Joe has challenged Ira Kaufman, Tampa Bay’s only Hall of Fame voter, to pick against the spread this season for a $500 prize. Every Friday, Ira types out his picks for each Sunday and Monday game. If Ira hits at 53 percent or better for the regular season, then he gets $500 in gift cards to Abe’s Place in Clearwater, home of historically amazing food and 44 craft beers on tap. Feel free to send Ira your stone cold locks on Twitter, @ikaufman76. The sage of Tampa Bay sports always appreciates a tip.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Finally, sweet victory.

A 6-5 mark last week against the spread generates confidence heading into the second half of the season. And while my overall 47-72 record means that targeted 53 percent success rate is well out of reach, there is time to build a new reputation as merely a slow starter in the fortune teller business.

And now, onward and upward:

REDSKINS plus 1 1-2 vs. VIKINGS. Minnesota can be had on the road and the Redskins saved their season with a big win at Seattle. Time for the surging Vikings to take a step back.

BEARS minus 5 1-2 vs. PACKERS. Green Bay shows no signs of life in the wake of the Aaron Rodgers injury while Chicago has proven to be a dangerous opponent at Soldier Field.

STEELERS minus-10 at COLTS. In case you haven’t noticed, Pittsburgh’s overhauled defense is playing smart, physical football. Indy doesn’t have enough weapons to keep up with Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell.

CHARGERS minus 3 1-2 at JAGUARS. Jacksonville’s defense is no joke, but the Chargers have some play-makers of their own, plus a significant advantage under center. Melvin Gordon makes the difference.

JETS minus 2 1-2 at BUCS. Instead of tanking, the Jets are in the thick of the AFC wild-card race. Tampa Bay has been competitive at home, but everyone in the building knows this season is shot.

TITANS minus 4 1-2 vs. BENGALS. This looks like a swan song for Marvin Lewis and a franchise in decline. Tennessee is trying to keep pace with the Jags and the Titans can’t afford to stumble here.

BILLS plus-3 vs. SAINTS. Buffalo is a tough out at home and LeSean McCoy needs to make some noise against an improved defense. The Saints come in with a lot of confidence and a solid ground game to complement Drew Brees.

LIONS minus-11 vs. BROWNS. Detroit’s schedule is quite favorable down the stretch and Matt Stafford has been very efficient. The Browns play a little defense but don’t know how to win.

RAMS minus-12 vs. TEXANS. Houston has taken too many hits, too many trips to the hospital. The Rams keep piling up the points behind the league’s No.3 offense.

49ERS plus 2 1-2 vs. GIANTS. Two teams vying for a high draft pick meet in a matchup relegated strictly to the die-hards. Here’s a decent chance for San Francisco to get on the board and avoid an 0-16 season.

PATRIOTS minus 7 1-2 at BRONCOS. New England senses blood in the water and Tom Brady usually shows no mercy. Denver’s prolonged tailspin is testing the faith of fans accustomed to big games between these teams.

DOLPHINS plus-9 at PANTHERS. Carolina’s defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL for a reason, but Cam Newton’s offense remains a work in progress. A win would keep Miami’s slim playoff hopes alive.

PATRIOTS minus 7 1-2 at BRONCOS. New England senses blood in the water and Tom Brady usually shows no mercy. Denver’s prolonged tailspin is testing the faith of fans accustomed to big games between these teams.

DOLPHINS plus-9 at PANTHERS. Carolina’s defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL for a reason, but Cam Newton’s offense remains a work in progress. A win would keep Miami’s slim playoff hopes alive.