Saints can seize control of South
One of the NFL’s better rivalries has plenty riding on its latest instalment.
Saints-Falcons on Thursday night also is one of the better mid-week matchups on this year’s schedule.
New Orleans leads the NFC South at 9-3, one game in front of Carolina and two games in front of Atlanta.
New Orleans is a onepoint choice over Atlanta. The Falcons badly need this one, but they’ve struggled in their spanking new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta’s playoff chances take another hit.
New England (-11) at Miami, Monday night
Patriots don’t have Gronk, which makes this a tiny bit closer.
Seattle (+3) at Jacksonville
Russell Wilson is making pitch for MVP award.
Baltimore (+7) at Pittsburgh
Another test Steelers will barely pass.
Philadelphia (+2½) at Rams
After loss, Philly fans getting antsy. Calm down.
Minnesota (-3) at Carolina
Vikings win here establishes them as NFC’s best. Sorry ...
Oakland (+4) at Kansas City
AFC West mess starts getting settled.
Washington (+6) at Chargers Chargers do their part.
Green Bay (-3½) at Cleveland
Oddsmakers tempting us with this line. We’ll bite.
San Fran. (+3) at Houston
Niners fans getting geeked by Garoppolo. But we like Houston here.
N.Y. Jets (pick-em) at Denver
This line shows how far Broncos have fallen.
Tennessee (-3) at Arizona
Jacksonville, slipped here. Titans won’t.
Dallas (-5) at N.Y. Giants
Bye-bye Ben factor makes us think this will be close.
Chicago (+6) at Cincinnati
Actually thought about this as best bet.
Detroit (OFF) at Tampa Bay
Loser here might soon start coaching search.
Indy (OFF) at Buffalo
Bills survive this one, but playoff drought continues.
Last week: Against spread, 8-7-1; straight up, 11-5 Season totals: Against spread, 91-88-6; straight up, 121-70
Best bet: 8-5 against spread, 9-4 straight up
Upset special: 8-5 against spread, 8-5 straight up