The Virginian-Pilot
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GAME OF THE WEEK
San Diego (4-1) at New York Jets (3-3), 1 p.m.
The line San Diego by 2
Outlook The key will be how San Diego’s sixth-ranked passing offense (293.4 ypg) fares against the No. 5 pass defense (200.8). The Chargers would seem to have an edge, since they can keep the Jets off-balance with the No. 9 rushing attack (122.8).
Quick hit New York has the No. 31 rushing attack (80.8) and the No. 23 passing attack (216.3) so don’t expect the Jets to win if the game is a shootout.
Match-up New York, which hasn’t scored more than 24 points since Week 2, needs to break through against a team that hasn’t allowed more than 24 points all season.
The pick It’s always tough for West Coast teams to play early games on the East Coast. Jets 20, Chargers 17.
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Houston (3-3) at Tennessee (3-2), 1 p.m.
The line Tennessee by 3
Outlook Houston’s lost 3 of 4, allowing at least 25 points in each of the losses, and WR Andre Johnson is still hurt. Tennessee has won 3 of 4 and has allowed more than 16 points once all season..
The pick Houston has failed to surpass 20 points in the two games Johnson has missed so far. Titans 23, Texans 17.
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Washington (3-2) at Carolina (1-5), 1 p.m., WVBT
The line Carolina by 2½
Outlook Washington is turning to QB John Beck to fix an offense that hasn’t surpassed 22 points since Week 1. Carolina has allowed at least 28 points in 5 of 6 games but has the No. 11 pass defense.
The pick A rash of injuries to key offensive players including TE Chris Cooley hurt Washington. Panthers 23, Redskins 17.
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Seattle (2-3) at Cleveland (2-3), 1 p.m.
The line Cleveland by 3
Outlook Seattle, coming off a bye, probably will use Charlie Whitehurst at QB with Tarvaris Jackson injured. Cleveland has surpassed 17 points once, and RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring) is in doubt.
The pick Seattle is 3-11 in its past 14 road games, even including a Week 5 win over the Giants. Browns 23, Seahawks 17.
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Denver (1-4) at Miami (0-5), 1 p.m.
The line Miami by 1
Outlook Denver is turning to QB Tim Tebow to fix a passing offense that ranks 27th in the NFL (201.8). Tebow has a chance for success because Miami’s pass defense ranks 29th (284.0).
The pick Four of Miami’s losses this season have been by double digits; Denver has one such loss. Broncos 23, Dolphins 20.
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Atlanta (3-3) at Detroit (5-1), 1 p.m.
The line Detroit by 3½
Outlook Atlanta has played three games in domes this season and is averaging 26.7 points in those games. Detroit is 25th in rushing (90.8) and will be without RB Jahvid Best (concussion).
The pick Lions QB Matthew Stafford goes for 300 yards vs. the 27th-ranked pass defense (283.3). Lions 26, Falcons 24.
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Chicago (3-3) vs. Tampa Bay (4-2) in London, 1 p.m.
The line Chicago by 1
Outlook Chicago is 3-1 on grass this season. Tampa Bay lost 48-3 at San Francisco on its last long road trip and has the No. 26 pass defense (276.0).
The pick Chicago has the No. 25 pass defense, so don’t expect a lot of running in this contest. Bears 23, Buccaneers 17.
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Kansas City (2-3) at Oakland (4-2), 4:05 p.m.
The line Oakland by 4½
Outlook Kansas City has won two straight and hasn’t allowed more than 24 points in a game since Week 2. Oakland also has won two straight and has the No. 2 rushing attack (160.0).
The pick If new Oakland QB Carson Palmer goes, he’ll be handing off a lot vs. the No. 21 run defense. Raiders 24, Chiefs 17.
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Pittsburgh (4-2) at Arizona (1-4), 4:05 p.m., WTKR
The line Pittsburgh by 4
Outlook Pittsburgh has won 4 of 5 and hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in a game since Week 1. Arizona hasn’t won since Week 1, and has allowed 65 total points its past two games.
The pick Arizona won’t muster much offense against the No. 1 overall and pass defense. Steelers 24, Cardinals 14.
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St. Louis (0-5) at Dallas (2-3), 4:15 p.m.
The line Dallas by 13
Outlook Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) will be a game-time decision for a team with the No. 25 overall offense. Dallas will be without RB Felix Jones (ankle) but has the No. 7 overall offense.
The pick Every one of Dallas’ games this season has been decided by four points or less. Cowboys 24, Rams 20.
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Green Bay (6-0) at Minnesota (1-5), 4:15 p.m., WVBT
The line Green Bay by 9
Outlook Green Bay has won every game this season by at least seven points and has scored at least 24 in every game. Minnesota, which has scored more than 23 once, turns to QB Christian Ponder.
The pick Green Bay, which is second in the league with 11 INTs, picks off Ponder three times. Packers 34, Vikings 14.
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Indianapolis (0-6) at New Orleans (4-2), 8:20 p.m., WAVY
The line New Orleans by 13½
Outlook Indianapolis hasn’t scored more than 24 points all season and is 31st in the NFL in total offense. New Orleans hasn’t scored less than 20 points all season and is second in total offense.
The pick New Orleans is averaging 35 ppg at home; Indianapolis 13.7 ppg on the road. Saints 35, Colts 14.
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MONDAY
Baltimore (4-1) at Jacksonville (1-5), 8:30 p.m., ESPN
The line Baltimore by 8
Outlook Baltimore has won three straight, all by at least 15 points, and has the No. 3 overall defense. Jacksonville has lost five straight and hasn’t scored more than 20 points all season.
The pick Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew can’t crack 80 yards vs. the No. 3 rush defense (76.6). Ravens 34, Jaguars 14.
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Straight up 12-1 (65-25 for the season).
Against the spread 8-5 (42-43-5 for the season).
Upset special 1-0 straight up (4-2 for the season).
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