*Home team in CAPS

Chargers +1 over the 49ERS- The Niners have completely given up on head coach Jim Harbaugh and it has shown over the last three weeks, all losses, one of them to the lowly Raiders. Colin Kaepernick has been less than stellar in the last three contests garnering just 121, 174, and 141 passing yards. The Chargers are still fighting for a playoff spot and need this game too much to let S.F. have their way with them. Player to watch: Antonio Gates

Giants +5 1/2 over the RAMS- The Giants have been coming together as a team on the both sides of the ball. Odell Beckham Jr. leads all rookies in receiving yards (972) and touchdown catches (9). Eli Manning, thanks in part to Beckham, has shown signs of the Manning of old. Jason Pierre-Paul has six sacks in the past three games while Johnathan Hankings has collected 3.5. Rams are a huge step up in class from who the N.Y. football Giants have been facing of late, but they seem to be rallying around their beleaguered but much beloved coach, Tom Coughlin, second among active head coaches in career wins with 163.

#90 Jason Pierre-Paul and #95 Johnathan Hankings will bring their 16.5 sacks to St. Louis this week looking to add to their 2014 team leading totals. Photo: Getty Images

STEELERS -3 over the Chiefs- A little inconsistent at times this season, (remember their stunning loss to the Jets), the Steelers will need to stack the box this Sunday and contain Jamaal Charles and Kansas City’s prolific running game which, without scoring by their wide receivers this season is the Chiefs only real offensive threat. Blitzes and stunts thrown at QB Alex Smith on passing downs will help in that effort as well. We like the black & gold at home even giving up the three points.

Ravens -5 over the TEXANS- With the loss of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston is down to Case Keenum or Thad Lewis as his backups. Neither, however will frighten the staunch Raven’s defense. The Texans have won, and handily, against some of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Teams such as the Raiders, Jaguars, Redskins and the Titans (twice). Baltimore, among the better teams they’ll face in the league, needs this game desperately and should win this one going away. Ravens DST should amass some nice fantasy points for those still in the fantasy playoffs this week.

The Furnace writes that #5  Joe Flacco and the Ravens defense will have little problem containing either of the Texans backup QBs this week. Photo: AP

Broncos -3 over the BENGALS- Denver, losers of only three games all season, are still playing for possible homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs should New England falter during their last two games. New Broncos weapon- running back C.J. Anderson along with the absence of Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict, make this a little easier for Peyton to pick up his 12th win of the season.