How the darts landed

There were signs of a very good week. We bull’s-eyed our Upset of the Week with Packers beating Texans (“Aawwk!”) and nailed another outright upset with Browns over Bengals. Also had the ’dog Lions and Giants with points. And yet … it was another desultory week overall. Here’s how my luck is running: Dolphins beat Rams 17-14. I’d predicted 19-13. Close, right? Yeah. But I lost it against the spread by a half-point. OK, enough complaining. Forward we go! [Thursday pick: 49ers (-7) over Seahawks, 20-17].

RAVENS (5-1) at TEXANS (5-1)

Line: HOU by 6 1/2.

Cote’s pick: HOU 24-20.

TV: CBS, 1 p.m.

Game of the Week jury quickly waved off all other Week 7 contenders and bowed reverently to this heavyweight bout that will leave the victor grand marshaling the AFC parade. Watching Arian Foster and Ray Rice roll up fantasy points will be this game’s hub, and I think I like Foster a little bit more against a depleted Baltimore defense with Ray Lewis likely out for the year and others banged up. (By the way, pundits, quit speaking of Lewis’ career in obituary tones. Assume a comeback until the old Cane says otherwise.) Ravens are 6-0 all-time in this series and an outright upset would not surprise much, but give me Texans getting off that series schneid at home. Houston got humbled by Green Bay last week and it’s bounceback time. Close, though. Betting line disrespects the Crows, who are wounded and perhaps all the more dangerous for it.

STEELERS (2-3) at BENGALS (3-3)

Line: PIT by 1 1/2.

Cote’s pick: CIN 27-23

TV: NBC, 8:20 p.m.

“AAAWWWK!” booms the Upset Bird. “After consulting a binder full of women I go with Cincinnaaawwwk!” We are well aware Pittsburgh has won 10 of the past 11 trips to Cincy. Ever heard of the law of averages? These are battered, diminished Steelers who are 0-3 on the road this year. Pitt QB Ben Roethisberger, likely missing Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, could be under siege from a ’Gals pass rush that has 20 sacks, second in the NFL. Especially with RBs Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman both iffy to play. Cincy is healthier, home and out to prove itself ready for prime time. “Bengals defense will be shopping at Sacks Fifth Avenue,” notes U-Bird. “Sacks Fifth Avenaawwwk!”

JAGUARS (1-4) at RAIDERS (1-4)

Line: OAK by 4.

Cote’s pick: OAK 23-13.

TV: CBS, 4:25 p.m.

Regular readers know our Dog of the Week refers not to our favorite betting ’dog but to the week’s muttiest, least attractive game, and this one was quick work for the selectors. Jacksonville’s is the league’s worst offense, and I doubt a bye week solved that. Oakland isn’t breaking any scoreboards, either, but Carson Palmer should have all day back there because Jags are last in league in sacks. Raiders played unbeaten Falcons very tough last week. If they remember they aren’t that good and don’t let down, this game is theirs.

TITANS (2-4) at BILLS (3-3)

Line: BUF by 3.

Cote’s pick: BUF 31-26.

TV: CBS, 1 p.m.

Signs of life! These are the league’s two worst scoring defenses, but Titans surprised Pittsburgh last Thursday and Bills are coming off a nice OT win over Arizona. My gut says Tenners have a big upset shot here, but they are 0-3 on the road and no NFL pass defense (107.9 opponent passer rating) is worse. Just wish I trusted the erratic Bison even a little bit.