I was laid up at the homefront most of the week and got to read and watch a lot of NFL stuff. In one interview, the Giants’ Michael Strahan said that just because the team had suffered a demoralizing loss to the Bears, it didn’t mean the players should wallow in self-pity.

When exactly is the right time? After they lose to the Jaguars this week? When you witness your biggest wager of the week (Cardinals) play a smell-arama game against a team playing its third consecutive on the road? Or when your bankroll is a speck of what it was last year at this time?

In my case, I’m finding out quickly the Cardinals are who I thought they were _ the worst team in the league. I also lost with the Giants and Lions last week. That’ll teach me to go with losers.

Now for this week’s selections :

Jaguars (-3.5) over Giants

All eyes will be on Tiki Barber and his sprained right thumb, which might turn him into a 2006 version of Ernie "Fumbles" Wheelwright, the ex-Giant who couldn’t carry his cafeteria tray in training camp without spilling food. Rest assured, Tiki still will be able to endorse his checks. I’ll wager $30.

Eagles (-13) over Titans

This marks the third game in four weeks the Eagles get to face a QB (Vince Young on Sunday) who didn’t open the season as a starter. Philadelphia previously held the Bucs’ Bruce Gradkowski and the Jags’ David Garrard to a combined 161 net air yards. Meanwhile, the Titans’ best hope of stopping QB Donovan McNabb is if their mascot makes the traveling team and aims his dune buggy at No. 5. I’ll wager $35.

Raiders (+9.5) over Chiefs

One of the key components of the Chiefs’ offense, TE Tony Gonzalez (shoulder, doubtful), almost surely won’t be there to help Trent Green make his return. Don’t expect miracles from Gonzalez. Remember, the difference between "questionable" and "doubtful" on the injury list is like the gap between "Please don’t touch me" and "My hands are lethal weapons and I’ll use them." I’ll wager $25.