By BOB MATTHEWS
Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle

The Denver Broncos walked into a trap last Monday night in Cincinnati and figure to make amends Sunday at home against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Broncos are arguably the NFL's most-balanced team (seventh in total offense and second in total defense). Atlanta is 25th on offense and 15th on defense.

The Falcons were crushed 56-10 in Kansas City last Sunday and are 1-8-1 against the Las Vegas point spread (ATS) in the last 10 games against AFC teams. Slumping quarterback Michael Vick isn't likely to find his passing touch outdoors in Denver against an aggressive defense.

The Broncos are favored by 6.5 points and this week's "Best Bet": DENVER 28, Atlanta 13.

Sunday's games

(home team in CAPS)

BUFFALO 24, Arizona 10 - Call me stubborn, but I still don't think the Bills are a bad football team. But they will be if they can't beat the 3-point underdog Cardinals.

DALLAS 23, Detroit 14 - A moment of truth for both teams. The Lions are 4-2 despite being outgained by 117.8 yards per game. The 3-point favored Cowboys are 2-4 and it will be interesting to see how they respond to extremely harsh criticism from Coach Bill Parcells.

Jacksonville 27, HOUSTON 24 - The Texans are favored by 1 point but last week's first 100-yard rushing performance of the season by Fred Taylor was a very positive sign for the Jaguars, who continue to win the close games.

MINNESOTA 28, New York Giants 10 - The Giants benefit from a 6.5-point spot but it seems unlikely that they can beat the potent Vikings for a third straight season in the Metrodome.

PHILADELPHIA 20, Baltimore 7 - The 7.5-point favored Eagles will miss injured running back Brian Westbrook but not as much as the Ravens will miss suspended running back Jamal Lewis and injured left tackle Jonathan Ogden.

Indianapolis 27, KANSAS CITY 24 - The 1-point favored Colts are 7-0 in the last seven meetings and 5-0 ATS in the last five games at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs might wish they had saved some of the 56 points they poured on Atlanta.

TENNESSEE 24, Cincinnati 13 - Mediocre teams as sky-high as the Bengals were last Monday at home against Denver often fall back to earth with a loud thud. The 3.5-point favorite Titans desperately need a win and should get the job done with or without hurting quarterback Steve McNair.

Green Bay 23, WASHINGTON 10 - The 2-point favored Packers are 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings. The Redskins are stingy on defense but it is difficult to envision fading QB Mark Brunell producing more points than Brett Favre.

SEATTLE 35, Carolina 10 - The Seahawks need an attitude adjustment coming off three straight losses after a 3-0 start and are catching the battered 8-point underdog Panthers at the right time.

New England 24, PITTSBURGH 17 - The Steelers are dangerous 3-point home underdogs coming off a bye week but the Patriots always find a way to win and are 18-5-2 ATS in their last 25 games.

SAN DIEGO 27, Oakland 17 - The 6-point favored Chargers are headed in the right direction. The Raiders are 5-20-1 ATS in their last 26 games.

San Francisco 28, CHICAGO 13 - When in doubt when two bad teams play, take the spot and the better quarterback. Craig Krenzel makes his first NFL start for the 1.5-point favored Bears, giving the 49ers a huge advantage at QB with Tim Rattay.

Monday's game

NEW YORK JETS 24, Miami 13 - The 6.5-point favored Jets won 17-9 in Miami Oct. 3 and should bounce back from last week's loss to New England.

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS: 7-7 picking winning teams outright (60-42 this season); 5-8-1 picking winners against the point spread (50-49-3 this season); the "Best Bet" is 5-2 outright and 3-4 ATS after the 6.5-point favored New York Giants lost 28-13 to Detroit.

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