Cover charge proves costly

What started off nicely ended up disappointing.

So we move on to another week of football.

The plays

Cincinnati at Baltimore -- Ravens favored by 3 1/2. Anthony Wright is giving the Baltimore offense a lift. Anthony Wright! Just goes to show. You never know. Then again, the show could be over this week. Cincinnati has covered the pointspread in eight of its last nine outings. But the Ravens' excellent defense is on a roll. Take Baltimore for an imaginary $50.

Dallas at Philadelphia -- Eagles favored by 5 1/2. The number, admittedly, is no bargain. But Philadelphia has won and covered in its last seven games, often with authority. Opponents can run on the Eagles. Dallas, unfortunately, can't run the ball. Take the Eagles for $100.

Indianapolis at Tennessee -- Titans favored by 3 1/2. Tennessee was 7-2 against the spread in its previous nine games until Monday in the Meadowlands, when the Jets pulled the upset. So, instead of taking the Titans for $100, the amount is down to $50.

Seattle at Minnesota -- Vikings favored by 1 1/2. The Seahawks are 0-3-1 vs. the number in their last four on the road, including a disaster in Baltimore. They don't travel well. But Minnesota, which covered its first six, has failed to cover in its last six. Take Seattle for $50.

Kansas City at Denver -- Broncos favored by 2 1/2. Chiefs are 11-1, best mark in the league, but their defense is showing signs of wear. Denver has the balanced offense capable of outscoring KC, particularly if Clinton Portis has another banner afternoon. Take Denver for $100.

Carolina at Atlanta -- Panthers favored by 1. Michael Vick is back! He's starting! The franchise is saved in Atlanta! Maybe Dan Reeves's job, too! Carolina is 1-6 against the spread when favored. Take Atlanta for all of $10.

Chicago at Green Bay -- Packers favored by 7. The Bears have come out of hibernation in time to cover six of their last seven. Mostly with defense. The Pack probably will win, but it probably won't be easy. Take the Bears for another $10.

St. Louis at Cleveland -- Rams favored by 4. Methinks the loss to Pittsburgh two weeks ago broke the 4-8 Brownies' back. Take St. Louis for $50.

Miami at New England -- Patriots favored by 3. The Fish looked amazingly efficient on offense in dismantling Dallas on Turkey Day. I dare them to do it again. Take New England to clinch the AFC East at 11-2 (10-2-1 vs. the spread) for $100 . . . and the colder in Foxborough, the better.

Last week: St. Louis, giving 6, defeated Minnesota, 48-17, plus $250; New England, getting 4, defeated Indianapolis, 38-34, plus $50; Philadelphia, getting 1 1/2, defeated Carolina, 25-16, plus $100; San Francisco, getting 3, lost to Baltimore, 44-6, minus $11; Kansas City, giving 7, defeated San Diego, 28-24, minus $55; Tampa Bay, giving 3 1/2, lost to Jacksonville, 17-10, minus $55; Tennessee, giving 1, lost to New York Jets, 24-17, minus $55; Cincinnati, getting 3, defeated Pittsburgh, 24-20, plus $10. Net for week: plus $234. Net for season: minus $792.