This week is the Fantasy special. You'll see a bit more about Fantasy needs in this, in first week of "The Show." We're talking, of course, about Fantasy football playoffs, which quite frankly has changed the way I watch football -- for the better. Now, I'm not really even sure I care what happens with a lot of these games, but I need big days from Ahman Green, Corey Dillon, Rudi Johnson, Plaxico Burress, Steve Smith and (gulp) Rex Grossman. Cash money is at stake. Even though it's a newsroom league, there are no friends anymore.

Fantasy does that to people, and yet I have some friends who are still snobs and don't see the value of it -- who say it's nothing more than statistic masterbation. Hey, they're absolutely right, and it's time to pick up the Jergen's.

I went 10-6 last week and 1-1 in the early games to pull to 124-85. Big bro went 7-9 last week, 1-1 on the early games and is now 130-79. In addition, he celebrated a birthday, so I'm probably screwed this week -- more than normal.

Pittsburgh at Carolina: Talk about has-beens. I just haven't been impressed with anything Carolina has done this season. Steve Smith is even quieting down. Now, John Fox may have admitted as much as Jake Delhomme sat last week and will probably do so again this week. While Chris Weinke may not be the answer, the Panthers have surprisingly fallen hard. Still, I like them at home against a team that has also had its share of hangover. Panthers 23, Steelers 17

Miami at Buffalo: Who wants to feel good about next year? Who wants it? Miami, which put Daunte on IR for the rest of the season, has another tough decision to make next season after how well Joey Harrington has looked at QB. The Bills just don't seem to measure up in a loaded AFC. It's going to take them a couple years. And yet, both teams are 6-7 and not yet mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Oh who are we kidding. It would take a miracle. And plenty of help from Cincy and Jacksonville. Actually, the Bills are really just one embarrassing loss to the Lions away from being in the thick of the playoff race. Since their bye week in Week 8, they've only lost twice, to the Colts and to the Chargers, each by three. I just talked myself into taking the Billskies. Bills 17, Dolphins 13

Cleveland at Baltimore: Just what the Ravens need in their pursuit for that AFC home-field advantage. Remember, they have a tiebreaker with the Chargers after winning a head-to-head matchup at home. And with the Colts all of the sudden not looking like the runaway favorite, the Ravens and Chargers look like the picks for an AFC title game. Braylon Edwards may jaw a little more, perhaps spit at his QB, but the Ravens aren't losing this one. Ravens 24, Browns 7

Jacksonville at Tennessee: What a perfect ending for Vince in his return to Houston. That's got to sting just a little bit if you're the Texans. Gotta admit, I was as much a Vince hater as the next guy when he came into the league. It stems from my utter disdain for the Texas Longhorns. I just don't want to see them do good in anything. And he did pretty well everything for them. Well, I've got to take V.Y. serious now. He's no gimmick, no one-trick My Little Pony. He can carry a team to a win. The only problem is he can also look like the rookie he is other weeks. Against the Jags, who need a W for their playoff run, I'm taking the "Vince throws a pair of picks and it's not really close" V.Y. He'll probably prove me wrong -- yet again. Jaguars 24, Titans 10

Washington at New Orleans: The Saints have scored at least 31 points their last three times out. That's not good news for the 'Skins, who allow 22.7 points per game, good for 25th in the league. But they have looked better in recent weeks, with losses of three, 10 and two with a home win mixed in there against playoff-caliber Carolina. Not a bad little run, but we're talking about New Orleans here, the chic team to run the table. Drew Brees is playing like an MVP, Reggie Bush is doing how he do and the Saints seem to have a full stable of stud receivers to throw at. New Orleans has only lost two games at home this season, one to Balitmore and one to Cincy. Washington isn't as good as either. Saints 31, Redskins 21

Houston at New England: Man oh man, what I wouldn't do for a big game from Corey Dillon. Especially after I sat my No. 4 running back Marion Barber (yes, the same Marion Barber who is the runaway leader in TDs in the NFC with 15. Idiot!), I really need a big game from Dillon to save face. If Barber's 20 points cost me a win in the first round, I'm just going to lock myself in my room for a solid three days. Seriously Marion, I'll play you next week. Promise. So from Dillon I need at least two touchdowns and 20 Fantasy points. Which is fathomable since backup Laurence Maroney has missed a pair of games and the Texans rush D isn't in the Top 20. I need a big day. Only you can save me, Corey. Patriots 27, Texans 10

