Today
SAINTS (+2 1/2) over Falcons: WR Julio Jones has made all the difference for Atlanta’s offense, largely masking RB Michael Turner’s dull, stolid season. And yes, New Orleans was flattered by one of the most horrifying red-zone performances in the history of history Monday night. But you’re getting points with proud offense eager to erase that zero from Atlanta’s loss column in this most-collegiate of NFL rivalries.
BENGALS (+4) over Giants: You can’t stay hot indefinitely in the NFL, and Big Blue like to point for when it matters. Thus, Novembers frequently are problematic. That leaves door open for the Bungles, who have dropped four straight but have been in the hunt in all of them and boast neat history as home pups vs. NFC visitors.
Jets (+6) against SEAHAWKS: Jets come in off bye after an embarrassment. Coach Rex Ryan must seek to be at least as tricky as he was against the Texans, and at least they are catching Seattle laying significant points into what remains a representative defense. Provided Mark Sanchez somehow minimizes his tawdry turnover habits, this should be close.
Bills (+11) over PATRIOTS: We have long been skeptical about teams’ automatic recovery of best form on the heels of any Roger Goodell London fantasy. Though Bills disappointed when not reaching Houston’s end zone last week, this remains passel of points.
Chargers (+3) over BUCCANEERS: What? Another AFC fade of a prime recent NFC pet of ours? If there’s anything left in the tank for Nervous Norv Turner, it should be on display against side notorious for relaxing with anything resembling a meaningful second-half lead. Philip Rivers’ throwing motion hasn’t looked right to us all year, but wild card still is within reach in tepid AFC.
Broncos (-4) over PANTHERS: Nobody ever said Peyton Manning wasn’t a football maven … landing on a side with a decent defense in the conference where the competition near the top is as thin as the air above the timberline. Off two huge efforts, Cam Newton and Carolina’s needed energy supply may not be there … especially defensively.
TITANS (+6) over Dolphins: Titans owner Bud Adams went on rant after last week’s home atrocity vs. the Bears, threatening mass expulsions. For us, this is another compulsory lurch toward a side which looks ugly, but looms the lesser of evils. This is not friendly point-spread territory for Miami, especially because their defensive efficiency is diminishing. Jake Locker returns for our side.
Raiders (+7 1/2) over RAVENS: Ravens long have been deadly at home when the defense’s been there — but those Days of Wine and Roses are gone. If Carson Palmer’s high-roller downfield sorties don’t find themselves in enemy hands too often, Raiders can make this faded-glory foe pay attention for three hours, even in Inner Harbor territory.
VIKINGS (+2) over Lions: Yes, Detroit looks to avenge earlier embarrassment at the hands of the Vikings. But the best team undisciplined visitors have beaten this year was the Seahawks, at Ford Field . Has Vikings QB Christian Ponder regressed in recent weeks? Maybe, but even if without WR Percy Harvin (now likely), Ponder can dink and dunk against sloppy, fast-and-loose foe that likely thinks they are hot stuff, now.
Cowboys (-1 1/2) over EAGLES: Owner Jerry Jones’ boys keep losing late in epic graceless/choke scenarios, but Philadelphia is close to complete disconnect, with their three seasonal wins coming by a total of four points! Mobility of Cowboys QB Tomy Romo should torture Philly defense. Maybe Andy Reid and the Chargers will be happy together.
49ERS (-11 1/2) over Rams: Pure coin toss at pudgy spread, but tough to envision Niners showing any mercy, if on their toes.
Texans (+1) over BEARS: Blend of the fundamental and psychological leads us to the pup. Texans pass rusher J.J. Watt is too hip to the vulnerabilities of the Bears’ offensive line for Chicago QB Jay Cutler’s own good. Chicago had it way too easy against the Titans last weekend, and could be too cocky. Might not be the last word between these two, but for now, it’s QB Matt Schaub’s squad.
TOMORROW
Chiefs (+12 1/2) over STEELERS: Chiefs have not led during regulation time in the season’s first half, placing them in embarrassing historical company. It’s been a rare event when the Chiefs haven’t committed at least one fumble and interception in a contest. Tough to win that way, but if the pendulum swings, this could wind up in single digits as huge Heinz fave knows putting on a ostentatious scoring show would be superfluous.
LAST WEEK: 8-5. SEASON: 63-59-3.
Follow Richard Witt
on Twitter: @rich_witt1.