GolfDigest.com recently announced a winner in its inaugural “Hottest Golfer” poll, another future former wife in sports appears to have gotten her hot little hands on some high-priced housing and there’s a report emerging that a member of the Super Bowl bound New England Patriots is engaged.

The “Wife Wire” highlights recent headlines that involve some of the beautiful wives in sports and entertainment, or just simply some of the more attractive female athletes out there.

Don’t sweat it guys, you don’t just get the news… you get some views, too.

On to the show…

WIFE WIRE: January 26, 2012

Wire 1: Sandra Gal

Status: In Sports – Professional Golfer (LPGA Tour)

Gal was born in Germany and played golf at the University of Florida.  Hmm, wonder if she’s “Tebow crazy” like everyone else in Gainesville?

Gal (see right) recently hit the headlines over the last week after she was announced as the winner of GolfDigest.com’s inaugural “Hottest Golfer” poll.

While Gal is striking, the best bet is that most guys – if paying closer attention to this poll – would have stuffed the ballot boxes with the likes of LPGA names like Blair O’Neal (below) or Anna Rawson (at bottom).

Blair O'Neal is one of the most beautiful women in the world of golf

Wire 2: Anna Burns

Status: Future Wife in Sports? – Miss Hooters International 2005

While the New England Patriots are in the NFL spotlight for earning a berth in Super Bowl XLVI, it’s Wes Welker, who is hitting the headlines even harder, with reports stating that the Pats’ wide receiver has recently gotten engaged.

Reports say that Anna Burns is engaged to Wes Welker

Anna Burns, the reported future wife in sports, was Miss Hooters International 2005, and, well… in a word, “Wow”.  Wes clearly hasn’t just made a living catching passes from Tom Brady and making fun of Rex Ryan’s feet.

Wire 3: Vanessa Bryant

Status: Future Former Wife in Sports

Kobe Bryant is likely frustrated by the Lakers’ 11-8 start to the season, but that’s nothing compared to what he’s going through with his separation from Vanessa Bryant.

For those that haven’t heard, it appears that the artist formerly known as Kobe’s wife is set to nab “three Orange County properties worth an estimated $18.8 million”.

And if Kobe’s wallet doesn’t already feel lighter, that figure appears as if it will be pocket change when all is said and done.

But the real question that remains: Will Vanessa do her best impression of Elin Nordegren, and demolish any of these mansions?  Yeah, doubtful, but speaking of Elin…

Elin Nordegren, also known as Tiger's Ex, is on many men's bucket list

Wire 4: Vanna White

Status: Not in Sports – Long-time TV Co-host on Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak openly admitted that both he and Vanna White used to get drunk on margaritas while working on the show years ago.

What an off-the-wall storyline.

Perhaps that’s why the show eventually made it so that Vanna only had to touch the lit box to make the letter show up.  Spinning it around (in a circle) may have been too challenging when on the sauce.

Anna Rawson will never take you on match play...

Back by popular demand, or perhaps by blatant indifference, it’s Throwing Tomatoes.

It’s been a busy stretch in the world of sports lately, leaving plenty of opportunities to show displeasure at people in the world of sports, whether it be directed at baseball’s offseason, the NBA or NHL seasons, College Football, or the NFL as it nears its finale.

So as the sports world turns, the stories pile up and more sports frustration emerges.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them all covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: January 19, 2012

Target: The New York Jets

It feels like the negative Jets headlines are coming out faster than Rob Lowe can break sports news.  First, it was New York’s subpar season, followed by Santonio Holmes.  But that was only the beginning…

Sub-Target: Mark Sanchez

The artist formerly known as “Sanchise” has taken the brunt of it, first being referred to as “lazy” by some unnamed teammates, who also endorsed the acqusition of Peyton Manning.

Then again, it’s hard to argue the history, what with GQ and other pretty boy ads coming out of the woodwork, plus an open video on the sidelines featuring Sanchez eating a hot dog.  Those stories never had legs when the team was winning games.

