Home teams in CAPS
RAIDERS (-5.5) over Bears
Catching the Lions away from Ford Field is relatively soft duty, and the Bears and Justin Fields took full advantage last week. This won’t be that easy, especially with this underdog making the hop from the shores of Lake Michigan to southern Nevada. Jon Gruden tends to have his better squads on their toes early in seasons, before failing to sustain. Key Bears RB David Montgomery figures to be out a month or so with his bum knee.
FALCONS (-3) over Jets (in London)
Kicking off at 9:30 a.m. EDT, this result may largely hinge on whether or not Matt Ryan can establish a sufficiently large lead to fend off another Zach Wilson fourth-quarter rally. A close call, with wideouts Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage plus quality corner A.J. Terrell sidelined for the favorites.
Giants (+7) over COWBOYS
Must give props to Big Blue, given the sustained effort which resulted in an OT win over the name-brand Saints in the Superdome last week. This might be a good deal to ask, but clear-cut road dogdom has been the Giants’ optimal role. Giants wideout Kenny Golladay’s return to health a big plus.
BENGALS (+3) over Packers
Clearly no cinch — but second-year Cincinnati signal-caller Joe Burrow is mature beyond his years, and Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, in a non-conference road affair hundreds of miles from Lambeau, is no certainty. With a three-game road trip on deck, Cincy eager to maximize this opportunity.
VIKINGS (-9) over Lions
Detroit’s red-zone offense came up empty in three consecutive invasions inside Chicago’s 10-yard-line during last week’s implosion. The 65-year history of Lions disappointments on the road continues.
STEELERS (-1) over Broncos
Not interested in getting too excited either way here, but Denver has settled into the rut of settling for field goals after finding endless frustration with the offensive strategies they deploy in the red zone. The Under (39.5) may prove another viable option, even should Denver QB Teddy Bridgewater make it back, on the heels of his concussion issues.
DOLPHINS (+10) over Buccaneers
In an earlier mismatch, Tampa Bay throttled the defenseless Falcons. Brady doesn’t need to roll out his best stuff to hold this foe safe, making this a possible close call, despite the talent disparity, with Jacoby Brissett at QB and a dubious Dolphins defense.
WASHINGTON (+1.5) over Saints
The Football Team took advantage of yet another Falcons come-from-ahead, late-game implosion last week. Still, QB Taylor Heinicke is performing adequately for the hosts, and the visitors remain injury-impaired and clearly off their optimal form.
PANTHERS (-3) over Eagles
It took Dallas to finally hang a loss on Carolina this season. Facing Philadelphia should help produce a return to better form for Carolina QB Sam Darnold, including a reduction in interceptions. Eagles need to get healthier, pronto.
JAGUARS (+4.5) over Titans
Tennessee has displayed a realistic measure of improvement, but continues to have trouble putting foes away with ease. Winless Jaguars look to sustain their knack of covering within significant head starts granted by the market.
Patriots (-9.5) over TEXANS
Even the lessened version of the Pats we’ve seen of late should prove more than an adequate vehicle for the New England side to take significant, consistent advantage of what the Texans are rolling out defensively. Backup Texans QB Davis Mills was 11-for-21 through the air last week, with four picks.
CHARGERS (-2.5) over Browns
The precise injury status of the torn labrum affecting the left (non-throwing) shoulder of Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield looms most critical. Case Keenum remains the Browns’ secondary option under center. Cleveland’s stellar “D” will have to rise to heroic levels to prevail
49ers (+5) over CARDINALS
The subtle pressure on undefeated sides begins to intensify in earnest this week. The Cardinals will be Exhibit A, as the lone undefeated league entity left standing. Jimmy Garoppolo’s injured calf has resulted in San Francisco announcing Friday that rookie QB Trey Lance will get this start.
Bills (+3) over CHIEFS
The Sunday night game carries considerable near-term ramifications, with once-mighty K.C. holding on by its fingernails in AFC West — behind Broncos, Chargers and Raiders troops who won’t go quietly. The Bills have a strong revenge motive for early exit from last year’s playoff party.
MONDAY
RAVENS (-6.5) over Colts
Indianapolis finally cracked the win column last week with a professional triumph at Miami, but this year’s Dolphins model has underperformed, markedly. Reasonably priced, as they have been of late, the Ravens should make best of this.
Last Week: 9-6. Season: 32-28.
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