Last week’s record: 10-4
Season to date: 65-37
Last week vs. spread: 7-7
Season vs. spread: 47-52-3
Off: Bears, Broncos, Packers, Vikings
MATCHUP: Raiders (2-4) at Ravens (3-3)
Noon Sunday
Line: Ravens by 7
Weather: 60M-0, partly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Raiders: Coming off overtime home victory over Jets, and rookie Darren McFadden playing a larger role. They’ll need big plays against this defense.
Ravens: Defense has been suffocating at home, allowing total of 33 points in wins over Bengals, Browns and loss to Titans. Offense needs only to hold serve.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Raiders’ JaMarcus Russell, who has 5 TD passes vs. 2 INTs, will have to open it up because of Ravens’ tough run defense. Willis McGahee, who had 1st 100-yard game of year last week, ready to do more.
THE PICK: RAVENS 24 RAIDERS 13
MATCHUP: Cardinals (4-2) at Panthers (5-2)
Noon Sunday
Line: Panthers by 4
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Weather: 65M-0, sunny
THE BUZZ: Cardinals: Had week off to get ready for their 3rd trip east (lost at Redskins and Jets). Kurt Warner, NFC’s No. 2 passer, has thrown 5 TD passes and 4 INTs on road.
Panthers: They’ve built impressive home-field advantage, going 4-0 and winning by 18.8 points per game. Controlling ball key in this one.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Cards’ Larry Fitzgerald tied for NFL lead with 5 TD receptions, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. Panthers’ DeAngelo Williams, who ran for 121 yards at Arizona last year, averaging 4.0 yards per carry with 2 TDs.
THE PICK: PANTHERS 27 CARDINALS 24
MATCHUP: Bucs (5-2) at Cowboys (4-3)
Noon Sunday
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32
Line: Cowboys by 2 1/2
Weather: 80M-0, sunny
THE BUZZ: Bucs: Only losses have been on road, and by total of 7 points (Saints, Broncos). They’re playing well with healthy Jeff Garcia back at quarterback. All signals are go.
Cowboys: Broken pinkie will keep QB Tony Romo out again, and 40-year-old Brad Johnson doesn’t have needed mobility. Cowboys in funk with 3 losses in 4 games.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Ex-Cowboy Antonio Bryant leads Bucs with 31 catches, 6 of them last week. Cowboys’ Marion Barber has rushed for 5 scores this season.
THE PICK: BUCS 23 COWBOYS
MATCHUP: Redskins (5-2) at Lions (0-6)
Noon Sunday
Line: Redskins by 7 1/2
Weather: Dome
THE BUZZ: Redskins: Their old-fashioned formula of running ball, not turning it over and playing defense is still working. QB Jason Campbell has not thrown INT in 202 passes.
Lions: At least putting up fight–last 2 losses have been on road by total of 9 points. They’ve lost their 2 home games by average of 25 points (Packers, Bears).
FANTASY OUTLOOK: NFL leading rusher Clinton Portis (5.0 yards per carry, 7 TDs) could feast on this defense. Lions rookie Kevin Smith showing hope for future with 4.9 per carry, 3 rushing TDs.
THE PICK: REDSKINS 30 LIONS 14
MATCHUP: Bills (5-1) at Dolphins (2-4)
Noon Sunday
Line: Bills by 1 1/2
Weather: 80M-0, 40 percent chance of rain
THE BUZZ: Bills: They’ve beaten the Dolphins 7 of last 8 meetings, including both games last year. Quarterback Trent Edwards emerging as one of NFL’s best.
Dolphins: After encouraging 2-2 start, Dolphins have lost to Texans and Ravens. A big day from QB Chad Pennington could lead to upset.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Bills’ Lee Evans is having big year with 24 catches, 21.7 avg. and 3 TDs. He has 8 career TDs vs. Miami. Dolphins’ Ronnie Brown has scored 7 TDs in last 5 games.
THE PICK: BILLS 23 DOLPHINS 20
MATCHUP: Rams (2-4) at Patriots (4-2)
Noon Sunday
Line: Patriots by 7
Weather: 60M-0, 70 percent chance of rain
THE BUZZ: Rams: Have gone 2-0 under interim coach Jim Haslett, beating Redskins and Cowboys. The offense has found rhythm with QB Marc Bulger back in lineup, and it will need it in this one.
Patriots: Matt Cassel, who engineered blowout win Monday night over Denver, has settled in as Tom Brady’s replacement. Pats will score against this defense.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: In last 4 games, Rams’ Donnie Avery has 14 catches for 174 yards and TD. Sammy Morris averaging 4.4 yards per carry with 4 rushing TDs for Pats.
THE PICK: PATRIOTS 37 RAMS 27
MATCHUP: Chargers (3-4) at Saints (3-4)
Noon Sunday (in London)
Radio: WSCR-AM 670
Line: Chargers by 3
Weather: 60M-0, 60 percent chance of rain
THE BUZZ: Chargers: Headed overseas in need of win and hope their passing game can get them one. LaDainian Tomlinson’s sore toe has limited him to 3.6 yards per carry.
Saints: Drew Brees gets 1st shot at team that traded him 3 years ago, but Saints limited with all-purpose running back Reggie Bush out with knee injury.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Philip Rivers leads NFL with 16 TD passes and could get more against this defense. Deuce McAllister, averaging 4.2 yards per carry with 1 rushing TD in 50 carries, takes over at RB for Saints.
