Monday
Titans (+5 ½) over COWBOYS: Emphatic market move on Jerry’s Boys — wholly detached from reality, now 2 points more expensive off the open — leaves us no option. If Titans manage to rush it 20-plus times with reasonable success playing the keepaway game, Marcus Mariota’s bunch should be in this all the way, given generous head start. Take what they give you!
Sunday
Jets (+3) over DOLPHINS: Multiple midweek reports have Ryan Tannehill at below optimum form, which leaves favored Orange-and-Teal behind Brock Osweiler — and us boarding the J-E-T-S, in the visitors’ role in this storied divisional series, which has flattered whoever’s on the road for decades. Can’t lay with this favorite, given their defensive struggles — and with injured Kenny Stills iffy for the hosts.
VIKINGS (-5) over Lions: You rack your brain to understand what prompted Detroit brain trust to ship receiver Golden Tate — previously Matthew Stafford’s best option — to the Eagles. No cinch — but calibrated value edge goes to home side, especially if RB Dalvin Cook returns.
Chiefs (-8 ½) over BROWNS: Newly minted Cleveland interim coach Gregg Williams recharges his troops in effort to contain Andy Reid’s attack, to insufficient effect. Even at reduced offensive output, visitors should score sufficiently to achieve “safe” margin, behind the remarkable, redoubtable Pat Mahomes.
RAVENS (-3) over Steelers: It was no accident Baltimore smothered the Steelers in Pittsburgh earlier, and this result won’t be any fluke, either. A game behind in the AFC North, capable and clean-shaven Joe Flacco needs this more, and Ravens were apparently looking ahead to this in Carolina, after getting nosed at the wire by white-hot Saints.
Buccaneers (+6 ½) over PANTHERS: Tampa Bay defense is in shreds, but that’s accounted for in the market, and runaway Panthers win over Baltimore was an anomaly for Cam Newton and his band of marauders. Ryan Fitzpatrick may launch when ready, with Jamies Winston banished to the bench.
REDSKINS (-1¹/₂) over Falcons: The Matt Ryan-Julio Jones dynamo isn’t so potent these days, as Atlanta continues to endure lingering effects of cluster injuries at offensive skill positions and in the defensive backfield. This is just Atlanta’s third road game — but they’re already three games behind the Saints in the division. Just because the visitors need this one badly doesn’t assure a win.
BILLS (+10) over Bears: Nathan Peterman trudges in from the bullpen to give it yet another try — unless Derek Anderson clears concussion protocol. The Bears battle effects of understandable Lions/Vikings lookahead, and may simply glide by, and as bedraggled as the Bills appeared against the Patriots, you must weigh the possibility they’ve hit absolute bottom. At least LeSean McCoy wasn’t traded!
Texans (+1) over BRONCOS: Houston has won five in a row after its 0-3 start — though it has yet to beat a single powerhouse. Denver has played both the Rams and Chiefs “close” at Mile High, but yielded readily when those classier foes made their winning moves. Plus-1 no great bargain — but trade of wideout Demaryius Thomas from Broncos to Texans further tips talent imbalance.
Chargers (+1 ½) over SEAHAWKS: We’ve been using Seattle this season, while others weren’t. It’s been good for us — and it’s not as if they can’t win this — but the Bolts are enjoying vintage year themselves, are primed to pass this class test and are fresh off their bye. It’s possible RB Melvin Gordon (hamstring) will make it back for this — and will be less enthusiastic about this, should Gordon not come to play.
SAINTS (pick) over Rams: Surely, there’s measure of concern here, with New Orleans fresh off payback smothering of the Vikings. The civilized world knew the Rams were going to be nails if they stayed healthy, but they’ve been skating by inferior foes for a while. Home side could be something special, with Drew Brees epic beneficiary of new passing rules.
Packers (+5¹/₂) over PATRIOTS: Green Bay was dissed in the marketplace against the Rams — and should have won. Packers dealt DB Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to the ’Skins. They’ll proceed comfortably without him, thanks. Aaron Rodgers continues to wrestle with knee issues; keep tabs on status. In close call — and though current market’s no great bargain — it’s a trip to ride Rodgers when a comfortable ’dog.
Last week: 10-3
Season: 53-56-2
Credit: NY Post</>
via USAHint.com
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