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For several reasons, one game in particular intrigues me this week, and it's the battle of the Keystone state: Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia. First, I think it will provide a litmus test of the balance of power between the AFC and NFC. Second, it will be Pittsburgh's first true test of the year. Third, I'm interested to see how good Donovan McNabb will be against the Steelers' very active and stout defense. Lastly, I want to see how Eagles' fans will react to another stupid play by DeSean Jackson.

Picks appear in bold.

Kansas City at Atlanta (-4)
I looked back through my evaluation of quarterbacks for the 2007 draft and the only thing I could find for Tyler Thigpen was the comment, "may make a practice squad."

Oakland at Buffalo (-9.5)
I told David Nuno, the host of the mid-day show on 1560 AM in Houston, on Friday that I didn't think the Bills were a playoff team yet. I may have to rethink that comment.

Houston (+5.5) at Tennessee
Under normal circumstances, I would take Houston and not even think twice about it. However, if there's one thing we've learned in the past week, there is nothing normal about Houston right now.

Cincinnati at New York Giants (-13.5)
If the spread was 33.5, I might still take the Giants.

Arizona at Washington (-3)
I like the Cardinals passing game against the Skins' secondary, but then again, I liked the Saints against it last week. Live and learn.

Miami at New England (-12.5)
I just wish Joey Porter would shut up and play football. He's on one of the worst teams in the league and he's spouting disparaging remarks about a team that will be resting its starters by the middle of the third quarter.

Tampa Bay at Chicago (-3)
With the quarterback situations for each of these teams, I see a final score of 9-7 as being a strong probability.

Carolina (+3.5) at Minnesota
It's not that I've given up on the Vikings, which I very easily could now that they've decided to go with Gus Frerotte at quarterback.....wait a second.....now that I think about it, I have given up on Minnesota.

St. Louis at Seattle (-9.5)
If I didn't have to make a choice on this game, I wouldn't. I just thankful I won't have to watch it.

Detroit at San Francisco (-3)
I wouldn't mind missing this one, either.

New Orleans at Denver (-4)
If both defenses are on their game, this one might end up 48-42. Seriously, this should be one of the more entertaining games of the week.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis (-5.5)
I just don't have any confidence in the Jags' offense right now. Not to mention, I can't see Peyton and the rest of the Colts' firepower staying dormant for too much longer.

Cleveland (+2.5) at Baltimore
I realize that the Browns have looked bad, but they;ve lost to the two best teams in the league. Explain to me how they're am underdog at Baltimore.

Pittsburgh (+3.5) at Philadelphia
I was very impressed with the Eagles on Monday night, but I can't see them having the same kind of success against the Steelers' defense. In addition, I think Pittsburgh will be able to run on them.

Dallas (-3) at Green Bay
I'll be the first to admit that the Packers are better than I thought they'd be, but they're not that good. Look for the Cowboys to keep rolling along.

New York Jets at San Diego (-9.5)
Something tells me that Ed Hochuli, who in my opinion has taken the very high road with the blown call last week, is going to be a Chargers' fan for the rest of the year. Hopefully by then, a simple human mistake will be a blip in an otherwise brilliant career.

Last Week: 8-6-1
Season: 16-14-1