Lock: New Orleans (-1 1/2) over Tampa Bay

The Saints finally lost a game at home last week, proving that they can lose even with the emotion in the Superdome, and will be looking to bounce back. Tampa Bay had two miraculous wins last month, and showed their true ineptitude last week in East Rutherford. The Saints should be able to keep the Buccaneers at bay in Tampa and come away with a big divisional win.

Upset Special: Denver (+2 1/2) over Pittsburgh

Denver put up an admirable fight against Indianapolis last week and showed that they are one of the top teams in the league by doing so. Pittsburgh is struggling, and is on its way to seeing everything fall apart before its very eyes. Ben Roethlisberger is not the same quarterback with his concussion; if Bill Cowher won’t bench him, the Steelers won’t turn it around any time soon. The Broncos will need a good start at Heinz Field, but should come away with this one.

Game 1: Atlanta (-6) over Detroit

I’m not Michael Vick’s biggest fan, but he has turned it on lately. Detroit continues to be a laughingstock, and at 1-6 hasn’t shown much promise. The Falcons may have to put up with crowd noise in Detroit for the first five minutes, but after that it’s Atlanta all the way.

Game 2: Chicago (-14) over Miami

The Bears throttled San Francisco last week, and Miami poses perhaps even less of a threat. The game is in Miami, and Chicago is in no mood to let another mediocre team threaten them like Arizona did a few weeks ago. Bears win this one easily.