N.Y. Jets at Minnesota: Maybe the Jets aren't the surprising Cinderella we thought they were. Every time we take them seriously, they take that respect and lay a deuce on it, kind of like their 31-13 loss at home to a 5-7 Bills team. The game put the New York Football Jets at 7-6, and they basically have to win out to have a shot at the playoffs, which is a real possibility with games at Minnesota and Miami before hosting Oakland. Very winnable games. Games a playoff-caliber team would win. Which is why the Jets will win two of those three and fall just short of the playoffs. I'll give them this week, just because the Vikings have suddenly become a disaster zone, even if they've got two of their last three. Jets 20, Vikings 13

Detroit at Green Bay: The Packers keep showing me glimpses, but the glimpses are too few and far between. Now, the playoffs are already out of the question and the defense won't be ready for another year or two, so will Brett Favre come back? It's time to start talking about it again. I think he should, because I don't think he's washed up at all. If this team was a little more complete and could get a handle on the turnovers, they could be a playoff team. As it is, they're just a bit off. Packers 33, Lions 31

Tampa Bay at Chicago: This is one of those games where the Bears convince us again they're for real. The Bucs D isn't the old Bucs D, which means Rex Grossman will get a desperately needed ego stroke. Good for the Bears, good for my Fantasy team. Now, it's not necessarily going to do the trick once Rex faces a tough opponent in the playoffs, but you can't blame the Bears, they're just playing the schedule they have in front of them. Not to be forgotten, Devin Hester is just having an unbelievable season. I think the Sports Guy pointed it out, but a couple seasons back Dante Hall ran back a couple punt/kicks and everybody was going crazy, like he was the most talented player in league history. Hester breaks the record and there's just not much pub about it. Go figure. Bears 34, Bucs 13

Denver at Arizona: Now, tell me two months ago I would like Arizona in this game and I would have said you were crazy to your face, then went to the casino and put $100 bucks on the Broncos just to prove a point. But how quickly things change. After that ill-fated QB change, I really like Matt Leinart and the Cards' future better than the Broncos. It just wasn't a good idea in any way, shape or form to put Jay Cutler in the middle of a playoff run when you have a veteran QB. To start next season, maybe. And Cutler's going to be a hell of a QB, but sometimes Mike Shanahan makes those "screw everybody else I'm going to do what I want to make a point" decisions just because. Leinart is clearly finding a comfort zone in the desert, and Edge even eclipsed the triple-yardage mark -- again. Cardinals 26, Broncos 19

St. Louis at Oakland: I really don't feel proud or certainly comfortable about this, but my defense going into the first round of my Fantasy playoffs is the Oakland D. That's right, I'm counting on the worst team in the league to get me to the championship round -- to win me some series cash money. Now, that said, their defense isn't quite as awful as what's happening on the other side of the ball. But it was either the Raiders D vs. St. Louis or the Browns D at Baltimore. Just no winners here. OK, to the actualy game. The Rams have been really struggling to put together a complete performance, last week losing 42-27 to the Bears. That's what scares me. They are due for a take-out-their-frustration win. But please, can't it just wait one more week? Rams 20, Raiders 10

Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants: Don't you keep waiting for that Giants game where they really kill somebody and all of the sudden we have to take them seriously again as a contender? Is it going to happen this year? Or are we going to have to wait a couple more years 'til Eli Manning gets the pouty look off his face after every time he throws or pick? Tiki is just too much like the Bus, where you know his going away is going to coincide with a Giants run to at least the NFC Championship Game. They'll pull off one stunner, granted they can get off the injury report and on the field. I say they gut up here and shoot down the Balboas. Giants 24, Eagles 20

Kansas City at San Diego: Take it to the house, San Diego. Do it. No really, do it. Who doesn't like a playoff game in America's Finest City? The Chargers -- or shall I say L.T. -- are playing out of their minds. Shawne Merriman is taking the baton from Ray Lewis for crazy linebacker. He's already packing the steroids charge, and despite missing four games is a cinch for a second Pro Bowl in two years in the league. Nasty. The Chiefs, at 7-6, are fighting for the playoffs. After this week they have winnable games at Oakland and vs. Jacksonville, but they'll probably need to win out to make the playoffs. They won't win in San Diego, but it'll be close. Chargers 33, Chiefs 27

