Bengals @ Steelers – Colts @ Patriots – Raiders @ Dolphins

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5)
I think the Steelers get this one. I know the Bengals have been good and I know the Steelers can fall into spells where they can’t pull away from anybody – but Pittsburgh is going to get some big plays soon, and I think it’s in this game. It seems like every AFC North game is tough and close, but I feel the Steelers winning by double digits at home.

Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots (-20)
Twenty points? Sure, I’ll take the Pats. Seems like a terrible idea until you consider the other option.

Oakland Raiders (+3) @ Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have been pretty dang good over the last 5 games or so – pulling far enough away from the “Suck for Luck” campaign that they’re currently sitting at the 5th pick if the draft were today. Look at what they’ve done the last 6 games and you’ll see a team playing tough-nosed football. They went to OT in a loss to Denver, lost in the last minute to the Giants by a field goal, ousted the Chiefs, Redskins, and Buffalo for three straight blowouts, then lost to Dallas by a point last week. That’s pretty consistently solid football, especially for a team that is 3-8. That being said, the Raiders seem like they can run the ball on anyone. McFadden is out, but Michael Bush is a bruiser and Carson Palmer is settling in. I like Oakland to pull this one out.