This may be Lions' last chance at getting a win

A year ago, when it looked as if the Miami Dolphins were careening toward the first 0-16 season in NFL history, they evoked a somewhat unusual sentiment from some of the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Sympathy.

Those Buccaneers, of course, were the only team in the modern era to lose every game. The regular season was only 14 games at the time. Many of their players said last year that they were praying for the Dolphins to win at least one, which Miami eventually did.

Well, those Tampa Bay players should break out their worry beads again, because if the 0-12 Detroit Lions lose at home to Minnesota on Sunday, there's a good chance they will wind up making history.

Louis Carter, who played for those winless Bucs, described that inaugural season as "going through hell with gasoline underwear."

After Sunday, the Lions finish at Indianapolis, at home against New Orleans, and at Green Bay.

Basically, for the Lions, it's beat Minnesota, or pull on those flammable Fruit of the Looms.

On to this weekend's picks:

Jacksonville at Chicago: Traditionally, the Jaguars have not been a good cold-weather team. What's more, in their three consecutive losses, they look like they have given up on the season. Pick: Chicago.

Washington at Baltimore: After a strong start, the Redskins have lost three of four, and now they'll be lucky to get a wild-card spot. Baltimore's offense is starting to catch up with its outstanding defense. Pick: Baltimore.

Houston at Green Bay: The Packers have lost four of five since their week off, and they are playing themselves right out of the postseason picture. The weather is on their side, however, and Houston is coming off a short week. Pick: Green Bay.

Minnesota at Detroit: Despite their wobbly start, the Vikings have regained their equilibrium and can see a division title coming into view. That should help them keep their focus enough to beat a bad Detroit team. Pick: Minnesota.

Cleveland at Tennessee: The Titans' loss to the Jets sharpened their focus, and they rolled over Detroit on Thanksgiving. Now, they are well rested and taking on the struggling Browns, who have Ken Dorsey at quarterback. Pick: Tennessee.

Cincinnati at Indianapolis: The Colts proved last week they can win even when their offense fails to show up. It isn't often that Peyton Manning has the kind of bumpy day he had against Cleveland. His team won its fifth in a row, however, and will extend that winning streak to six against the Bengals. Pick: Indianapolis.