What about Bob?

Ravens at Titans: This is the one we've been wrestling with the most. One minute, it's Baltimore to win - and thus cover - because of its swarming defense. Another, it's Tennessee to win and cover because we haven't given them enough credit and because Joe Flacco is bound to play like a rookie QB. The answer is: Tennessee to win and cover. The Titans are definitely concerned about Albert Haynesworth's balky (love that word) knee, but he's back from a sprained MCL and says he's ready to go. Kerry Collins hasn't played lights-out, but he has been to the dance before, and should be ok as long as he doesn't have to sling it. Big challenge for Tennessee: playing to its strengths by establishing the run against a very, very tough run defense with Ray Lewis & Co.

Cardinals at Panthers: Mascaro put Kurt Warner as his top-rated quarterback of the remaining eight in the playoffs, but I worry about this one. Namely, because Warner is on the road against a team that has an outstanding defense. Not only that, but Warner could be without WR Anquan Boldin, who hurt his left hammy last weekend while scoring a touchdown. Steve Breaston is a capable replacement, but the stadium's gonna be rockin' and Julius Peppers is gonna be bringin' the heat against an offensive line that has been good, but not great. Look for the Panthers to establish the run early with DeAngelo Williams, who has enjoyed a breakout season. If that gives Jake Delhomme a legtimiate play-action threat, watch out.

Iggles at Giants: This one has been giving me fits, too, what with Philly still on a late-season roll and not afraid of visiting the Giants in the least. Not only that, but Jints DE Justin Tuck is playing with a bad left wheel, and he has only a half sack in his last four. The Jints didn't get a sack of Donovan McNabb in either game this season, so they'll have to manufacture a pass rush. My thinking on this one: When in doubt, go with the champs. At home. In potentially bad weather conditions. If it's not snowing, it'll be cold and blustery at the stadium. The pass rush has to be a factor for the Giants for them to not only contain McNabb, but to deal better with Brian Westbrook, who is gimpy with knee and ankle problems. Earth, Wind and Fire need to be at their best in the ground attack. This game is tailor-made for them.

Chargers at Stillers: I can't imagine that LaDanilian Tomlinson will be in uniform for this one. And if he does dress, it won't mean anything, because how can he be expected to be effective with a torn tendon in his groin area. That means it's up to Darren Sproles, who was brilliant at home last weekend against the Colts, but has a much more difficult task against the Stillers' defense. James Harrison is coming off a monster year, and it's not as if James Farrior's game has fallen off much. Big Ben is coming off a concussion, but practiced this week and pronounced himself ready to go. Maybe if his offensive linemen would do a better job blocking, he wouldn't have to worry about his noggin.

The picks straight up (against the spread in parentheses):

(Mantz, I think one of these might have changed since I made my initial picks against the spread once your picks post came out, so please forgive me. This is the official picks post. Feel free to rip me a la Neil Best, but at least I'm being up front about it and not trying to play Bingo like Best.)

Panthers over Cardinals (Panthers)
Titans over Ravens (Titans)
Giants over Iggles (Giants)
Stillers over Chargers (Stillers)