NFL Picks

This game, the first shifted to prime time by the NFL under the new flexible scheduling format, was supposed to be the best chance for the Bears to lose. Whoops! The Dolphins, who entered last week's game, 1-6, beat Chicago 31-13 last Sunday, cooling down all those talking heads and talk-show callers comparing these Bears to their 1985 counterparts.

But there's still a lot at stake.

The Giants have won five straight and at 6-2 are tied with New Orleans for the second-best record in the NFC. A win here and they have a shot at home-field advantage in the NFC, although that's a long shot -- they have a much tougher schedule and a myriad of injuries, especially at wide receiver, where Amani Toomer is out for the season, and at defensive end, where Michael Strahan is the latest casualty.

The Bears had a similar injury to a defensive star last week when Brian Urlacher went out late. But it turned out to be a sprained big toe on his left foot, which might not keep him out Sunday.

The emotional toll on the Bears is something else.

"Everybody is pretty upset and disappointed about the way we played," defensive back Nathan Vasher said.

The Giants will probably start by running Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs. In fact, there might be more of Jacobs, a power back like his old Auburn teammate Ronnie Brown, who rushed for 157 yards against the Bears' quick but light front line.

With three rookies playing on defense, the Giants have allowed just one touchdown in their last three home games -- that after a late hit prolonged a drive that would have ended with a field-goal attempt by Houston.

At one point the Giants were three-point favorites. Because of the injuries, it's now one.

Still ...

GIANTS, 19-16

San Diego (minus 1) at Cincinnati

The Chargers have problems with Shawne Merriman's suspensions and some defensive injuries. But fewer than the Bengals.

CHARGERS, 28-26

St. Louis (plus 4) at Seattle

Despite three straight losses, the Rams can get back in the NFC West race with a win. Even with Seattle's injuries, make it four straight.

SEAHAWKS, 22-16

New Orleans (plus 4) at Pittsburgh

If Pittsburgh wins its eight remaining games, it might get a chance to defend its title. How about winning one?

STEELERS, 28-23

Washington (plus 7) at Philadelphia

The Redskins are the first team ever to score 22 points in three straight games. But the Eagles are 7-0 off a bye under Andy Reid.

EAGLES, 31-22

Dallas (minus 7) at Arizona

The Cowboys are unpredictable enough to lose this, then beat Indy next week.

COWBOYS, 31-23

Tampa Bay (plus 9 1/2) at Carolina (Monday night)

The Panthers, like the Eagles, use the bye week to wake up.

PANTHERS, 17-10

Kansas City (minus 1) at Miami

Damon Huard started his career with the Dolphins.

DOLPHINS, 15-13

Buffalo (plus 12) at Indianapolis

Willis McGahee won't play, neutralizing Buffalo's only edge.

COLTS, 34-10

New York Jets (plus 10 1/2) at New England

Bill Belichick will pound Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney this week the way he didn't last week.

PATRIOTS 28-17

Denver (minus 9 1/2) at Oakland

If the Raiders couldn't score last week in Seattle ...

BRONCOS, 19-0

Houston (plus 10 1/2) at Jacksonville

Texans won 27-7 at home.

JAGUARS 27-7

Cleveland (plus 8) at Atlanta

Cleveland is consistently competitive. Atlanta is consistently confusing.

FALCONS, 20-13

Baltimore (minus 7) at Tennessee

Steve McNair is getting better. Now he comes home.

RAVENS, 20-9

Green Bay (plus 5 1/2) at Minnesota

Brett Favre has never played well in the Metrodome.

VIKINGS 19-16

San Francisco (plus 6) at Detroit

The 49ers falter on the road. Again.

LIONS, 31-13

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LAST WEEK: 4-10 (spread) 6-8 (Straight up)

SEASON 50-72-6 (spread); 78-50 (straight up)