Pick: Titans by 17

BEARS AT VIKINGS (-3)

First place in the NFC North will be on the line in this pivotal Sunday night contest. For connoisseurs of Metrodome football, it should be a big change from last week's Gophers-Iowa game in that both teams are expected to score. Pick: Bears by 3

JAGUARS AT TEXANS (-3 1/2)

Jacksonville handed Sunday's game to the Vikings by fumbling twice in the first half-minute of the game. The Jaguars' Troy Williamson couldn't believe what he was seeing, as it usually takes him at least a full quarter to drop that many. Pick: Jaguars by 1

Cardinals AT EAGLES (-3)

Philly quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb combined to throw five interceptions Sunday in Baltimore. The only way the Ravens could have received more largesse was if they changed their name to Citibank. Pick: Cardinals by 3

Giants AT REDSKINS (+3 1/2)

Redskins players took the lead in Pro Bowl voting in 16 of 19 races. Analysts attributed this electoral landslide to the fact all the Redskins' competitors were mislabeled as Republicans. Pick: Giants by 7

SEAHAWKS AT COWBOYS (-12 1/2)

"Pacman" Jones is back with the Cowboys after being warned that another misstep on his part will lead to a lifetime ban. The star cornerback isn't too concerned, though, as that ban would not extend to strip clubs. Pick: Cowboys by 16

BRONCOS AT JETS (-7 1/2)

Jets fourth-string QB Erik Ainge, nephew of former NBA player Danny Ainge, was suspended for violating the NFL's steroids policy. Random testing apparently unmasked his plot to become the first Ainge with discernible muscles. Pick: Jets by 11

DOLPHINS AT RAMS (+7 1/2)

St . Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols says he's working to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to the city. It would be a huge coup for St. Louis, which hasn't seen professional football for years. Pick: Dolphins by 13

STEELERS AT PATRIOTS (-1)

New England's Randy Moss caught three TD passes, then said Miami disrespected him by givng him only single coverage. Patriots coaches could tell early on that Moss was fired up when he ran full speed for the first time this season. Pick: Patriots by 4

FALCONS AT CHARGERS (-5)

Next week's Raiders-Chargers game, as part of an experiment, is going be broadcast live in 3D to theaters in three cities. This gives San Diego coach Norv Turner his first chance to blow a game in more than one dimension. Pick: Chargers by 3

RAVENS AT BENGALS (+7)

The receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson was benched last week after showing up late for a team meeting. Ocho Cinco apparently was thrown for a loop when the Bengals moved their weekly meeting to a different cell. Pick: Ravens by 10

COLTS AT BROWNS (+4 1/2)

Cleveland general manager Phil Savage apologized after sending an expletive-laced e-mail to a fan. Savage explained that he couldn't come up with any non-profane words to describe the Browns' offense. Pick: Colts by 11

OTHER GAMES

Chiefs at Raiders (-3): Raiders by 7

49ers at Bills (-7): Bills by 9

Saints at Buccaneers (-3 1/2): Buccaneers by 1

Panthers at Packers (-3): Packers by 6

RECORD

Last week: Straight up 10-6, vs. spread 9-7

Season: Straight up 110-65-1, vs. spread 87-85-4

Kevin Cusick makes The Loop's NFL picks. He can be reached at loop@pioneerpress.com