Cincinnati at Indianapolis: This game is pretty much the difference between a shot at $50 for third place and $200 for first place. If I get out of the first round I'm assured at least the runner-up prize of $100. Oh, by the way, we're talking Fantasy here. I've got Rudi Johnson and my counterpart has Peyton Manning, which I'm not feeling too great about at this point, especially being well aware of how awful the Bengals D is as a Fantasy owner. Gotta be honest, I really don't care about the result here. Indy's struggling, but it's at home. Rudi has to be loving life going against a sorry excuse for a run defense, but Peyton's doing the same. When this one's over we may be over 100 points. Either way, let's just hope I'm in the money. Colts 43, Bengals 40

As is the custom now that we've got Thursday-Saturday games, here are my picks. The first was actually done before the game. If you don't believe me, well, check it out and you'll notice I got it wrong. So if I'm cheating I'm really lousy at it. But I got the moral victory because I was right in my prediction, even if I ended up wrong. Damn.

San Francisco at Seattle: The Seahawks are treading on thin ice. They just haven't looked impressive yet this season -- sans Shaun Alexander's 200-yard game vs. Green Bay, but even in that game they played a lousy first half -- but have gotten by in a horrible divison. You had the Rams jump out to a 4-1 start, including a home win against the Broncos, then St. Louis just petered out and we all found out Denver just wasn't as good this season. Then you have the Niners, up-and-comers who just aren't quite ready yet. Alex Smith is just still a little too green for these kinds of wins. I just don't see an upset happening in Seattle, even if half the Seahawks are on the IR. Seahawks 20, 49ers 17

Actual result: 49ers 24, Seahawks 14

Reaction: Well, I was kind of right and kind of wrong. Sure, I couldn't see the game because it was on NFL Network and I had an off-night (gotta love those mid-week "weekends"). But apparetnly Alex Smith took control and, more impressively, the Niners held the Seabirds to 14 points at home. Seattle is looking more and more like a one-and-done team in the postseason. Sure, they'll still win the division because, well, they have to. But they're just not healthy enough -- and good enough -- to do any kind of damage like they did last season.

Dallas at Atlanta: One good thing about working Saturdays: We've got the NFL Network at the office. Hooray! Which means I get to watch the Jim Mora Train get derailed again. OK, so let me get this straight: Just a month or so ago we were all talking about how Jim Mora Sr. spouted off about how Mike Vick is a coach-killer. Now his son and Falcons coach Jim Mora Jr. is saying he'd be the first to turn in his resume for the University of Washington job, should it ever open up. Huh? Then he says it was all a joke between he and a former college roommate. Ahhh, right. He just didn't think it would be on ESPN and he'd have to be eating his words. By the way, this is a team that is in a playoff push. A team that really is imploding with Vick as its QB and Mora as its coach. UW may not have an opening soon, but the Falcons might. Cowboys 30, Falcons 17

Just four more weeks of this good stuff. Fantasy playoffs are fast approaching. I'm actually in the playoffs in a couple of leagues this year, so that's a change. New territory. I feel like the Arizona Cardinals in the show -- a little out of place. I'm not really sure what to do here. Suppose I better win out so I can stuff the pockets for the yuletide season.

Last week I went 8-8 and Jeremy went 9-7. I'm now at 113-78. He's at 122-69.

Minnesota at Detroit: Does anybody want to really watch this game? The Vikes, at 5-7, are all but out of the playoff chase. Despite Brad Johnson being able to control games, Minnesota has lost five of six, and there's talk of Brooks Bollinger or even third-stringer Tarvaris Jackson seeing time. Desperate measures. Meanwhile, Jon Kitna is supposed to be such a great leader on the field, but the Lions have lost four straight to fall to 2-10. They're not a decent team by any stretch of the imagination. Lots of holes there. Maybe they'll tank it to get Brady Quinn. Vikings 23, Loins 10

Oakland at Cincinnati: It has come to this for me: The Bengals, who have disappointed me week after week as a Fantasy defense, will start my Week 14. Despite being benched the last couple weeks, I like their chances against Oakland, the most sorry excuse for an offense. OK, so they're getting better now that B&B man Tom Walsh isn't running the show and since Aaron Brooks' return. But they're not going to win a game this late in the season at Cincy, which needs to win for the playoff race. Bengals 33, Raiders 24

