NFL predictions

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jan 5, 2008

NFL predictions by Rick Dean

Last week: 11-4 n Season: 158-87A satisfying finish last week amid a schedule that had everyone guessing about which playoff- qualified teams would mail it in. Several did, and now you wonder how they'll turn it back on in a must-win situation. The Bucs are the prime example here.REDSKINS (9-7) AT SEAHAWKS (10-6)

3:30 p.m. today, KSNT 27 (Cox Cable 7)The matchup: I love the way the Skins are playing in winning their last four against Chicago, the Giants in New Jersey, at Minnesota and at home against Dallas. I love the way they rallied after the death of Sean Taylor. I like Clinton Portis as a runner, and I've liked backup QB Todd Collins since his days with the Chiefs. But there's a reason Collins has been a backup for 10 years. Can the Skins win in Seattle, where the Hawks are 7-1 this year? Probably not, but I'm going for the upset.

The prediction: Redskins 24, Seahawks 21JAGUARS (11-5) AT STEELERS (10-6)

7 p.m. today, KSNT 27 (Cox Cable 7)The matchup: Give Jacksonville the ultimate compliment: They're as physical as the Steelers. Asking a warm-weather team to win in Pittsburgh in January is tough, but the Steelers aren't as strong following injuries that knocked DE Aaron Smith and RB Willie Parker from the lineup. Big Ben can't do it himself, and David Garrard has a better running game to complement his solid play. Jax won here in Week 15.

The prediction: Jaguars 21, Steelers 17GIANTS (10-6) AT BUCCANEERS (9-7)Noon Sunday, KTMJ 43 (Cox Cable 6)The matchup: I haven't picked Tampa Bay well all year, but who has? They've lost three of the past four, two of them after clinching a playoff berth. But I like teams with momentum, and the Bucs have none after consecutive losses to San Fran and Carolina. The Giants aren't on a roll, but they gave New England all they wanted in a huge-game situation, and they will have nine days to rest from that effort. Giants defense gets the edge here.

The prediction: Giants 17, Buccaneers 16TITANS (10-6) AT CHARGERS (11-5)

3:30 p.m. Sunday, WIBW 13 (Cox Cable 12)The matchup: After bucking the Vegas line on two of the first three games (taking the Skins and the Giants), it's time to play this one safe. Tennessee had trouble beating Indy's second string in last week's must-win game. And while few people are big fans of either SD coach Norv Turner or QB Philip Rivers, LT and the Chargers defense will carry the day.

The prediction: Chargers 24, Titans 17