First down

Denver at Minnesota

11 a.m., TV • Ch. 13

Reason to watch • Like it or not, the Broncos are one of the league's hottest teams since handing the reins over to Mr. Tebow. Not hottest as in, "Oooooohhhhh, Timmy … I want to spend all night Tebowing with you," but hottest as in winners of four straight.

Reason not to watch • The Broncos' streak has come against the Raiders (Carson Palmer's fist start), the Chiefs (terrible), the Jets (untimely turnovers), and the Chargers (also terrible), so you would be forgiven for not being overly impressed with their supposed resurgence.

The line • Minnesota by 11/2.

The pick • Denver. Yes, its win streak is partly the result of playing some of the dregs of the league … and Minnesota enters at 2-9.

Second down

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

11 a.m., TV • Ch. 2

Reason to watch • While the Bengals haven't been this frisky since the Boomer Esiason and Ickey Woods era, the Steelers are the main attraction — specifically, the return of Troy Polamalu. The guy has a lot more going on than just a beautiful mane of Head & Shoulders-enriched hair. With all due respect to Aaron Rodgers, Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb — just checking you're still paying attention — Polamalu is the most entertaining player in the NFL.

Reason not to watch • There's a slight chance Polamalu could get concussed again in the first quarter and miss the rest of the game.

The line • Pittsburgh by 7.

The pick • Pittsburgh. Andy Daywalker … er, Dalton has had an impressive rookie campaign, but he's not on the Steelers' level quite yet.

Third down

Green Bay at N.Y. Giants

2:15 p.m., TV • Ch. 13

Reason to watch • I'm a little weary of those 1972 Dolphins celebrating every year when the last remaining undefeated team finally drops a game. And those Patriots of a few years ago were smug enough that no one other than New Englanders was sorry to see them fall short. There's something inherently likeable about these Packers, though. Tell me you wouldn't love to see Clay Matthews tell Mercury Morris & Co. to shove it after going 19-0.

Reason not to watch • The G-men are folding faster than a first-time cards player mistakenly entered into a World Series of Poker event, so this game may not exactly be competitive.

The line • Green Bay by 61/2.

The pick • Green Bay. 12-and-0, here they come.

Fourth down

Detroit at New Orleans

6:20 p.m., TV • Ch. 5

Reason to watch • Assuming Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the Lions didn't have their mojo stolen Dr. Evil-style, this bad boy has all the makings of a shootout. Following their inexplicable no-show against the Rams, the Saints once again are who we thought they were (© Denny Green).

Reason not to watch • Ndamukong Suh's heel turn rivals Hulk Hogan joining the nWo for sheer drama, so it's a bit disappointing that he's shelved for two games, even if he deserves it. Be sure to catch his return, though, as he's planning to blast Carson Palmer with a steel chair.

The line • New Orleans by 9.

The pick • New Orleans. Unless Suh runs onto the field and breaks Drew Brees in half, the Lions won't be stopping the Saints.

Around the league

Kansas City at Chicago, 11 a.m. • There's sure to be lingering animosity over their last matchup — a waiver-wire war for Kyle Orton won by the Chiefs.

Atlanta at Houston, 11 a.m. • I'll tell you one thing about third-stringer-turned-starting-quarterback T.J. Yates: I don't know anything about him.

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 11 a.m. • Neither one is going to the playoffs, so let's move along, shall we.

N.Y. Jets at Washington, 11 a.m. • If Darrelle Revis thinks he can take it easy against Washington's receivers — he's right.

Oakland at Miami, 11 a.m. • Well, Fins, now that you're not getting Andrew Luck, hope you're reeeeeally happy with Matt Moore.

Tennessee at Buffalo, 11 a.m. • Less offensive than a G-rated movie?

Indianapolis at New England, 11 a.m. • Still not sure why this one was "flexed" out of the prime-time TV slot. They always have such classic matchups.

Baltimore at Cleveland, 2:05 p.m. • It's a bit twisted that Baltimore was in Cleveland for far longer than Cleveland has been in Cleveland.

St. Louis at San Francisco, 2:15 p.m. • I guess the NFC West can take pride in not sending a sub-.500 team as its playoff rep this year.

Dallas at Arizona, 2:15 p.m. • I'd be willing to bet … oh, say, $65 million that Kevin Kolb doesn't collect the full amount of his contract.

Last week • 4-0

Overall • 33-15