STEELERS (2-2) AT LIONS (1-3)

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Line: PIT by 10 ½ Cote's pick: PIT 41-13

Pitt's first game at Lions since 1998 finds team needing rhythm and proof that hits defense can survive until Troy Polamalu returns. Playing Detroit helps, especially if Matthew Stafford (knee) can't go and Daunte Culpepper must. Big Ben Roethlisberger has enough offense to overwhelm Lions.

COWBOYS (2-2) AT CHIEFS (0-4)

When: 1 p.m. Sunday (FOX)

Line: DAL by 8 ½ Cote's pick: DAL 34-17

Chiefs started out as the Dallas Texans, and nobody cares but Lamar Hunt -- and he's dead. KayCee has lost eight games in a row dating to last year. As for the once-mighty Arrowhead, Chiefs are 4-13 against the spread in past 17 games at home. Get-well Sunday for Tony Romo and Cows.

RAIDERS (1-3) AT GIANTS (4-0)

When: 1 p.m. Sunday (CBS)

Line: NYG by 15 ½ Cote's pick: NYG 30-3

Giant point spread gives us pause only because 1) NYG might have mental eye on unbeaten New Orleans on deck; and 2) Eli Manning's availability (heel) was looking like game-day decision. Like Biggies even if David Carr is in, because Oakland's offense with JaMarcus Russell steering.

BUCCANEERS (0-4) AT EAGLES (2-1)

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Line: PHI by 14 ½ Cote's pick: PHI 38-10

Andy Reid and Philly are an NFL-best 16-4 after bye weeks. Looks like Donovan McNabb will be back. An Eagles defense leading league in opponent third-down conversions (only 22.5%) is facing a struggling Bucs offense led by a rookie QB. Umm, will that do it, or should I draw you a picture?

VIKINGS (4-0) AT RAMS (0-4)

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Line: MIN by 9 ½ Cote's pick: MIN 27-16

St. Lose has lost NFL-worst 14 games in a row and is 5-31 since 2007. Now, just when you thought it couldn't get worse for the poor Rammed, Rush Limbaugh wants to buy the team! Caution, though: After beating Pack in Favre Bowl I and with Baltimore on deck, Vikes will be on automatic pilot.

FALCONS (2-1) AT 49ERS (3-1)

When: 4:05 p.m. Sunday

Line: SF by 2 ½ Cote's pick: SF 20-17

Very interesting, tight matchup, especially with the Niners' Frank Gore out injured and Michael Crabtree signed but not game-ready, and with ATL coming off a bye. Make it a venue pick. San Fran has won five in a row at the 'Stick, and Shaun Hill is 7-0 as the home starter. Nervous, though. Tossup.

TEXANS (2-2) AT CARDINALS (1-2)

When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday

Line: ARI by 5 ½ Cote's pick: ARI 37-28

Has the feel of a scoreboard-spinning track meet, and such a game usually smiles upon Kurt Warner and that aerial show -- especially at home. Houston won last week, rarely wins two in a row and is 3-8 against spread in past 11 in domes. Warner's next 300-yard game is his 50th. Here it comes.

JAGUARS (2-2) AT SEAHAWKS (1-3)

When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday

Line: None Cote's pick: JAC 24-20

Stayed off betting boards because 'Hawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) stayed iffy. Whether it's Hasselbeck or Seneca Wallace, I like Jags in a small upset. Jax and David Garrard have put up 68 points in past two weeks, and Seattle has bad run-stoppage along with serious injuries on O-line.

COLTS (4-0) VS. TITANS (0-4)

When: 8:20 p.m. Sunday (NBC)

Line: IND by 3 Cote's pick: IND 27-23

Sunday nighter finds Colts ready for prime time and Titans trying to avoid further embarrassment. Tenners have won two of past three at home vs. Indy; that and desperation give 'em a real shot here. But I can't not side with a white-hot Peyton Manning against a really struggling defense.

OFF THIS WEEK

BEARS (3-1; next at Falcons)

Jay Cutler became first Bears QB since 1970 with 100-plus passer rating three games in a row -- less the magic of Cutler than historical woe of Bears quarterbacking.

CHARGERS (2-2; next vs. Broncos)

After losing to Steelers, the Bolts host Monday game next week needing victory to stop Denver from running away with AFC West. SD has disappointed, with Shawne Merriman doing so little.

PACKERS (2-2; next vs. Lions)

Gee Bees must get up off mat after losing Round 1 of Favre Bowl Series. Lions defense should provide nice, handy get-well card for Aaron Rodgers and Pack.

SAINTS (4-0; next vs. Giants)

Saints pass D shrunk Mark Sanchez legend down to size -- led by Darren Sharper's 10th career pick-TD. Now it's on to second half of New York, New York.