N.Y. Giants at Carolina: Neither the Giants nor Panthers have really looked like the Super Bowl teams they were supposed to be. Here they are, both 6-6, and both under fire. The difference is, the Giants have a good excuse: The defense has been banged up. The Panthers just haven't won games they should've won (case in point last week's 27-24 win at Philly), and it's going to cost them. Jake Delhomme gets to throw to Steve Smith, but he's not doing much else. It'll probably cost Carolina a shot at the playoffs. Giants 24, Panthers 20

Philadelphia at Washington: Are the Eagles really going to make the playoffs with Jeff Garcia at QB? Well, they've got a brutal schedule, so I'll say no. But the face that they're at 6-6 at this point in the season is pretty impressive -- sans McNabb. The fact the 'Skins are 4-8? Pathetic. At least they secured Ladell Betts through 2011. That was an interesting move for, sure, a quality backup, and one that might be needed with Clinton Portis' injury tendencies. Maybe Betts will show off the goods. Redskins 23, Eagles 20

Atlanta at Tampa Bay: At least the Falcons stopped the bleeding and the four-game losing streak with a win over the 'Skins last week. Mike Vick can take a breath from all the Jim Mora questions. That said, the Falcons are one of four 6-6 teams fighting for the playoffs, and it doesn't get all that easy after this week. They gotta have this one. Their playoff lives depend on it. Falcons 17, Bucs 7

Baltimore at Kansas City: K.C.'s loss to Cleveland last week may have cost it a spot in the playoffs, for the simple fact that the road from here on out may be too tough (vs. Baltimore, at San Diego, at Oakland, vs. Jacksonville). That or the Chefs could just win out and ensure their place. My brother thinks the Chefs are a Super sleeper. I think the AFC is just too deep for that. The Ravens will prove that this week. Ravens 23, Chefs 20

New England at Miami: Well, the Fins' winning streak is over, but at least Nick Saban is sticking around and not bolting to Alabama. That might be a good thing. The Fins don't look like a bad team under Saban -- from about Week 8 on every season. Meanwhile the Pats are readying to make a playoff push. They need this win, because they'll be that much more tough to play come playoffs at Gillette. Pats 17, Dolphins 14

Indianapolis at Jacksonville: The Colts aren't exactly annihilating competition like they did last season, and that's a good thing. Indy is learning how to play in close games, with wins and losses alike (thanks to Vince). But even with their struggling rush defense -- and rush offense being Jacksonville's strength (No. 3 in the NFL, thanks to Freddie Taylor and MJD) -- look for Peyton and the Colts to win. They don't want a losing skid this late in the season, and they're too good to let it happen. Colts 26, Jaguars 17

Tennessee at Houston: Hey Texans, how about that Vince Young. Not half bad, eh? Not that we're rubbing it in or anything. David Carr's a good QB. They wouldn't need another. And drafting V.Y. and dealing Carr before the season would have made zero sense -- like starting over again. That said, it kinda sucks that he's proven he's quite the NFL QB, leading the Titans to a win vs. the Colts last week. A rookie Q isn't supposed to pull that off, but he did. Nasty. Titans 23, Texans 16

Green Bay at San Francisco: It has come to this, where I don't even expect the Packers to compete at San Francisco. The Pack went from one win away from .500 and seriously contending for a wild-card spot to looking at the possibility of losing out and finishing 4-12. Pathetic. In the midst of a three-game losing streak, at 4-8 the Packers actually have a favorable schedule. But why get psyched when I know the defense isn't going to do anything, Favre is going to throw a costly pick and they're going to fall apart. There was once a time when, even when they were behind, you knew the Pack would rally and pull it out. Now, if they're in the game to begin with, you're just waiting for a collapse. It's too much. 49ers 31, Packers 21

Seattle at Arizona: Matt Leinart is getting Cards fans excited -- about next year. A week after throwing for 405 yards in a loss, Leinart played a ball-control offense as Edgerrin James went over 100 yards for the first time this season. The Cards put up 34 points for the first time since the opening game of the season, winning their second game in three tries. I smell a little bit of an upset here. The Seahawks have not been at all impressive in each of their last two wins, victories over Green Bay and Denver. They've won games they shouldn't have, now they'll lose one they shouldn't. Cardinals 23, Seahawks 17

