SUNDAY
Rams (+6) over PANTHERS: Cam Newton and Carolina’s best showings have come against defensive disasters (the Giants and Vikings). Panther coach Ron Rivera showed heart in fourth-and-short situations against Minny, but in this battle of coaches from the Bears tree, Jeff Fisher sports far-superior resume in close games.
JETS (+4) over Patriots: New England caught reprieve with passive officiating of final play against Saints (it’s too-often open season regarding offensive holding during crucial moments of truth), and with loss of ace LB Jerod Mayo and corner Aqib Talib banged up, coming on the heels of the season-ending injury to Vince Wilfolk, you wonder how much punishment Pats can withstand. Very close call, with nod to Gang Green in same-season revenge mode.
JAGUARS (+7 ½) over Chargers: With coast-to-coast trip on short week after attention-getting Monday night win over the Colts, Bolts may struggle for encore. Jags aren’t as respectable as they looked against bored Broncos, but they’re regained multiple skill people missing earlier. Check status of Justin Blackmon’s hammy.
LIONS (-2 ½) over Bengals: With Calvin Johnson operating anywhere near capacity, this seems a modest lay. Market’s largely caught up with Cincy. If Lions minimize the stupid penalties, Matthew Stafford and this receiving corps prevail.
Bills (+8) over DOLPHINS: Our confidence in Thad Lewis served us well last week, as young ex-Duke QB performed for Bills in OT loss to Bengals … but that was in Buffalo. Road’s a different animal, but this seems chunky lay for Dolphins offensive line, which frequently has trouble defending QB Ryan Tannehill’s comfort zone.
REDSKINS Pick over Bears: Bears will appreciate getting Charles “Peanut” Tillman back in their secondary, but this could be harder than it might look for coach Marc Trestman and friends against revived and recovering Robert Griffin III.
EAGLES (-3) over Cowboys: Hate to overreact to injury news, but even should Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray return for this, absence of DeMarcus Ware is devastating near-term loss, leaving Nick Foles and adept offensive weaponry and revenge motive, facing foe which swept Philly in last season.
Buccaneers (+7) over FALCONS: Atlanta style’s cramped, with ace receiver Julio Jones on IR, Roddy White hurting and key RB Steven Jackson dealing with leg considerations. QB Mike Glennon makes first road start for Tampa Bay. Falcons coach Mike Smith and QB Matt Ryan historically respond off disappointments, but deep injury list alters equation. Spread screams ’dog, and can’t deny Bucs’ winless desperation.
49ers (-4) over TITANS: With San Fran facing Week 8 London trip, reluctant to automatically knee-jerk to visitors. But banged-up status of Titans skill people — QB Jake Locker, RB Chris Johnson and RB Shonn Greene — compels conservative approach. Stand-in QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has problems against top opposition.
CHIEFS (-6) over Texans: Given QB Matt Schaub’s issues, Gary Kubiak’s tapped record-setting (but undrafted) University of Houston QB Case Keenum — who faces fierce Chief defense, in tandem with the overwhelming crowd noise which accompanies the Arrowhead territory.
Browns (+10) over PACKERS: Randall Cobb, Clay Matthews, James Jones, etc., etc. … Packers injury woes a grave concern. QB Aaron Rodgers’ presence masks multitude of issues, especially at Lambeau, but stout Browns’ defense could keep it tight with aid of some turnover magic.
Ravens (+1 ½) over STEELERS: Jets caught winless, angry Steelers bunch seeking redemption, coming off bye after futile trip to London — and got it, on the strength of Dick LeBeau’s defensive schemes. Champs are familiar with LeBeau’s act, regularly give home side fits, and have opportunity to bury Big Ben and Co. today.
COLTS (+6 ½) over Broncos: Multiple technical factors favor Indy, though Colts owner Jim Irsay’s comments reflecting a measure of dissatisfaction about quantity of Super Bowls Peyton Manning won while at Indy (one … against Rex Grossman … in the rain … in a close game) have become cause celebre. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Manning make a very personal point here, should the opportunity present itself.
MONDAY
Vikings (+3 ½) over GIANTS: QB Josh Freeman’s Purple Gang debut, as young veteran seeks redemption after escape from Tampa Bay’s cauldron of discontent. Though Freeman didn’t cover himself in glory during his time on Florida’s West Coast, it’s his good luck to catch the Giants in their worst straits in decades. Anything could happen, but reluctant to trust Big Blue laying tangible number.
LAST WEEK: 7-6.
SEASON: 36-47-2.