Today
Browns (+1) over RAIDERS: Browns hovering close to road favoritism a rare sighting in modern times, but sustained Raiders home form horrifying, and effective Cleveland defense — and RB Trent Richardson — should find a way.
JETS (-4 1/2) over Cardinals: Registered with zero enthusiasm, given the poisonous atmosphere pervading Exit 16W’s Swamp, highlighted by the Bart Scott Carnival. Expect Cardinals defense will continue to give Mark Sanchez fits, but tough to trust Arizona QB Ryan Lindley as a short underdog, unless RB Beanie Wells has a terrific day rushing.
Seahawks (+3 1/2) over BEARS: Don’t expect overhanging suspensions to key Seahawks CBs Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman to prevent their participation this week, so look for beaten-up Bears to take the worst of it against killer defense, which would be getting more attention were it playing in a major media center. Seattle in struggle for NFC wild card.
Vikings (+8 1/2) over PACKERS: Sustained absence of Vikings WR Percy Harvin has pumped this price. But long as RB Adrian Peterson sustains his remarkable form, not interested in laying swollen price with Packers and coach Mike McCarthy against a foe likely to be able to keep the ball out of Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers’ hands for extended periods.
RAMS (+7) over 49ers: St. Louis ran up two dozen on these guys in San Francisco in earlier tie. Don’t expect that, but anticipate 13 or (probably) more, again, which should put them in the hunt against lead dog merely looking to survive and advance.
Panthers (-3) over CHIEFS: Kansas City not without talent, though the broad synergy remains negative, not to mention the speed-governor currently operating at QB. Brady Quinn makes everything easier for Cam Newton. The suicide of Jovan Belcher understandably will diminish the Chiefs’ mental state.
Colts (+4 1/2) over LIONS: Indy faced minimal defensive red-zone stress when disposing of the Bills. These upper-Midwesterners seem tougher on paper — except Lions keep displaying their special knack for coming up small in the biggest spots. Detroit fan base continues to be held hostage by prevailing low-character personnel policies.
Jaguars (+6) over BILLS: Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey was fired by the Bills not that long ago. With his return — and given Chad Henne’s revival at quarterback for this visitor — see no reason why interception-happy Ryan Fitzpatrick should manage to engineer comfortable margin against rejuvenated foe.
Patriots (-7 1/2) over DOLPHINS: Patriots appear in typical second-half barnburner mode, especially when facing another rookie quarterback — Ryan Tannehill. But their performance pattern is beginning to resemble the overheated ’07 model, which accumulated a cluster of late-season non-covers (not to mention a Super Bowl loss). Edge to visitor — but be careful.
TITANS (+6) over Texans: In midst of three-game road trip (culminating in Foxborough next Monday night), defensively-nicked-up Texans merely looking to preserve AFC home-field advantage. Titans are fragile, but owe loyalists huge try off two consecutive Nashville losses, and QB Jake Locker capable of keeping ‘em close, so long as he remains upright.
Buccaneers (+7) over BRONCOS: You would think Bucs can hang in, even against Mastermind Peyton Manning, with Coach of the Year Greg Schiano continuing to push the right buttons. And you know which conference is offering the superior product this season.
RAVENS (-6 1/2) over Steelers: Would love to go Steelers in quick-revenge situation, but Big Ben Roethlisberger’s participation most unlikely, and far too much water has flowed under the bridge for us to embrace backup QB Charlie Batch against bloodthirsty foe.
Bengals (-1 1/2) over CHARGERS: Two franchises — both with front offices notorious for short arms and deep pockets — now headed in opposite directions. Exhaustion appears to have set in with Bolts, both on the field and on the sidelines. Bengals have been down for so long, current advance in form is most welcome to loyalists,
Eagles (+10) over COWBOYS: Of course, Dallas plays a perfect game — or close to it — this could be a rout. But how likely is that? Big D braintrust isn’t smart enough to go out of their way to emphasize the run, so they will go in for more passing than is good for them, with resulting turnovers very possible.
TOMORROW
Giants (-2 1/2) over REDSKINS: Yes a divisional home dog in December is a very tempting thing, but we will resist. Coming off their inspired beating of the despised Cowboys, least bit of self-satisfaction will leave Redskins in less-than-ideal mental state.
LAST WEEK: 6-6-1.
SEASON: 86-74-4.
Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1.