Home team in CAPS:
Sunday
RAIDERS (+9) over Chiefs
These Chiefs are being put through the ringer, given their short work week leading into this challenge vs. the Silver and Black. Raiders have taken special pains of late looking to deliver their very best physical shots against the Chiefs in spots such as this.
Patriots (-3) over GIANTS
Once upon a time, the Giants have had multiple moments against the Pats. Not sold we’re shopping in that particular neighborhood, under current conditions. With Bill Belichick off a bye — and half a month to set themselves up for this — a daylight win is far from impossible.
FALCONS (+1.5) over Saints
How tight is this NFC matchup? Was originally on New Orleans side, mentally, but have done a 180. Both sides need more than their share of good fortune, but am of the belief Atlanta is more likely to be the beneficiary.
Steelers (-1.5) over BENGALS
With Bengals QB Joe Burrow out and Jake Browning now under center for Cincy, have to give benefit of any doubts to the ever-resourceful Steelers. With Pittsburgh having participated in multiple one-score games, you must tip your helmets.
TITANS (-3.5) over Panthers
Awaiting further improvement from Titans QB Will Levis, in his fifth career start. Panthers QB Bryce Young was first pick in the 2023 draft. Ryan Tannehill will be in reserve for Titans, after high ankle sprain in Week 6, providing greater quarterback depth.
Buccaneers (+2.5) over COLTS
We don’t want the favorite in this matchup. Not eager to lay too many against Tampa Bay outfit with the more experienced head coach (Todd Bowles, in his second go, vs. first-year man Shane Steichen).
TEXANS (+1.5) over Jaguars
Jags currently lead AFC South over their nearest pursuer, these very same Texans. Houston is a single game behind, and led by highly regarded young quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will be looking to make amends after his three-pick performance against Arizona.
BRONCOS (-1.5) over Browns
Denver has been making up meaningful ground on their AFC West competitors during the regular season’s second half — though they haven’t exactly been epic defenders. Looking to grant Broncos additional chances, so long as their starting defenders remain healthy. Denver has closed the gap on the division-leading Chiefs. Broncos QB Russell Wilson returning to peak form.
Rams (-1) over CARDINALS
Hanging over this matchup of relative league have-nots is the Rams’ injury list. Receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) could possibly play for L.A. Remain on Rams or nothin’ in this one, at present. Cardinals defense overly yielding, which doesn’t bode well for ’dog.
EAGLES (-3) over Bills
Philly remains broadly revitalized on the heels of their relentless win against the Chiefs in their Monday-night hoedown. Don’t believe Eagles are ready to yield to any letdown bugaboo, especially since we don’t believe the prevailing Bills contingent is quite in their same class, and a regression may emerge.
Ravens (-3.5) over CHARGERS
Baltimore remains powerhouse league entity and a cut above, frequently favored on the road against genuine sides. Ravens open in advantageous position, off their Thursday nighter vs. the Bengals. Capable Ravens coach John Harbaugh remains a top mentor, and believe this Harbaugh more than competitive at the highest levels.
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Monday
Bears (+3.5) at VIKINGS
Chicago is beginning to come around, after a sustained stretch of point-spread difficulties. Better coaches with mental upside tend to find the sunshine, eventually … though Minnesota QB Josh Dobbs has marked, no-joke upside potential, with superior passing numbers.
Last week: 5-8
Season: 63-69-5