Take the Jets, who should play inspired game for Rex Ryan

BRONCOS (3-1) at JETS (1-4), 1 p.m.

Broncos by 9 1/2; O/U: 47 1/2

TV: Ch. 2; Radio: ESPN (98.7)

So let's get things straight: One QB (Geno Smith) can't tell time and is at the movies when he should be attending a team meeting. The other QB (Michael Vick) didn't work hard enough last week with the scout team and wasn't prepared to play against the Chargers' No. 3-ranked defense. Maybe Mark Sanchez wasn't so bad, after all. If things aren't bad enough for the Jets, Peyton Manning and the Broncos come to town. Denver would like nothing more than to erase the memories of the last time it played at MetLife Stadium. It wasn't so Super for the Broncos on Feb. 2. Things haven't been good for the Jets and Rex Ryan, either. Ryan told reporters if he can't get things turned around "I don't think for a minute I'll be here." He's right. The Jets have an AFC-worst minus-7 turnover margin and the NFL's worst passing offense. Gang Green is 6-1-1 against the spread (ATS) under Ryan as underdogs of more than eight points, which is where this line is headed. I'll take a chance the more desperate team covers in their coach's toughest hour.

The pick: Jets

GIANTS (3-2) at EAGLES (4-1), Sunday, 8:30 p.m.

Eagles by 3; O/U: 50 1/2

TV: Ch. 4; Radio: WFAN (660, 101.9)

It's always chippy when these two NFC East rivals meet. But there was some extra gasoline poured on the fire when Giants Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara were photographed flashing zeros with a fan wearing a "0" Superbowls Eagles jersey. DRC said: "I can understand why (the Eagles) took it that way, but we didn't mean nothing." Really? Let the fireworks begin! The G-men are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games in the Land of Cheesesteaks, and 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. NFC East foes. Meanwhile, the Eagles are 8-22-1 ATS in their last 31 home games, but they are 5-2-1 ATS in their previous eight in Philly. QB Nick Foles is 7-0 overall in his last seven home starts (13 TDs, 3 INTs and a 101.7 QB rating). The Giants have been the more consistent of these teams the last three weeks. Underdogs are 14-5-1 ATS in last 20 series meetings. I'll take the points in what should be a tight NFC East game.

The pick: Giants

1 P.M. GAMES

PATRIOTS (3-2) at BILLS (3-2)

Patriots by 3; O/U: 45 1/2

Reports of the Patriots' demise were greatly exaggerated. Pats and Bills are tied with a league-leading plus-6 turnover margin. QB Kyle Orton gave the Bills a big boost last week in a win over Detroit (plus three missed field goals by the Lions didn't hurt). Buffalo is 8-3 ATS in last 11 in Orchard Park, but Pats are 20-9-1 ATS in last 30 vs. Bills, and 8-2 ATS in last 10 vs. Buffalo. Above all, Tom Brady is 22-2 all-time against Bills. Works for me.

The pick: Patriots

PANTHERS (3-2) at BENGALS (3-1)

Bengals by 6 1/2; O/U: 44

Panthers showed some fight and rallied from 14-point deficit last week vs. Bears. Cincy, coming off a disappointing road loss vs. Pats, shoots for 12th straight regular-season home win. However, Bengals talented WR A.J. Green (toe) and LB Vontaze Burfict (concussion) are both questionable. Carolina and LB Luke Kuechly (NFL-best 381 tackles since 2012) keep this close enough.

The pick: Panthers

STEELERS (3-2) at BROWNS (2-2)

Browns by 1 1/2; O/U: 47

You know whose name I haven't heard in a while? Johnny "Football" Manziel. Why? Brian Hoyer. The Browns QB helped Cleveland register the largest road comeback (25 points) in NFL history vs. the Titans last week. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has an 18-1 career record vs. the Brownies, the best record of any QB vs. a team since 1970 (minimum 15 starts).

The pick: Steelers

PACKERS (3-2) at DOLPHINS (2-2)

Packers by 3 1/2; O/U: 48 1/2

I'm not sure there's been a better QB the last month than Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers. In his last four games, Rodgers has 11 TDs and no INTs with a 124.4 rating. Speaking of QB rating, when Ryan Tannehill has a rating of 90 or better, the Dolphins are 13-1. But against a Packers' 'D' that leads the NFC with a plus-6 turnover margin, I don't think Tannehill reaches the 90 mark, nor do the Dolphins cover.

