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.

Philadelphia at New York Giants: The Eagles lost in a shootout to the Giants four weeks ago, and followed that with a tie at Cincinnati and a loss at Baltimore. Philadelphia got back on track against Arizona on Thanksgiving but will have a tough time with New York’s dominant offensive line. Pick: New York.

Atlanta at New Orleans: Atlanta hasn’t won at the Superdome since 2002. Although the Saints are coming off a hugely disappointing loss to Tampa Bay -- one that probably will cost them a playoff berth -- they have the capability to score like crazy. Pick: New Orleans.

New York Jets at San Francisco: Before losing to Denver last Sunday, the Jets had won five in a row, and the 49ers aren’t going anywhere. So this should be easy for New York, right? Not so fast. The Jets have already lost at Oakland and San Diego. Pick: San Francisco.

Kansas City at Denver: The Broncos have lost their last three home games -- against Jacksonville, Miami and Oakland -- and could fall prey to a Kansas City team coming off an impressive victory at Oakland. But they won’t. Pick: Denver.

Miami vs. Buffalo at Toronto: Whereas the Dolphins have learned how to close out games, winning three squeakers in four weeks, the Bills have completely lost the killer instinct. The game will be at Rogers Centre. Pick: Miami.

St. Louis at Arizona: The Cardinals were coming off a loss earlier this season when they pounded the Rams in St. Louis. Now, even though they are coming off consecutive losses, they are well rested and still capable of blowing out the Rams. Pick: Arizona.

Dallas at Pittsburgh: This will be a huge test for the Steelers, who are running the ball well and will have the elements working in their favor. The Cowboys, who haven’t played in Pittsburgh since 1997, won’t be able to run on the Steelers the way they trampled Seattle. Pick: Pittsburgh.

New England at Seattle: The last six weeks, the Patriots have gone W, L, W, L, W, L. With consecutive road games against overmatched Seattle and Oakland, New England should break that pattern. Pick: New England.

Tampa Bay at Carolina: This game should be a lot closer than the Buccaneers’ 27-3 thrashing of Carolina this season. Still, the Panthers’ defense has softened in recent weeks and that’s a bad sign for them. Pick: Tampa Bay.

Season record: 114-76-1.

--

sam.farmer@latimes.com