Below, we explore what should happen in this week's NFL games. Of course, in the NFL, only half of what should happen actually does happen, but playing the percentages gives you the best chance of winning. Remember, think twice before benching a stud based on match-ups! We list the Vegas odds spread in parentheses and the Over/Under number in brackets.

Ask a question about your lineup in our FORUM. Leave a comment about this article down below.

LAST WEEK 

• Against Spread: 12-4
• Straight Up: 11-5
• Over/Under: 11-5

SUNDAY EARLY

Atlanta at Tampa Bay (+2.5) [41.5]

A week after going into the Superdome and leaving with a win, Tampa will probably be ready to mail in the last game. Atlanta looked good against the Bills JV squad last week and are 2-0 with Matt Ryan back in the line-up. Take Ryan and the dirty birds to walk out of Raymond James with a win. ATL 23, TB 17 (Pick: Atlanta -2.5, under 41.5)

Chicago at Detroit (+3) [45]

Three points? The Bears are coming off a huge upset on Monday, so expect this line to grow as the week goes on. If you can jump on it at (+3), do it now. Devin Hester may even return! CHI 28, DET 14 (Pick: Chicago -3, over 45) 

Indianapolis at Buffalo (-8) [38]

It will interesting to see what this line comes out as. It appears that the Colts' starters will only get a series or two so take a close look at the line when it finally comes out. The Bills only MENSA member and quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, will test his injured ankle and try to play. If he does, I have an inclination that the Bills can pull this one off against Curtis Painter and crew. This one is subject to change as injuries are revealed. BUF 13, IND 10 (Pick: Indianapolis +8, under 38)

Jacksonville at Cleveland (-2) [38.5]

Not quite sure how Cleveland is favored, but it's nice. Winners of three in a row, the Browns can't possibly keep it going this week can they? I suppose that question will rest on the legs of Jerome Harrison. Harrison has been a monster lately and could find holes all throughout the Jags defense. Unfortunately, Cleveland has been playing with a lead the last three weeks and have been able keep the ball out of Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn's hands for the majority of the game. I expect the Jags to get up early and keep that lead. JAC 25, CLE 15 (Pick: Jacksonville +1.5, over 38.5)

New England at Houston (-8) [46]

This line is far too high, but the Pats still have a little bit to play for. A win and they secure the #3 seed in the AFC. Aloss gives the Bengals something to play for, affecting that game. The Pats don't have a long history of resting players, and come on, who's more un-clutch than the Texans. NE 31, HOU 28 (Pick: New England +8, over 46)  

New Orleans at Carolina (-7)

The Vikings loss Monday night clinched the Saints home field advantage, so they really have nothing left to play for. Carolina on the other hand has a chance to get back to .500 after a dreadful start and can keep coach John Fox in his job for next season. Expect a lot of Jonathan Stewart and the Saints' second-teamers. And who knew, but maybe Matt Moore is for real. CAR 25, NO 16 (Pick: Carolina +7, under)

New York Giants at Minnesota (-8.5) [48]

The Giants are wildly inconsistent and have traded wins the last few weeks -- one great performance mixed with a terrible one. The were blown out last week, so the law of averages dictates that they'll show up in this one. Despite needing this game to avoid a potential first round match-up with the Packers, the Vikings have looked brutal the last two weeks and should allow the Giants to cover and maybe win. NYG 30, MIN 27 (Pick: New York +8, over 48) 

Pittsburgh at Miami (+3) [46.5]

Ricky Williams may sit this one out, and the Steelers need the win to stay alive. Steelers! PIT 28, MIA 24 (Pick: Pittsburgh -3, over 46.5)

San Francisco at St. Louis (+7.5) [40.5]

A win does a lot of things for the 49ers this week. It will get them back to 8-8. It will buy coach Mike Singletary another season. It will buy Alex Smith a starting gig for the start of next season. That's more than a welfare check will get ya. St. Louis generally plays better at home. They've covered the last four home games but still lost. SF 20, STL 13 (Pick: St. Louis +7.5, under 40.5)

SUNDAY LATE

Baltimore at Oakland (+10.5) [38]

Oakland dashed Tampa's post-season dreams last season in the final week, and I believe they'll do it again this year to Baltimore. The Ravens get sucked into the Black Hole in an upset. OAK 17, BAL 10 (Pick: Oakland +10.5, pick under 38)

Green Bay at Arizona (-3.5) [43]

This could be a match-up on 'wildcard weekend' next week, so don't expect these teams to throw too much at each other. You wouldn't want to show your hand now. ARI 20, GB 17 (Pick: Green Bay +3.5, under 43)

Kansas City at Denver (-13) [38]

Denver can do themselves a lot of favors with a win, and they'll get just that. It'll be closer than expected, though. KC is a team that covers almost every week. There's no need for week 17 to be any different.  DEN 25, KC 20 (Pick: Kansas City +13, over 38)

Philadelphia at Dallas (-3) [47.5]

Great game here. The winners gets the rights to the division crown, but Philly could get a bye with a win this week. I can't shake last year's Week 17 clash out of my head. I'm betting on the same sort of result. PHI 40, DAL 3 (Pick: Philadelphia +3, under 47.5) 

Tennessee at Seattle (+4.5) [43.5]

Pick the Titans, as showing up may just scare Seattle back to the locker room. TEN 39, SEA 3 (Pick: Tennessee -4.5, under 43.5)

Washington at San Diego (-3) [39]

Even if Billy Volek ends up taking over for "The Riv", he's still better than Jason Campbell. SD 31, WAS 10 (Pick: San Diego -3, over 39)

SUNDAY NIGHT

Cinainnati at New York Jets (-10) [40]

This game hinges on the outcome of the HOU/NE game. If the Pats win, Cincy has nothing to play for. If the Pats lose, I fully expect the Bengals to win this one. Bet accordingly. NYJ 13, CIN 10 (Pick: Cincinnati +10, under 39)

Again, ask a question about your lineup in our FORUM. Leave a comment about this article down below.