Home team in CAPS:
Sunday
Buffalo (-8.5) over NEW ENGLAND
Even on the road, the Bills should have their way against this outmatched opponent.
New England has encountered frequent difficulties scoring versus most competitive, professional foes.
The Bills are no spring chickens — but they should have more than enough speed, talent and reserve potency to take out the Pats.
The Pats have apparently diminished in their overall power capabilities in recent weeks, and we expect this to be little different.
The Bills should have their way. Buffalo should be able to make the best of this, for one unit.
Commanders (-3) over GIANTS
While Washington is no great bargain, the Giants continue to encounter considerable difficulties on both sides of the ball, and we haven’t seen the kind of improvement we’d hoped for from them.
Raiders (-2.5) over BEARS
Chicagoans have bumped up against sustained troubles while seeking to establish offensive consistency. The Raiders are more than capable of wresting clear advantages, and coasting home, versus these Bears and their modest defense.
BUCCANEERS (-2.5) over Falcons
The Falcons’ defense is of sufficient quality to carry them to a self-respecting number of “W”s — but expect the Bucs to grind out a defensive gem while somehow getting away with a win here.
COLTS (+3) over Browns
The Browns rose to the occasion in a snappy win over the mighty 49ers.
Any regression could be costly against the Colts, who could find themselves in the picture at crunch time. Cleveland surely boasts superior personnel if all well, but multiple injuries to some in key positions would hurt.
The Browns may be vulnerable, even versus Colts QB Gardner Minshew.
RAVENS (-3) over Lions
The Lions have gotten their act together this year — in a hurry — and now must maintain their new, higher standards.
Detroit needs its frontline people to remain broadly healthy; alas, that’s hardly guaranteed. With their dedicated “D,” the Ravens are quite presentable, and this could be close.
EAGLES (-2.5) over Dolphins
Both Philly and Miami are sporting 5-1 records.
The Iggles have maintained their multiyear superiority, and should bring the muscle against this quick, resourceful foe, though we continue to respect the Dolphins’ management and depth.
It looms a close call, as the market reflects.
RAMS (-3) over Steelers
Coming off a bye, Pittsburgh needs to make this a defensive struggle and keep the scoring to a broad minimum.
Figure the Rams will put up enough to get away with this at home.
The Steelers need to demonstrate better scoring ability.
With pass-catcher Cooper Kupp in harness, the Rams enjoy an edge.
SEAHAWKS (-7.5) over Cardinals
Both sides are coming off a loss.
It’s up to the Seattle defense to make the most of this kind of matchup, and force the Cards to press, to chase to stay within hailing distance.
Packers (-1) over BRONCOS
Perhaps Denver can keep this close.
The market seems to think so, and Broncs fans are ever-loyal … but if the Pack stay healthy, a Green Bay win is a stout possibility in a close call.
Betting on the NFL?
A rout doesn’t loom as automatic.
Chargers (+5.5) over CHIEFS
The Bolts have the roster talent to make this a close call. Expect a straight-up Kay-Cee win, but this is a boatload o’ points to lay with this chalk. The Chargers might tuck in, under this number.
Monday
VIKINGS (+6.5) over 49ers
Should the Vikes have sufficient roster power to bring Kirk Cousins and his offensive friends to the winner’s circle, good on ’em. It’s a tight fit, but believe Minny comes to play in home-dog role — though WR Justin Jefferson’s potential return would be most-encouraging. Be careful, and tread lightly; stronger spots exist.
Last week: 6-7
Season: 34-36-1
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