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Carolina (-3, 45) at Los Angeles, 4:05 pm (FOX) - Don't look now, but the Panthers are embarking on a major winning streak which could land them again atop the NFC South. They tore up Arizona last week, 30-20, getting the most from both the offense and defense, in a season-defining win.

Idle last week, the Rams likely needed the rest, but they're in for a roughing up from some very upset and motivated Panthers.

Coin Flip: Los Angles

Rick's Pick: Panthers 38 Rams 13

New Orleans (-3, 51) at San Francisco, 4:05 pm (FOX) - The Saints knocked off Seattle last week, 25-20, so, given that Seattle's defense is miles further along than that of San Francisco, one could assume that Drew Brees may have one of his best days as an NFL QB.

And, one would be right. The 49ers are playing for a high first round draft pick.

Coin Flip: Saints

Rick's Pick: Saints 45 49ers 23

Indianapolis at Green Bay (-7, 53), 4:25 pm (CBS) - Both teams are hurting, coming off losses last week, but the Colts, more so. Their 30-14 loss to Kansas City, on their own turf, no less, was devastating. Indy is also wracked with injuries to key players while the Packers are relatively healthy.

Green Bay's defeat was by a point, 33-32, in Atlanta, in the closing seconds of the game, by a team that figures to be in the midst of the playoff race (The Falcons are currently leading the NFC South by a comfortable margin), so, they have excuses. Fact of the matter is that the Colts just aren't playing very well, and may not be as good a team as some had projected. Their defense is constantly being attacked and exploited, allowing 28.8 ppg, 28th overall). Green Bay is 3-1 at home; the Colts, 1-3 on the road. Trend is your friend.

Coin Flip: Indianapolis

Rick's Pick: Packers 38 Colts 24

Tennessee at San Diego (-4, 47), 4:25 pm (CBS) - Toughest call of the week right here. The Chargers are always a threat whenever Phillip Rivers is on the field, while the Titans and improving second-year QB, Marcus Mariota, have put themselves into the mix with a 36-22 win over Jacksonville last Thursday. Don't underestimate the importance of this game for both, desperate for a victory, so it could be a very close call.

What seems obvious is that the Chargers have had the tougher schedule and may be poised to go on a little win streak, despite their failure in Denver last week, a 27-19 defeat.

Coin Flip: San Diego

Rick's Pick: Titans 30 Chargers 27

Denver at Oakland (-1, 43 1/2), 8:30 pm (NBC) - By now, it's safe to say that the Raiders are the most pleasant surprise of the season, challenging the status quo Broncos for the AFC West title.

Oakland overcame 23 penalties last week in Tampa for a 30-24 overtime win against the Bucs and should be happy to be back on home turf. This is the first meeting this season between the two division contenders and it should be a must-see game. Derek Carr is having an all-pro type of season, as is his favorite target, Amari Cooper. Carr threw for 513 yards and Cooper had 173 in receptions against Tampa Bay last week. It should be interesting to see how well the duo fares against a solid Denver defense.

The Broncos got their revenge against the Chargers on Sunday, topping them 27-19 in Denver. While the Broncos are still considered the favorite to win the division, Oakland will test that theory.

Coin Flip: Oakland

Rick's Pick: Raiders 30 Broncos 26

Monday, November 7

Buffalo at Seattle (-7, 44), 8:30 pm (ESPN) - On the surface, this looks pretty cut and dry, but it needs to be pointed out that both teams are coming off losses and the Seattle defeat at New Orleans appears worse than Buffalo's home loss to the Patriots.

New England is pretty much the best offense in the league - and maybe the best team - so a 41-25 whacking isn't unexpected. What is unusual is the Saints putting on a 25-20 win over the Seahawks, even in New Orleans. Russell Wilson has been hobbled with a healing knee all season and the Seattle offense isn't the same without Marshawn Lynch. The Bills have lost two straight, but have won all three games against NFC west foes (Arizona, San Francisco, Los Angeles), so a win here for Buffalo is not out of the question in the least. In fact, they should beat the Seahawks.

Coin Flip: Buffalo

Rick's Pick: Bills 19 Seahawks 17