’HAWKS TO PREY ON CATS
Seattle will be out for revenge when they face Cam & Co.
SUNDAY
SEAHAWKS (-7) over Panthers: Carolina swept Seattle last year — including once on the road — and ’Hawks no doubt remember Cam Newton’s rude onfield behavior following the Cats’ postseason triumph. Expect sharp rebound from gutty, talented favorite in meeting of recent Super Bowl losers. STEELERS (-6) over Giants: Big Blue have led a charmed life through six-game victory march, with only last week’s Browns smother job achieved without undue strain. Eli Manning and his receivers likely will be heard from, but nod to the Rooney class. JAGUARS (+31/2) over Bron
cos: With Trevor Siemian enduring the after effects of a foot sprain, Broncos are ready to send out first-round choice Paxton Lynch for his second try. Lynch started against Atlanta in October, but couldn’t reach end zone until his team was down 17. Blake Bortles can do that. We’re on the take. FALCONS (-41/2) over Chiefs: Tight call, because straight-up Kansas City losses are as scarce as hens’ teeth under Andy Reid, but am not gung-ho about rushing into Chief tent off drag-out AFC West brawl. WR Jeremy Maclin out for Kansas City. PACKERS (-61/2) over Texans: Reluctant to knee-jerk in response to recent form reversals — but the Packers responded positively to healthier roster status when they dinged the Eagles, and Green Bay hasn’t bobbled a December rendezvous in Lambeau in years.
BENGALS (-11/2) over Eagles: A stretch? Maybe, because we’re allergic to the Bengals when they’re without Andy Dalton’s safe haven, A.J. Green. But more favorably inclined toward Dalton than Carson Wentz, in his quest to relocate his early season self.
Lions (+61/2) over SAINTS: Would rather chase the high total (53¹/2) in anticipation of a shootout, but have a more kindly view of the Lions and their relentless hard-held never-say-die fourthquarter attitude this season, than in some previous campaigns.
49ers (+1) over BEARS: Given Colin Kaepernick’s improving form, seems lesser of evils to take Kaepernick’s million-dollar legs against beaten-up Bears, who have gone into hibernation since their Week 8 Monday night upset of the Vikings.
Rams (+13) over PATRIOTS: Rob Gronkowski underwent back surgery Friday, the bulk of the Patriots’ receiving corps is not bursting with heath — yet still expect New England to win, but more in the spirit of “survive and advance” than “Don’t you know who we are?”
Dolphins (+3) over RAVENS: Injury tea leaves suggest Miami’s offensive line may be nearly intact, if tackle Branden Albert and guard Laremy Tunsil respond positively. A revival in wideout DeVante Parker’s health is welcome, as well. But Ravens a tough out, in a very tough call.
Bills (+3) over RAIDERS: Derek Carr wasn’t operating at the same level as when dissecting the Panthers early last week — especially after he suffered a multiple dislocation of the pinky finger of his throwing hand and was forced to operate wearing a glove. We’re not sold on Carr’s denial it will be an issue. Bills remain game road competitors.
CHARGERS (-31/2) over Buccaneers: We grant Tampa Bay’s profound improvement on both sides of the ball, but much like the Packers, the Bolts have built up a lengthy record of superior accomplishment in the schedule’s closing quadrant of regular-season games, with the redoubtable Philip Rivers, the Eveready hero.
Redskins (+21/2) over CARDINALS: If the Cards have anything left in tank on offense, think they would show it here, at home off two sluggish road jobs. Compelled to register slight lean to lively underdog looking to salvage one win from three-game trip.
MONDAY
Colts (-11/2) over JETS: With Andrew Luck back under center for Indianapolis, will look that way at any number within a field goal. LAST WEEK: 8-5 SEASON: 83-74-6