NFL

NFL Picks

By ROGER MILLS
Published November 30, 2003

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Bucs (5-6) at Jaguars (2-9)

This could turn out to be a high scoring affair, but the Bucs need the win a little more.

Mills pick: Bucs 24, Jaguars 17

Cardinals (3-6) at Bears (4-7)

The Bears have shown steady improvement through the middle of the year and should be better than the Cardinals.

Mills pick: Bears 15, Cardinals 10

Falcons (2-9) at Texans (4-7)

Texans have been tougher than a second-year team. Plus, the Falcons have no Michael Vick and no Warrick Dunn.

Mills pick: Texans 28, Falcons 14

Bills (4-7) at Giants (4-7)

Really, aside from rapid fans in a certain state and Giants coach Jim Fassel, who cares?

Mills pick: Giants 17, Bills 15

Vikings (7-4) at Rams (8-3)

Neither Marc Bulger or Daunte Culpepper have been sharp in recent weeks but at least the Vikings make plays on defense.

Mills pick: Vikings 30, Rams 24

Patriots (9-2) at Colts (9-2)

Talk about a huge game. Both teams are sniffing behind the Chiefs for the No.1 seed in the AFC. But Colts get the homefield edge.

Mills pick: Colts 23, Patriots 21

Bengals (6-5) at Steelers (4-7)

One team is maturing, the other is falling apart. But Steelers show pride and win this one coming down the wire.

Mills pick: Steelers 21, Bengals 17

Eagles (8-3) at Panthers (8-3)

Massive implications for the NFC playoff hierarchy and it will come down to a field goal. Everything has gone well for Panthers, but not today.

Mills pick: Eagles 21, Panthers 20

49ers (5-6) at Ravens (6-5)

You have to believe the Ravens have more to lose considering they are in tie at the top of their division.

Mills pick: Ravens 17, 49ers 15

Saints (5-6) at Redskins (4-7)

Surely the ball will bounce Steve Spurrier's way at some point. New Orleans will run the ball, but that won't be enough.

Mills pick: Redskins 19, Saints 10

Browns (4-7) at Seahawks (7-4)

The Seahawks are perfect at home and still hold solid to a playoff spot. They shouldn't have problems with the Browns.

Mills pick: Seahawks 19, Browns 17

Broncos (6-5) at Raiders (3-8)

Broncos have won 14 of their last 18 games against the Raiders, who aren't going to strike fear with Rick Mirer at quarterback.

Mills pick: Broncos 30, Raiders 27

Chiefs (10-1) at Chargers (2-9)

What's the saying, "On Any Given Sunday?" Not this Sunday.

Mills pick: Chiefs 28, Chargers 13

[Last modified November 30, 2003, 01:16:37]

THG Ramifications

Baseball

La Russa regrets Tino's sour stint

Spahn's smarts earn tribute at service

College basketball

Baxter regains his scoring touch as Bulls stay perfect

Iowa fights past Cards

Second-half surge rescues Clemson

Size edge, defense bring DePaul back

South Carolina hits 6-0

Surging sophomore keeps 'Backs unbeaten

Late jumper caps Seminole comeback

College football

Last One Standing

South Florida recovers pride in record performance

Newbie FAU gets best of mistake-prone B-CC

Notebook: Other Stoops named Arizona coach

'Canes stay grounded to keep Pitt in check

Fill-in receiver Robinson gives FSU big game

Officiating angers Gators lineman

UF-FSU By the numbers

UF-FSU Game balls

Leavitt holding out for bowl bid

Safety has memorable finale

USF By the numbers

USF Gameballs

Conferences

ACC: Bulldogs roll past Jackets, close in on SEC title berth

Big East: Strong finish and share of title for West Virginia

SEC: Vols claim a third of East title

Big XII: Mizzou earns eighth victory

C-USA: TCU averts upset, nips winless SMU

Nation: Bowling Green gets rematch vs. Miami (Ohio) in MAC title game

Pac-10: Irish cruise in coach's big return to Stanford

Golf

Sorenstam says eagle is her best shot ever

In brief

Philippoussis wins Cup for Australia

NBA

Lakers hold keys to Bryant's future

Sick but rested, Iverson hits 50

NFL

NFL Picks

Things to make you go hmmm ...

Bottomline

Flags have Raiders at half-mast

Bears lose top rusher Thomas

NHL

Flyers stay hot, keep Islanders on ice

Slapshots

Olympics

World closes in on U.S. team

Opinion

Rant, rave

Outdoors

Daily fishing report

More to bottom fish than meets the sonar

Preps

Different paths, same result

King senior is cross-country runner of the year

Tornadoes lead rebuilding effort

Training

Finding the Enemy

Steroid users ignore risks, ramifications

Letters to the Editor: Your Turn

Bucs

McFarland play strong, silent

Aren't those the '96 Jags in mirror?

Bucs-Jags matchup

Kickin' back with Charles Lee

Sideline

Letters to the Editor: Beating mediocre foe a hollow win

Lightning

Top spot vanishes with lead

Tortorella: It's up to players to score

Punchless Afanasenkov is scratched