Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (- 8.5): Houston quarterback Sage Rosenfels looked as foolish as Master P did on "Dancing With the Stars" when the Texans and Colts tangled earlier in the season. That was when Rosey singlehandedly blew a lead late for Houston when he turned into Rex Grossman during the last five minutes of the game and kept handing the ball to Indianapolis on silver platter after silver platter. Rosenfels is back for Round 2, but this time Indianapolis is playing a lot better, and the game is in Indy’s dome, not Houston’s. Houston is winless on the road this year, and Peyton Manning and his merry men are overdue for a blowout. Prediction – Indianapolis 31, Houston 14.
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (- 4): One of the longest-running rivalries in the history of the NFL continues on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. Green Bay has had a helluva home schedule this season, playing Minnesota, Dallas, Atlanta and Indianapolis, four playoff-quality teams, and the Packers are only 2-2. But it is how well Green Bay played in its last two road losses, nail biters at Tennessee and Minnesota, that makes me think they will defeat their archenemies in this contest. Plus there is this nugget – Green Bay leads the NFL with six defensive touchdowns, and if Chicago is forced to start Grossman at quarterback again, you can guarantee another TD from the Green Bay D. Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Al Harris will jump all over the Bears’ routes and pick Grossman off eventually. Prediction – Green Bay 20, Chicago 13.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (+3): Yes, Arizona has the NFC Worst, I mean West, all wrapped up halfway through the season. Yes, Kurt Warner is a leading candidate for MVP. Yes, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are the best one-two receiving punch in the NFL. But this will be the first time this season that Seattle has a healthy Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback AND a somewhat healthy group of wide receivers. And playing in Seattle is never a fun experience no matter how bad the Seahawks are, plus the Cardinals are not exactly road warriors (2-3 in 2008). Look for Julius Jones to run like he has pounded a ton of Starbucks coffee, and for Seattle’s defense to swarm Warner and cause some sacks and create some turnovers. Blast the Pearl Jam, folks! Prediction – Seattle 23, Arizona 21.
