Lock of week is Saints
THE Jets described themselves as a work in progress in the early days of Brett Favre, and the progress has been quick. A late rally in garbage time in San Diego led to a six-TD coming-out party vs. the Cards, and now Favre has had two weeks to put more of the playbook to good use against the 0-5 Bengals.
Cincy covered its last two road games at the Giants and Dallas, but both of those spreads were north of two TDs. The Cowboys found tons of yardage around the ends on the ground and down the field through the air.This shapes up as another party for Favre, while the Jets’ pass rush puts the heat on sore-elbowed Carson Palmer, if he plays.
The pick: Jets, -6.
SAINTS (-7 1/2) over Raiders: The Saints will be stoked after their prime-time home loss to the Vikes. Hard to predict how the Raiders will react to new coach Tom Cable after the Lane Kiffin whacking.
Ravens (+4 1/2) over COLTS: Ravens are allowing just 14 ppg, and that would be even less if not for the bogus roughing the passer call last week on Kerry Collins. Indy is still hampered by injuries to Dwight Freeney, Bob Sanders and Anthony Gonzalez.
Panthers (+1 1/2) over BUCS: Panthers haven’t allowed a TD in nine quarters and have limited Larry Johnson, Michael Turner, Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte and LaDainian Tomlinson to under 100 yards. Oh, and they have won their last five at Tampa.
VIKINGS (-13) over Lions: Scary spread in a divisional game, but the Lions haven’t scored a point in the first quarter all season, haven’t intercepted a single pass, and likely will be without Jon Kitna.
Bears (-2 1/2) over FALCONS: Respect lively Falcons at home off a big win at Green Bay. But the tough Bears D will bring problems for rookie QB Matt Ryan, who managed just nine points vs. both the Bucs and Panthers.
Dolphins (+3) over TEXANS: David Blaine couldn’t have done a better job making a win disappear than the Texans did last week. Can’t back this winless bunch vs. renaissance Dolphins, who have beaten Pats and Chargers in succession.
REDSKINS (-13 1/2) over Rams: Rams lost their first four by an average of 26 points. In other words, good luck, Jim Haslett.
Jaguars (+3 1/2) over BRONCOS: Broncs have scored in the teens after starting out 41, 39 and 34. Now they’ll be without RB Selvin Young and TE Tony Scheffler.
Eagles (-5) over 49ERS: Coming off two losses, the Eagles will try to right their ship with their aggressive, blitzing defense. Shapes up as a long day for 49ers QB J.T. O’Sullivan.
Cowboys (-5) over CARDS: It’s been 20 years since the Cards were in first place this late in the season. But injuries to sackman Bertrand Berry and DBs Rod Hood and Adrian Wilson could make this a career day for Tony Romo.
Packers (+2 1/2) over SEAHAWKS: Can’t back the Seahawks as favorites when they have a sore-kneed QB and just one win, which was against Rams. Packers will tighten up the run defense and break three-game skid.
Patriots (+5 1/2) over CHARGERS: Pats have too much talent to stay ranked 31st in total offense for long. And remember, this is still Belichick vs. Norv.
MONDAY NIGHT
Giants (-7 1/2) over BROWNS: The rest of the league is coming to grips with what the Giants already knew: that they’re still the best and getting better fast. They will rise to this prime-time occasion.
BEST BETS: Saints, Patriots, Giants
LAST WEEK: 8-4-2
BEST BETS: 2-0-1
dblezow@nypost.com