THE PICK: CHARGERS 26 SAINTS 20
MATCHUP: Chiefs (1-5) at Jets (3-3)
Noon Sunday
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
Line: Jets by 13 1/2
Weather: 60M-0, 30 percent chance of rain
THE BUZZ: Chiefs: Nothing has gone right for them this year, and now they’re down to 3rd-string QB Tyler Thigpen, who has thrown 2 TD passes vs. 4 INTs. It’s wait till next year, at least.
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Jets: Will need Brett Favre’s savvy to bounce back from close loss at Oakland last week. Jets have won last 2 at home, beating Cardinals and Bengals.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Chiefs’ Dwayne Bowe, who has 34 catches and 2 TDs, has at least 5 catches in last 3 games. Jets’ Laveranues Coles has concussion and his status is uncertain.
THE PICK: JETS 28 CHIEFS 10
MATCHUP: Falcons (4-2) at Eagles (3-3)
Noon Sunday
Line: Eagles by 9
Weather: 60M-0, partly cloudy
THE BUZZ: Falcons: After week off, get chance to beat playoff-caliber team on road. QB Matt Ryan hasn’t been playing like rookie.
Eagles: Also off last week, haven’t played complete game since upsetting Steelers in week 3. Injuries have been factor, but RB Brian Westbrook may be ready to go.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Falcons’ Ryan has thrown 5 TD passes vs. 3 INTs. Eagles veteran Donovan McNabb has thrown 8 TD passes vs. 3 INTs.
THE PICK: EAGLES 27 FALCONS 21
MATCHUP: Bengals (0-7) at Texans (2-4)
3:05 p.m. Sunday
Line: Texans by 9
Weather: 80M-0, sunny
THE BUZZ: Bengals: For 5th time since ’91, they’re 0-7. In Cincinnati, it’s getting old.
Texans: Thanks to Hurricane Ike rescheduling, this is Texans’ 4th straight home game. They’ve won their last 2 and 6 of 7 at Reliant Stadium dating back to last season.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Bengals giving some playing time to Bears flop Cedric Benson, who ran for 52 yards last week. In his last 3 games, Texans’ Matt Schaub has thrown 6 TD passes vs. 2 INTs.
THE PICK: TEXANS 27 BENGALS 10
MATCHUP: Browns (2-4) at Jaguars (3-3)
3:05 p.m. Sunday
Line: Jaguars by 7
Weather: 75M-0, sunny
THE BUZZ: Browns: Tight end Kellen Winslow will sit out after being suspended for complaining about how team handled his staph infection. Not great for team to regain momentum.
Jaguars: Have held their own against tough early schedule. QB David Garrard will make enough plays, and their defense could dominate.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Derek Anderson has thrown 6 TD passes vs. 6 INTs for Browns. Jags’ Garrard has thrown 3 TD passes and hasn’t been intercepted in last 3 games.
THE PICK: JAGUARS 24 BROWNS 13
MATCHUP: Giants (5-1) at Steelers (5-1)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
TV/radiio: WFLD-Ch. 32, WSCR-AM 670
Line: Steelers by 3
Weather: 50M-0, 30 percent chance of rain
THE BUZZ: Giants: No. 2-ranked offense faces one of its biggest challenges, facing No. 1 defense on its home field. QB Eli Manning will need help from WR Plaxico Burress, visiting his old team for 1st time.
Steelers: Mewelde Moore has done good job filling in for injured Willie Parker, rushing for 120 yards and scoring 3 TDs last week. He may be needed again.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Giants’ Brandon Jacobs has rushed for 5.4 yards per carry and 6 TDs. Steelers may have to go through air to Hines Ward (tied for NFL lead with 5 receiving TDs).
THE PICK: STEELERS 21 GIANTS 16
MATCHUP: Seahawks (1-5) at 49ers (2-5)
3:15 p.m. Sunday
Line: 49ers by 5
Weather: 75M-0, sunny
THE BUZZ: Seahawks: Coach Mike Holmgren gets to prepare his slumping team to face his hometown team, which he denies he has interest in running next year.
49ers: Bears Hall of Famer Mike Singletary takes over 49ers with task of injecting emotion and passion into a once-great franchise. Schedule breaks his way, for day at least.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Seahawks’ Julius Jones has rushed for 212 yards and 3 TDs in last 2 games vs. 49ers. In last 5 vs. Seattle, Frank Gore has averaged 143 yards from scrimmage, including 113.6 rushing.
THE PICK: 49ERS 28 SEAHAWKS 20
MATCHUP: Colts (3-3) at Titans (6-0)
7:30 p.m. Monday
TV/radio: ESPN, WSCR-AM 670 Line: Titans by 4
Weather: 55M-0, clear
THE BUZZ: Colts: Have fallen 3 games behind Titans in AFC South and are desperate, but offense doesn’t resemble Colts of old. Now it faces Tennessee’s No. 3-ranked defensive unit on road.
Titans: Go for 1st 7-0 start in franchise history behind Kerry Collins, who has been efficient as starting quarterback. Titans can do it on ground with rookie Chris Johnson and vet LenDale White sharing load.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Colts’ Reggie Wayne has 35 catches, 4 for TDs. Titans’ White leads NFL with 8 rushing TDs.
THE PICK: TITANS 27 COLTS 21