Sub-Target: Rex Ryan

The New York head coach chimed in, stating that “the majority of our football team” had confidence in Sanchez.  Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but…

Sub-Target: LaDainian Tomlinson

LT opened up on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” show, tossing shots at nearly everyone.  But while Tomlinson could have found a way to take the heat off the Jets, he instead threw gas in the fire.  The better move would have been to keep everything behind closed doors.

Sub-Target: Woody Johnson

That’s not all on Sanchez.  Jets owner Woody Johnson said that “we think he’s our guy”, but also wouldn’t dismiss the idea of Peyton Manning wearing green.  For those that are counting, that’s another ringing endorsement for Sanchez.

Sub-Target: The Final Word on the Jets – “The D”

In the end, the majority of the criticism has been against offensive players like Sanchez, LT, Holmes, plus the departed Brian Schottenheimer.  Somehow avoiding the heat is the Jets defense, who deserves its fair share.  A clear strength in past seasons, the Jets did manage to finish 5^th in yards per game and 5^th in pass yards allowed.  However, the run D was in the middle of the pack, and the team defense also allowed 22.7 points per game, good for 20^th in the NFL.

Target: Rob Lowe

For those that hadn’t heard, Rob Lowe recently tweeted that Peyton Manning would retire.

Keep in mind, a guy that played a character known as “#2” can easily be full of crap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_A8bFsBKTs

Joe Biden

In front of a San Francisco crowd, Biden said that the Giants are “on their way to the Super Bowl”.

Don’t worry… he didn’t follow that by predicting that Tim Lincecum would be the Super Bowl MVP.  Still, ouch.  Poor guy.

Target: Aaron Rodgers

Recently crowned Miss America Laura Kaeppeler gave a recent shout-out to Rodgers, asking him to call her.  Rodgers saw the broadcast, and has yet to drop her a line.

While the rest of the world is doing a “discount double take” on Kaeppeler, the Green Bay quarterback is clearly still fuming over the team’s recent loss to the Giants.

(h/t Shutdown Corner)

Innocent Bystander: Laura Kaeppeler

A woman this beautiful (below) is likely not used to rejection.  Eh, she’ll get over it.

While many men are giving Kaeppeler "discount double takes", Aaron Rodgers is not biting.

Target: Matt Antonelli

Signing with the Baltimore Orioles during the offseason, Matt Antonelli is basically an unknown in baseball, but he does tweet a whole heck of a lot – including this recent nugget:

MattAntonelli9 Matt Antonelli

“Day one in the books and still haven’t been beat up for wearing my Brady jersey around Baltimore”

Now, it’s my turn.  Hi, I’m Matt Antonelli.  I’m new to Baltimore.  This new fanbase is very disgruntled, and before I came here, no one had ever heard of me.  I know how passionate this city is about its football team, yet I’m going to wear a Tom Brady jersey during AFC Championship week.  Oh, and if you didn’t see me wearing it, I’m also going to tweet about it.  Bravo, Matt… BRAVO.

Target: Glen Davis

“Big Baby” Davis was called for a technical foul after dropping his drawers after a call that frustrated him.  Fortunately, there was no resulting visual where we’d have to call him for traveling, too.  If you didn’t catch that joke, then don’t ask me to explain it.

(h/t Game On!)

And finally, the current faces of team frustration in sports:

Boston Celtics – A slow 5-8 start is stirring up trade rumors in Beantown

Buffalo Sabres – Four straight losses and a 2-6-2 record over its last ten games

Columbus Blue Jackets – The team’s 31 points is seven fewer than any other NHL team.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where we practice the “discount double chuck”.

Upon asking THE WIFE her thoughts on a marriage proposal during a sporting event, her reaction was straight and to the point.

“Tacky,” she quickly said.

“But it depends on the couple, and maybe that sporting event has significant meaning to them, or perhaps it’s how they met,” she added.

Clearly, that knowledge was already in this noggin, and it wouldn’t be a good fit for the wife that hates sports.

That thought leads directly to the latest “Wife of the Week”, a woman who was sitting courtside with her boyfriend at a UCLA basketball game in late December.

