NFL

Witt’s NFL picks Week 9

SUNDAY

BILLS (+3) over Chiefs: Y

Young, underrated ex-Dukie QB Thad Lewis appears very-possible starter for Bills, despite those aching ribs. Buffalo, turning in one spirited effort after another behind the kid, has been very tough at Ralph Wilson Stadium and likely is to give last undefeated franchise all they want, especially if C.J. Spiller returns.

JETS (+6) over Saints: If matchup of Saints secondary against Geno Smith’s arm winds up no worse than a stalemate, plus-points look attractive with underdog striving to rebound after epic embarrassment in Cincinnati. Rex Ryan is 4-0 straight-up in games that count when combating brother Rob, in any coaching capacity on the opposite sideline.

PANTHERS (-7 ½) over Falcons: Broad hints emanating from Carolina camp that RB Jonathan Stewart may be back aiding and abetting Panthers’ offensive balance, providing further comfort to Cam Newton. Last week’s return of Steven Jackson for visitors was much ado about little, and a Roddy White return appears far from certain.

COWBOYS (-10) over Vikings: Expecting RB DeMarco Murray to be back in harness for favorite. The Tony Romo-led offense remains more than capable of bullying bad teams, but Cowboys defense’s consistent underperformance and the ever-present sense of borderline chaos inherent with this franchise gives one pause at this spread level.

Titans (-3) over RAMS: With Jake Locker in saddle, you shouldn’t be surprised to see a salute-to-late-owner-Bud Adams kind of effort out of visitors. Don’t doubt Rams coach Jeff Fisher will strive to deliver his best shot against former employers. But Rams gave it everything they had in their shot under the Monday night lights vs. the Seahawks, and unsure how much is left in Kellen Clemens’ tank.

Chargers (-1) over REDSKINS: ’Skins were latest punching bag to falter after Peyton Manning’s second-half adjustments bore fruit at Mile High. Not certain Bolts can stretch their seasonal East Coast winning streak to three, but hosts’ pathetic special teams continue to haunt, with no improvement in sight.

Eagles (+2 ½) over RAIDERS: In trickiest call of the week, will look to be contrary after market shift toward Oakland favoritism. With Philly having displayed its best form away from the Linc, a focused offensive effort behind Nick Foles (Note: If Matt Barkley winds up as QB for visitor, abort mission) should make this call work.

SEAHAWKS (-16 ½) over Buccaneers: Even with heralded, pivotal acquisition Percy Harvin not quite ready for this, need to lean toward chunky favorite after ’Hawks likely were scared straight in St. Louis on Monday night. Pete Carroll takes no prisoners here, when he’s able, and Tampa Bay’s decent long-term road record as pronounced dogs was established by more-harmonious squads than this one. Waiting for coach Greg Schiano to be bid adieu.

Ravens (-2 ½) over BROWNS: Early shoppers inclined toward dog grabbed Cleveland plus-3, figuring bargain wouldn’t last. It didn’t, leaving those fancying the winners of eleven straight in this series a reasonable lay price. Chiefs let QB Jason Campbell hang around last week, but John Harbaugh very familiar with Browns defense, and will exploit the holes.

Steelers (+6 ¹/₂) over PATRIOTS: Once again, Tom Brady finally has both Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola with whom to play catch, but not sold Brady’s passing hand is 100 percent. Steelers are off yet another nightmarish loss at Oakland, but didn’t quit, closed the gap in their near-miss. RB Le’Veon Bell’s developing, and Ben Roethlisberger takes lickings and keeps on ticking.

Colts (-2 ½) over TEXANS: Colts only franchise which has beaten Broncos, Seahawks and 49ers this season, but two of those came at Lucas Oil. Overcoming Texans defense on the road may be different story, especially without Reggie Wayne. But as much as Houston’s front office may appreciate young QB Case Keenum’s spunk and effort, especially since RB Arian Foster’s status may be game-time decision.

MONDAY

PACKERS (-10 ¹/₂) over Bears: Hefty number, but Aaron Rodgers hasn’t dropped a decision to this ancient foe in oldest/grandest of all league rivalries since 2007, never has lost to them in Lambeau, and Packers defense long has given Bears RB Matt Forte fits. Given state of Bears defense while all await Jay Cutler’s return to health, not holding our breath awaiting a form reversal.

LAST WEEK: 4-8

SEASON: 45-64-2