TODAY
Giants (+3) over STEELERS: Having gorged themselves on bonbons in four of their last five appearances under colors, Big Blue now charges into the teeth of a savage 10-game stretch. This is Plaxico Burress, against former playmates. Giant road success streak was snapped in Cleveland, but another begins here, with visitors’ pass rush exploiting the weakest Steeler offensive line in years. Pitt against the wall with Santonio Holmes deactivated, and Willie Parker likely out.
JETS (-131/2) over Chiefs: Barring visits to South Florida, Jets have lost 10 in a row when not playing in North Jersey. With Chief QB Brodie Croyle out for the year, and Tyler Thigpen in line for another thrashing, Gang Green can make amends for making JaMarcus Russell look good. In the wake of week’s Brett Favre soap opera, a supremely focused effort appears likely.
Raiders (+7) over RAVENS: Western teams catching early Sunday start times in the East have performed even more poorly than usual this season, but will grant rush-happy Raiders punchers’ chance against offensively limited Ravens not used to laying this caliber of lumber.
Saints (+3) over Chargers (London, England): The travel involved in this Wembley Stadium special is an equalizer, as are the permissive defenses these two franchises have fielded all season (excepting Week 6). San Diego didn’t think enough of Drew Brees to keep him off the open market, and this scorned quarterback is capable of measure of productive fury.
Bills (-11/2) over DOLPHINS: Logistical advantages overcame matchup edges as Bills beat Bolts. Now, we look for fundamentals to trump Miami’s warm-weather comfort zone – because we truly admire the chemistry-rich ’08 Bills. Buffalo can extend undefeated ATS streak vs. this foe to nine games.
COWBOYS (-21/2) over Bucs: Always happy to point out Jerry Jones’ Super Bowl-less record with Cowboy teams he was primarily responsible for stocking with talent. But spread’s absurd. Dallas more than capable of reacting to wretched loss to Rams by pushing Tampa around on the ground.
EAGLES (-9) over Falcons: Stout effort by visitor could launch decent second half by Blackbirds, but not bullish on their prospects, given Brian Westbrook’s return and Andy Reid’s superlative 9-0 SU record off byes. Like nasty Philadelphia defense to upset Matt Ryan and Michael Turner’s delicate balance.
PATRIOTS (-71/2) over Rams: Pats coasted after knocking Jay Cutler out by the half on Monday night, so should have enough left to vault touchdown spread against rebounding Rams, who managed to dominate a ball-control battle against the Cowboys. An ouchy RB Steven Jackson (gametime decision) minimizes chance of further heroics.
PANTHERS (-4) over Cardinals: Arizona’s another outfit that just beat Dallas . . . but it’s coming off a bye, which may diminish the hangover effect. And Anquan Boldin’s gutty return off sinus surgery gives cause for pause, but these Eastern-zone jaunts have been disastrous for Redbirds, forever.
LIONS (+71/2) over Redskins: Lions have yet to win this season. You watch their tackling form and you understand why. But Jason Campbell has yet to throw a pick in 202 pass attempts in ’08. Been ATS “right” in four of last five Redskins games, and three of most recent four Lion bouts. Expect home ‘dog to stay within reach. Desperation remains serious motivator.
Browns (+7) against JAGUARS: If/when Cleveland’s receivers cure their sustained case of dropsies, Derek Anderson might prove to be better than his stats reflect. Jamal Lewis is providing legitimate rushing balance. Browns keep David Garrard off-balance, and this winds up tight.
49ERS (-5) over Seahawks: Mike Nolan’s coaching career by the bay has proven fleeting. On the surface, Mike Singletary is a markedly popular choice as Nolan’s replacement, and anticipate a spirited effort to send Singletary off on the right foot. QB Seneca Wallace looms the designated victim, again.
Bengals (+9) over TEXANS: Carson Palmer’s sustained absence gives Texans more breathing room in this write-in necessitated by Hurricane Ike. Hahvard Man Ryan Fitzpatrick’s has yet to show ability to probe, deep. Cincinnati fulfills, in role of hungry team hanging tough against erratic foe.
TOMORROW NIGHT
Colts (+4) over TITANS: Respect the defensive prowess of this undefeated home favorite, but given Jeff Fisher’s belt-and-suspenders style, can’t lay this number vs. a Colts team facing sub-.500 status, should they lose. Given a focused effort designed to thwart Tennessee ground game, Peyton Manning can find a way for Colts to cop eighth Monday nighter in a row.