I find it hard to believe going on the road will make it any easier for Chucky’s Bucs. Jake is a little wild with the football and Ronde could get sticky fingers to turn the tide, but other than that I see a repeat performance: Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 17

NY Giants (8-4) @ Philadelphia (5-7): pick NYG -9/over 37

Remember when Reid said he would wear those ridiculous tights if Owens scored 15 touchdowns last year? Perhaps now he wishes he had pandered to his star receiver more. In the wake of the T.O. debacle this Eagles team has self destructed with injuries and poor play. New York is more than happy to take advantage: NY Giants 26, Philadelphia 13

San Francisco (2-10) @ Seattle (10-2): pick SEA -16.5/under 43

The first time around the Seahawks were lucky to avoid overtime. Now they are lucky that Alex Smith will probably be the quarterback for the entire game. If you haven’t noticed the kid sucks. Maurice Morris will probably be running the ball by the middle of the third quarter: Seattle 31, San Francisco 3

Washington (6-6) @ Arizona (4-8): pick AZ +4/over 40

The Redskins would like a win so they can dream about a playoff berth. The Cardinals are making plans for Christmas. I know Williams is motivated to shut down another offense and pad his resume for a potential job as a head coach. Kurt Warner finds a way to put up a great fantasy football line and lose better than anyone I know: Washington 24, Arizona 21

Baltimore (4-8) @ Denver (9-3): pick BAL +14.5/under 40

Billick isn’t speaking to Jamal Lewis anymore. I guess jail really reformed the guy, huh? Gee, I wonder why the team didn’t rush out to give a big contract to a player who spent summer in the slammer. I don’t believe any of the Bronco running backs are in jail at the moment: Denver 24, Baltimore 10

Kansas City (8-4) @ Dallas (7-5): pick DAL -3/under 43.5

Once upon a time these franchises shared the same city. Just a bit of history for you, not that it really matters. Larry Johnson is a little bit soft and the Cowboys are ready to pack a defensive punch. Trent Green has been erratic because his line isn’t what it normally is and other than his tight end and running back no one can really catch the football. Limited options are a bad thing when you are on the road against a good defense. Just remember what they did in Buffalo: Dallas 22, Kansas City 17

Miami (5-7) @ San Diego (8-4): pick MIA +13.5/under 45

Saban’s first season is a success as far as I am concerned. They have won five games and with the Jets and Titans coming to Florida the next two weeks it is possible for them to finish 7-9 after going 4-12 last year. That is progress considering he has no quarterback to speak of. LT might be ailing, but the Brees will be blowing downfield all day long: San Diego 28, Miami 16

Detroit (4-8) @ Green Bay (2-10): pick DET +6/over 35.5

No one expected the Packers to be decimated by injuries and be totally out of the race. My research shows that Favre had never suited up for a football game in his entire career with his team eliminated from contention. Now he has to do it for an entire month. At least his coach hasn’t been fired. Favre doesn’t want to look bad on ESPN during the first of three consecutive appearances on national television for him. Garcia has never performed well at Lambeau and that’s the difference: Green Bay 21, Detroit 17

New Orleans (3-9) @ Atlanta (7-5): pick ATL -10/over 43.5

The nation has felt for the Saints all season and surely Al and John will have plenty to say about Katrina during this broadcast. They will have plenty of time to do it after the DVD rushing attack of the Falcons build up a huge lead and sit on it: Atlanta 30, New Orleans 18