Mark Craig's NFL picks

You know what they say — on any given Thursday night, any shorthanded NFL team is capable of losing so badly that an entire country changes the channel by halftime.

The Vikings ran the league's streak of fans going to bed early on Thursdays to three when they were nipped by the Packers 42-10.

Christian Ponder, Kirk Cousins, Josh McCown and CBS have been the big losers the past three weeks. For those not inclined to watch something, you know, interesting, Indianapolis is at Houston next Thursday.

Now, here are some predictions and some ideas for how the NFL could spice things up on Thursday nights:

CHI +2½ at CAR

Panthers by 3

We won't pick on Chicago. Hosting the NFL draft is punishment enough.

Browns by 3

The Titans could play an SEC team. Never mind. We're trying to keep the NFL team from getting blown out.

STL +7 at PHI

Eagles by 10

Austin Davis could sign copies of his book, "Hey, if Joe Webb can beat the Eagles, I can, too."

Saints by 14

Lovie Smith could wear a look other than the one that says, "Did I turn off the iron this morning?"

HOU +6½ at DAL

Texans by 3

The streaking Cowboys could hold a seminar to let their fans know that a 5-7 finish is all that's needed to finish 8-8.

Lions by 3

Kyle Orton can … wait. Kyle Orton is still around?

BAL +3½ at IND

Colts by 7

The Colts could change things up by either beating a good team or losing to a bad team.

Steelers by 3

The Steelers could travel to Vegas and bet heavily on themselves. Wait. Scratch that (see: Bucs, Tampa).

ARIZ +7½ at DEN

Broncos by 3

The Cardinals could travel to Vegas and bet heavily on themselves. Wait. Scratch that (see: D. Stanton, return to earth eventually).

49ers by 7

Deion Sanders' nose could do a one-on-one interview with Jim Harbaugh's knuckles.

NYJ +6½ at SD

Chargers by 7

Geno Smith could either yell at one more fan or drink 24 beers and yell at himself.

Patriots by 3

All sportswriters trying to get noticed by Pro Football Talk can start their trade Tom Brady columns in three … two … one.

SEA -7 at WAS

Seahawks by 10

After watching the Packers on Thursday, Russell Wilson admitted he also was a bully.

Falcons 31, Giants 28

Eli Manning offers to play without a helmet since it's highly unlikely he'll be touched by a Falcon.

Record

Last week/overall: 7-5/ 31-26

vs. spread: 6-6/ 23-34