Dr. Z's Forecast

Once a year, as a service that I've just established, I pick the entire week's card for you. Every game. The amazing thing is, the price of the magazine stays the same. Why do I do it? Because I envy those handicappers who pad their record with puppies, with double-figure favorites, while I get hammered trying to concentrate on the tough ones. Besides, I need some wins real bad; I need to get the record respectable, like it was last year.

What follows, then, is the whole board. Fasten your seat belts.

No-brainers

The Broncos got their scare last week against the Bengals, and now, fortified with the knowledge that any dog with teeth is capable of biting, they'll take it out on the Chargers. San Diego prides itself on its top-ranked defense, but it won't hold up against the firepower the Broncos will present.

The Vikings big over the Saints. Minnesota lost to the Bucs, a desperate team with a running game. The Saints will try to run too, but guess what the Vikings will be working on all week?

The Dolphins, another loser on the rebound, will take out their frustrations on some innocent bystanders, who happen to be the Colts.

The 49ers will win big at home over the Panthers. Are you catching the formula here? Three out of my four no-brainers lost on Sunday, and the other, Denver, was almost upset. When San Francisco came back from that horrendous start against Green Bay, I thought the Niners were going to win it, but who could have predicted the collapse of their offensive line? Won't happen this week.

Looks Easy, but Isn't

The Cowboys are sitting pretty. Only one team they face in the second half of the season currently boasts a winning record. The Giants took the day off against the Redskins and paid the price. Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman could still be showing some rust, and I think the New York defense will give him problems. It would be cool to pick an upset, but I favor the Cowboys when they're facing the Giants' attack.

If the playoffs were held today, the Cardinals would qualify as a wild card, based on their record against NFC teams. Arizona can't move the ball on the ground, and the Skins have trouble stopping the run. But Washington is riding the crest of an inspirational victory. The Redskins in an upset.