Another winning week makes 13 of 15 weeks this season in the positive for the NFL. After a 4-3 week my season total is at 64-40-1 (61.5%). As the regular season winds down it's time to close out on a high note. The final week can create problems with players resting and teams looking towards the off-season.

NFL:

(1.) Minnesota (-6.5) v. Washington

The Vikings struggled Monday night against rivals Chicago and it's unlikely they play that poorly in back to back home games. The Vikings are excellent against the runand the Skins offense is nothing if they can't move the ball on the ground. The Vikings play much better and charge into the playoffs.

Pick: Vikings by 10

Result: Redskins 32, Vikings 21 (Loss)

(2.) Pittsburgh (-7.5) at St. Louis

The Steelers are in the midst of a late season slide and need this game really bad. St. Louis is just what the doctor ordered. The Steelers are trying to aviod a first round mathcuo with J-ville and possible second round matchup with New England. Cleveland and Indiapolis would be much easier road to the AFC title. Believe it or not, the Browns can still pass Pittsburgh for the division.

Pick: Steelers by 10

Result: Steelers 41, Rams 24 (Win)

(3.) Chicago (+9) v. Green Bay

This is far to great a rivalry for a nine point spread in Chicago. This series is the most heated rivalry in the NFL and these teams and fans really don't like one another. This is the Bears Super Bowl and they play their best against the hated Packers. The Bears would love nothing more than to screw the Pack out of home field advantage.

Pick: Bears by 6

Result: Bears 35, Packers 7 (Win)

(Blowout of the Week) Tennessee (-8) v. NY Jets

The Titans are still alive in the playoffs hunt and are due for a great performance at home. The Titans will stuff the run and Young and company will pound the ball all game versus the weak Jets defense. The Jets played very well last week and won't be up two weeks in a row.

Pick: Titans by 14

Result: Titans 10, Jets 6 (Loss)

(Upset Special) Cincinnati (+3) v. Cleveland

See Chicago - Green Bay. The Bengals have been horrid this season and Lewis should get canned after the season. This inter-state rivalry is very important and the players and fans know it. Add in the fact the Bengals could help knock the Browns out of the playoffs and this one should be interesting. Cleveland has struggled on the road and I expect the Bengals to pull the upset.

Pick: Bengals by 13

Result: Bengals 19, Browns 14 (Win)

(Under 47) Philadelphia at New Orleans

The Eagles have a top five defense this season and could easily have 9 or 10 wins this season. The Saints have a high powered offense, but I expect the Birds to defense to play a solid game and keep the points down.

Result: 61 points -- Eagles 38, Saints 23 (Loss)

(Under 43.5) Dallas at Carolina

Carolina will play well at home on national television and look to keep the Cowboys offense off the field. Romo is banged up and the Cowboys offense hasn't been clicking lately. I expect a lower scoring affair in this one.

Result: 33 points -- Cowboys 20, Panthers 13 (Win)

Other Games:

  1. Detroit over KC by 6...two teams falling apart
  2. Tampa over SF by 8...the Bucs are rolling into the playoffs
  3. Dallas over Carolina by 4...closer than expected
  4. Indianapolis over Houston by 9...watch out for Houston next year
  5. New England over Miami by 15...Miami always play the Pats tough
  6. San Diego over Denver by 5...the Broncos are playing for pride
  7. NY Giants over Buffalo by 7...the G-men need this for the playoffs with NE next week
  8. Arizona over Atlanta by 7...Cards a double-digit favorite?
  9. Seattle over Baltimore by 8...The Hawks are back home which equals a win
  10. Jacksonville over Oakland by 8...The Raiders are playing much better
  11. New Orleans over Philadelphia by 5...the Saints trying to keep playoff hopes alive