NFL Week 11

We managed a rare winning week in Week 10, going 7-6-1, bringing the 2007 slate to 58-77-8. There's still hope we can get it to .500; we're nothing if not remarkably optimistic.

The byes are over and we return to a full slate of games now. Not many games to get excited over this week. The Giants and Detroit face off, both at 6-3, and New England visits Buffalo tonight, looking to go 10-0. Otherwise, San Diego at Jacksonville may be the most interesting game.

SUNDAY
Giants -3 LIONS: Lions can't run the ball and have trouble protecting Jon Kitna. The line on this started out in Detroit's favor and moved to Giants laying three. Bettors know something. Giants 30-24

Rams -3 49ERS: When was the last time a 1-8 was favored on the road? This one's a pre-Thanksgiving turkey. Rams 27-10

FALCONS +3 Buccaneers: Nine victories should win NFC South. Question is, will anyone get there? Falcons 21-17

COLTS -14.5 Chiefs: Colts are banged up, but should be angry enough to blow out mediocre Chiefs, who lost by 15 here in the playoffs last year. Colts 37-17

Browns -2.5 RAVENS: Upstart Browns favored on the road at Baltimore? Brian Billick needs to update his resume. Ray Lewis may be homicidal after this one. Browns 31-21

BENGALS -3 Cardinals: Cardinals usually keep things tight on the road, but rarely win. Bengals have a chance to go on a bit of a run now. Bengals 34-24

EAGLES -10 Dolphins: Can't see rookie John Beck doing much in the cold in Philly, where desperate Eagles can get to .500. Confused 1972 Dolphin alumni not sure how to celebrate possible 0-16 season. Eagles 38-14

Chargers -3 JAGUARS: I know, it's risky going with San Diego with an early road start, but if they have any plans to do something this year, but better start rolling now. Opportunistic defense and special teams won for them last week; despite David Garrard's return, look for that trend to continue. Chargers 24-20

Saints -4 TEXANS: I should know better than to go with the Saints after last week's debacle against the Rams, but they can still win the NFC South and this game is a must. Saints 27-21

Packers -10 PANTHERS: Count me officially on the Packers bandwagon. For now. AARP member Vinny Testaverde to start for Panthers. Favre looks like a fresh-faced youth next to him. Enough said. Packers 34-14

Raiders +5 VIKINGS: Sure, this seems crazy, but tell me: Exactly where is Minnesota going to get offense now with Adrian Peterson? If this is the only game in your area, go rake leaves. Raiders 13-10

Steelers -10 JETS: Just End The Season. Meadowlands will be filled with Pittsburgh fans, making for a festive road atmosphere. Steelers 30-13

COWBOYS -10.5 Redskins: Dallas warms up with an appetizer before feasting on the Jets Thanksgiving Day. Cowboys 41-17

SEAHAWKS -5.5 Bears: Midwest correspondent 3 wood thinks the Bears should be looking at the 2008 draft. He's right. QB would be a good place to start. Seahawks 31-21

SUNDAY NIGHT
BILLS +16 Patriots: Without Marshawn Lynch, this seems crazy. But wild atmosphere and pesky Bills defesne could be a factor. Still, Patriots get to 10-0. As part of their absurd green campaign, NBC plans to use candles to keep themselves warm in 34-degree weather. As always, The Olbermann Rule is in effect. Patriots 31-20

MONDAY NIGHT
BRONCOS -2 Titans: I can't quite figure Denver out, but I do know the Titans are hitting a rough patch and looked awful last week. Remarkably, Broncos still have life in division hunt. Broncos 27-20