The lines are from Vegas and the home teams in CAPs.
NEW YORK JETS +3 over Buffalo
We knew the Jets would work hard, but I didn’t think the Bills would come unglued like they did in this one. There were so many mental mistakes, but we can probably chalk that up to this being a Thursday nighter. Sean McDermott’s reputation should be dinged a little bit, though, because if not for a few garbage-time TDs, the Jets were winning this one 34-7.
Denver +8 over PHILADELPHIA
The Eagles are the best team in football and the Broncos are on a three-game losing streak in which QB Trevor Siemian has looked awful. So what gives with this pick? The Eagles are on their bye next and we could see them relax a bit in this one. Denver also needs a win about as bad as any team out there and their defence could be a lot for Philly to handle without Jason Peters.
Los Angeles Rams -3.5 over NEW YORK GIANTS
One week off won’t fix the Giants’ issues. Big Blue remains dysfunctional and the offensive line will be hard-pressed to contain the Rams’ pass rush, giving Eli Manning even less time to find one of his practice squad receivers.
Tampa Bay +7 over NEW ORLEANS
The Bucs are another squad that needs to pick things up and could do so against their division rival. The Saints have impressed with their recent run, but will that suddenly decent defence be able to hold off a back-door cover?
JACKSONVILLE -4.5 over Cincinnati
The Jags aren’t used to spotting this many points – which isn’t many at all. But with the way that their defence is playing, A.J. Green could have issues getting open and the visitors should have problems putting up points.
Atlanta +1 over CAROLINA
This one’s tough. It’s hard to go against the Panthers when Luke Kuechly is on the field, but the Falcons are fading away and need to pull ahead of their division rival. Atlanta’s offence has to come around one of these days and this could be it. Carolina also dealt their top receiver this week – which doesn’t usually mean things are going well in the locker room.
Indianapolis over HOUSTON (NL)
Not even 24 hours after winning the World Series, Houston gets the terrible news that Deshaun Watson is out for the season with a torn ACL suffered in practice. That basically sinks the Texans’ season.
TENNESSEE (NL) over Baltimore
Even if Joe Flacco plays, it’s not going to do much in this one. The Titans are coming off their bye at home and the Ravens, historically, are a worse team on the road. Marcus Mariota should be back to 100% after the rest, too.
SAN FRANCISCO +2.5 over Arizona
This could be the Niners’ best shot at a win this season and let’s not forget that the Cardinals are starting Drew Stanton at QB. San Fran should have some excitement on the sidelines with the midweek trade for Jimmy Garoppolo and we’ll take a couple points with the home dogs.
Washington +7 over SEATTLE
Injuries have Washington scrambling, but we’re not sold on the Seahawks being able to cover, despite their great game against Houston last week. Seattle’s running game remains trash and Washington’s corners are much better than Houston’s.
Kansas City -1 over DALLAS
The Chiefs got back on the right track on Monday while the Cowboys are without two important things: Ezekiel Elliott and a win over a legit team. Dallas’ win over Washington was nice, but the hosts were missing a lot of key players. K.C. presents a much tougher test.
Oakland -3 over MIAMI
The return of Jay Cutler is nice, but let’s not forget that he wasn’t doing anything special with that dismal Dolphins offence that is now without Jay Ajayi. The Raiders have their issues, too, but shined in prime time two weeks ago.
GREEN BAY +2.5 over Detroit
Brett Hundley is no Aaron Rodgers, but the Lions are cursed at Lambeau Field. And it turns out that the Lions best offensive weapon might be their kicker. With an extra week to prepare, the Pack should have a good gameplan on how to deal with their rival.
Last week: 8-5
This season: 60-49-3