Last week’s record: 9-4
Season to date: 40-20
Last week vs. spread: 5-8
Season vs. spread: 31-28-1
MATCHUP: Bears (2-2) at Lions (0-3) Noon Sunday
TV/radio: WFLD-Ch. 32, WBBM-AM 780
Line: Bears by 3 1/2 Weather: Dome
THE BUZZ: Bears: After 3-TD game, QB Kyle Orton’s confidence is growing. Bears are majoring in close games and showed mettle with goal-line stand vs. Eagles on Sunday night.
Lions: The post-Matt Millen era is under way, and at least for this season, it doesn’t appear things will change quickly. Lions’ veterans may be looking over their shoulders instead of ahead.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Bears rookie Matt Forte, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, should find running room. Lions’ Roy Williams has at least 5 catches in last 5 games vs. Bears.
THE PICK: BEARS 23 LIONS 21
MATCHUP: Titans (4-0) at Ravens (2-1)
Noon Sunday
Line: Titans by 3
Weather: 70M-0, partly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Titans: Will use defense–league-high 12 takeaways and plus-6 turnover differential–to control game. Kerry Collins effective, if unspectacular, running offense.
Ravens: Can match Titans’ defense, but rookie QB Joe Flacco inexperienced. Ravens’ wins have been over lowly Bengals and Browns.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Titans may have to go to air and unless sore knee slows him, Justin Gage (12 catches, 1 TD) will play key role. Ravens FB Le’Ron McClain has rushed for 3 TDs in last 2 games.
THE PICK: Titans 17 Ravens 16
MATCHUP: Chiefs (1-3) at Panthers (3-1)
Noon Sunday
Line: Panthers by 9 1/2
Weather: 80M-0, sunny
THE BUZZ: Chiefs: Ended 12-game losing streak with win over Broncos, but now they hit road vs. NFC contender. If they can run, they have chance.
Panthers: Offense has good balance. Steve Smith (6 catches, 96 yards, TD last week) is in sync and Muhsin Muhammad (22 catches, TD) keeps making plays.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Chiefs’ Larry Johnson is going for 3rd straight 100-yard game. Panthers rookie RB Jonathan Stewart has 4 rushing TDs in last 3 games.
THE PICK: PANTHERS 24 CHIEFS 17
MATCHUP: Falcons (2-2) at Packers (2-2)
Noon Sunday
Line: Off
Weather: 60M-0, mostly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Falcons: Falcons’ young offense, with only 18 points in 2 road losses, has to show it can get it done away from home.
Packers: Concern in Wisconsin that QB Aaron Rodgers is too fragile with sore shoulder. If he plays, Packers will have enough. If not, it’s up to rookie Matt Flynn.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Falcons’ Michael Turner tied for NFL lead with 5 rushing TDs while getting 5.5 yards per carry. Somebody will have to get ball to Packers WR Greg Jennings (league -leading 482 yards).
THE PICK: PACKERS 21 FALCONS 17
MATCHUP: Colts (1-2) at Texans (0-3)
Noon Sunday
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
Line: Colts by 3
Weather: 85M-0, sunny
THE BUZZ: Colts: Desperate for AFC South win. That doesn’t guarantee anything, but pressure is on.
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Texans: Hurricane Ike delayed home opener until this one, the 1st of 4 straight at Reliant Stadium, where roof will be open. Texans need some home cookin’.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Colts’ Reggie Wayne had 14 catches, TD in 2 wins over Texans last season. Houston rookie Steve Slaton has TD in each of last 2 games and is getting 4.7 yards per carry.
THE PICK: COLTS 27 TEXANS 20
MATCHUP: Chargers (2-2) at Dolphins (1-2)
Noon Sunday
Line: Chargers by 6 1/2
Weather: 80M-0, 40 percent chance of rain
THE BUZZ: Chargers: Won 2 in row by combined 76-47 score and have found rhythm after another slow start. LaDainian Tomlinson’s toe injury is behind him, he’s rushed for 4 TDs in last 2 games.
Dolphins: Had week off to savor win at New England, but Chargers are biggest challenge of season. Limited offense spells trouble.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Chargers TE Antonio Gates has TDs in last 2 games. Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano has growing role with 11 catches, 2 TDs.
THE PICK: CHARGERS 24 DOLPHINS 16
MATCHUP: Seahawks (1-2) at Giants (3-0)
Noon Sunday
Line: Giants by 7
Weather: 65M-0, partly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Seahawks: Week off came at good time–WRs Deion Branch and Bobby Engram now are healthy enough to return to action. They’ll need passing game vs. Giants’ defense.
Giants: Also had last week off–main event becoming Plaxico Burress’ suspension for this game. Their RB-by-committee approach key again.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Seahawks’ Julius Jones in groove with 267 rushing yards and 2 TDs over last 2 games. Giants need good game from Amani Toomer, who has 13 catches, TD.
