Raiders at Chargers (-13.5)
The Chargers have become the fashionable pick for the Super Bowl after comebacks against Cincinnati and Denver. They return home after taking control of the AFC West to face the lowly Raiders. The Raiders have been more competitive of late, and the return of Aaron Brooks has given their offense a pulse. The Chargers will let down a bit after disposing of some of the league’s elite teams. They get the win but not the blow out Vegas expects.
Chargers 27 Raiders 17
Steelers at Ravens (-3)
The Steelers needed a late comeback to squeak by Cleveland last week. It was their first road win of the season after taking to the road for their run to the Championship last year. Billick has been able to get the Ravens into the end zone more consistently since taking over the play calling, and the Ravens rediscovered Jamal Lewis last week against Atlanta. The Ravens will force the Steelers into mistakes on offense and take advantage of some short fields to get the win.
Ravens 20 Steelers 13
Eagles at Colts (-9)
The Eagles have again lost Donovan McNabb and any hope they had for a post-season berth. The Colts offense was handled nicely by the Cowboys last week. Manning will be ready after being frustrated last week. He will hang some big numbers on the Eagles.
Colts 41 Eagles 21
Texans at Jets (-6)
The Jets have an outside chance at the playoffs given the way their schedule unfolds the rest of the way and the fact that they play hard in every game. Every game they win though will be a hard fought, grind-it-out battle. They simply lack the firepower to get the easy win. The Texans have not quit despite the season they’ve had thus far. They will give the Jets all they can handle before falling late.
Jets 23 Texans 21