Denver at San Diego: All of the sudden the Broncos are far from the pillar of stability they've been in the AFC West. The running game, while No. 4 in the league, isn't the dominating force it once was. Mike Shanahan made a change at QB, and Jay Cutler looked like, well, a young gunslinger thrown into a playoff push. DE Luis Castillo should be back for San Diego, and 'roider Shawne Merriman is already back in the lineup. That's not a good recipe for a Jay Cutler masterpiece. Chargers 30, Broncos 13

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets: The Jets just obliterated the Packers at Lambeau last week, not that that is exactly a chore anymore. At 7-5, the Jets would be the last team in if the playoffs ended today, playing at Baltimore. In the playoffs you never know what will happen. And the Jets have done with a running-back-by-committee approach and with a QB some had written off. The Jets may not be good enough to get out of the first round, but Chad Pennington and Co. have the schedule (at Minnesota, at Miami, Oakland) to beat out Jacksonville, K.C. and Denver for the playoffs. Jets 27, Bills 17

New Orleans at Dallas: Magic man Tony Romo keeps playing like he's dating a movie star; Reggie Bush finally had his four-TD breakout game. It's the chic matchup of the week. Both teams have the sexy factor, and both are vying for the playoffs despite going through major overhaul at key positions. It's a tough one to call. When in doubt, pick the home team, especially when it's Romo and the hot Cowboys. Cowboys 31, Saints 24

Chicago at St. Louis: It's gotten beyond ridiculous for Rex Grossman. He's either on, throwing for four TDs, or miserably off, becoming a liability and throwing for four picks. The Bears have seen a lot of the latter of late, and quite frankly that can't keep up. Sure, Lovie Smith, you are a 10-2 team with Grossman as your QB. But what's it going to take for a change? A four-INT game in the Bears' first game of the playoffs. I mean, he has single-handedly coughed up four games -- well, two of those the Bears actually won because of the D. Seriously, Brian Urlacher and Co. should play both ways. They're not going to do any worse than Grossman's recent effort, and they seem to be the team's best offense anyway. Bears 26, Rams 16

Cleveland at Pittsburgh: OK, so is Braylon Edwards just trying out to be the next T.O. He's criticizing his teammates, bitching at coaches ... when's the book due out? Seriously. Just shut up and catch passes. The thing with receivers is, they can be prima donnas. At least a little bit. You never see running backs come up with elaborate celebrations, a la Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson or Joe Horn. It's always the wideouts, who may take a hit coming across the middle once a game but typically get to keep an clean uniform. They get all cocky because they know they won't see the worst of it at the bottom of the pile. Now, back to the game. Sure, both teams are reeling a bit, and Cleveland will start a backup at QB. That means a loss for the Browns, even if it meant a win last week at K.C. Pittsburgh doesn't have a lot to play for, except maybe to convince Bill Cowher to stick around another year or two. Steelers 20, Browns 13

Actual result: Steelers 27, Browns 7

OK, who thought it was a good idea to put a Thursday night game in Pittsburgh in early December? The NFL Network? Right, I see. I got cold just watching this one. I'm not going to pay $75 to go watch it in person, paying $5 for a 10-cent glass of hot chocolate. And Bryant Gumbel, bless his heart (as if that lessens the blow, is just plain bad. He's not cut out for doing NFL games. Every time I hear him I'm waiting for a weather report. He needs to be calling the morning show next to Al Roker, not a football game next to Cris Collinsworth, who's actual a "football person." Gumbel just doesn't have the pipes. Sorry. Give someone else a shot, because he and Collinsworth have about as much chemistry as, well, Carson Daly and any guest he's ever had.

If you don't have the NFL Network, you didn't miss much. If you do have the network, you were probably watching this one on mute. It's almost like an exhibition, as somebody in the newsroom said.

Hold on, there was a game on Thursday? And not the Thanksgiving Thursday?

You mean I missed a prediction? What in the Sam hell is going on?

I've got to say, I honestly had no idea there was a game this week until I came home Thursday night after attending a Dave Attell show. I turn on the TV and what do I see but a Ravens-Bengals recap. I am beyond pissed. Or consolable.

