1) Steelers -10 @ Giants

JUSTIFICATION: As I said last week, the Giants appear to have quit on their coach for a second year in a row. They now appear to be doing their best to make the Eli Manning trade with the Chargers even worse than it was originally. The Chargers have got to be smiling each week when they see the Giants meltdown once again. The Giants can't stop any kind of a rush, they aren't opening holes for Barber anymore, and they are starting to turn the ball over more. None of which bodes well for them going up against a top flight Steeler defense. Look for the Steelers to further contribute to Manning's education and confuse him all day long. This should be a blowout.


2) Jets -6 vs. Seahawks

JUSTIFICATION: The Jets haven't played very well of late but the Seahawks are a team that is decimated by injuries and a team that traditionally doesn't travel well. The Jets cannot afford to let down as the AFC Wildcard chase will go down to the last weekend. I'm looking for an inspired effort by the Jets this week with Curtis Martin having a big day. By controlling the clock by running the ball early and often, the Jets will wear down the Seahawks defense and open up some deep opportunities late in the game. That should be enough for the Jets to cover at home.


3) Cowboys +12 1/2 vs. Eagles

JUSTIFICATION: This is a tough game to pick. The Cowboys have not played well at all of late and the Eagles have been exceptional. But, the Cowboys, at home, against an arch NFC East rival makes this spread a little too large for me to bite into on the Eagles side. Records usually go out the window in games such as these. Parcells will make it very clear that this is the type of game he will judge players on for jobs next year. Da Boys should be able to keep it close early and the Eagles showed some signs of possibly starting to coast a little bit last week versus the Redskins. A similar game in many respects to this game. The Eagles should win but the spread is a bit too high for a rivalry game of this magnitude.


4) Lions +3 vs. Vikings

JUSTIFICATION: The Lions have not been a very good proposition at home this year only going 2-4. But, the Vikes are only 2-4 on the road. The reason I'm going with the Lions is that they appear to have found a running game with the emergence of Kevin Jones of late. By being able to run the ball, even a little bit, the Lions don't have to depend on QB Harrington to be the sole offensive threat. That lessening of the pressure will make Harrington even better. The Vikes appear to be headed for another end of season collapse like they did last year. They have lost two straight against decidedly mediocre teams in the Bears and the Seahawks. There is already grumbling about whether Mike Tice will get the axe. That kind of distraction can not be good for a team like the Vikes. Take the home dog.


5) Bills PK @ Bengals

JUSTIFICATION: The Bills appear to have figured things out at just the right time. RB McGahee is playing up to expectations and going against a Bengal defense that has been known to give up some rushing yards. QB Bledsoe appears to be comfortable and making sound decisions. The Bills are dead solid in the AFC Wildcard race so they have a lot to play for. The Bengals have played better of late and QB Palmer seems to be getting comfortable. This could be a high scoring game but, in the end, I have to give the nod to the hot team, and the Bills are the hot team right now.




Don Pinchin
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