BY IRA KAUFMAN

If you know a good local soothsayer, drop me a line.

A week after breaking into the positive column, my picks against the spread returned to the shredder. A 5-7 mark dropped me to 52-79 for the season, so it’s safe to say that 53 percent success rate I’ve been shooting for is well out of reach.

All I can do now is try to be respectable down the stretch, starting with this weekend’s slate of games.

LIONS minus-3 at BEARS: Chicago had been playing well at home until the Packers rolled into Soldier Field without Aaron Rodgers and tamed the Bears. Good luck against Matt Stafford, fellas.

CHIEFS minus 10 1-2 at GIANTS: KC has had an extra week to address some defensive problems while the Giants are playing out the string for a lame-duck coach in the swamps of Jersey. Leave the playbook, take the cannoli.

BUCS plus-1 at DOLPHINS: This is the week Tampa Bay’s defense can make a stand on the road, where the Bucs are 0-4 and allow an average of 33 points. The Dolphins are in a major tailspin.

RAVENS minus-2 at PACKERS: Without Rodgers, Green Bay will find it difficult to mount much of an attack against an underrated defense. A loss would cripple Baltimore’s playoff hopes.

RAMS plus 2 1-2 at VIKINGS: I’m starting to believe in Jared Goff and an offense peaking in all facets. The Rams have been road warriors and the Vikes are due for a letdown.

TEXANS minus-1 vs. CARDINALS: Arizona is down to its third-string QB and the Texans should muster just enough offense to please the home folks in this trying season.

BROWNS plus 7 1-2 vs. JAGUARS: Jacksonville could be caught peeking ahead and no one knows what’s going on with Leonard Fournette’s tender ankle. The Browns have to win one, don’t they?

SAINTS minus 7 1-2 vs. REDSKINS: This looks like the most confident, well-rounded Saints team since Sean Payton hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy. Drew Brees is throwing less and enjoying it more.

CHARGERS minus-4 vs. BILLS: Don’t sleep on the Charger pass rush, and a switch under center won’t do much for the Bills, who lack downfield weapons. This could be the Melvin Gordon show.

BRONCOS minus 2 1-2 vs. BENGALS: It’s time for Denver’s defense to show some pride before the Broncos find themselves in sole possession of last place in the AFC West.

RAIDERS plus-7 vs. PATRIOTS: This could turn out to be a Mexican fiesta for Tom Brady, but it’s also an opportunity for the Raiders to prove they are legit wild-card contenders. Derek Carr needs to step it up over the border.

COWBOYS plus-4 vs. EAGLES: Last week’s beatdown in Atlanta was a reality check for a prideful offensive line. Dallas needs this game to regain its confidence and the Eagles have to throw in a clinker once in a while.

SEAHAWKS minus-3 vs. FALCONS: Seattle has had some extra time to heal and Russell Wilson will make some big plays. A win in the Pacific Northwest would leave Atlanta in prime playoff contention.

Ira Kaufman is the most beloved, revered and esteemed Buccaneers columnist in town. He has hung his hat at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters since July 2016. Tampa Bay’s only Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, Ira busts out columns here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and his award winning podcasts fire Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also see Ira every football Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on FOX-13, Scott Smith’s Tailgate Sunday.