But stay proud, my brethren. I'll take the hit, and therefore am already 0-1 this week before actually picking a game. I think that's a record. My record to date is 105-70 after a 12-4 week. Jeremy Brunner is 113-62 after a 14-2 week. Oh, look at me, I went 14-2, ehhhh. I'm eight games ahead. Ehhhhh.

Baltimore at Cincinnati: OK, so this game has already happened, but I will try to be as true to myself and my loyal reader (yes, all one of you) when predicting this one. I'll call it right down the middle. Hmmm, now I'm thinking Rudi Johnson won't get much going vs. the Ravens D (hopefully not damning my Fantasy team). I'm also thinking there's no way the Bengals can hold the Ravens -- or any other team in the National Football League -- to seven points. It's just a hunch. Hold on, they did? The Bengals defense showed up? For the second week in a row. D'oh!!! Actual score: Bengals 13, Ravens 7

San Diego at Buffalo: This could be a trap game for the Chargers. It's a long flight. Ahhh ... Willis McGahee is back and J.P. Losman has the Bills on a two-game winning streak, including three of the last four. Geez, I'm looking for ways to warn probably the best team in the AFC. Philip Rivers just isn't playing like the rookie he is, for all intents and purposes. L.T. has been on a touchdown crusade. The Bills have been playing well; the Chargers have been playing phenomenal. Plus, Shawne Merriman is back this week. Lights out. Chargers 33, Bills 21

Detroit at New England: The Pats may have lost LB Junior Seau, but they've still got Tom Brady. Not that they need him this week. USC career backup Matt Cassel would be able to get it done vs. the Lions. Sure, Jon Kitna plays with fire. Sure, he's a leader. But he'll never play on a decent team again -- and that's what Jon Kitna has to do to be successful. Ask Trent Dilfer. Maybe pray for a Steve McNair career-ending injury. Then, and only then, will Kitna be a winner again. Patriots 37, Lions 17

Atlanta at Washington: Well, well, well, Jason Campbell may just be the savior of D.C. Too bad it comes just a tad too late for the 'Skins, who beat Carolina a week ago in exciting fashion. The Falcons, at this point, have to be thinking if they're better off without Michael Vick. I mean, if the coach's pops is talking smack about the coach-killer, where can Vick's confidence be? Don't expect holiday cheer, here, but do expect a win at RFK. Falcons 26, Redskins 16

Indianapolis at Tennessee: Joseph Addai, four TDs? Really? Single-handedly making Colts fans forget Edgerrin James, Addai looks for more against the surging Titans. OK, Vince, you win. You might just be better than Matt Leinart. Tell you what, pull this off for the next five years or so and I'll give you credit. Tell you what, knock off Indy and I'll start to believe. He's been impressive, sure, but this is a whole nother ballgame. Let's see if he can bring the cutter. I'm thinking it'll be one of those close games until the Colts score a couple times late and it's over. Colts 34, Titans 23

Arizona at St. Louis: Lost in the shuffle of yet another Cardinals loss, their ninth in 10 weeks, was, no, not more talk of Denny Green being fired (we already know that's a cinch), but rather that rookie Q Matt Leinart threw for 405 yards. That's a pretty impressive number. Even if they fell behind so much he had to start firing bullets. Leinart may not be so far off. And maybe Edge can throw him a frickin' bone every now and then. Then there's St. Louis, suddenly one of the more boring teams in the league. Though boring usually wins games. Rams 23, Cardinals 19

San Francisco at New Orleans: The Niners are a game under .500, which at this point in the season is just stunning. They've actually got a legit shot at making the playoffs, just a game out of the wild card, looking up at Carolina and the Giants (not exactly pillars of stability). OK, now that that's out of the way, can they win at New Orleans? Which is suddenly awesome with Drew Brees, even though Reggie Bush isn't having a God-like season? Even with Marques Colston maybe on the shelf for another week. It'll be fun to find out, but I'm thinking no. Saints 34, 49ers 30

N.Y. Jets at Green Bay: The Packers were flirting with playoffs after nearly reaching .500. But then that went down the crapper and here we are, on a two-game bender, and now almost mathematically eliminated at 4-7. What annoyed me most in the loss vs. Seattle wasn't so much that Shaun Alexander went off for 201 yards, nearly equaling his output so far in '06, but that the Pack were waiting to lose. They knew they weren't going to win. In seasons past, if Favre got the ball under two minutes trailing by four, you had the utmost confidence in a win. Now, the Pack can have a two-touchdown lead in the third and you're just waiting for them to cough it up. And I think they are, too. Gotta get back into the win column this week. Packers 30, Jets 21

