NFL Week 4

We're already hitting the quarter-pole of the NFL season and the byes begin, so we have only 13 games on the schedule and few marquee matchups. Three of the league ratings grabbers--the Patriots, Colts and Giants--are all off, so catch up on your yard work or watch some baseball if you have lousy games on in your market.

We went 9-7 in Week 3 and now stand at 2602-1 for the 2008 season.

SUNDAY
Cardinals +1.5 JETS: Have to think Favre will get in sync with his receivers eventually, but right now Jets are playing confused. Just when you think they have momentum, like when they get withing 17-14 of the Chargers Monday night, they go and pull that bone-headed onside kick. Slick move, Mangenius. Now, good luck stopping Arizona's pass attack. Cardinals 24-20

Broncos -9 CHIEFS: Kansas City called to ask if I was interested in starting at QB this week, but frankly my arm strength just isn't what it used to be and my knees ache. I'll say this for the Jets though, I'm sure they're happy Herman Edwards left. Denver can name the score. Broncos 34-20

BENGALS -3.5 Browns: A battle of the winless, two teams heading in the same direction--down the tubes. Bengals at lest showed some life against the Giants while the Browns got smoked by Baltimore. All you knuckleheads who picked Cleveland to be a playoff team, raise your hands. You know who you are. Bengals 37-27

JAGUARS -7 Texans: Jags were staring at an 0-3 hole before stunning the Colts last week and have some momentum now. Houston could be a contender. In 2015. Jaguars 20-10.

49ers +5 SAINTS: Jeremy Shockey already on IR in New Orleans. Giants are 3-0 and have two draft picks in return, including a No. 2 next year. I'll take that deal. Saints 27-24

Falcons +7 PANTHERS: Bet you didn't know the Falcons lead the league in rushing yards. Bet you also didn't know road team has won last five in this matchup. Well, that ends today. Panthers 20-17

TITANS -3 Vikings: Ornery Titans defense has been fantasizing about the abuse they're going to lay on Gus Frerotte. Oddly enough, so has Frerotte. Always knew there was something strange about him. Titans 20-16

Packers +1 Buccaneers: Seems like every Bucs game is a life and death struggle. This should be no different. Packers are still better than they looked against Dallas. Packers 21-20

Bills -8 RAMS: Rams in complete disarray and Scott Linehan may not see midseason. If they lay a beating on St. Louis today, Bills could lay claim to being the top dog in the AFC. Really. Bills 27-13

Chargers -7.5 RAIDERS: How lame is the NFL schedule this week? We actually get this dog of a game in the New York market. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not losing sleep over the Lane Kiffin soap opera. Chargers 38-13

Redskins +11 COWBOYS: On the upside, we in New York get this game against the San Diego-Oakland dud. Dallas may already be on cruise control, but too many points to lay in a divisional game. The only question left for Dallas is how exactly will Tony Romo screw up in the eventual playoff loss? Cowboys 31-24

SUNDAY NIGHT
Eagles -3.5 BEARS: Eagles already showing signs of wear and tear but have enough to withstand the pop-gun Bears attack. People only care about baseball in Chicago right now. And the buffoonish community organizer with a bracelet. As always, The Olbermann Rule is in effect. Eagles 24-20

MONDAY NIGHT
STEELERS -5.5 Ravens: Baltimore is 2-0 only because they've faced the dregs from Ohio their first two games. A huge step up in competition. Now Joe Flacco gets his welcome to the NFL. Steelers 26-14