Every one of the games I've handicapped this week have postseason ramifications. Yes, sadly, I will not be picking a game involving the Chiefs this week.

On to the selections:

Green Bay (+2) at Pittsburgh

When a public team like the Steelers goes off-form, the losing tickets hit the floor, and bookmakers rake in the money. Since the beginning of November, the Steelers have covered just twice, and only once when QB Ben Roethlisberger has started. Three of their last four defeats have been to the Chiefs, Raiders and Browns, and in each instance, they were favored by double digits.

If you are lining up to bet against them again, I can't blame you. The Steelers have covered only four times this season, and only once have they covered by more than a touchdown. Nothing has been easy for those who have bet on them. And, certainly, the sting of backing them laying big points against bottom-feeders, only to watch them play little like Super Bowl champions, is going to be too fresh for some handicappers to even think about playing Pittsburgh again any time soon.

I can't say I have had a great read on the Steelers myself, but the last time I picked them in this space, they whipped the Broncos back in Week Eight. And I will side with them again this week. Frankly, I don't believe the Steelers can play any worse than they have lately, and I am expecting quite a bit of improvement after a couple of extra days off after a Thursday-night game in Week 14.

Some have suggested that the Steelers' days as contenders may be over with this core group of players. I don't necessarily agree with that sentiment, and I wonder if it might provide a healthy dose of motivation for a team that needs a jolt. 

Wilkening's pick: Pittsburgh