They tend to play significantly better at home

2 seed in the AFC.It sounds preposterous with the Bengals as a potential No. 2 seed, but it’s the reality of the NFL in 2009.Bengals 31, Lions 10 Washington (9.5) over New OrleansFirst, let's get the obvious out the way: the Saints are clearly the better team in this matchup.However, the Redskins’ defense is very good against the pass, and it could potentially negate the Saints’ strength on offense.Up front, the Redskins are not as strong defensively against the run, and the Saints’ group of running backs should be able to pound the ball and control the time of possession if it gets done to it.The matchups seem to lead to a closer game than many would expect. Factor in the point that the Saints are coming off an emotional home win, they have a slightly shorter week to prepare, and they travel to Washington. This could be a trap game for the Saints.Take the Redskins outright. At the very least, they should cover.Redskins 24, Saints 21 Tampa Bay (6) over CarolinaBelieve it or not, the Buccaneers enter this game with the more stable quarterback situation. Nobody has faith in Jake Delhomme, besides his receiver Steve Smith, and neither should Carolina at this point.Still, the Panthers’ offense is based in large part on their strong running game, and the Buccaneers struggle to defend the run.Whether Delhomme starts or the Panthers turn to backup Matt Moore, Carolina’s running backs will have to do much of the work, and the Buccaneers should be able to load up the line of scrimmage to stop the run.The Panthers’ passing game can't make enough plays to prevent the Bucs from keying in on the run. The Panthers’ defense isn’t what it used to be either.Buccaneers 20, Panthers 13 St.

Louis (9) over ChicagoThe Rams could be just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Bears. However, with the Bears struggling both offensively and defensively, they’ll be locked in a tight game with the Rams.The bottom line is that the Bears have to play mistake-free football to cover this spread something they are capable of right now Talent-wise, they should win. If the Rams are forced into a few turnovers, the Bears will win easily.The Rams’ Stephen Jackson will be heavily utilized against the Bears, and rightfully so. If he has a big game, the Rams have a chance to win this game outright.Bears 24, Rams 20 San Diego (-13) over ClevelandDoes this one even needexplaining It was a surprise to see this spread under two touchdowns.Chargers 37, Browns 13San Francisco (pick 'em) over SeattleThe 49ers still have a shot at a playoff berth, and their offense has some emerging talent. They tend to play significantly better at home.Still, the 49ers’ desperation to win and stay in the NFC West and wildcard races will be the deciding factor in what should be a close game.49ers 20, Seahawks 17 NY Giants (2) over DallasBoth teams enter this game having last played on Thanksgiving, so they’ve both enjoyed a longer break between games.The Giants have seemingly lost the ability to run the ball. Their quarterback is playing through the effects of plantar fascilitis Their defense is struggling.

It's no wonder the Giants have lost five of their last six.Yet, despite these issues, they are desperate and will be playing at home, which might help them rediscover some of what made them successful in the last couple seasons rushing the passer and pounding the football on the ground.Simultaneously, a Giants win will cast doubt on whether or not the Cowboys are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. If the Cardinals were to beat Minnesota, they’d need to be at full strength, meaning that Kurt Warner would play and play well.Given that Warner sat out last week and is a game-time decision this week, you have to question his ability to have the kind of game necessary to keep the Cardinals competitive against Brett Favre and the Vikings' explosive offense.Regardless of whether Warner plays, or how effective he might be if plays, the key matchup will be Arizona's run defense against Adrian Peterson. Arizona’s run defense had a great start to the season, but has struggled in recent games.If the Cardinals can limit Peterson, their chances or covering the spread or winning improves significantly. If they can’t slow Peterson down, the Vikings will win easily, no matter who is under center for Arizona.Vikings 27, Cardinals 17 Monday NightBaltimore (3) over Green BayOh sure, the Ravens’ defense isn’t what it once was. In fact, statistically speaking, the Packers are better than the Ravens defensively.However, Baltimore's five losses this season have all come against teams in the playoff picture in their respective conferences (New England, Minnesota, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati twice). Is it possible the Ravens are underratedThat isn’t to say the Packers are overrated.

Three of their four losses have also come to playoff-type teams (Minnesota twice and Cincinnati). But Aaron Rodgers is playing Pro Bowl-caliber football.The Ravens should be favored in this one. A big game on a big stage is where Ray Lewis shines, and it's likely he'll make a few big plays to turn the tide in a close Baltimore win.Ravens 17, Packers 13 For more sports insight: Last year number 1 Alabama was defeated by number 2 Florida in the SEC Championship game. This time both teams are unbeaten, but the teams look even more equal than before. Last year Alabama was unbeaten, but Florida was the clear favorite Alabama played hard for 3 quarters and led 20 to 17.