By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

As we enter the final full month of the regular NFL season, the Chicago Bears are 8-3 and sit all alone atop their division. They are a full game ahead of their biggest division rival and foe, Green Bay. I’d say it’s time they start getting a little respect. They’ve been playing a whole lot better as a team, and I think they’ve earned it. Jay Cutler is starting to show signs of why he went to the Pro Bowl as a Bronco. His willingness to scramble has made him a legitimate offensive weapon.

Both Chicago and Green Bay should come away with wins this week. The Bears are in Detroit and the Packers host San Francisco.

The other NFC North team, the Minnesota Vikings, are at home against Buffalo. The Bills may be the unluckiest team in all of the NFL. Their last four losses have all been by 3 points, and three of those four have been in overtime. I don’t see their luck changing any this week when they face the re-energized Leslie Frazier-coached Vikings. I look for Minnesota to make it two in a row.

In tomorrow night’s (Thursday, Dec. 2) game, Houston is in Philadelphia. Even though it’s been a short week for Michael Vick and his Eagles teammates, I think they’ll bounce back from their loss to the Bears last Sunday, Nov. 28.

The Browns visit Miami—not a bad trip to take in December. The Cleveland players might get some sun and a tan, but not a win. The Saints should pick up another win when they visit Cincinnati.

The Titans were shut out on the road last week with their rookie quarterback at the helm. They’ll be at home this week. They might score, but they won’t score enough to beat Jacksonville.

Kansas City is at home against Denver. The Chiefs won a big game on the road last week; things should only get better for them at home. I think they’ll beat the Broncos this week. Another team that should take advantage of playing at home is the New York Giants. They face the Washington Redskins in the New Meadowlands Stadium. It should be a good game, but I think Eli Manning and the G-Men will come out on top.

In an all-California match-up, the Raiders head south to San Diego. I like the Chargers at home.

The Falcons should continue their winning ways when they face the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. The Colts are at home against the Cowboys. The Colts are clearly the better team, and rarely lose at home against an inferior team. I’m going with Peyton Manning in this one.

St. Louis surprised a few people last week with their big win over the Broncos in Denver. It’d be a huge surprise if they can pull off back-to-back road wins and beat Arizona in Phoenix. I’m taking the Cardinals.

Seattle is at home against Carolina. Both teams lost last week. The Seahawks should bounce back and win at home.

In Sunday night’s game, Pittsburgh is at Baltimore. Both teams pride themselves on their defenses. It might end up being a low-scoring game. I’ll take the Steelers.

The Monday night game might be the exact opposite of the Sunday night game. The Jets and the Patriots are both capable of scoring a ton of points. The Patriots are at home. Take the over and New England.

Last week, I was 10-5 heading into Monday night’s game. I took Arizona in that one. Come on, Cardinals!

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Dec. 1-7, 2010 issue