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Well, another average week for the Doc. After starting the day at 6-2, I was certainly hoping for a better finish. But alas, with the league being as topsy-turvy as it is this year, I guess I should be happy with an above-.500 record. Hang in their people, the best is yet to come.

Picks appear in bold.

Oakland at New Orleans (-6.5)
I'm pretty "iffy" on this one because after five weeks, we still just don't know who this Saints' team really is. One week, the offense looks unstoppable and the defense plays well. The next, Drew Brees looks very shaky and the defense is a sieve.

Baltimore at Indianapolis (-3.5)
As I said in the power rankings, I think the Colts' improbable win in Houston will be the impetus behind a much improved remainder of the season.

Miami at Houston (-3)
On the other hand, I can see the Texans coming out a very angry team that takes care of business early.

Cincinnati at New York Jets (-8.5)
As in Green Bay, this one will depend on which Brett Favre shows up. The way he's been playing recently, I'm certainly willing to bet on him.

Carolina (+1.5) at Tampa Bay
I like the power running game of Carolina against the undersized Buccaneer defense. In addition, I think the Panthers may be the most underrated team in football right now.

Detroit at Minnesota (-13)
Whether it's Jon Kitna or Dan Orlovsky, I simply have no faith in the Lions right now.

Chicago (-2.5) at Atlanta
The Bears will go into the game trying to force Matt Ryan to beat them. They have the defense to do it, and it's just too early in his development to ask Ryan to do so much, especially with a banged up receiving corp.

St. Louis at Washington (-13)
The league's worst team against it's hottest. For the first time this season, the 'Skins will be playing a bad team and will take full advantage of it.

Jacksonville at Denver (-3)
My only concern is that the Jags will be able to run the ball at will against the Broncos' front seven. However, the way they played against Tampa last week makes me feel as though they're improving.

Philadelphia (-4.5) at San Francisco
Brian Westbrook won't play, but after Donovan McNabb's comments about being embarrassed of the Eagles' play this year, they'll whoop the 49ers.

Dallas (-4.5) at Arizona
The Cardinals couldn't score enough points even if they had Anquan Boldin. Without him and a viable running game, I think it will be a long day Kurt Warner.

Green Bay (+1) at Seattle
With Matt Hasselbeck injured, the Packers' defense will "get well" against a poor and hampered Seattle offense.

New England at San Diego (-4.5)
Bill Belichick's crew is simply giving up too many points against bad teams to think they'll be able to stop the Chargers. And, even though San Diego's weakness is their passing defense, I can't really see Matt Cassel being able to take advantage of it.

New York Giants (-7) at Cleveland
Even on the road, I don't understand why the line is this low.

Last Week: 8-5-1
Season: 38-34-2