Don't look now, but here come the Panthers.  After a week one 38-10 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in which Jake Delhomme threw 4 interceptions, Carolina was considered dead.  In the last three games, however, Carolina has gotten back to their core - running the ball.  They've rediscovered the formula of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, combining for 637 yards over this stretch.  The Dolphins, to their credit, have won four out of six after starting the season 0-3 and are only 2 games back of a wildcard position.  The Panthers are getting the home field three-point advantage with Vegas, which is where I'll lean.  

Washington at Dallas (-11)

Eleven points?  Wow!  This lines smells of a huge win.  The Cowboys looked helpless on the road in Green Bay, just barely avoiding a shut out.  Having only salvaged 61 yards on the ground, after averaging 113.5 yards over their previous 4-game winning streak, the Boys look to get back to that form against the 24th ranked rushing defense in Washington.  The Skins, after a dismal season thus far, looked creative and alive in a 10-point win against the Broncos.   Miraculously, they can climb to within 2 games of the NFC East title with a win in this divisional showdown.  It's tough to imagine an NFC East clash being decided by more than 11 points.  I'll take D.C.

Cleveland at Detroit (-3.5)

OK, so I believe I learned my lesson last week when I took the Browns plus 10.5 points.  They are simply an awful team.  Period.  They can't run.  They can't pass.  They can't even punt.  When their punter, Reggie Hodges punted from his own forty-five, in an attempt to pin the Ravens deep in their own end, he unsuccessfully provided the Ravens with the ball at their own twenty-five, via a fair catch.  At least kick it through the end zone!  That said, if I have to choose, which I do, I'll take the Lions minus the 3.5.

Pittsburgh at Kansas City (+10)

In the battle of the useless, the Chiefs' Jamaal Charles averaged 5.7 YDS/A, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders.  I don't expect those numbers against a Steeler team that, even in a loss, gave up only 61 yards on the ground.   Kansas City is twenty-seventh overall in offense.  The Steelers, coming off a home loss and a sweep at the hands of the Bengals, rank second overall in defense.  Standing two full games behind the Bengals for the division and now fighting for their post-season lives, I don't see them taking this game lightly.  I expect a 20-point road victory.

Atlanta @ Giants (-6.5)

This line surprises me.  Although the Giants are coming off a much-needed bye week, they return to a four-game losing streak.  As they sat idly by, the Cowboys and Eagles both lost, gaining them a half a game and potentially providing the G-Men with a boost.  This week begins a four game stretch that includes the Falcons, Broncos, Cowboys and Eagles.  Considering the Falcons lost three of four and the Broncos three straight, suddenly the future is looking up for Big Blue.  The Falcons seem to run the ball well with Turner, but simply can't stop anyone.  They rank 25th overall in defense and 26th against the run.  A message to the Giants: Please, please establish the run early and often in this game.  Giants by a touchdown.  

New Orleans at Tampa Bay (+11.5)

I guarantee I'm going to regret this.  The Saints have been flirting with their first loss ever since they fell behind 24-3 to the Dolphins in week 7.  Number one receiver Marques Colston has managed just 3 catches over his last two games and Drew Brees has thrown 7 INTs over his last four.  Tampa, on the other hand, have impressed lately with their ability to come back.  They rallied to win at home down 28-17 against the Packers, then came within 1:14 of finishing off a 19-6 comeback to the Dolphins.  Josh Freeman's found a favorite in Kellen Winslow, connecting with him 11 times in two games.  Will the Bucs win?  No.  But I see a late touchdown to get under the 10.5.

Buffalo at Jacksonville (-9)

Maurice Jones-Drew has averaged 132.5 YDS/G over his last four, reaching the end zone seven times.  The Jags' offense ranks 10th overall but considering the Bills just fired Dick Jauron, leaving Buffalo exposed to just about anything, a ten-point road loss is highly probable.  But just when you think the Bills have reached the bottom, they rise up.  After a disgusting 6-3 home loss to the Browns (yes, the Browns), the Bills managed to win back-to-back road games, first to the Jets in overtime, then to the surging Panthers.  9 points seems like a lot, but having a Bills' fan for a wife and seeing the torture Buffalo puts its fan through, believe me, it's nothing.  I'll take the Jags behind MJD.  

Indianapolis at Baltimore (PK)

In the game of the week, the number three offense (Colts) faces off against the number seven defense (Ravens).  It's the opposite matchup, though, that may tell the story.  The Ravens shut out the Browns 16-0 on Monday night, but remember, it was the Browns.  Their offense totaled only 274 YDS against a Cleveland team that gives up 394 YDS/G.  The Colts and Ravens rank thirteenth in defense and offense, respectively.  The way I see it, the Colts will get their points.  If Indianapolis' D can cancel out the Ravens' attack, the Colts survive another week.  

