Raiders will handle K.C. QB change

Today

Raiders (+1) over CHIEFS: The Silver and Black came from a zillion lengths behind the Jaguars after Carson Palmer and friends quickened the tempo, and raised the long-term performance level of Southern Cal QBs in the NFL as a result. Now, the Chiefs have anointed rag-arm career bustout Brady Quinn as their starter, and support has rolled in on Kansas City? Stop the insanity. Stat players banking on home side are riding obsolete information.

Dolphins (+2) over JETS: No doubt pink flags will be flying as chippiness reigns in wake of Reggie Bush’s leaving the worse for wear in earlier meeting — and Bush’s commentary about how Darrelle Revis’ subsequent injury was karma payback. Dolphins eager for revenge after Jets somehow survived South Florida. Jets have played all-out this month, with but one win to show for it.

Giants (-1 1/2) over COWBOYS: All the relative-need handicappers will be saddling up with the ’Boys, but recent key injuries to frontline players (including center Phil Costa) will leave Jerry Jones’ Boys overly-reliant on Tony Romo at crunch time, and we know how that story typically ends. Sandy-affected travel issues may distract Giants.

Rams (+7) over Patriots (at London): Expect the slow Wembley Stadium footing to benefit defense-oriented underdog, and look for Bill Belichick’s troops (without Aaron Hernandez) to do just what’s necessary to escape from a promotion which has been death on a team’s seasonal Super Bowl hopes (excepting the 2007 Giants). There’s tangible chance Danny Amendola returns for Rams.

Colts (+3 1/2) over TITANS: Acknowledge that when Tennessee’s healthy, they’re more talented than down-and-out foe, but our technical tealeaves indicate (a) Andrew Luck can hang in, and (b) Colts defense will pick it up a notch.

Jaguars (+15 1/2) over PACKERS: Even with no Maurice Jones-Drew and an ouchy Blaine Gabbert under center, Jags enjoy advantage of Packers outfit now operating outside Aaron Rodgers’ preferred environment (domes!) and primed to take this outmanned foe completely and utterly for granted.

Chargers (-2 1/2) over BROWNS: Much has been made about the success rate of NFL home teams this season — though much of that was established when replacement refs were being intimidated by home crowds. Though underperforming Bolts may well be greasing the skids for Norv Turner’s departure, they remain vastly superior offensively, and Browns’ coach Pat Shurmer’s level of in-game presence is not endearing him to the new ownership.

EAGLES (-2) over Falcons: Andy Reid’s been dynamite off regular-season byes … undefeated straight-up, after 13 years. Michael Vick must avoid attempting to make plays he can’t make. With Reid having thrown his defensive coordinator over the side, look for more blitzes from Philly defense.

Seahawks (+1 1/2) over LIONS: Frequent lapses in concentration have doomed the Honolulu Blue for years. It’s about character, people. Seahawks are playing inspired ball and should punish Detroit skill people. Though the worst of the relevant stats waxed large away from Ford Field, Lions typically have shown to disadvantage against NFC West sides for quite a while.

Panthers (+7 1/2) over BEARS: Muscular Chicago defense should carry franchise deep into January, but Bears must take pains not to peak prematurely. The Panthers kept it superficially close at Soldier Field a year ago, and though Cam Newton’s frustration at the lack of a competitive supporting cast is understandable, his sheer talent should keep his mates within shouting distance at the finish.

STEELERS (-4 1/2) over Redskins: Heinz Field grass figures to be in brutal shape after Saturday’s Pitt-Temple frenzy, which doesn’t figure to aid Robert Griffin III. Steelers injuries remain troubling (even more than those horrific ’34 throwback unis viewers must endure), but ’Skins possibly without London Fletcher, and Big Ben Roethlisberger should enjoy picking holes in iffy D. C. secondary.