SUNDAY
CHARGERS (+2) over Cowboys:
With Bolts, looking to get it back where we lost it, as another nightmare Week 3 finish facilitated Titans escape. We’re much more comfortable with Philip Rivers in underdog role, where his wound-too-tight personality is less likely to wound supporters. Boys’ offensive line and running game have impressed, but they’ve benefited from a favorable early schedule sequence.
Giants (+4) over CHIEFS:
It’s not as if the Big Blue braintrust doesn’t know Andy Reid, and the extreme conservatism of QB Alex Smith makes him easier to defend than some. What’s more, the Giants’ self-respect finally has to kick in sometime, right? Despite an offensive line that’s injury-wracked.
Jets (+3 ½) over TITANS:
Both sides currently mirror images of one another. There’s a glass ceiling in place above Jetland, since the skill people to whom Geno Smith’s getting the ball may not be top-shelf, but will happily take plus-3 1/2 with this stout defense and respectable running game.
Steelers (-3) over Vikings (at London):
TE Heath Miller’s return aided Steelers offensive cause last week. Now they’re expected to get young RB Le’Veon Bell in swing, and given these two disappointing defenses, Pittsburgh pedigree should carry day, though would rather face short-armed Christian Ponder and his aching ribs (out) than Matt Cassel.
BILLS (+3) over Ravens:
Defense and special teams aided Ravens in home upset of the Texans, until a couple of sustained second-half drives sealed deal. Don’t doubt this will be close, as Buffalo not yet consistent enough to put sides away in style. But EJ Manuel plus, at home, strong temptation.
BROWNS (+4) over Bengals:
Bizarre late loss by Packers in Cincy was what we were afraid of across-the-board last Sunday, and sure enough … but Bengals know they got away with one, and can’t be trusted to cover this tariff at site which has showcased many a disappointment for this visitor. Browns QB Brian Hoyer will find this defense more challenging than was Minnesota’s, but the price is right.
JAGUARS (+8) over Colts:
Blaine Gabbert’s scheduled to return to battle for this forlorn underdog — not necessarily an unalloyed blessing — but Indy finds itself required to deal with this trifle after spanking the Niners, and since they’re headed into a tussle with imposing Seattle, not sold that 100-percent focus will be there.
TEXANS (+2 ½) over Seahawks:
Given the Seahawks’ defense, this shouldn’t devolve into a track meet, but fully expect Texans to show up off that skunking in Baltimore.
Cardinals (+2 ½) over BUCCANEERS:
In an abrupt about-face, beleaguered Bucs coach Greg Schiano benched Josh Freeman in favor of big-armed Mike Glennon, who endured limited skill-position support at N.C. State. Cards were victims of this year’s Saints SuperDome buzzsaw, and despite injuries, should show to greater advantage.
LIONS (-3) over Bears:
Ongoing Jay Cutler/Marc Trestman honeymoon is yielding spiffy offensive results, but after calling for the Lions’ first win ever against Skins in Washington, expect Detroit to sustain their improvement, in spite of some of their reprehensible characters on defense, and the absence of Nate “Pizza Man” Burleson, though Reggie Bush returns.
Redskins (-3) over RAIDERS:
Oakland’s hung tough against better sides, but with Terrelle Pryor likely out with that concussion, Raiders have offensive points to prove behind Matt Flynn, and it’s tough to anticipate Skins’ plight becoming any worse.
Eagles (+10 ½) over BRONCOS:
One constant with Philly: They tend to play better away from home. This factor should again come to the fore, against Denver side where it appears only Peyton Manning’s teammates can slow him down. Last team to score, covers?
FALCONS (-2) over Patriots:
Yeah, yeah, Tom Brady as a dog, but even should Rob Gronkowski return for Pats, healthier (Roddy White?) Hotlanta should manage to hold diminished foe safe, so long as they find the heart to finish ’em off. Georgia Dome strong site, though there’s no guarantee Falcons square their record at 2-2.
MONDAY
SAINTS (-6 ½) over Dolphins:
Line’s been inflated, and can make a case for the Dolphins, but Saints remain steamed up and hungry after being denied the services of coach Sean Payton last season, and you’ve seen the results thus far, at home in the Dome … next case.
LAST WEEK: 3-11-1
SEASON: 15-28-2