Since the Bucs have the day off, Joe thought he’d take a quick look at games involving the other three NFC South teams.

Currently all four NFC South teams are separated by two games. The Bucs are tied for first at 6-3 with Carolina. The Dixie Chicks are in second place with a 5-3 record and the Saints are 4-4.

New Orleans (4-4) at Atlanta (5-3)
TV: Channel 13, 1 p.m.
Outlook: The Dixie Chicks are one of the surprise teams this year, thanks to the emergence of budding NFL superstar, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. Part of the reason Ryan is good is that Atlanta has a solid running game with Michael Turner.
For that reason alone, Joe thinks the Dixie Chicks will win. They will control the ball against an average Saints defense. The way Drew Brees can light up a scoreboard, the best way to stop him is to keep the ball out of his hands.
Bodog.com pick: Atlanta -1.

Carolina (6-2) at Oakland (2-6)
TV: DirecTV Channel 712, 4 p.m.
Outlook: It’s naive to think that the Panthers will lose this game. Not only do the Raiders smell worse than a can of tuna left on the countertop overnight (remember those college days?), but they are hurt.
Jamarcus Russell is has a hurt knee. Darren McFadden has a bum toe. And that’s the two best offensive weapons the Raiders have.
If Oakland scores more than two touchdowns, there will be a near riot in Vegas.
Bodog.com pick: Carolina -10.