Font Resize
First down Miami at New England
11 a.m. TV » Ch. 2
Reason to watch » Well, it's better than the Kansas City-Jacksonville tint that CBS could be showing. New England has one of the best defenses in the NFL, not that you'd know that by the Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Tom Brady images you are about to be bombarded by in this game. A Miami win would wreak havoc on the AFC East, which is also kind of fun.
Reason not to watch » There isn't much of interest at this game, unless Will Smith is there.
The line » New England by 101/2.
The pick » Miami. Level of certainty: 5. We're not saying we like the Fish to win, but we like Miami's chances of keeping it close. The Dolphins have only lost by 12 twice this year.
Second down
Arizona at Chicago
11 a.m. TV » Ch. 13
Reason to watch » In theory, this is an interesting game. In theory, communism works. Sure, this is a pair of 4-3 football teams, and both have been to the Super Bowl in the last three seasons. But who are we kidding? Arizona is going to win the wretched West and Chicago will end up as an also-ran in the North. But that Kurt Warner is aging and he'll chuck the ball around.
Reason not to watch » Perhaps you can find a documentary on Fidel Castro.
The line » Chicago by 3.
The pick » Arizona. Level of certainty: 3. The Bears
Third down
San Diego at N.Y. Giants
2:15 p.m. TV » Ch. 2
Reason to watch » It's certainly the cream of the afternoon crop. That's not saying much. But it's fun to debate whether LaDanian Tomlinson has started his career downslide. Plus, Eli Manning has that bug-eyed teenager look in the pocket again, lately. You never know what will happen when he gets wild-eyed.
Reason not to watch » This is a run-of-the-mill game, thanks to the Chargers having a run-of-the-mill season. Go rake leaves.
The line » New York by 41/2.
The pick » New York. Level of certainty: 2. The Giants are sliding and cost us last week against Philadelphia, but we cannot in good conscience pick the Chargers to keep this one close.
Fourth down
Dallas at Philadelphia
6:20 p.m. TV » Ch. 5
Reason to watch » Sunday night football is back after a World Series hiatus. And this one figures to be a barn burner. The Eagles are tied with the Cowboys atop the NFC East. How did that happen? Apparently, Tony Romo didn't need T.O.
Reason not to watch » FOX has a lovely group of animated TV shows that all the critics hate but you, for some reason, love.
The line » Philadelphia by 3.
The pick » Philadelphia. Level of certainty: 7. The Eagles are at home -- which isn't always a good thing, when they're not playing well. But they demolished the Giants last week (thanks for that) and we like teams that are on a roll.
Season betting record » 17-16
Around the league
Cleveland at Chicago,
11 a.m. » x.
San Francisco at Houston,
11 a.m. » x.
San Diego at Kansas City
11 a.m. » x.
Indianapolis at St. Louis,
11 a.m. » How are the Colts only a 14-point favorite? Clearly, we don't know much about gambling, but we'd consider taking a flier on this game.
Buffalo at Carolina,
2 p.m. » Important for both teams' slim playoff aspirations.
N.Y. Jets at Oakland
2 p.m. » Sanchez needs a rebound after tossing five interceptions last week in a loss.
Chicago at Cincinnati,
2:15 p.m. » Bengals could be flying high after this one.
New Orleans at Miami
2:15 p.m. » Would rather watch this than almost any other game today. Great contrast in styles. Saints win by 4.
-- The Salt Lake Tribune
