OK, I need to admit that predicting the Dolphins to lose at home to Buffalo last week ranks among my most regrettable picks in recent memory, and that's from an unfortunate slew of contenders. In fact, among all football miscalculations, that pick might rank second, trailing only Tony Sparano's belief that his wide receivers are good enough. Elsewhere, I had a rare exact-score bull's-eye with Colts' 34-17 victory over Seattle. Nearly hit big with our Upset of the Week, but Browns lost in OT, so we settled for that one against the spread. If close counted, I'd be king.

Last Week: 9-5 (.643) overall, 7-7 (.500) vs. spread

Season: 43-19 (.694) overall, 30-30-2 (.500) vs. spread

JETS (3-1) AT DOLPHINS (1-3)

When: 8:30 p.m. Monday (ESPN)

Line: NYJ by 1 Cote's pick: MIA 20-17

Hispanic Heritage Month festivities are in store -- maybe Stephen Ross in a Carmen Miranda fruit hat? -- but in addition to the usual celebrity bombast now associated with Dolphin home games, there is this: Miami will tell a watching nation if it is a playoff contender. Beat your division rival/nemesis to go 2-3, you are; lose on this home stage for 1-4, you are not. Trends favor Planes. NYJ has won four Mondays in a row over Dolphins and past three in MIA. Now Jets add Braylon Edwards, a stretch-the-field WR the Fins lack. Despite it all, I like Dolphins..

PATRIOTS (3-1) AT BRONCOS (4-0)

When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday (CBS)

Line: NE by 3 ½ Cote's pick: NE 27-21

Plenty of NFLians are not yet convinced that Tom Brady or his Pats are back to powerhouse standards. Even more people are not sold on Denver being all that despite the shiny 4-0 record. This is the Game of the Week because it is going to answer those doubts about each team. Ex-teammate turned NBC mouth Rodney Harrison told Brady to lose the skirt and put on pants. I think Tom will oblige by putting up at least as many points (26) as Denver has allowed in the first four games combined. Brady is 31-3 on TDs/picks in his past 10 October games.

REDSKINS (2-2) AT PANTHERS (0-3)

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Line: CAR by 4 Cote's pick: WAS 23-20

``AAWWK!'' sings the Upset Bird. ``Redskaawwk!'' Sure, it's an iffy pick, with Carols winless-desperate and coming off a bye. But I think Clinton Portis sees a get-well card in Panthers' defense (87 points given up in three games). ``Yes, they'll be happy in D.C. Well, except for the usual far-right zealots,'' notes U-Bird. ``Barack Obaaaawwwwk!''

BROWNS (0-4) AT BILLS (1-3)

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Line: BUF by 6 Cote's pick: BUF 27-23

Why the Dog of the Week? The Cleveland Brownouts have lost 10 in a row dating to last season, and the Buffalo Nils looked about as horrible last week in Miami as any team not located in St. Louis. Need I go on? Buffs have totaled only 17 points over past two losses. Clevers lost in OT last week, which, to this team, is practically like winning. Big upset shot. Taking homies, but inside the betting line.

BENGALS (3-1) AT RAVENS (3-1)

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Line: BAL by 8 ½ Cote's pick: BAL 24-17

This was a Game of the Week finalist, believe it or not. Cincy is on a 6-1 run dating to last year and one win away -- this one -- from declaring itself real. And here is maybe a sandwich game for Ravens, between Pats last week and unbeaten Vikings on deck. Take the better team at home, but close.

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