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

The playoff-hungry New York Giants flopped at home two weeks ago in a loss to Detroit but figure to avoid a repeat of that wasted opportunity Sunday against the visiting Chicago Bears.

Chicago was helped by a few borderline calls from the zebras in a home victory over a bad San Francisco team last Sunday night and doesn't figure to be as fortunate this week.

The biggest mismatch is at quarterback. Giants QB Kurt Warner is a two-time league MVP while Chicago's rookie Craig Krenzel will be making his second NFL start.

The Giants are favored by 9 points and should win by more as this week's "Best Bet": NEW YORK GIANTS 28, Chicago 10.

Sunday's games

(home team in CAPS)

BUFFALO 23, New York Jets 20 - The Jets edged the Bills 16-14 at home Oct. 10 and 3-point underdog Buffalo has the defense to turn the tables. Warning: the Jets are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in the last 10 meetings and 3-1 ATS in the last four trips to Buffalo.

CAROLINA 20, Oakland 17 - The injury list is too long for the Panthers to spot any team 7 points, even the struggling Raiders.

CINCINNATI 24, Dallas 20 - The Bengals are 3-0 ATS in the last three home games against the Cowboys and benefit from a 1.5-point spot.

Washington 17, DETROIT 10 - The 3.5-point underdog Redskins have the NFL's top-ranked defense and the Lions have the NFL's worst offense despite their 4-3 record.

Arizona 24, MIAMI 17 - The Dolphins are favored by 3 points and are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games as favorites in November, but the Cardinals are healthier and have a more potent offense.

Philadelphia 27, PITTSBURGH 20 - The Steelers are getting 1 point at home after knocking off undefeated teams two weeks in a row but it's asking a lot. A Pittsburgh victory would make QB Ben Roethlisberger a candidate for MVP instead of merely the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Kansas City 24, TAMPA BAY 13 - The 6-point favored Chiefs are on a roll and the Buccaneers probably don't have enough offense to stick close the entire game. Warning: Tampa Bay is 14-1 ATS as an underdog in November.

SAN DIEGO 23, New Orleans 20 - The surprising Chargers are favored by 6 points and that seems overly generous to an inconsistent but talented opponent that often plays better on the road than at home.

Seattle 27, SAN FRANCISCO 10 - The Seahawks won 34-0 at home Sept. 26 and the 7-point underdog 49ers haven't improved since.

DENVER 28, Houston 17 - The 6.5-point underdog Texans seek their first-ever three-game winning streak but the Broncos aren't likely to play as poorly as they did the past two weeks in losses to Cincinnati and Atlanta.

ST. LOUIS 30, New England 20 - The Patriots are favored by 2.5 points but they could be in for a long afternoon with a banged-up secondary against the high-powered Rams. New England is 0-3 ATS in the last three games at St. Louis and 4-12-1 in the last 17 games as an underdog in November.

BALTIMORE 24, Cleveland 14 - Ravens running back Jamal Lewis returns from a two-game suspension just in time to play against the opponent he ran for 500 yards against in two games last season. The Browns stunned Baltimore 20-3 on Sept. 12 but they're 6-point underdogs in the rematch.

Monday night

INDIANAPOLIS 35, Minnesota 20 - The 6-point favored Colts should be ready for their best heading into a bye week following losses to Jacksonville and Kansas City. If Randy Moss (hamstring) plays for the Vikings, he won't be close to 100 percent.

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS: 8-6 picking winning teams outright (68-48 this season); 6-8 picking winners against the point spread (56-57-3 this season); the "Best Bet" is 5-3 outright and 3-5 ATS after 6.5-point favored Denver lost 41-28 to Atlanta.

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