Minnesota Vikings (6-4) at Detroit Lions (6-4)

Thursday 11:30 am CT, CBS

Spread: Lions -2

This is currently at Lions -2, although I was able to get in at -1.  I think the Lions are the better team here.  The Bears really exposed the Vikings, who lost to the Lions a week later 22-16, then lost to the Redskins before holding on to a win last week over the Cardinals that included a 100-yard pick-six and 100-yard kick return for a touchdown.  Detroit, meanwhile, has won five out of its last six after similarly losing to the Bears.

Bottom line: I think the Lions are the better team and the spread says otherwise.  I like the Lions for anything under -3.

Washington Redskins (6-3-1) at Dallas Cowboys (9-1)

Thursday 3:30 pm CT, FOX

Spread: Cowboys -6

This had opened up at -7 and I was all over the Redskins.  I still like Washington because of how well Kirk Cousins is playing, combined with how bad the Cowboys have been against slot receivers.  With slot receiver Jamison Crowder proving to be the best Washington receiver of late, I can see them opening up the Cowboys secondary.

Bottom line: I think this game will be closer than six points and still like Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5) at Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

Thursday 7:30 pm CT, NBC

Spread: Steelers -9

I wouldn’t touch this game with Andrew Luck being out.  It’s too bad because this could have been a fun showdown in the national spotlight, but without Luck there is just too much unknown.