Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com and follow him on Twitter @philsteele042.
Saints (-6) over JETS:¬ With the Ryan brothers in charge of their respective defenses and with the familiarity involved, the obvious edge would go to the better offense. Drew Brees, is completing 68 percent of his passes with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions while Jets’ rookie Geno Smith is completing 59 percent with eight touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The Jets are 3-1 at home, but the Saints are rested off a bye two weeks ago, versus the Jets playing for a ninth straight week.
BROWNS (+2¹/₂) over Ravens: This one is obvious; picking the better team statistically with the better defense. Cleveland has allowed only three yards per game more than they have gained and are at home. The Ravens are minus-14 net yards per game and are on the road, where they have lost five of their last six.
LAST WEEK (NFL): 1-1; SEASON: 7-9