Published: November 21, 2008 11:36 pm            

Colts picked in wild one on west coast

The Indianapolis Colts held off the Houston Texans last week to claim their third straight win. Now, the Colts head to the West Coast to face a team that seems to have their number.

The San Diego Chargers beat the Colts twice last season, at San Diego in the regular season and then at Indianapolis in the playoffs — the last NFL game ever played in the RCA Dome.

The teams renew acquaintances tonight. The Colts come in with a 6-4 record, which places them firmly in the chase for a wild-card spot in the AFC. The Chargers, meanwhile, are 4-6 record and in desperate need of a win to stay in the playoff chase.

Associated Press football writer Dave Goldberg is picking the Colts to win. The following are his picks for today’s games and Monday’s contest.

Indianapolis (+3) at San Diego

Peyton Manning threw six interceptions against the Chargers last season and the Colts only lost 23-21. COLTS, 33-31.

N.Y. Jets (+6) at Tennessee

This demonstrates how much respect the unbeaten Titans are getting now. They’re a solid favorite in what looks like their toughest game until the final two weeks of the regular season.

TITANS, 20-16

N.Y. Giants (-3) at Arizona

This spread demonstrates how little respect the Cardinals are getting even though they can clinch the NFC West this week. GIANTS, 26-17

New England (+2) at Miami

A year sure changes things. The Patriots were favored by 17 in this fixture last season.

PATRIOTS, 20-13

Carolina (+1) at Atlanta

Despite their 8-2 record, the Panthers are not playing great football. FALCONS, 23-20

Green Bay (+3) at New Orleans (Monday night)

The Saints are last in the NFC South. They’d be tied for first in the North. SAINTS, 27-26

Philadelphia (+1 1/2) at Baltimore

At least Donovan McNabb now knows there can be ties.

RAVENS, 13-10

San Francisco (+11) at Dallas

First of what should be two wins (Seattle next) before the Cowboys’ schedule gets heavy again. COWBOYS, 34-16

Tampa Bay (-8 1/2) at Detroit

Rod Marinelli used to coach in Tampa, so maybe he knows some of the Bucs’ secrets.

BUCS, 11-2

Washington (-3 1/2) at Seattle

One of two “soft” games left on Redskins’ schedule.

REDSKINS, 27-17

Minnesota (+2 1/2) at Jacksonville

Jack Del Rio says his guys will play hard despite their all but nonexistent playoff chances.

JAGUARS, 22-20

Oakland (+91/2) at Denver

No one likes to beat the Raiders more than Mike Shanahan, the Lane Kiffin of 20 years ago. BRONCOS, 19-6

Chicago (-8 1/2) at St. Louis

Jim Haslett’s coach of the year run has been over for a while.

BEARS, 31-3

Houston (+3) at Cleveland

Making a late run to save Crennel’s job …

BROWNS, 27-23

Buffalo (-3) at Kansas City

Tyler Thigpen will experience the growing pains that Trent Edwards is going through.

CHIEFS, 17-15

        

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