Home team in CAPS:
Sunday
Chargers (-5.5) over PATRIOTS
Patriots coach Bill Belichick has enjoyed multiple magic moments — including a host of championships — but at this point in his storied career, the magic is missing.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert scrambles for 2023’s winning elixir, and Los Angeles capitalizes.
Falcons (-2) over JETS
Atlanta is far from the strongest side in the NFC South, but these Falcons should have more than enough weapons to subdue a Jets outfit asked to deal with a difficult AFC schedule.
Falcons endure.
Lions (-4) over SAINTS
Detroit is now saddled with the second of three two-game road trips this season. Lions have found ways to extend early season game alertness and have had extra rest after playing on Thanksgiving. Even better days may yet beckon in this campaign. Lions make most of this foe.
Indianapolis (-1) over TITANS
Colts should manage to make their way around and through the AFC South’s underperforming Titans. We harbor a liking for Indy coach Shane Steichen, so can envision better days down the road. Don’t expect either side to find easy pickings, from these foes.
STEELERS (-5.5) over Cardinals
Pittsburgh continues to make the most of the blessings at hand. Those who don’t give Pittsburgh their proper talent-evaluation dues may find themselves paying in the end. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin remains a clever operator who gets the most from personnel.
BUCCANEERS (-5.5) over Panthers
Carolina has endured a dreadful season, winning but a single contest in the first 11 games. Bucaneers should manage to take advantage here, benefitting from coach Todd Bowles’ savvy and experience, especially over interim Carolina coach Chris Tabor.
Dolphins (-9.5) over COMMANDERS
Miami remains a clear-cut frontrunner in the AFC East, with a comfortable advantage over the Bills, the other tangible contender. The key to Miami’s intermediate-term success is likely QB Tua Tagovailoa, so long as he manages to stay healthy enough to strut his best stuff. Commanders feeling their way after firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Miami masters home side’s limited offense.
Broncos (+3.5) over TEXANS
Denver has gotten its sea legs in fighting trim during the first half of the season. We now anticipate that the Broncos are primed to take multiple meaningful steps going forward. We believe Sean Payton remains one underrated NFL coach, and is still capable of proving it. Don’t be surprised if Texans stub their toe at home.
Browns (+3.5) over RAMS
Harbor belief the Browns are still somewhere short of where they’re looking to be, form-wise. Browns hoping insertion of Joe Flacco will help them crash over to bigger and better things, Caution urged, if Rams able to sustain their alert start, but for now: Browns.
49ers (-3) over EAGLES
Expect that this major seasonal headliner promises to be everything advertised. Philly is a powerful, versatile side that already has demonstrated the 2022 season was not a fluke. Expect that coach Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers will serve even these Eagles a handful they will find tough to cope with.
Betting on the NFL?
Chiefs (-6) over PACKERS
Make no mistake, this is one stiff impost Kansas City is compelled to shoulder on its way to demonstrating their worth, with bigger and better things in view in their 2023 postseason. Packers are clearly improved, and Green Bay contingent appears to be facing its last major team challenge approaching the playoffs.
Monday
JAGUARS (-8.5) over Bengals
Cincinnati doesn’t boast quite the same all-around roster, as it forges into the final full month of the regular season. The Bengals’ injury list is deep, led by Joe Burrow (who has undergone season-ending surgery.) Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars would seem to be a stronger choice than the Burrow-less Bengals, under Jake Browning.
Last week: 7-4-1
Season: 71-72-6
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