NFL

Witt’s NFL picks Week 6

SUNDAY

Raiders (+9) over CHIEFS: Silver-and-black home upset of Chargers was huge, especially since Raiders weren’t at all tentative in the process. Yeah, QB Terrelle Pryor’s self-regard is breathtaking, but the late Al Davis saw something there, and in a rivalry this bitter, conservative Chiefs offense may find this handicap a tall hill to climb.

Steelers (+2 ¹/₂) over JETS: Off Monday’s shocker at Atlanta, Gang Green shot to pronounced favoritism here after opening a dog. Winless in preseason and shut out since, Steelers have had two weeks to stew after too-little-too-late vs. the Vikings in London. Pittsburgh hasn’t coaxed a turnover yet, but if Jets skill people regress an inch, this could get Steelers off schneid.

Eagles (-1) over BUCCANEERS: Nick Foles looked serviceable at QB in relief of Michael Vick for Eagles last week, but that was against Giants sieve. Now he has to do it from the opening kick, against rookie QB Mike Glennon, who’s better than chopped liver. And yes, it’s Philly’s third straight road game, but price is right, and skill-people edge lay with visitor.

RAVENS (+2) over Packers: Significant walking wounded returning to action for defending champs, and since most invaders of Inner Harbor playground emerge second-best, not falling for visiting Packers, who simply stacked against the run vs. the Megatron-less Lions, and won’t have Clay Matthews to lean on.

BROWNS (+2 ½) over Lions: Since it’s anything but a given that WR Calvin Johnson will see action for Detroit here, happy to accept head start with rejuvenated Browns and that stingy D, even behind QB Brandon Weeden. Lions can be adequate when everything goes their way, but character still matters.

Panthers (+2 ½) over VIKINGS: Toughest call of the week, since Carolina’s forced ton of turnovers but have little to show for it, since they can’t finish off tight games. That’s coaching. … But if Cam Newton’s can overcome by rocking and rolling with his legs and leaving a distracted Adrian Peterson in the dust, visitor might run off and hide.

TEXANS (-7) over Rams: Would be happier if we were certain WR Andre Johnson would play, but barring win over Jaguars, Rams have been slow starters, which would seem to suit optimum Texans game plan of “get out early, and hold sway,” provided QB Matt Schaub wakes up.

Bills (+7) over BENGALS: Quarterback attrition leaves Buffalo to start ex-Dukie Thad Lewis, who started (and didn’t look hopeless, either) for the Browns in their Week 17 waltz with the Steelers last season. Given the Buffalo defense is improved and Cincy QB Andy Dalton isn’t Boomer Esiason, this is beaucoup points.

SEAHAWKS (-13 ½) over Titans: Off loss, homecoming ’Hawks should have their way against this opponent, despite offensive-line issues. Thus far, Mike Munchak hasn’t coached his team up when they’ve outmanned in bad road spots, the way Jeff Fisher managed.

Jaguars (+27) over BRONCOS: Despite season-ending injury to LT Luke Joeckel, humongous number demands our embrace here, given evident surface development by this visitor last week. Even should mighty Broncos surpass handicap at some point, back door will remain wide-open.

Cardinals (+10 ¹/₂) over 49ERS: Not enchanted with ’Zona’s intermediate-term history in games leading into prime-time stand-alone clashes, but visitors’ defense should serve adequately, and these running games should keep clock moving, favoring “under” low 40s.

Saints (+2 ½) over PATRIOTS: Can’t claim schedule maker’s been overtly nasty to the Bad Boy Saints this year, given they’ve slotted their visits to Chicago and Boston-metro prior to Halloween. So QB Drew Brees gets lucky with the weather, again, and presuming no Pats TE Rob Gronkowski (again!), edge to sizzling visitor.

Redskins (+5 ½) over COWBOYS: No reason not to continue to look for sustained marginal mobility improvements out of D.C. QB Robert Griffin III. No cinch, since ’Boys have better people on both sides of the ball, but Native Americans always focus on this annual visit to throw a big one, and Big D QB Tony Romo doesn’t always consistently adhere to proper rush/pass offensive balance. Barry Cofield!

MONDAY

CHARGERS (+1 ½) over Colts: Bolt defensive coordinator John Pagano faces up against brother, Colts head coach Chuck. Indy hosts the Broncos next week, and any distracting, look-ahead variances in form could be costly. Andrew Luck’s a handful, but visitor just outwrestled Seahawks in a barnburner, and you have to wonder just how much psychological gas may be in the tank for Left Coast interlude.

LAST WEEK: 7-6

SEASON: 29-41-2