Vick's status makes Eagles-Giants an iffy pick

GIANTS (-4) over Eagles: Double V was looking for a big bounce from the Birds last week, but instead, it was a big hurt, times two. My bank account took it on the chin, and Michael Vick took it in the ribs. They are listing Vick as questionable at the moment, and even with a flak jacket, it's gonna be an adventure. The New Yorkers knocked Vick out in the first meeting (broken right hand) at the Linc en route to a 29-16 win, and you can bet that the Giants "D" will show no mercy this time around. And even if Vick plays the whole game, based on his work against Arizona (a 32.5 QB rating), it ain't gonna be pretty. But if Vick is unable to go, then we're looking at Mike Kafka or Vince Young. Still not pretty. The spread is sitting at minus-4 (or minus-3 if you shop around), but if they decide to hold Vick out, the line could jump to minus-5 or minus-6. Too many questions, not enough answers, so I'll keep it light.

RAVENS (-7) over Bengals: Picking Seattle over Baltimore last week raised more than a few eyebrows, but we were looking at what happened to the Ravens in the first 2 weeks of the season. They posted a ferocious 35-7 win over the Steelers in the opener, then went down to Tennessee and lost to the Titans, 26-13. Say it with me: "Letdown." Coming off another win over Pittsburgh, Ray Lewis & Co. got caught in a Seahawk trap, and came up on the short end of a 22-17 score. Say it with me, again: "Letdown." There's no coming up short this week. And if you're saying, hey, Vic, what about Cincinnati's five-game winning streak earlier in the season, I'm saying it was built on the backs of the NFL's weak sisters, teams with a combined 17-29 record. Then you have to take a look at Baltimore's superb record at home, winning four in row this season and 24 of the last 29. That makes this my Best Bet.

LIONS (-7) over Panthers: Care to ask me about Carolina's record on the road the last year and a half? How about 0-11. Which makes this a perfect spot for Detroit. The Lions are coming off a beatdown by the Bears (37-13), but should enjoy the warmth and the wind-free environment under the roof at Ford Field. And they'll probably put a "spy" on Cam Newton, just as the Titans did, confusing the rookie, and leading to a 30-3 blowout by Tennessee.

Cardinals (+10) over 49ERS: San Francisco wanted to prove it belongs with the elite of the NFL. So the Niners went out and beat the New York Giants Sunday, 27-20. Mission accomplished. Now the 49ers get to take a little breather. While a "W" is certainly in order, covering the fat, double-digit spread is not. Arizona is 2-0 with John Skelton under center and is on a 3-0 spread run. Look for the Cardinals to stay competitive and squeeze out a cover.

PATRIOTS (-15) over Chiefs: Laying 15 in the NFL is uncomfortable, but in this spot, it's a must. Put aside the fact that New England is on top of the AFC East, has a ridiculous 19-3 record at home the last 22 games and will be playing against Tyler Palko (13 lifetime passes). The real story line here is Tom Brady (5000-plus lifetime passes). The last time he played Kansas City was in the 2008 home opener. If you remember, he was knocked out and lost the entire season. Revenge? You betcha!

Cowboys (-7) over REDSKINS: Mike Shanahan's record in Denver was 138-86 with a huge assist from John Elway. Outside of the Mile High city, Shanahan is a depressing 17-28 in stints with the Raiders and Redskins. Another blowout for the 'Boys.

BEARS (-3) over Chargers: Jay Cutler and Philip Rivers do not like each other. Vic doesn't like that San Diego has covered only four of its previous 12 on the road, but does like Chicago's current 7-0 roll in the month of November.

FALCONS (-6) over Titans: Since Tennessee has covered only three of the last nine on the road, we'll buy the Southern Birds.

Bills (+2) over DOLPHINS: Buffalo is 3-0 against sub-.500 teams, and the Fish are very sub-.500.

Jaguars (+1) over BROWNS: Jax has won four of the last five at Cleveland, while the Browns have covered only three of the previous 17 overall.

VIKINGS (+1) over Raiders: Oakland has covered only two of the previous 15 as a favorite. Color this one purple.

Buccaneers (+14) over PACKERS: Green Bay has to take its foot off the gas pedal sometime. Maybe this is the week.

RAMS (-2) over Seahawks: Who bounced St. Louis out of the playoffs at the end of last season? Seattle, that's who!