Frankly, the Steelers have looked bored to me throughout October, their focus waning at points during comfortable wins vs. San Diego, at Detroit and vs. Cleveland. They will be put to the test by the Vikings, but I don't believe that's a bad thing in the least; the defending Super Bowl champions could use a test.

Were it not for blown fourth-quarter leads at Chicago and at Cincinnati with SS Troy Polamalu out of the lineup in September, the Steelers would be 6-0. The defense isn't as dominant as it was last season, but Polamalu's back in the lineup, and the offense is much better, with QB Ben Roethlisberger perhaps playing at a higher level than he ever has.

The Vikings' secondary is likely to have its hands full with the Steelers' passing attack with or without CB Antoine Winfield, who's battling a foot injury. While the Steelers won't shut down the Vikings' high-scoring attack, they will get enough stops, and Pittsburgh, which has needed to get its mind on business for a while, will rise to the occasion.

Wilkening's pick: Pittsburgh

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Chicago at Cincinnati (O/U 42)

I would not be surprised if this becomes something of a shootout, as both defenses have suffered some key injuries. The Bengals lost their best pass rusher, DE Antwan Odom, to a ruptured Achilles tendon, and the Bears reshuffled their LB corps after Pisa Tinoisamoa suffered a season-ending knee injury.

I expect both teams to be able to attack with the pass. The Bengals have allowed 25 pass plays of 20 yards or more, and the Bears' secondary play is not the strength of the defense. Moreover, I'm looking for both clubs to have some success in the running game, too, especially Chicago. With the weather not expected to be a factor on game day, the Over is the play.

Wilkening's pick: Over 42