Home team in CAPS:
Sunday
Commanders (+8.5 ) over EAGLES
Philly remains one of the better-balanced, redoubtable sides in the entire NFL, but should Philly somehow take the Washington lightly, this could go to the wire.
Chiefs (-8.5) over JETS
With their frustrating losing streak having reached 15 against the Patriots, the Jets next come up against another stout challenge, facing all-world Patrick Mahomes and his Chiefs. Zach Wilson faces busy Sunday night, engaging K.C.’s pass rush.
Falcons (+3) over Jaguars (in London)
Improved Atlanta finds itself in a three-way tie for the lead in the NFC South — but again, it is not favored, this time against the developing Jags. Hard to find an edge in this morning kickoff clash.
Dolphins (+2.5) over BILLS
Two improved AFC teams are making hay this season. Headlining these are the Dolphins, who launched their 70-point explosion versus the outmanned Broncos in Miami’s home opener. Undefeated Dolphins show scant inclination to take a breather at this juncture. No weather issues with temps expected in the 70s.
Broncos (-3.5) over BEARS
Chicago continues to struggle against similar types and may also find this Broncos outfit difficult. Denver still remains a step or so ahead of the long-way-to-go Bears on their development curve. Chicago looks to make its way up the ladder to respectability, but look for Broncs to take meaningful strides here as well.
Ravens (+3) over BROWNS
Note the Brownies are favored by just a tad — but compelled to observe that favored QB Deshaun Watson (check shoulder status) ran off and hid for one of his most impressive triumphs last week (highlighted by 27 of 33 passes completed). Leaning Ravens as of now.
Bengals (-2.5) over TITANS
It’s within the realm of possibility for host Tennessee to make a game of this, but Cincinnati will be looking to make up for lost time for earlier September pratfalls. Expect Joe Burrow to turn the corner after dealing with a calf issue. Bengals righting the ship.
COLTS (-1) over Rams
Don’t expect Rams will get blown out — they seldom are — but also anticipate Indianapolis will be prepared to absorb test administered by this visiting contingent, which can absorb considerable beating. Colts hope to make most of this opportunity. Don’t sell Indy short. They should carry this day, versus Rams outfit far from home.
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PANTHERS (+4.5) over Vikings
Reluctant to be sold on the consistently-close-but-no-cigar Vikings, even against these Cats. Even when Vikings get past early challenges, they have typically encountered challengers who prove too much to overcome.
STEELERS (-3) over Texans
At current market quotations, inclined to look to the Steelers, since we find it a stretch to take anything resembling a short price with the Texans, in their prevailing underdog role.
SAINTS (-3.5) over Buccaneers
No question whatsoever, this figures close … but with that said, this attraction could very well feature relatively modest scoring. New Orleans is favored by a reasonable amount, and the favorite enjoys the home field. Taken together, that could well be enough.
COWBOYS (-6.5) over Patriots
Last week’s results found the ’Boys victimized by the Cardinals in what many regard as the biggest upset of the league season thus far. This year’s edition is the best Dallas set of frontliners representing the Cowboys in years, and it’s fair to expect a sharp rebound.
CHARGERS (-5.5) over Raiders
You wish the Bolts would maintain a greater level of stability on offense … but we continue to hope the Chargers have superior upside potential, with a good finish. Raiders have some top-drawer players, but that may not be enough. The Chargers fulfill expectations against underperformers.
Betting on the NFL?
49ERS (-14) over Cardinals
Give Arizona full marks for continuing to display signs of life as we begin to wrap up the early stages of the regular season. Niners expected to be without wideouts Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams, looking ahead to better things. Appears to be too much of a talent mismatch here for Cards to threaten.
Monday
Seahawks (+1) over GIANTS
Visitors are anything but a hopeless case, to be sure. They’re capable, not to mention eager, to do battle against challenging foes. Problem with Big Blue can be that under some circumstances, they’re hard-pressed to maintain sustained improvement. Continue to wish Giants well, but Hawks for now.
Last week: 7-7-1
Season: 22-21-1
