The lines are from Vegas and the home teams in CAPs.
SEATTLE -15.5 over Los Angeles
Maybe Jeff Fisher wasn’t the problem. I didn’t watch much of this game – understandably – but when I did tune in, the Rams were making one huge mistake after another. It’s safe to say L.A.’s interim coach isn’t getting the job full time.
Miami -2.5 over NEW YORK JETS
How much of a downgrade is it from Ryan Tannehill to Matt Moore? It isn’t as big as you think and it’s not like the Jets are still trying out there. Bryce Petty led a nice comeback last week, but to be fair, it was against the 49ers in a near-empty house.
NEW YORK GIANTS -4 over Detroit
Let’s play it safe here with Matt Stafford suffering a finger injury last week. Considering the Lions’ running game is among the league’s worst, if Stafford can’t sling the ball accurately, Detroit is going to crater.
Jacksonville +6 over HOUSTON
The Texans are still rolling with their $72-million mistake Brock Osweiler and the Jags aren’t completely hopeless. Simply, I can’t trust Brock to win by more than a TD, even against the Jags.
BUFFALO -10 over Cleveland
Look, I’d love to fade Rex Ryan and take the Browns, but I just can’t. Cleveland just isn’t going to win a game this season and its offence doesn’t have enough firepower to make Ryan’s guys worry. LeSean McCoy should be able to pound in a few TDs this week.
KANSAS CITY -5.5 over Tennessee
The Chiefs look like the most complete team in the league right and Justin Houston has given an already-strong defence some real menace. The Titans won’t be able to win this week if Marcus Mariota can only throw for 88 yards.
BALTIMORE -5.5 over Philadelphia
The Eagles’ slide continues. Philly is a worse team away from home and the Ravens are better as hosts. Baltimore needs this win to stay in playoff contention and won’t fold in front of Carson Wentz.
CHICAGO +6.5 over Green Bay
Matt Barkley is playing well enough that he could find himself in a battle for a starting role next season. The Packers embarrassed the Seahawks, but we think this rivalry game will be a bit closer.
Indianapolis +4.5 over MINNESOTA
We could really look back the Vikings decision to trade a first-rounder for Sam Bradford and call it one of the worst deals of the decade. Both teams have some big flaws, but we don’t think the Vikes can win by more than a field goal.
Pittsburgh -3 over CINCINNATI
Even if A.J. Green returns this week, that won’t be enough for the Bengals to push past the Steelers. Things could get heated in this one with Vontaze Burfict on the field, but Steelers are just too talented on offence to lose this rivalry game.
ARIZONA -2.5 over New Orleans
David Johnson is putting together one hell of a case for Offensive Player of the Year. The Cards playoff hopes are long dead, but they won’t mind putting New Orleans out of their misery.
ATLANTA -14 over San Francisco
So, the Falcons didn’t miss a beat without Julio Jones in the lineup and with Devonta Freeman barely touching the ball. Atlanta’s underrated running game should tear up the lowly 49ers.
Oakland -3 over SAN DIEGO (best bet)
The Raiders can’t afford to fade down the stretch after that crucial loss to the Chiefs last Thursday. The extra few days will be good for Derek Carr’s finger and bad for the Chargers’ secondary.
New England -3 over DENVER
This year’s Broncos team is proving that you need at least average QB play to be a contender, regardless of how good your defence is. The Pats giving points at Mile High is troublesome, but they’re the better team here.
Tampa Bay +7 over DALLAS
It’s no secret that the Cowboys are fading down the stretch while the Bucs are one of the NFL’s hottest teams.
WASHINGTON -6 over Carolina
It’s tough to make out anything with the Panthers these days, but we do know that Washington can move the ball through the air and the Cats’ pass defence is abysmal.
Last week: 9-5-1
This season: 105-91-7