THE PICK: GIANTS 24 SEAHAWKS 14
MATCHUP: Redskins (3-1) at Eagles (2-2)
Noon Sunday
Line: Eagles by 6
Weather: 70M-0, partly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Redskins: New coach Jim Zorn’s offense has averaged 26.3 points as Redskins have won 3 straight. But this week, they face NFC’s No. 1 defense, which isn’t letting anybody run effectively.
Eagles: Defense, allowing only 245.5 yards with NFL-best 17 sacks, must dominate unless Brian Westbrook (ankle) is healthy enough to return.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: QB Jason Campbell has thrown 6 TD passes and zero INTs in 124 throws. Eagles’ DeSean Jackson leads rookies with 327 receiving yards.
THE PICK: EAGLES 23 REDSKINS 20
MATCHUP: Bucs (3-1) at Broncos (3-1)
3:05 p.m. Sunday
Line: Broncos by 3
Weather: 60M-0, 30 percent chance of rain
THE BUZZ: Bucs: Must think they’ve won 3 straight because of switch to ex-Broncos QB Brian Griese. He’s thrown 6 INTs in last 2 games, so Jeff Garcia should stay loose.
Broncos: Won 5 straight home games, but 2 this season are by combined score of 73-70. Jay Cutler-to-Brandon Marshall combo leads NFL’s No. 1 offense.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Bucs’ Earnest Graham dependable back, averaging 5.9 yards per carry with 2 TDs. Marshall has 31 catches, 3 TDs (and he missed opener).
THE PICK: BRONCOS 34 BUCS 27
MATCHUP: Bills (4-0) at Cardinals (2-2)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
Line: Cardinals by 1
Weather: Dome
THE BUZZ: Bills: Buffalo’s defense faces its biggest challenge of the year, but Bills only have to stay close–they’ve won 4th quarters by 45-10 score.
Cardinals: Big chance for pivotal home win for Cardinals, who are getting good year from Kurt Warner (8 TD passes).
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Bills’ Marshawn Lynch has rushed for 4 TDs. Cards’ WR Steve Breaston playing a larger role with 9 catches, 122 yards last week.
THE PICK: CARDINALS 27 BILLS 24
MATCHUP: Bengals (0-4) at Cowboys (3-1)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
Line: Cowboys by 17
Weather: 85M-0, partly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Bengals: QB Carson Palmer, late scratch last week with sore elbow, has vowed to play. It’s Bengals’ only hope; they’re 2-8 on road last 2 seasons.
Cowboys: Losing last week at home should send team back to basics. Terrell Owens is complaining–he has only 17 catches, but 4 TDs–trouble could loom.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: T. J. Houshmandzadeh has 24 catches, but only 1 TD for Bengals’ weak attack. Cowboys’ Marion Barber could improve on his total of 4 rushing TDs.
THE PICK: COWBOYS 30 BENGALS 10
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MATCHUP: Patriots (2-1) at 49ers (2-2)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
Line: Patriots by 3
Weather: 60M-0, partly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Patriots: Had week off to retool offense that is averaging just 16.3 points per game and hasn’t scored more than 19. They need to find running game to take pressure off QB Matt Cassel.
49ers: RB Frank Gore, who leads NFC with 525 yards from scrimmage, will be problem for Patriots.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Patriots’ Wes Welker still dependable, with at least 6 catches in each game and 19 for season. 49ers’ J. T. O’Sullivan has thrown 4 TD passes vs. 3 INTs.
THE PICK: 49ERS 20 PATRIOTS 17
MATCHUP: Steelers (3-1) at Jaguars (2-2)
7:15 p.m. Monday
TV: WMAQ-Ch. 5
Line: Jaguars by 4
Weather: 75M-0, partly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Steelers: Devastated by injuries vs. Ravens last week, leaving Mewelde Moore as only RB who’s been with them for more than week. Ben Roethlisberger will have to compensate.
Jaguars: Have beaten Steelers 4 straight since ’05, including playoff game at Pittsburgh last season. For a change, Jaguars healthier team.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Steelers’ Hines Ward had 10 catches vs. Jaguars in last season’s playoff loss, and has 17 catches, 3 TDs. Jaguars’ Matt Jones has at least 5 catches in each of last 4 games.
THE PICK: JAGUARS 20 STEELERS 13
MATCHUP: Vikings (1-3) at Saints (2-2)
7:30 p.m. Monday
TV: ESPN
Line: Saints by 3
Weather: Dome
THE BUZZ: Vikings: Still searching for passing game to take pressure off Adrian Peterson. Gus Frerotte and Bernard Berrian need to build rapport. Saints: Take field with confidence they can score on anybody — they till haven’t been held under 24 points. Healthy Deuce McAllister gives them more options.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Adrian Peterson 2nd in NFL with 420 rushing yards, averaging 5.1 with 3 TDs. Saints’ Drew Brees leads NFL with 1,343 passing yards, has tossed 8TDs.
THE PICK: SAINTS 27 VIKINGS 17