A man proposed to his girlfriend during a UCLA basketball game. The reaction wasn't what he wanted.

UCLA posted its “Mistletoe Cam” on the screen above, urging couples that appear on it to kiss.  That’s when this poor soul was met with likely the most embarrassing moment of his life, proposing while on video and in front of the whole crowd.

As if it wasn’t enough for him to have to watch the struggling Bruins basketball team, he then would instead watch this woman stare at him blankly, and then storm off without giving him the “yes” that the sparse crowd was seeking.

Naturally, the awkward reaction leads to a number of people to assume that this whole event was a hoax, and a way for this couple to get attention and fame.

Then again, maybe it was for real, or perhaps it was a situation where this woman was sharing the opinion of THE WIFE.

Either way, this week’s winner – whoever she may be – is the latest “Wife of the Week”.

The video itself has been making its rounds across some major sites and blogs this week and if you missed it, check it out below and provide your thoughts on marriage proposals at sporting events, or whether you feel this event was fake or the real deal.

Either way, consider this award her consolation prize.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAvMgOO1ZIw

The final week of the 2011 NFL regular season is here, and with its arrival, teams are frantically attempting to earn playoff bids, homefield advantage or first round byes.  This also means a hectic time for predicting spreads, as some teams with secure bids will rest players, others will not, and on the opposite end, there are the eliminated teams testing out younger players or potentially jockeying for draft picks.  To some degree, Week 17 can fall more under guesswork than strategy.

Heading into the final week, a handful of games will be under the spotlight more than others, specifically the matchups between the Giants and Cowboys, Titans and Texans, as well as the Ravens and Bengals.  The AFC West and NFC East divisions are also up for grabs, and let’s not forget that the Andrew Luck sweepstakes is yet to be determined.

Over in the “Pick Your Knows” department, Week 16 brought a .500-record to my plate, and hopefully I can end the regular season on a high note, even though this year’s numbers will not match that of last year.

Last Week: 8-8

This Season: 123-117

Last Season: 144-112

With a win over the Cowboys this week, Eli Manning and the Giants would celebrate an NFC East title

It’s once again time to “Pick Your Knows” – the only time it’s not a disgusting habit – and here are Week 17’s scheduled games (with spreads as they appear through CBSSports Fantasy).

Pick Your Knows: 2011 NFL Week 17 Picks Against the Spread

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (+1.5)

Reports state that Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy has said that Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to play the entire game, therefore, expect to see Matt Flynn at QB.  With the Packers already clinching homefield, it’s likely this could be the case for a number of Green Bay’s starters.  The Lions have also clinched a playoff berth, so it’s a bit tricky to predict how this game could go.  With a win, the Lions have a chance to snag the fifth seed in the NFC.  Meanwhile, the Packers are playing at home, where Detroit hasn’t won since 1991.  Calvin Johnson is dealing with a sore Achilles, which should be of concern.  Green Bay will rest its starters some, but McCarthy won’t say just how much.  Detroit might be the safe pick here, but I think Green Bay builds a solid lead at the half, goes to its backups, but Calvin Johnson is hampered, gets rested, and Detroit falls short.  The Packers find a way to get to 15-1, but barely.

KP’s Pick: Green Bay

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (+2.5)

Here’s a game with playoff implications.  The Titans can clinch a playoff berth with a win, plus some help.  The Texans are already in and have no way in which to earn a first round bye.  Andre Johnson will again be limited for the Texans, and the Houston offense has missed a step due to its injuries, scoring 20 points or less in each of its last five games.  When Andre Johnson plays, opposing defenses need to focus less on the Houston run game, but the question remains, how much will he play?  The Texans clearly want to build momentum heading into the playoffs, but will want its parts intact come playoff time.  Mike Munchak has forced aside the Penn State rumors, and should have the Titans motivated.  With a playoff chance in sight, I like veteran Matt Hasselbeck and the Titans to find a way to eek out a close win on the road.

