This week the teams with the bye are Miami, New England, Seattle, and Pittsburgh. That means that we should enjoy this week for one big reason - it’s a week of sweet relief before we have to listen to the endless Big Ben talk when he returns next week. Here’s how I see the games this week breaking down with my NFL office pool picks:

Jacksonville at Buffalo - The Jaguars came up huge against the Colts last week. They have some issues, but there is a lot of things going on that they do very well. On the other hand, there is absolutely nothing that the Bills do well right now. This one is a mismatch - just like pretty much every Buffalo game will be this year. Take the Jags.

Kansas City at Indianapolis - I have absolutely no idea how the Chiefs are the only undefeated team in the league. None. They are playing reasonably well, but they also haven’t been tested by the toughest competition so far. I like that they have had a week off to get ready for this one, and I certainly recognize that the Colts are a far more flawed team than people thought coming into the year, but I still can’t go against Indy at home in this situation. Take the Colts.

Tampa Bay at Cincinnati - I like a lot about Tampa Bay, and I think they are moving in the right direction. I also hate how the Bengals played last week against Cleveland - totally disgusting. Still, the Bengals are at home, they should be angry after last week, and they are a deeper team that should be able to win this one. Take the Bengals.

Green Bay at Washington - I wish Green Bay was playing better than they are, but I still think they are an elite level team. I definitely don’t think the same about Washington. They are doing some things well, but there are other things that just aren’t good enough. I really don’t trust Donovan McNabb, either. Take the Packers.

St. Louis at Detroit - I am very impressed by St. Louis. Sam Bradford is working towards his massive potential, and the team is playing very solid defense. The Lions are moving in a good direction, too, but they just aren’t moving as quickly. Taking a young team like the Rams on the road is very risky, but that can’t stop us. Take the Rams.

Chicago at Carolina - I am not at all impressed with the Bears - they are not a serious contender in the long run here. Still, Carolina has massive QB issues, and Chicago has a defense that can seriously exploit that. Take the Bears.

New York Giants at Houston - The Giants bounced back reasonably well from two bad losses last week. They benefited from playing a Chicago team with a world of issues, though. Houston is better than Chicago, and they are at home. They should win here. Take the Texans.

Denver at Baltimore - I am having a very hard time figuring out which teams in the league are elite right now. Every time I build a theory it gets crushed somehow. My latest theory is that the Ravens are as good as a team gets in the league right now. I respect Denver and really like Kyle Orton, but the Ravens are better on both sides of the ball and should come out on top. Take the Ravens.

Atlanta at Cleveland - The Browns showed some moxie last week when they beat the Bengals, but I’m still not convinced that they are for real. Atlanta hasn’t been as good as they should be, but they are still the better team here. Take the Falcons.

New Orleans at Arizona - I’m not as pessimistic about the QB woes for Arizona as some people - Max Hall can flat out play. If he gets the chance, though, the transition will be a bit rocky and it’s very doubtful that he’ll be able to keep up with the firepower that New Orleans has to throw around. Take the Saints.

Tennessee at Dallas - I am at a loss with both teams here. The Titans haven’t got their running game working anywhere close to what it should be, and I hate their quarterbacking. The Cowboys should be great, but they really aren’t. Dallas is coming off a bye week, though, and they are at home, so they are out of excuses here. Take the Cowboys.

San Diego at Oakland - The Chargers are the much better team here. The Raiders are dealing with quarterback issues, and they have not gotten off to a positive start this year. Norv Turner had his typically useless September, but hopefully things will get back in form now that October has rolled around. Take the Chargers.

Philadelphia at San Francisco - Kevin Kolb is going to start, and he has to face a San Francisco defense that should be good - even if they haven’t proven it - and he doesn’t have the best offensive line in the world to protect him. San Francisco has been getting better, and they will be desperate to save this season. Take the Niners.

Minnesota at New York Jets - I don’t love the Jets. I really don’t love how the Vikings have been playing, either, but they have had a week off to get ready for this one, and they have the talent to pull off an upset here. Take the Vikings.

Doc’s Sports went 4-0 for NFL picks last we and we are very excited about this weekend’s picks. Our picks against the NFL Point Spread for this coming weekend are looking very fruitful. Call us toll-free at 1-866-238-6696 to find out about a free one-week football package from Doc’s Sports or any Advisory Board handicapper of your choice. Check our home page daily for NFL handicapping articles and up-to-the-minute updated odds.