Today
COLTS (+2) over Dolphins: There aren’t many quarterbacks who could survive — much less prosper — behind prevailing Indianapolis offensive line, but Andrew Luck is getting things done. Dolphins are on nice run, but though Ryan Tannehill is good, he’s banged up and Luck is better. Also, you’re getting points at home with a squad that appears on a season-long crusade. Sackmeister Robert Mathis’ return could be huge.
Steelers (+3 1/2) over GIANTS: It’s only appropriate that in this meeting between what almost certainly are the two most substantial repositories of accumulated professional wisdom in this sport, that taking the points is the way to go. Off a pair of bruising divisional wins, not interested in laying meaningful points, though Steelers hotel issues necessitating game-day arrival’s a concern.
Broncos (-3 1/2) over BENGALS: Because of pronounced mixed signals on both sides, this is difficult call, but since state of Cincinnati defense doesn’t facilitate automatic home-dog call, reluctantly endorse road fave, as Peyton Manning’s owned the Bengals forever, and the state of Cincinnati’s pass defense doesn’t suggest change in direction.
Cardinals (+11) over PACKERS: Arizona has issues, but if you grant them a mulligan for the latest in their sustained streak of punk Monday-night performances, you can reasonably expect sustained effort in visitors’ quest to deny double-digit margin. Larry Fitzgerald is best receiver on the field, by plenty.
Ravens (-3 1/2) over BROWNS: Baltimore had two weeks to stew over its epic embarrassment at hands of the Texans. Redoubtable greatness of the Ravens defense appears gone with the wind, but there’s scant doubt visitor should outscore Browns, if in stroke.
Bills (+10) over TEXANS: Buffalo secondary remains constant sore spot, but Texans in potential glide spot off their slaughter of the aging Ravens defense, the subsequent bye — and a possible Super Bowl preview against the Bears, next Sunday night.
Panthers (+3 1/2) over REDSKINS: Yes, the Giants slaughtered Carolina in tobacco country on a Thursday night, but otherwise? Cam Newton & Co. took NFC hotties — the Falcons and Bears — to the wire, before hostile crowds. Because Atlanta and Chicago failed to put the Panthers away, it’s a stretch to expect that the Redskins and RG3 will get it done by a significant margin, especially-given the shaky state of the Redskins stop unit.
JAGUARS (+4) over Lions: Anti-Detroit sentiment lingers, despite last-second reprieve vs. Seahawks. Modern Lions blow no one out — unless you’re talking AFC West trash, like last year’s slaughter of the Broncos when Denver actually asked Tim Tebow to run an adult NFL offense for three hours. Jaguars have done tactical pass-defense tweaking since their bye, which has improved their overall game.
TITANS (+3 1/2) over Bears: Out-of-character defensive performance by Monsters of the Midway gives us pause when evaluating this road favorite. Titans don’t present Cam Newton-like athletic threats to Chicago’s defense, but Bears’ strategy of applying defensive pressure while waiting for lesser foes to roll over is no cinch to prevail, at this spread level.
SEAHAWKS (-5) over Vikings: Tampa Bay had to travel 1,300-plus miles to play Thursday-nighter in Week 8 at Minnesota — and still destroyed the Vikings! Time to put up or shut up for Vikings, and CenturyLink Field is a bad place to get well — despite Adrian Peterson — if your quarterback doesn’t offer a multiplicity of offensive flourishes outside of Christain Ponder’s diminished dink ’n dunk.
Buccaneers (+1 1/2) over RAIDERS: Tampa Bay’s catching the Silver and Black off their annual crusade at Kansas City, and any lessening of intensity emanating from the Raiders defense could spell big trouble in the face of revitalized Buccaneers passing game. Greg Schiano’s doing quite the job … and always happy to root out reasons to fade zero-value Raiders in the Black Hole.
Cowboys (+4) over FALCONS: Dallas desperately needs better offensive balance … but Felix Jones largely has been missing in action and DeMarco Murray (foot) is out again this week. Yet on the road, away from nonsensical local distractions and facing lowered expectations, Cowboys tend to play better — or at least well enough to “lose close,” at which they’ve gotten oh-so proficient.
TOMORROW
SAINTS (-3) over Eagles: Even now, it’s tough to lay points to the physically talented Eagles with any gusto. Will ride with the Who Dats, so long as the lay doesn’t place us in excess jeopardy regarding vulnerability to the last-minute backdoor. Michael Vick a zombie, riding a phantom vote of confidence.
LAST WEEK: 7-6. SEASON: 55-54-3.
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