KP’s Pick: Tennessee

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (-4.5)

The Colts have won two in a row, and with another win, could miss out on the top pick in the draft.  Indy coaches and players have also said that they will be playing for a win on Sunday.  Aside from its blowout win over the Bucs in Week 14, the Jags have mostly struggled on offense over the last two months.  In fact, Jacksonville is dead last in the NFL in total offense.  The Colts, meanwhile, have managed to play much better with Dan Orlovsky at quarterback, and have managed three wins against the spread over the last three weeks.  With a Jacksonville offense that’s struggling as much as it is, this spread seems a bit high for a Colts team that is moving the ball more efficiently.  Take Indy and the points.

KP’s Pick: Indianapolis

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-1.5)

The Jets can still make the playoffs, but will need help.  Rex Ryan is clearly under scrutiny, as is quarterback Mark Sanchez and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.  The Jets defense should be taking heat, too, because as a group, they have also struggled most of the year.  Miami was a surprise favorite in Rex Ryan’s eyes, but the Dolphins are at home, and have played solid football over the last two months.  However, Reggie Bush has been ruled out with a knee injury, and has clearly been one of the reasons for Miami’s offensive success.  The Dolphins will score points, but the Jets are clearly motivated with a playoff berth on the line, and desperately want to prove its critics wrong.  New York has found a way to eek its way into the playoffs over the last few years, and it is hard to imagine Rex Ryan not finding a way to at least give his team a chance to earn a berth again.  Jets win on the road.

KP’s Pick: New York Jets

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (+0.5)

This could be a brutal game to watch, what with all the key injuries on both sides.  Adrian Peterson is out for the year with a knee injury, while both Jay Cutler and Matt Forte have been shut down for the Bears.  Christian Ponder is likely to start for the Vikings.  The Minnesota defense has given up 24 or more points in each of its last four games, all losses.  Meanwhile, the Chicago offense has managed just 47 points over its last four games, also all losses.  The result is clearly a tossup game between two struggling football teams.  In a matchup like this, I look to sacks, as well as the home team.  The Bears have allowed the 6^th most sacks in the NFL, while the Vikings have the 4^th most sacks.  That, plus Minnesota is the home team – so, in what could be the most painful game to watch the week, I’m taking the Vikes to finish 2011 on a high note.

KP’s Pick: Minnesota

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-12.5)

KP expects Brady and the Pats to bounce back versus the Bills in Week 17

The Patriots will clinch homefield advantage in the AFC with a win.  After tossing four interceptions versus the Bills earlier in the season, expect Tom Brady to be extra motivated to take his frustrations out on the Buffalo defense.  The Bills continue to deal with injuries, losing two starting offensive linemen last week.  Combine that with the other injuries, and Buffalo is clearly overmatched in this game.  Playing with a purpose, seeking revenge and doing so at home, it’s hard to not see the Patriots – even with its struggling defense – managing to earn the top seed in the AFC, and in grand fashion.  New Engalnd covers in a high scoring affair, knocking off the Bills by at least two touchdowns.

KP’s Pick: New England

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-7.5)

The Drew Brees record has been reached and many are questioning how much time the New Orleans starters will see the field.  Yet, while San Francisco faces the hapless Rams, the Saints still have an outside shot to earn a first round bye.  Both the Niners and Saints play at 1pm, so the results will not be in, and I fully expect Sean Payton to not hold back on Sunday.  Of course, the San Francisco lead could be big, and maybe New Orleans will begin to pull players.  Carolina has also been red hot, and winning four of five.  But while Newton, Smith and the Carolina offense have been giving opponents fits, the Saints have been equally as dominant on turf and at home.  Playing at home and seeking a first round bye, the Saints could easily pull away.  If the Rams stick around long enough against the Niners, I see the Saints covering at home.

KP’s Pick: New Orleans

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5)

Both teams are out of the playoff picture.  Andy Reid says that the starters will play, but some have speculated that the Eagles may play some of their young secondary.  Meanwhile, the Redskins have played better over the last month or more.  In particular, Washington has seen solid play from two rookie running backs, Roy Helu and Evan Royster.  Royster will likely see the field more this week, and could see success against a run defense that has struggled at times.  With the way that each of these teams has performed recently, coupled with the likelihood that some backups could see the field, I’m banking on a game that will remain close throughout, and likely finish with a result of a touchdown or less.  Take the ‘Skins and the points.

