BROWNS (5-10) at STEELERS (7-8)

Line: Off board.

Cote’s pick: PIT 24-10.

TV: 1 p.m., CBS.

Off-the-board happens when your QB, Brandon Weeden, and backup, Colt McCoy, both are iffy to play and somebody named Thad Lewis could be starting. Pittsburgh blew its playoff shot last week but will end by at least avenging its November loss to Cleveland. Earthtones haven’t swept Pitt since 1988 and last won by the Three Rivers in 2003.

RAIDERS (4-11) at CHARGERS (6-9)

Line: Off board.

Cote’s pick: SD 30-13.

TV: 4:25 p.m., CBS.

Another game outside the wagering circle, because Oakland QB Carson Palmer is out injured and team wasn’t saying who would start. No matter. This matchup will be all about Philip Rivers strafing an outmanned Raiders secondary. Oaks are 1-6 on road, outscored by an average of 16.6 points. Norv Turner’s disappointing term in Diego is ending, but with a win, at least.

CARDINALS (5-10) at 49ERS (10-4-1)

Line: SF by 16 1/2.

Cote’s pick: SF 27-0.

TV: 4:25 p.m., Fox.

Arizona spins its quarterback wheel and it lands on Brian Hoyer, making his first NFL start as the Cardbirds’ fourth different starter. Cacti are 1-10 since a 4-0 start and have no shot here. Niners were humbled/embarrassed by Seattle last week and will take out all that anger and frustration on poor Hoyer.

RAMS (7-7-1) at SEAHAWKS (10-5)

Line: SEA by 10 1/2.

Cote’s pick: SEA 27-19.

TV: 4:25 p.m., Fox.

Seattle will have a natural letdown after routing rival San Fran last week. And St. Lou isn’t bad. I know Seahawks are 7-0 at home. And I know their 150 points the past three games are the most in a 3G stretch since the 1950 L.A. Rams. But STL won first meeting and I like ’em again, not outright but getting double-digit points.

PACKERS (11-4) at VIKINGS (9-6)

Line: GB by 3 1/2.

Cote’s pick: GB 31-24.

TV: 4:25 p.m., Fox.

Our Game of the Week first-alternate finds Gee Bees needing a win to cinch crucial first-round playoff bye, and Vikes needing a win to earn wild-card spot without praying for outside help. Minny’s need is greater … but so is Packers’ overall talent. Adrian Peterson needs 102 yards (likely) to reach 2K and needs 208 (doubtful) to break Eric Dickerson’s 1984 season record. Pack needs a bye. And gets it.

CHIEFS (2-13) at BRONCOS (12-3)

Line: DEN by 16.

Cote’s pick: DEN 31-13.

TV: 4:25 p.m., CBS.

Can anybody explain how the lowly Chiefs have five Pro Bowl selections? A team careening toward the No. 1 overall draft pick? Meanwhile, Denver has won 10 in a row, easily the NFL’s best streak. Broncos only won by 17-9 on Nov. 25, but every fiber in me says this won’t be close. Denver has a first-round bye to sew up, and Peyton Manning has an MVP award to clinch.