Last week was rough. I went 9-7, and that was straight up, and not against the spread. I gave myself credit for the Giants' win against Washington even though the game was played two days before I made my picks. I don't think Daniel Snyder would have picked the Redskins, and he owns them. Also, I told all my friends the Giants would cover. If you don't believe me, ask both of them.

This week's picks:

CAROLINA by 8 over Chicago

The Panthers are 14-18 at home the past four seasons. Home schedule: Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas City, New Orleans, Arizona, Detroit, Tampa Bay and Denver. Atlanta, Kansas City and Detroit means homecoming times three. Carolina ought to go 6-2.

K.C. by 1 over Oakland

The NFL is a better place when the silver and black stands for something other than penalties and incompetence.

CINCINNATI by 4 over Tenn.

Maybe Cincinnati, Tennessee, Kansas City and Oakland could have their own tournament. They could call it the NIT.

Indy by 3 over MINNESOTA

Vikings have beaten the Colts five straight at home. Peyton and the fellows were rusty last week. That won't happen again, right?

N.O. by 7 over WASHINGTON

The Redskins are terrible and the Saints are one of the NFC's best teams. And the Redskins are favored? This, my friends, is the Lock of the Week.

G.B. by 6 over DETROIT

After further review, the Lions replace Tennessee in the NIT.

N.Y. Giants by 6

over ST. LOUIS

After further review, the NIT will be expanded to include St. Louis.

Buffalo by 1 over JACKSONVILLE

If you weigh more than 300 pounds and stay sober on Sundays, you can play offensive line for the Jags, but I can't guarantee you'll start. Buffalo might be this year's big surprise (to people not from western New York).

TAM. BAY by 4 over Atlanta

The Bucs look as if they're worn out. But they did outscore Atlanta 68-10 last season.

SEATTLE by 3 over S. F.

Seattle's top 11 receivers are hurt. But, counting the playoffs, the Seahawks have won 24 of their past 28 at home. Make it 25 of 29.

ARIZONA by 9 over Miami

Cardinals have scored 20 or more points in nine straight games, the longest such streak in the NFL. Twenty will be enough today.

New England by 3

over N.Y. JETS

I was in the lobby of a San Diego hotel last Sunday, and from the bar came raucous cheers. A little TV showed Tom Brady limping off the field, lost for the season. As much as I can't stand Patriots coach Bill Belichick, I hated to see Brady go. He's the best.

HOUSTON by 4

over Baltimore

When was the last time the Ravens were undefeated this late in the season?

DENVER by 3

over San Diego

The Broncos could be the best team in football. I'm not saying they are. I'm saying they could be. Also, they've won eight straight home openers.

Pittsburgh by 3

over CLEVELAND

How not to make the playoffs: start the season 0-2 at home. Steelers have beaten Cleveland nine straight, six in Cleveland.

DALLAS by 6

over Philadelphia

Only chance the Eagles have is if Brian Westbrook is superhuman. The Eagles have a chance.