The Steelers, an unpopular pick against the peaking Pats. They're only getting 2.5, but that won't matter. They need a big road win; young Kordell and The Bus will smell the chance to define their season. The Eagles, for reasons known only to Ricky Watters (and he ain't talking), will beat the Falcons in Atlanta. And Daddy likes another limb pick: the PANTHERS, at home in the Mobile-Phone-Dome, will eke out at least a cover against Green Bay, who has too many ailing troops not to sag a little this week. Oh. And KC is simply N-V-T-S NUTS to pick the Bills.
Steelers +2.5 PATRIOTS
Buccaneers -2.5 JETS
Jaguars -5 BILLS
BENGALS -4.5 Cowboys
Lions +2.5 VIKINGS
COLTS +4 Dolphins
Eagles +3 FALCONS
Oilers -2.5 RAVENS
PANTHERS +6.5 Packers
Chiefs -9.5 CHARGERS
Seahawks +2.5 RAIDERS
Cardinals +2 SAINTS
Bears -4 RAMS
In the NFL's next-to-last week, the big dogs hunt while the little dogs stay on the porch, which is an old midwestern truism that means exactly nothing. Nevertheless, now is playoff positioning time, which means expect the favorites to come up big this week. So pick the Chiefs to cover that fat 9.5 point spread against the Chargers -- KC's a young team and the coaches will be telling players that a big win is sure to impress the bowl scouts. Likewise, the Pack minus 6.5 on the road against Carolina. And reverse the trend to take the Bills getting five at home against a Jaguars team that struggles away from the St. John's River.
PATRIOTS -2.5 Steelers
Buccaneers -2.5 JETS
BILLS +5 Jaguars
BENGALS -4.5 Cowboys
Lions +2.5 VIKINGS
Dolphins -4 COLTS
FALCONS -3 Eagles
RAVENS +2.5 Oilers
Packers -6.5 PANTHERS
Chiefs -9.5 CHARGERS
Seahawks +2.5 RAIDERS
Cardinals +2 SAINTS
RAMS -4 Bears