KP’s Pick: Washington

San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams (+10.5)

The 49ers will earn a first round bye with a win, and facing the struggling Rams, it’s a good bet that it will happen.  San Francisco sports the fourth ranked overall defense and the top rush defense in the NFL.  Therefore, count on the Rams struggling in the run game, which means there could be a need to focus on the pass game.  But with Sam Bradford likely to be out, St. Louis could struggle there, too.  In Week 13, the Niners blanked the Rams 26-0, and St. Louis has managed just 26 points over the last four games.  With San Francisco seeking a first round bye, combined with the Rams’ struggles, it seems a safe bet that the Niners will cover.

KP’s Pick: San Francisco

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5)

Pete Carroll says the Seahawks will play everyone and that nothing will change even with the team having no hope of the playoffs this season.  Arizona may be without Kevin Kolb again, and that means, it could be Skelton to rely on.  Seattle has played much better over the last few months, and has been led by Marshawn Lynch in the run game.  Arizona is ranked 18^th against the run, while only forcing three fumbles and allowing 14 total touchdowns.  With that in mind, expect Lynch to have some success, and bank on the Seahawks to complete its strong late season run with another victory.

KP’s Pick: Seattle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (-13.5)

Atlanta and Detroit are jockeying for playoff position, and by gametime, the Falcons will know the result of the Lions-Packers game, therefore knowing what they need to do in regards to seed.  If the Lions can manage to knock off a Packers team that will be playing a lot of its backups, then the pressure will be on Atlanta to get a win.  The Bucs have been horrid over the last few months, losing its last four games by 16 or more points.  Matt Ryan and the Falcons have plenty of success playing at home, and as bad as the Bucs have been, it’s hard to bet against the Falcons to win big, what with a higher playoff seed likely at stake.  Falcons cover.

KP’s Pick: Atlanta

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (+2.5)

Flacco and the Ravens can earn a first round bye with a win against the Bengals

This is the key game of the week, with both the Bengals and Ravens fighting for playoff berths or playoff position.  The Ravens can earn a first round bye with a win.  Homefield advantage is still a possibility, but the Ravens will know if that’s obtainable considering that the Patriots play an early game.  Cincinnati can snag a playoff berth with a win, and the Bengals also have a home sellout for the first time in a while.  The Ravens won the first matchup in a high-scoring affair during Week 11.  Light rain and cold temperatures are expected on Sunday, and that could mean a low-scoring game that is more focused in the trenches.  With a weapon like Ray Rice and an aggressive defense, I give the edge to the Ravens against rookies Dalton and Green, who have not been put in this situation before.  Baltimore covers, but barely.

KP’s Pick: Baltimore

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (+6.5)

Like the Ravens and Patriots, the Steelers have a chance at a first round bye and homefield advantage.  However, the Steelers need help for either to happen.  In order to win the division or earn a bye, the Steelers will need a win plus a loss by the Ravens and/or Patriots.  Meanwhile, Ben Roethlisberger is a good bet to play, depending on his ankle injury.  Colt McCoy is likely out again with a concussion.  The Browns kept it close with the Steelers a few weeks back, and this week have the homefield advantage.  But the Steelers have a chance at a bye, and with Baltimore playing at the same time Pittsburgh will likely not know its result.  Expect the Steelers to put the foot on the gas, and cover on the road against the Browns.

KP’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (-3.5)

This is a huge matchup that will decide the AFC West, with the Broncos earning a playoff berth and the division title with a win.  Meanwhile, Kyle Orton will start for the Chiefs and get a shot against his former team, and against former teammate Tim Tebow.  Per Kansas City interim coach Romeo Crennel, the Chiefs will not lie down for anyone.  Don’t underestimate the ability for a person to get revenge on a former team.  The Chiefs blew a late lead to the Broncos in Week 10, which means it’s not just Orton that wants revenge.  With all this in mind, I expect the Chiefs to spoil Denver’s day.

