AT this point, there are only three reasons to consider picking against the Colts. 1. They’re playing the Patriots. 2. The forecast is “Ice Bowl” cold with a blizzard. 3 They’re playing in the cold against a hot team like, say, the Steelers. Thursday’s game against the Lions, who have lost four in a row, certainly fits none of those criteria. Giving nine on the road, especially with the Colts’ defense, is risky, but Peyton Manning can put the ball in the end zone any time he wants.
The pick: Colts -9.
Bears (+31/2) over COWBOYS
Whoever Bill Parcells starts at QB will have trouble against Bear defense that has been tough against everybody except Peyton. The A-Train will pound away at the Cowboys, who may have given up a little in the second half in Baltimore.
SUNDAY
Eagles (-7) over GIANTS
Remember in Week 1 when the Giants forgot to cover Terrell Owens on a TD pass? Well, everyone else is covering him and he’s still scoring at will. This will be a long day for Eli Manning, who was belted around by the Birds in September.
Jets (-3) over CARDINALS
Jets’ biggest problem in Cleveland, other than Herm Edwards incredibly not challenging what should have been a down-by-contact at the 1 following an interception, were the sacks of Quincy Carter. If the Cards are without sack machine Bertrand Berry, the Q should have a little more time to throw this week. Even Rich Kotite won in Arizona.
Ravens (+7) over PATRIOTS
The Ravens’ offense can’t compare to the Chiefs, but that 97-yard TD drive by KC looked pretty easy against the likes of Earthwind Moreland. Not only do Pats have short week after MNF road win, they’re banged up for their most physical matchup of the season.
Redskins (+11) over STEELERS
A lot of points for the Steelers to give up against a good Washington defense, especially with Plaxico Burress out. Pittsburgh has biggest home-field advantage in the NFL right now, but they’re long overdue to stumble.
BENGALS (-5½ ) over Browns
Bengals gave Steelers all they wanted in 19-14 home loss, despite being nearly doubled up in time of possession. Kelly Holcomb (4-of-10, 32 yards, no points vs. Jets) isn’t the answer for Cleveland, who can sack the QB and return punts, but not much else.
Jaguars (+5½ ) over VIKINGS
Strange times for Vikes, who failed to cover in victory over Lions after paying off in losses to Colts and Pack on road. Hard to know this early in week if Randy Moss and/or Byron Leftwich will return.
PANTHERS (+21/2) over Bucs
Both teams romped at home last week vs. NFC West dregs. Should be a close one, and I’m ‘Goings’ with the home-dog Panthers on two-game winning streak.
Chargers (+3) over CHIEFS
Now that KC is 3-7 and totally cooked, it may be time for Dick Vermeil, who always looks as if he’s just bitten into a lemon, to do himself a favor and retire. LaDainian Tomlinson will run all day.
Titans (-11/2) over TEXANS
Texans lost game it could have won, while Titans won one they could have lost. Usually like to go the opposite way the next week, but with Steve McNair, Tennessee just looks like the better team.
Saints (+91/2) over FALCONS
For a team that’s in the NFL stratosphere at 8-2, the Falcons are an oddity because they’ve scored just 14 points more than they’ve given up. Saints, 2-2 on road, could prove to be real pain in the Vick.
Bills (+5) over SEAHAWKS
Bills have scored 105 points in eight games vs. AFC and 75 in two games vs. laughable NFC West. Hawks should limp to division crown, but don’t look so imposing with Matt Hasselbeck hurt and Koren Robinson suspended.
Dolphins (+1) over 49ERS
The 1-9 Dolphins are the joke of AFC East, but have been competitive vs. NFC West, beating Rams, losing to Cards with 19 seconds to go and hanging tough in Seattle. The 1-9 Niners . . . they’re the joke of NFC West.
BRONCOS (-11) over Raiders
Wonder what the spread would have to be to even think about picking the Raiders in this one. The Broncos outgained Oakland 444 yards to 145 in a 31-3 annihilation, now get the rematch at home after routs of Houston and New Orleans by a combined 65-26.
MONDAY NIGHT
PACKERS (-6) over Rams
Can’t consider taking the Rams on the road, especially in a potentially cold spot against a hot team with a quarterback who lives for the prime time. Even if Ahman Green can’t go, Brett Favre will get it done.
BEST BETS: Bills, Ravens, Chargers.
LAST WEEK: 10-5-1.
BEST BETS: 2-1.