Seattle at Minnesota (-11)

The Vikings improved to 8-1 by defeating the Lions 27-10 behind a balanced dose of Peterson's 133 yards and Favre's 344.  Their defense contributed by throwing in a turnover and three sacks.  Surprisingly, Minnesota ranks tenth in rushing offense and last week's performance was only the third time Peterson cracked the century mark this season.  Seattle sits decently at eleventh overall against the run, giving up exactly 105 YDS/G.  Favre has proven he can win the game if need be, but I don't see him doing this one by more than the spread.  I'll take Seattle.

Arizona at St. Louis (+9)

St. Louis came within 32 yards of knocking New Orleans from the undefeated ranks.  Behind the running of Steven Jackson, who's rushed for 414 yards on 70 carries over the last three games, there's little to believe St. Louis' game plan will alter for this week.  Arizona is second to last stopping the run and keeping their fifth ranked passing attack off the field will be St. Louis' primary focus.  I like Arizona to win, but don't be surprised if this one's close.  Give me the Rams.  

Jets at New England (-10.5)

Man, you've got to feel for the Jets.  Not only did they lose on a time-expiring game-winning field goal to the Jags, they now have to go to a, to put it lightly, pissed off New England team that is surrounded by questions pertaining to Belichick's "4th & 2" call.  (A call I happen to agree with.)  The Jets average over 170 YDS/G on the ground, but honestly, do we really think their running game will matter?  I see the Pats jumping out to an early lead and never looking back.  Oh yeah.  By the way, the Jets beat the Pats in week 2.  Patriots by 20.

Cincinnati at Oakland (+9.5)

If this game doesn't have letdown written all over it for the Bengals, what does?  The Raiders have more indecision at the QB position than the Browns, and that's saying a lot.  After Russell, the $68 million man, was ineffective at best, Tom Cable yanked him for the second time in a month.  Regardless, together, Russell and Gradkowski totaled 90 yards.  On the brighter side, the Bengals are, simply put, playing well.  Last week, when their offense was having a hard time scoring touchdowns, their special teams took over with a second half kickoff return.  No matter who's QBing for Oakland, I like the Bengals by at least 10.

 San Diego at Denver (+3)

This was the game of the week until Kyle Orton went down with a left ankle injury.  He's expected to play, but "expected" may not cut it.  The Chargers have won four straight and after Denver's 6-0 start, appeared out of division contention.  Fast forward three weeks and this showdown finds both teams atop the division at 6-3, one struggling to hold on, the other gaining momentum each week.   The Chargers haven't gotten much production out of LaDainian Tomlinson this season, but seeing that he's once again the primary back behind Rivers, LT went out and rushed for 96 yards last game, a season high.  I like the Chargers to make a statement here.  

Philadelphia at Chicago (+3)

Jay Culter threw five interceptions, increasing his league lead to 17 in a 10-6 loss to the 49ers.  What's worse, two of the five came inside the redzone, thus costing the Bears six points at a minimum.  With the Bears' inability to get Matt Forte back to his 2008 form, Cutler's struggles further amplifies their issues.  The Eagles possess the ninth overall defense and have a +10 in turnovers, second only to the Packers (+13).  The Bears need this game more for Lovie Smith than anything, but the Eagles need it to remain relevant in the crowded NFC East.  I'll take the Birds. 

Tennessee at Houston (-5)

The Titans are now 3-0 under Vince Young's leadership.  That statistic is blatant.  But what's more intriguing behind this Titan awakening is the offensive output by Tennessee.  With Collins leading the ship, the offense managed 84 points in six games.  In only three games with Young, the Titans have lit up their opponents with 105 points.  Chris Johnson has been consistently ridiculous this year.  He's averaging just over 150 total YDS/G and in his last four, Johnson's gone 128, 228, 135 & 132 on the ground.  Houston is in the middle of the pack defensively, both against the run and in the air, ranking 14th and 17th, respectively.  Their offense, however, ranks 6th overall so I expect a lot of points here.  Who that favorites I'm not really sure.  But I'll bet it'll be close.  Tennessee plus 5.  

A QUICK RECAP:

Panthers  -3
Redskins +11
Lions -3.5
Steelers -10
Giants -6.5
Buccaneers +11.5
Jaguars -9
Colts PK
Seahawks +11
Rams +9
Patriots -10.5
Bengals -9.5
Chargers -3
Eagles -3
Titans +5