KP’s Pick: Kansas City

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (-2.5)

Call this the AFC West division decision Part II, as the Raiders can earn a playoff berth with a win and a Broncos loss.  Both teams are playing the late game, so neither will know an earlier result.  The Chargers hope to ruin its rivals’ hopes, and San Diego clearly has plenty of talent to do that.  Oakland has really struggled over the last month plus, only managing two wins over struggling offensive teams, the Chiefs and Bears.  San Diego has a potent offense and is motivated to eliminate the Raiders.  While I see the Chiefs spoiling Denver’s day, I think San Diego will do the same, meaning that Tebow and the Broncos still make the playoffs.  San Diego wins outright.

KP’s Pick: San Diego

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (-2.5)

For Dallas and New York, the playoffs start this weekend, with the winner of this game taking the NFC East division and getting into the playoffs as the #4 seed.  For this game, injuries are the key element.  Tony Romo appears ready to play, and will need to stay healthy to give Dallas a chance.  Hakeem Nicks has been hampered by injuries this week, but hopes to see significant playing time on Sunday night.  In a tossup match for the division, I look to the two quarterbacks, with Eli Manning managing a number of fourth quarter comebacks, while Romo has struggled late on occasion during the season, and is dealing with an injury.  That’s why I’m taking the Giants to knock off the Cowboys, reaching the playoffs.

KP’s Pick: New York Giants

Last week’s NFL schedule was highlighted by some major surprises, most notably the Indianapolis Colts earning a first win of the season, coupled with the Green Bay Packers being dealt a first loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that had just fired its head coach.

Heading into Week 16, the playoff races continue to roll along with no seeds set in stone, and two divisions – the AFC West and NFC East – almost entirely up for grabs.

Over in the “Pick Your Knows” department, it was a solid showing for me during Week 15, as I posted eleven wins against the spread.  However, I remain far behind last yaer’s pace.

Last Week: 11-5

This Season: 115-109

Last Season: 144-112

Santonio Holmes hopes to celebrate this weekend against the New York Giants

It’s once again time to “Pick Your Knows” – the only time it’s not a disgusting habit – and here are Week 16’s scheduled games (with spreads as they appear through CBSSports Fantasy).

Pick Your Knows: 2011 NFL Week 16 Picks Against the Spread

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (+6.5)

Houston’s injury report is more than two-dozen players deep, including stars such as Andre Johnson, who has already been ruled out of Thursday’s game.  The Texans are playoff bound, but a shot at a bye is still within reach.  Meanwhile, the Colts finally got into the win column last week.  Houston is 6^th in turnover margin and the Colts are 27^th.  The Texans still have a potent rushing attack, and Indy won’t be able to match the high-octane offense that the Panthers threw at the Texans last week.  Even with all the injuries, all signs point to the Texans rebounding with a victory.  Houston covers fairly easily.

KP’s Pick: Houston

Update: In a shocking development, the Colts upset the Texans 19-16 on Thursday night, making it Indy’s second straight victory, while also potentially flushing away Houston’s chance at a first round bye.  Not shocking is my continued abysmal picking for Thursday games this year.

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-13.5)

The Browns have been great against the pass, but the team has injuries in the secondary, most notably Joe Haden who appeared on this week’s injury report with a thigh injury.  Anquan Boldin is out until the playoffs, but Baltimore still has plenty of weapons to throw at the Browns.  Colt McCoy is unlikely to play and Baltimore’s second ranked run defense could keep Peyton Hillis and the run game from doing any damage.  Playing at home, and likely angry from last week’s embarrassing loss to the Chargers, the Ravens rebound against its division rival and cover at home, mostly thanks to a strong performance by Ray Rice and the Baltimore defense.

