NFL preview

[October 16, 2009]  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- At 5-0, the New York Giants match the best record in the NFL. Unlike the Colts, Broncos and Vikings, they've hardly played anyone worth mentioning.

New York's toughest opponent has been Dallas, which had put together a 3-2 mark despite very mediocre performances. Otherwise, it's been Washington, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Oakland.

YUCK!

That in-season vacation ends Sunday at New Orleans, where the Saints (4-0) are 3 1/2-point favorites and come off a bye week.

Plus, the hosts are far more healthy than the visitors -- although can you really call Giants quarterback Eli Manning a visitor to the Big Easy, where he grew up? Manning was outstanding despite a problematic right heel against the Raiders last weekend, and wasn't needed in the second half.

New Orleans has found an impressive defense to go with one of the league's most prolific offenses. And the Saints have defeated the Eagles and Jets, far better competition than the Giants have faced.

"We don't really have to worry about where we stand against other people," Manning said. "We have to worry about going out there and playing the game each week and trying to find a way to get wins. We have to look at ourselves and see where we can improve from day to day and every week from the games."

They need to be better than in any game thus far. We think they will be.

GIANTS, 27-21

Philadelphia (minus 13 1/2) at Oakland

Until the Raiders show they belong in the NFL, they can't be taken seriously.

BEST BET: EAGLES 30-7

Denver (plus 4) at San Diego

The Broncos are everything the Chargers were supposed to be in THE AFC West. And vice versa.

UPSET SPECIAL: BRONCOS 20-10

Houston (plus 4 1/2) at Cincinnati

OK, we believe, we believe. But can the Bengals avoid the cliffhanger finish, for once?

Nope.

BENGALS, 17-16

Cleveland (plus 14) at Pittsburgh

OK, we don't believe; these aren't the Bills. Even a banged-up Steelers squad should breeze.

STEELERS, 23-7

Tennessee (plus 9) at New England

The Patriots sure don't look as good as nearly everyone expected. They look magnificent compared to 0-5 Titans.

PATRIOTS, 30-17

Kansas City (plus 4 1/2) at Washington

The mediocre Redskins conclude their journey through the dregs of the NFL.

REDSKINS, 13-10

Chicago (plus 3) at Atlanta

Intriguing matchup in prime time featuring two of the top young QBs, but running game will decide this one.

FALCONS, 20-16

Baltimore (plus 3) at Minnesota

Suddenly, the Ravens are one of the more mistake-prone teams in the league. Not a good thing here.

VIKINGS, 24-14

Buffalo (plus 9 1/2) at N.Y. Jets

Suddenly, the Jets are one of the more mistake-prone teams in the league. Won't hurt here.

JETS, 23-10

St. Louis (plus 12 1/2) at Jacksonville

Just what the pitiful Rams need: a revved-up Jaguars team after last week's humiliation in Seattle.

JAGUARS, 27-10

Carolina (minus 4) at Tampa Bay

Against most teams, we'd never give the points with the Panthers. Bucs are worse than most teams.

PANTHERS, 17-3

Detroit (plus 11 1/2) at Green Bay

Have the Packers shored up their blocking woes during bye week? Will be hard to tell against toothless Lions.

PACKERS, 30-13

Arizona (plus 2 1/2) at Seattle

Seahawks can tighten NFC West race with a win. Cardinals still are unsteady, but ...

CARDINALS, 24-23

___

RECORD:

Versus spread, 7-6 (34-38-1 season); Straight up, 8-6 (54-22 season)

Best Bet: 2-3

Upset Special: 3-2

[Associated Press; By BARRY WILNER]

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