CHALKS & amp; 'DOGS | Pro picks

Philadelphia (+ 3 1/2) at Denver: Denver is favored, probably because it's 4-0 at home. But it could have problems. Philadelphia's defense held LaDainian Tomlinson to a career low 7 yards rushing last week, and the ground game is the Broncos' strength. On the other hand, Mile High is another of Denver's strengths. BRONCOS 24-23.
Washington (+ 2 1/2) at New York Giants: While the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys went down to the final seconds last week, the Redskins were beating the 49ers 52-17. The Giants are not the 49ers. GIANTS, 24-20
Chicago (+ 3) at Detroit: Yes, one of these teams will be over .500 after the game. Unless it's a tie. LIONS, 9-8
Baltimore (+ 9) at Pittsburgh: No Ed Reed, no Ray Lewis. Help! STEELERS, 27-3
Kansas City (+ 6) at San Diego: The Chargers could be 5-2 or 6-1 with a few breaks instead of 3-4 and desperate. CHARGERS, 27-24
Minnesota (+ 7 1/2) at Carolina: The Vikings are 0-3 on the road and have been outscored 95-21 away from the Dome, an average of 32-7. PANTHERS, 32-7
Green Bay (+ 8 1/2) at Cincinnati: The Steelers taught the cocky young Bengals that talent isn't enough. But the Packers have too many injuries to exploit Cincinnati's problems against the run. BENGALS, 31-20
Arizona (+ 8 1/2) at Dallas: A furious Tuna translates to a Cowboys win. But only one game -- that shocking blowout of Philly -- has been decided by more than a touchdown. COWBOYS, 15-11
Buffalo (+ 8) at New England: Two weeks for Bill Belichick to prepare means problems for the Bills. PATRIOTS, 30-17
Tampa Bay (- 11) at San Francisco: The Buccaneers sure have an easy schedule, don't they? BUCS, 27-3
Jacksonville (off) at St. Louis: The question is the state of Marc Bulger's shoulder. JAGUARS, 20-18
Miami (+ 2) at New Orleans (Baton Rouge): What wacky play or bad call will go against the Saints this week? A sort-of home game, though. SAINTS, 31-26
Oakland (off) at Tennessee: The reason for the "off" is that Steve McNair is supposed to play and the Raiders' secondary is down to scrubs. TITANS, 24-21
Cleveland (+ 2) at Houston: No one has gone winless since the expansion Bucs nearly 30 years ago. TEXANS, 19-16
XLast week: 5-7-1 (spread) 8-5 (straight up); Season 43-56-1 (spread) 62-39 (straight up)
Associated Press