Last week: 9-5 Against the spread: 6-8
Season: 61-29 Against the spread: 40-50
Off: Broncos, Lions, Titans, Seahawks, Jaguars and Ravens
SUNDAY’S GAMES
Noon: Vikings (6-0) at Steelers (4-2)
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32.
Line: Steelers by 4
Over/under: 45
The Steelers tend to rise to the occasion. Ben Roethlisberger is completing 72.5 percent of his passes, and the Vikings’ best corner could be watching from the sideline.
Pick: Steelers 35, Vikings 28
Noon: Colts (5-0) at Rams (0-6)
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2.
Line: Colts by 13
Over/under: 46
This might be a trap game for a lot of teams, but Peyton Manning won’t let the Colts lose focus, especially after an open date. The Colts have won 14 in a row in the regular season; the Rams have lost 16 straight.
Pick: Colts 28, Rams 13
Noon: 49ers (3-2) at Texans (3-3)
Line: Texans by 3
Over/under: 44
The 49ers get offensive help with the return of Frank Gore, but their defense will be tested by the Texans’ bevy of weapons: Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels and Andre Johnson.
Pick: Texans 24, 49ers 17
Noon: Patriots (4-2) vs. Bucs (0-6)
Line: Patriots by 14 1/2
Over/under: 45
How often do these teams fly east for a game? It happens this week in London for the NFL’s third consecutive season at Wembley Stadium. It’s a mismatch.
Pick: Patriots 35, Buccaneers 14.
Noon: Chargers (2-3) at Chiefs (1-5)
Line: Chargers by 5
Over/under: 44
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Another must-win game for the Chargers, whose season is slipping away. It should be easier to pressure Matt Cassel than it was to rattle Kyle Orton. Regardless, this won’t be easy.
Pick: Chargers 24, Chiefs 21
Noon: Packers (3-2) at Browns (1-5)
Line: Packers by 7
Over/under: 42
The Packers are among the most penalized teams, and do a lousy job protecting Aaron Rodgers. That said, Rodgers is sharp when he has time and the defense is improved.
Pick: Packers 20, Browns 7
3:05 p.m.: Bills (2-4) at Panthers (2-3)
Line: Panthers by 7
Over/under: 38
It remains to be seen if Trent Edwards will be fully recovered from his concussion. The key for the Panthers is sticking to the run instead of letting Jake Delhomme throw.
Pick: Panthers 17, Bills 13
3:05 p.m.: Jets (3-3) at Raiders (2-4)
Line: Jets by 6
Over/under: 35
The Raiders are feeling better after knocking off the Eagles, and the Jets’ defense suffered a big loss with Kris Jenkins’ season-ending injury. Still, the Jets have more firepower.
Pick: Jets 21, Raiders 10
3:15 p.m.: Bears (3-2) at Bengals (4-2)
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32
Line: Bengals by 1 1/2
Over/under: 42
Although they’re coming off a loss at Atlanta, the Bears are a good team. The Bengals could use Antwan Odom to put some heat on the quarterback, but he’s done for the season.
Pick: Bears 20, Bengals 17
3:15 p.m.: Falcons (4-1) at Cowboys (3-2)
Line: Cowboys by 4
Over/under: 47
A chance for the Cowboys to prove they’re a contender as Felix Jones and Roy Williams return, which should help. But the Falcons have too many weapons on offense.
Pick: Falcons 21, Cowboys 17
3:15 p.m.: Saints (5-0) at Dolphins (2-3)
Line: Saints by 6
Over/under: 47
The Dolphins’ run game will test a New Orleans defense ranked 20th in yards per carry. Drew Brees and the Saints can win a shootout though.
Pick: Saints 35, Dolphins 28
7:20 p.m.: Cardinals (3-2) at Giants (5-1)
TV: WMAQ-Ch. 5.
Line: Giants by 7
Over/under: 46
The Cardinals are 2-0 on the road, but is that legitimate? The past 10 years they were 18-62 as visitors. The Giants were humiliated by the Saints and still are steamed.
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Pick: Giants 27, Cardinals 24
MONDAY’S GAME
7:30 p.m.: Eagles (3-2) at Redskins (2-4)
TV: ESPN
Line: Eagles by 7
Over/under: 38
The Redskins are reeling, but they still can get to the quarterback. If the Eagles can protect Donovan McNabb — and that’s not a given — they should walk away victorious.
Pick: Eagles 17, Redskins 13