Redskins (+3) over GIANTS: First-round QB draftee Daniel Jones fulfilled all reasonable expectations when beating the Buccaneers. Good for him! Now, the Duke product guides a favorite in a regular-season game — a new challenge. But, man, Big Blue miss Saquon Barkley, though bad ’Skins “D” remains a comfort.
Panthers (+4½) over TEXANS: Carolina QB Kyle Allen made Panthers true believers look prescient when they mugged Arizona in the desert. This is tougher duty, so he’ll need to maintain maximum ball-control procedures, after seeing Deshaun Watson bring it against the Chargers.
Browns (+7) over RAVENS: The Ravens knew they could glide at home against the Cards and still prevail, then were primed to give the Chiefs their best shot. Fat TD take camouflages roadster roster’s character issues and deficient offensive line in divisional hatefest.
DOLPHINS (+15½) over Chargers: Floridians are incapable of accomplishing much. Visiting side’s pending schedule is friendly, so Philip Rivers can repair early 1-2 record damage without stressing his mates unduly. Despite earlier bearish reports, Chargers star Melvin Gordon may see limited action.
COLTS (-7) over Raiders: Indianapolis QB Jacoby Brissett is The Deal. Raiders’ opening win against the offense-less Broncos was a mirage. The Raiders’ “D” couldn’t handle the Vikings, and now face a pass-happy outfit operating smoothly behind Brissett, who only has thrown one pick all season. Crush.
LIONS (+6¹/₂) over Chiefs: This is stringent test for Detroit, which aside from beating Matt Patricia’s alma mater (the Patriots) last season, hasn’t faced such an obstacle since a narrow playoff loss at Dallas in 2014. Kansas City’s titanic offense, combined with Matthew Stafford’s iffy career mark against better teams (and a newly-iffy hip limiting Stafford in practice), give pause. Market head start is tempting, though, since they don’t have to win.
BILLS (+7) over Patriots: Over the past decade-and-a-half, Buffalo has managed to beat the Patriots once in games in which Tom Brady saw action. Buffalo’s stiffened “D” and ball-control rushing game is built and conceived to keep the ball out of No. 12’s hands, though. Don’t be surprised.
FALCONS (-4) over Titans: There are occasional spots where we fall head-over-heels for the Dirty Birds — but they’re few and far between. We’ll yield to our baser instincts today, since we’re not being offered sufficient value with Tennessee in this price range. Falcons coach Dan Quinn remains one of two deemed most likely to be first fired, in the marketplace, so motivation is there.
RAMS (-9¹/₂) over Buccaneers: Tampa Bay has improved, and so long as the Bucs are healthy, you can’t dismiss them out of hand — but they shouldn’t have been favored over the Giants to the degree they were. This could be easy for the Rams if they take this foe seriously and get off to an alert start. Big if! Be careful, as another slow start by the Rams could hinder spread coverage.
Seahawks (-5) over CARDINALS: Given the venue, this looms as a coin flip, so long as the Hawks can descend to devil-may-care defensive levels, when and if they have inferior hosts subdued everywhere — except vis-à-vis the market. Close call.
Vikings (+2) over BEARS: Chicago was flattered by the broad incompetence of the Redskins’ offensive line (and defense). The Vikings head into friendly schedule stretch, after they endure this hostile venue behind Kirk Cousins — if they can overcome the outdoor environs which have caused marked difficulties in recent seasons. Absence of Bears wideout Taylor Gabriel’s hurts.
BRONCOS (-3) over Jaguars: Gardner Minshew’s Jags enjoyed home cooking when they caught the Titans on a short Thursday-travel week. If the bad-chemistry visitors draw any cockiness from that gift, the Broncos’ altitude advantage should make the visiting mediocrities’ day difficult, so long as Joe Flacco avoids turnovers.
SAINTS (+2½) over Cowboys: Dallas held the Saints to their lowest point output in the past decade a year ago — but that was at AT&T. Certainly, the ’Boys are happier to face Teddy Bridgewater than Drew Brees — but in Bridgewater’s last sustained stretch of league action (in 2015), he won 11 games with the Vikings. The Cowboys’ offense has matured, just not sold that’ll be enough. A Saints home dog under the lights — yum!
Monday
Bengals (+4) over STEELERS: Though often disappointing, Cincinnati tends to turn in decent Septembers. Both sides are 0-3 and ornery. The Bengals have been competitive on the road, with narrow losses to the Seahawks and Bills. The Steelers are 16-3 SU against Cincinnati this decade, including the past seven, but most clashes have been close. Visitors owe fading favorite plenty. Andy Dalton is better than Mason Rudolph.
Last week: 9-6.
Season: 23-22.
Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1