KP’s Pick: Baltimore

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills (+2.5)

Tim Tebow and the Broncos look to bounce back against the Bills this week

Here it is once again, Tim Tebow on the road in a tight spread, while playing in a game with key playoff implications, at least for the Broncos.  The biggest key you need to know is that Denver is mainly a run first team when Tebow is under center.  The Buffalo defense is currently ranked 29^th in the NFL against the run, giving up nearly 140 yards on the ground per game.  With this in mind, it’s hard to not expect the Broncos to run wild, even on the road in a hostile environment.  Denver covers in another wild Tebow finish.

KP’s Pick: Denver

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (-7.5)

The Bucs are falling apart, while the Panthers continue to struggle at times on defense, yet have enough on offense to outscore teams and force them into a shootout.  Tampa Bay could have some success against a suspect Carolina defense, but this is a Bucs team that has lost three straight by double digits and eight straight overall.  One of those losses includes a 38-19 blowout at the hands of the Panthers.  Carolina seems like a safe pick to win, especially after taking three of their last four and getting a struggling Tampa Bay team at home.  The question remains as to whether the Panthers can knock the Bucs off by more than a touchdown?  My gut has been wrong a lot this year, but I’m going with Tampa Bay and the points.  Panthers win by a TD.

KP’s Pick: Tampa Bay

Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5)

The Cardinals have allowed 47 sacks this season, the second most in the NFL.  The Cincinnati defense has managed 39 sacks this season, the fourth most in the NFL.  Therefore, quarterback pressure will be key in this game, with the statistical edge clearly going to the home team Bengals.  Kevin Kolb will likely be a game-time decision, and with him out, the Cardinals are likely to take a hit on offense.  With the Bengals needing wins and playing at home, my bet is on Cincinnati finding a way to get in the win column.  Bengals cover…barely.

KP’s Pick: Cincinnati

Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs (+1.5)

The Raiders continue to falter and deal with key injuries.  Kansas City knocked the Packers from the ranks of the unbeaten last week, and remains a team that’s in a division chase.  Kyle Orton was his usual effective self last week against Green Bay, and will see the field again this week.  Darren McFadden is out and Michael Bush has been limited in practice, so expect the Raiders to again be one-dimensional.  Playing at home and riding last week’s momentum, I see Orton and the Chiefs getting it done yet again, especially since Oakland continues to deal with injuries.

KP’s Pick: Kansas City

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-9.5)

The Patriots got the country to stop talking about Tim Tebow for a few days, but that doesn’t mean that New England’s defense still isn’t very suspect.  The Dolphins have played much better over the last month, and is definitely not the same team that got blown out by the Patriots at the beginning of the season.  Miami has played well against the run, while also putting up a strong run game led by Reggie Bush.  Matt Moore and Brandon Marshall should also be able to shred up a weak New England secondary.  Miami has enough to keep the game close throughout.  New England wins, but by less than ten points.  Therefore, take Miami and the points.

KP’s Pick: Miami

New York Giants at New York Jets (-2.5)

There are two stories with this game, one being the trash talk by Rex Ryan coupled with the refusal for Coughlin to get into that, as well as the fact that these two big city squads are fighting for a playoff spot with two weeks to play.  The Giants should be ashamed after last week’s performance, and should at least see an offensive recovery against a Jets defense that is painfully overrated.  Eli Manning has been great all season, and was equally as horrible last weekend.  With the NFC East still up for grabs, I’m banking on Eli and the Giants to bounce back and knock off the Jets.  Giants win in a close one.

KP’s Pick: New York Giants

St. Louis Rams at Pittsburgh Steelers (-14.5)

Ben Roethlisberger was clearly hampered by his ankle injury last week, and struggled against the 49ers.  This week, he may not play at all.  Without Big Ben, the Pittsburgh offense could see a significant decline in performance.  Painfully, the Rams aren’t much better offensively, which makes this a tricky game to call, even if a guy like Charlie Batch starts.  The Rams will likely start Kellen Clemens and leave Sam Bradford out.  Pittsburgh should win this game by at least two scores, but I’m banking on a special teams play or a freak touchdown for the Rams, something that can keep this game at two touchdowns or less.  With Big Ben hampered, rain in the forecast and a spread this high, I’m taking the Rams and the points.