Kansas City at Cleveland: I keep telling myself the Browns are due for an upset. A no-they-didn't upset. A win they shouldn't win. But they keep blowing it, even after keeping it close. And then Braylon Edwards freaks out like a little girl. You get what I'm saying? It's cyclical. Kansas City, much like Seattle, is finally healthy, with a shiny new QB and all. Look out for the Chiefs to make a run. Chiefs 26, Browns 13

Minnesota at Chicago: Rex Grossman will hurt the Bears -- in the playoffs. When the Bears need him and the game is on the line, he'll throw six INTs. Now, in Week 13 vs. the Vikings? He's due to come up with a four TD game as Da Bears put a 20-point shellacking on the Vikes, whose offense has been more filthy than Dave Attell. Bears 34, Vikings 10

Jacksonville at Miami: Man, Miami sure is good the second half of the season under Nick Saban. Almost lets you forget about the horrible start. Who would have thought Joey Harrington would resurrect his career. The Fins, now 5-6 after starting 1-6, will have to get it done without Ronnie Brown, who is out with an injury. But don't you go doubting Harrington. He's just too svelte. Now that he's out of Detroit, he's ballin'. OK, that was a little gay, but I got nothing. Dolphins 23, Jaguars 21

Houston at Oakland: OK, who wants to No. 1 pick in the draft? Who wants it bad enough? Houston? We all see what you did with it last season. OK, so Reggie Bush isn't the next Barry Sanders -- yet (Barry ran for nearly 1,500 in his first season -- but you can't exactly call Bush a failure either. Not that Mario Williams is, but he's no No. 1 pick. So who's out there for the No. 1 pick next season? Brady Quinn? That wouldn't be bad for Oakland. They might just have to tank it here. Though Quinn wouldn't look too good in silver and black. He's too pretty. He's got to go to New England or Tampa Bay or something. Either way, this one will not be worth watching -- unless you like gross football. Texans 34, Raiders 30

Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh: Both of these teams made the playoffs last year. One even made the Super Bowl. Won it, actually. Good to know. Also good to know that this is a new year, and neither of these teams is sniffing meaningful January football. It's never too early to plan for next year. Pittsburgh, maybe you'll not take the first six weeks off next season. It may help. Tampa, how's aboot keeping that QB healthy -- or addressing that aging defense. Steelers 20, Bucs 17

Dallas at N.Y. Giants: The Giants are falling apart; Tony Romo is God. The Giants just signed Sean Landeta; the Cowboys have Tony Romo. Michael Strahan is now lashing out at the media, the team, whoever is listening; Tony Romo just sits back, T.O. feeds him some grapes and Bill Parcells scowls because, well, that's what he does. The greatest division in football (or so every douchebag thought) likely comes down to this, a Week 13 showdown in the Meadowlands between a struggling Giants club and a hotter-than-Jessica Simpson Cowboys team. When in doubt, go with Daisy Duke. I just can't give Eli any credit at this point. Cowboys 24, Giants 13

Seattle at Denver: Welcome to Week 1 of Jay Cutler. I'm a little surprised about that QB switch. Everyone has been calling for this since the beginning of the year, which really must say something about the kid. There's been the Favre comparison, which I'm always especially fond of, so I've got to listen. But benching a veteran, normally productive starter on a 7-4 team making a playoff run? Little confusing. But then again, so was drafting Cutler. At least he'll get settled in at home, but it might be a shootout vs. the healthier Seahaws. Get ready for Tony Romo, Part Deaux. Broncos 27, Seahawks 24

Carolina at Philadelphia: There's really no question as to who is most important to his team. Donovan McNabb is the heart and soul of the Eagles. Too bad he can only get through five or six games a season. I would have voted him my Quarter Season MVP. You know, back when the Eagles were good. Instead, Philly loses a couple close ones and now finds itself screwed without The Man. And The Man is getting older. The Panthers have to respond after that loss at Washington. They still have to prove they're a playoff team. Panthers 23, Eagles 17