by Pioneer Press , St. Paul Pioneer Press

Philadelphia dispatched the Vikings on Sunday, setting up its third game in 10 weeks against the defending Super Bowl champs. It wasn't easy for the Eagles, who rallied after Minnesota took a one-point lead and Al Franken declared it the eventual winner.

Pick: Giants by 8

Ravens AT TITANS (-3)

Baltimore rolled past Miami in Sunday's wild-card game, capitalizing on four Chad Pennington interceptions. The Dolphins QB's performance was so pathetic, he's now officially eligible to repeat as comeback player of the year next season.

Pick: Ravens by 3

Cardinals AT Panthers (-10)

Arizona fans are ecstatic after their Cardinals held off Atlanta for only their second playoff triumph since 1947. While that seems like a paltry total over six decades, that's just a couple of postseason victories behind the Big Ten.

Pick: Panthers by 17

Chargers AT Steelers (-6)

San Diego's Vincent Jackson was arrested early Tuesday on suspicion of drunken driving. Because the wide receiver was already on probation for a previous DUI, Chargers officials are expected to condemn him with very harsh words before putting him in the starting lineup.

Pick: Steelers by 7

RECORD

Last week: Straight up 1-3, vs. spread 1-3 Season: Straight up 156-103-1, vs. spread 120-132-8

Kevin Cusick makes The Loop's NFL picks. He can be reached at loop@pioneerpress.com

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THE LOOP AT MIDWEEK: 2008 Vikings NUMBERS GAME5

Hours a day that Chris Kluwe will play "Guitar Hero" during offseason, as opposed to his usual 4 1/2.7

Seconds Tarvaris Jackson's pass floated in air before being intercepted by Asante Samuel for a touchdown.12

Times that Gus Frerotte reminded Brad Childress he was ready to play during Sunday's fourth quarter.22

Number of stupid penalties Benny Sapp commits during a typical game of Yahtzee!28

Eagles defenders that Adrian Peterson touched gently Sunday during his feeble blocking attempts.40

Jim Kleinsasser's foot speed in miles per fortnight.69

Minutes per day Jared Allen stares lovingly into a mirror, thinking of ways to make his mullet lamer.74

Seconds it will take Vikings to dump Bryant McKinnie if he's convicted in his spring trial.78

Pay cut, by percentage, that Matt Birk will need to take if he wants to stay with Vikings.

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