CHALKS & amp; 'DOGS \ Pro picks

Broncos (+ 3) at San Diego: The Chargers didn't expect to be leading the AFC West at this point in the season. And the Broncos probably didn't expect to be trailing the Chargers in the standings. But that's where the Broncos are, one game behind the NFL's most positive surprise. The Broncos have been erratic, losing at home in the snow to Oakland last week. The Chargers have been consistent, especially on offense, where they are second in the NFL at 29 points per game. Drew Brees is third in passer rating behind Peyton Manning and Daunte Culpepper. Tough call. CHARGERS, 32-28
Green Bay (+ 6) at Philadelphia: The Eagles are saying the right things about keeping the momentum going. They'll do the right thing, too. EAGLES, 31-21
Atlanta (+ 1) at Tampa Bay: The Falcons can become the second team to clinch a division. Kicker Jay Taylor, who replaces Martin Gramatica, keeps them waiting one more week. BUCS, 19-17
Dallas (+ 7) at Seattle (Monday night): Mike Holmgren is comparing his Seahawks to the 1988 49ers, who went from 6-5 to a Super Bowl victory. Wishful thinking. SEAHAWKS, 21-17
Pittsburgh (- 3) at Jacksonville: The Steelers are due to lose. JAGUARS, 16-14
New England (- 8) at Cleveland: Bill Belichick was concerned this week that the Browns scored 48 points. He neglected to say they allowed 58. Maybe that's why offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie is interim coach instead of Dave Campo, his defensive counterpart. PATRIOTS 58-3
Tennessee (+ 10 1/2) at Indianapolis: Peyton Manning needs eight TD passes to break Dan Marino's record. COLTS, 27-20
Houston (+ 6 1/2) at New York Jets: Chad Pennington may or may not return. We say 'may.' JETS, 20-16
Cincinnati (+ 6 1/2) at Baltimore: No 58 points this week. RAVENS, 20-9
San Francisco (+ 10 1/2) at St. Louis: The Rams get to the fast track. RAMS 45-17
Minnesota (- 7) at Chicago: Chad Hutchinson is the Bears' fourth QB this season. VIKINGS, 27-7
Buffalo (- 3 1/2) at Miami: Willis McGahee has made Buffalo a lot better. BILLS, 20-10
Carolina (+ 1 1/2) at New Orleans: Carolina is too banged up to win four straight. SAINTS, 30-27
New York Giants (+ 2) at Washington: Eli Manning faces another tough defense. GIANTS, 3-2
Arizona (+ 6) at Detroit: John Navarre goes back to Michigan as the third QB to start for the Cardinals. LIONS, 20-3
Kansas City (OFF) at Oakland: Kerry Collins is good when protected. He will be against this defense. RAIDERS, 32-31
XLast week: 4-12 (spread), 11-5 (straight up); SEASON: 84-89-3 (spread), 116-60 (straight up)
Associated Press
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