The pick: Packers

LIONS (3-2) at VIKINGS (2-3)

Lions by 1 1/2; O/U: 45

Minnesota is 6-2 ATS in last eight as home underdogs, and Detroit is 3-5 in last eight as road favorites. I know Lions WR Calvin Johnson (high ankle sprain) is probably out, and Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater most likely starts. But new Lions PK Matt Prater could be difference here. Gut feeling.

The pick: Lions

RAVENS (3-2) at BUCS (1-4)

Ravens by 3; O/U: 43 1/2

Bucs QB Mike Glennon has won all three of his starts vs. AFC teams. But Baltimore, looking to recover after a tough loss against Indy, is 5-2 ATS in last seven games as a favorite of four or fewer points. Close call.

The pick: Ravens

JAGUARS (0-5) at TITANS (1-4)

Titans by 6; O/U: 44 1/2

I don't have much for you here . . . except, the Jags are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven meetings with Titans. I tried, folks.

The pick: Jaguars

4 P.M. GAMES & LATER

COWBOYS (4-1) at SEAHAWKS (3-1), 4:25 p.m.

Seahawks by 8; O/U: 47

TV: Ch. 5

We'll know if the Cowboys are NFC contenders after this trip to the Emerald City. The Seahawks are 40-19-1 ATS in their last 60 home games. It's almost sacrilege to pick against Seattle at home. But I think the Dallas running game, featuring a talented O-line and RB DeMarco Murray (NFL-best 670 yards, five rushing TDs), keeps this a one-score contest.

The pick: Cowboys

REDSKINS (1-4) at CARDINALS (3-1), 4:25 p.m.

Cardinals by 3 1/2; O/U: 45

Cardinals are 8-1 ATS in last nine games coming off an ATS loss, and might have QB Carson Palmer (shoulder) back. Whoever starts at QB, the Cardinals have more than enough on both sides of the ball to beat Washington flying cross-country on a short week.

The pick: Cardinals

CHARGERS (4-1) at RAIDERS (0-4), 4:05 p.m.

Chargers by 7; O/U: 43

San Diego is an NFL-best 5-0 ATS this season and 8-3 ATS in last 11 in the Black Hole. Interim Oakland coach and former Jets assistant Tony Sparano buried a football on Monday to represent the Raiders' first four games. If Oakland continues its shoddy play, they can throw more dirt on their entire season.

The pick: Chargers

BEARS (2-3) at FALCONS (2-3), 4:25 p.m.

Falcons by 3; O/U: 53 1/2

Falcons QB Matt Ryan is 38-10 overall in his career at home. But Chicago has an NFC-leading 11 takeaways.

The pick: Bears

MONDAY NIGHT

49ERS (3-2) at RAMS (1-3), 8:30 p.m.

49ers by 3 1/2; O/U: 43 1/2

TV: ESPN; Radio: WFAN (660)

The Rams, who nearly overcame a 24-point deficit in Philly last week, are 1-5 ATS in last six vs. NFC West. This will be the 700th game in the history of Monday Night Football, which started in 1970. Incidentally, the Niners have a league-best 45 MNF wins. San Fran is 10-2-1 ATS in last 13 as favorites of four or fewer points.

The pick: 49ers

STAFF PICKS (against the spread; best bets in caps)

JOHN BOELL (41-33-1 overall, 2-3 best bets; Last week: 10-5)

Jets Steelers Jaguars Bears Packers Lions Bucs Patriots Ravens Chargers Cowboys CARDINALS Giants 49ers

BOB GLAUBER (35-39-1, 1-4; Last week: 9-6)

Broncos Steelers Jaguars Falcons Packers Lions Bengals Patriots Ravens Chargers SEAHAWKS Cardinals Giants 49ers

TOM ROCK (36-38-1, 2-3; Last week: 9-6)

Broncos Giants Browns Jaguars Bears Lions Bengals Patriots Ravens Chargers
Seahawks CARDINALS Giants 49ers

KIMBERLEY A. MARTIN (40-34-1, 1-4; Last week: 9-6)
Broncos Browns Jaguars Falcons PACKERS Lions Bengals Patriots Ravens Chargers Seahawks Cardinals Eagles 49ers