Lock:

Dallas (-3) over Washington: Tony Romo looks like he can give new life to a Cowboy team that was down in the dumps after its humiliating loss to the Giants. Are they a playoff team? Probably not. Can they beat up on the 2-5 Redskins, led by Mark Brunell and company? You bet. Dallas takes it.

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

Come on. The Broncos almost beat the Colts and they are listed as the underdog against the Steelers, who have done nothing thus far? Their defense, combined with Roethlisberger’s struggles, will make for an ugly situation if you’re a Steelers fan.

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

The Saints had a bad game against a hot Baltimore Ravens team, and it looked pretty bad. But the Buccaneers are absolutely terrible, and it doesn’t look like Gradkowski is going to be able to put anything together for them this season. Whether Reggie Bush plays or not, the Saints will win.

Pick 1: Atlanta (-6) over Detroit

Michael Vick is looking as good as he has ever looked in his entire career. The Lions’ defense will be no match for Vick and Alge Crumpler.