Lock:

New York Jets (-3) over OAKLAND: In theory, the Jets should win this game easily. Brett Favre’s got chemistry with his receivers, and the defense is looking pretty good. The main reason I’m making this pick, though, is in honor of my grandfather, a big Jets fan, who turned 73 this week. Happy birthday, Grandpa!

CHICAGO (-3) over Minnesota: Minnesota never looks the same way two weeks in a row. Last week they squeezed out a last-second victory. This week, against a very good Bears defense, I expect them to flounder like, well, a flounder.

New Orleans (+3) over CAROLINA: Seemingly, I pick the Saints every week. I believe in Drew Brees and his corps of mediocre receivers. They have that one-man juggernaut named Deuce McAllister as well. Carolina’s looked merely OK this season, even though they’re 4-2. I expect New Orleans to give them a real wake-up call on Sunday.

Dallas (-7) over ST. LOUIS: It doesn’t matter who’s under center for Dallas — those receivers could catch touchdown passes from a second-grader. St. Louis looks terrible, like really terrible. The Haastile Bottom Line of the week: Every member of the Rams should go to church or something on Sunday, because if they show up on the football field, they’re gonna get trounced.