The Sports Inquirer

DETROIT -9 Tampa: The Lions at home should be able to overwhelm a Bucs defense that has seen improvement the past few games especially last week against Atlanta. With the continued brilliance of Calvin Johnson and the emergence of a top-flight defensive line with Suh and Nick Fairley, expect Detroit to compete for the NFC North crown till the end of the season.

HOUSTON -10 Jacksonville: The Texans are a mess with injuries to Arian Foster and Brian Cushing hurting the personnel, Gary Kubiak still not back as head coach and now Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are arguing on the sidelines. Despite all of that, Houston should still win at home against the hapless Jaguars.

GREEN BAY -5 Minnesota: If the Vikings had competent quarterback play from Christian Ponder or Matt Cassell, I’d take the Vikings to win in an upset. However, Minnesota doesn’t have that option despite the Packers dealing with their own injury issues. I’ll take Green Bay at home.

KANSAS CITY -5 San Diego: Despite the Chiefs being humbled last week at Denver, the Chiefs still have a strong team and should get healthy at home against a San Diego team that just lost on the road at Miami. The Chargers now have to go back on the road and play in one of the toughest stadiums in the league. I’m picking Kansas City.

Carolina -4 MIAMI: Tricky game because the Panthers may be on letdown alert because of the emotional win over the Patriots last week and Miami is at home. However, I’m a firm believer in Carolina and not just because of Cam Newton, who’s having an MVP-caliber season. The Panthers’ defense may be the best in the NFL and that carries over in any environment. I’ll take Carolina to win on the road.

CLEVELAND -2 Pittsburgh: Complete toss up but I’ll take the Browns to win at home.

ST. LOUIS -1 Chicago: If Jay Cutler isn’t able to play at a high level, the Bears will be in trouble against St. Louis. He won’t be completely healthy the rest of the season and that will cause Chicago to drop their game at the Rams on Sunday.

BALTIMORE -3.5 Jets: I can’t trust Geno Smith on the road under any circumstances at the rate he turns the ball over. The Ravens roll at home.

OAKLAND -1 Tennessee: Another toss up game that I’ll ride with the home team Raiders to grind out a victory.

ARIZONA -2 Indy: The Cardinals have quietly become a playoff-caliber team with another strong defense and the Colts have become inconsistent, especially on the road. I’m taking Arizona.

NY GIANTS -2 Dallas: The Giants, despite starting the season 0-6, have put themselves in the thick of the NFC East by winning their last four games. I expect the momentum to continue with New York beating a struggling Dallas defense.

Denver -2.5 NEW ENGLAND: The Broncos, despite Peyton Manning’s slowed state, still emerge with a road win at New England.

San Francisco -5 WASHINGTON: The 49ers will realize that they need to win ugly if they expect to get back to the Super Bowl. Run the ball consistently with Frank Gore, use more of the read option attack with Colin Kaepernick and solidify the defensive unit. This reality begins on Monday night at Washington.