SAINTS ALIVE FOR COVER
Kansas City pace will help Brees & Co. keep it close
SUNDAY
Saints (+61/2) over CHIEFS: Andy Reid maintained snappy off-the-bye résumé with stuffing of hated Raiders, but Chiefs expended considerable physical and psychic energy, and expect Kansas City to play conservatively with ouchy Jamaal Charles, which leaves door open for Drew Brees at fat number. Rams (+3) over Giants (in London): Saddening Josh Brown case throws huge shadow over Big Blue mental state. Jeff Fisher’s Rams have been consistently tough out, and (again!) unbalanced Giants offense simplifies underdog’s task.
Ravens (+2) over JETS: Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t Tom Brady, but after Fitzpatrick endured brutal opening weeks of this year’s schedule — and then gets yanked — for Geno Smith? Bizarre. Smith’s 4.2 percent interception rate annoys — and once this desperation reach fails, then what? Ravens should do, presuming Joe Flacco sees action. Vikings (-3) over EAGLES: Clash of a couple of this year’s NFC titans, spiced by Vikings QB Sam Bradford having been traded by Philadelphia earlier to make way for Carson Wentz. Don’t like chasing hot road chalk enduring a cluster of injuries at wideout, but making singular exception. Redskins (+1) over LIONS: Not looking to get in Washington’s way, after Matt Jones’ break- out rushing game against Philly. Golden Tate is back in Lions’ good graces, but not sold he and Anquan Boldin will go off in their heavily pass-skewed offense against Redskins’ broad game. Browns (+10) over BENGALS: The lack of discipline inherent with Cincinnati is hurting. Worse to come? At 2-4, the Bengals haven’t beaten a good team, yet. Winless Browns aren’t good, with Terrelle Pryor banged up, but they’re hungrier and more willing to focus. DOLPHINS (+3) over Bills: Grave threat to Miami’s adherents is that if you missed the wedding (the accessible “upset” of the shorthanded Steelers), you’re a week late ... but healthier Dolphins offensive line and running game can keep them close, especially if LeSean McCoy hamstring ding (game-time decision) is real thing. Raiders (+1) over JAGUARS: Continue to believe Oakland remains ahead of Jags on development curve, but this is anything but a cinch, and whoever plays with greater endgame grace likely will triumph. Colts (+3) over TITANS:
We’re hearing a good deal about how Tennessee’s turning the corner, and it is nothing but sunshine and flowers, ahead. Maybe — but even given Indianapolis’ health and depth shortcomings — must lean Andrew Luck’s way with full trey against (still!) non-power favorite.
Chargers (+6 1/2) over FALCONS: With productive Falcons generating sharp efforts consistently, expect Dan Quinn’s troops will show up here, but with a very beatable Packers outfit coming in next week, look-ahead is there, and never-say-die Bolts hang tough.
Buccaneers (-1) over 49ERS: With Colin Kaepernick unable to follow up his alert start at Buffalo, compelled to assume worst, and will trust in bye-fresh Bucs to keep mistakes to minimum, even without Doug Martin, again.
STEELERS (+7) over Patriots: As anticipated here, Pittsburgh took Dolphins lightly, and were sleepwalking well-prior to Ben Roethlisberger’s injury-enforced exit. Landry Jones takes over near-term, and there’s no upside there, but with but with Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell in gear, it is conceivable home dog hangs in there.
Seahawks (+2) over CARDINALS: Arizona wheel-spinning Monday night until wretched Jets special teams play permitted Cards to ease clear. Seattle gifted by zebras in last week’s Atlanta endgame, but look for impressive effort, with Jimmy Graham in full gear, even if Kam Chancellor can’t go.
BRONCOS (-9) over Texans: You have to handle grudge scenarios with kid gloves when you’re asked to lay appreciable points, but Brock Osweiler bolted the Super Bowl winner for the big bucks. Can’t blame him a bit, but Osweiler is forcing throws — manna, to Denver’s defense. LAST WEEK: 6-6-2 SEASON: 51-32-3