KP’s Pick: St. Louis

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (-7.5)

Both Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew are listed this week with ankle injuries, and therefore, one or both teams could be hampered in the run game.  Each is expected to play.  Per USA Today, taking the under has been the right call in the last eight games that Tennessee has played in.  That stat would signal a low-scoring dogfight to emerge in this game, especially considering that the Jags are not going to blow anyone out offensively.  In a low scoring affair, it’s a good bet that the game will stay close throughout.  Take the Jags and the points.

KP’s Pick: Jacksonville

Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins (-6.5)

The Redskins continue to play better, completing a sweep of the Giants last week.  Washington has been much improved and healthier on both offense and defense.  Adrian Peterson is reportedly near 100 percent for the Vikings, and could see a workload increase this week.  Last week, I said the Saints would likely score a lot, keeping Peterson off the field.  The Redskins do not have the offensive firepower to make this happen, and the Vikings also have the talent in the trenches to force Rex Grossman mistakes.  The ‘Skins have the edge at home, but don’t expect a victory by a touchdown or more.  This game will be close.  Take the Vikes and the points.

KP’s Pick: Minnesota

San Diego Chargers at Detroit Lions (-2.5)

Ryan Mathews looks to run wild against the Lions this weekend

The Chargers have hit their typical late season surge, with three straight impressive victories, highlighted by a blowout victory of the Ravens last week.  The Lions are holding on to the 6^th seed, while San Diego still has a shot at the division title.  I like San Diego’s balance with Ryan Mathews, plus Philip Rivers and all the passing weapons.  If Vincent Jackson is healthy, that adds one more piece.  San Diego will just need to find out a way to keep Calvin Johnson in check.  I’m going with the hot hand, and taking the Chargers to get a key road victory.

KP’s Pick: San Diego

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-2.5)

The Eagles have been red hot since Michael Vick returned, and somehow still have a chance to win the NFC East division, though help will be needed.  First and foremost, to stay in it, the Eagles will need to knock off the Cowboys.  Philadelphia has been beaten badly at times on defense, but more so against the run.  The Dallas run game is missing something without DeMarco Murray, and the Eagles have the extra dimension with both Vick and McCoy.  Playing for its playoff lives, Philadelphia finds a way to make the NFC East even more interesting, and knocks off the hated Cowboys on the road.

KP’s Pick: Philadelphia

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (+2.5)

Marshawn Lynch has been carrying Seattle’s offense, and posting consistently solid numbers in the run game.  San Francisco has the best rush defense in the NFL.  The way I see it, Lynch could have a decent game, but nothing spectacular, and the Seahawks may need to instead rely on the home crowd, combined with the play of Tarvaris Jackson and the pass game.  Seattle plays well in front of the 12^th man, but no one can trust the team’s pass offense.  The Niners still have a shot at a first-round bye, and that motivation alone should get San Francisco a key road victory.  Niners cover.

KP’s Pick: San Francisco

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-13.5)

The Packers suffered its first loss of the season last week, and it is clear that having Greg Jennings out of the lineup was a hit taken by Green Bay.  However, the Bears have really struggled without having a healthy Jay Cutler and Matt Forte in their lineup, so points could also be a rarity for the Bears.  Green Bay may not be as potent without Jennings, but the Bears have done very little without Cutler and Forte.  Playing at home and wanting to lock up homefield throughout, the Packers take out their frustrations on division rival Chicago, and cover at home.

KP’s Pick: Green Bay

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-6.5)

Michael Turner continues to sit out practices as he deals with nagging injuries.  Last week, the Falcons trounced the Jags, and this week get the division rival Saints, who have been clicking offensively on all cylinders, especially on turf.  The home crowd will be extra amped up playing on this post-Christmas Monday night game, and as legit as the Saints have been at home and on the turf, it’s hard to not pick against them to get involved in a shootout.  Atlanta is a talented bunch, but I’m banking on the Saints to manage a touchdown victory in the dome.

KP’s Pick: New Orleans