LAMBEAU MAKES IM ‘PACK’
SUNDAY
PACKERS (+3) over Seahawks: Green Bay needs this more, obviously has the pedigree, and maintains sizable chip on shoulder after brutal playoff loss at Seattle which wrapped up 2014 season. Packers? Plus points? Lambeau? Sure. 49ERS (-2 1/2) over Jets: It is Bryce Petty with the car keys, as Jets management takes long look. They couldn’t handpick a softer opponent, but we’re not optimistic about visitors’ mental state. Cowboys (-31/2) over GI
ANTS: Romeo Okwara a game replacement, and has talent, but without Jason Pierre-Paul (i. e., the Giants’ pass rush), where are we supposed to go? You’re dealing with Dallas revenge — for Cowboys’ lone loss. You tell me when Ezekiel Elliott has lost a road game. Broncos (+1) over TITANS: Respect Marcus Mariota’s development, but with Trevor Siemian apparently good to go, and with his ability to perform necessary footwork, embrace defending champs and Siemian’s level of passing performance. Chargers (+1) over PANTHERS: Carolina paid dearly for last season’s impertinence towards the Seahawks in last week’s selfimmolation — but still think there would be some level of Carolina bounceback off that embarrassment. Believe Bolts boast sufficient current upside to overcome all
that, with Luke Kuechly still out. COLTS (-61/2) over Texans:
Tightest call of week, given Houston’s secondary makes it a tough out (especially within their division), and Jadeveon Clowney is back — but Brock Osweiler remains no bargain at QB. BROWNS (+5 1/2) over Ben
gals: Cincinnati enjoyed fulfilling outing last week — but Philadelphia has fallen fast since Carson Wentz’s early flashes, and now Bungles catch winless Browns in big-dog role off their bye — with Robert Griffin III now in charge.
BILLS (+3) over Steelers: Especially when they have something to play for, going against Pittsburgh in December when they’re reasonably priced can be playing with fire — but Buffalo receiving corps healthy, and so long as LeSean McCoy is sound, respect home pup. Cardinals (+2) over DOLPHINS: Must be careful with knee-jerk fade of Miami, because their backs hated the track in Baltimore — but Cards turned in a respectable effort vs. Washington, and are attractive underdogs.
LIONS (-7 1/2) over Bears: To longtime Lions students, this appears an XXL-sized lay for Detroit, but there is a marked talent gap, and unless Matt Barkley can keep pace with Matthew Stafford and the Bears’ secondary comes up big, expect comfortable win. Vikings (-3) over JAGUARS: Relative unfamiliarity when cracking heads with the bulk of the NFC is a likely negative for two-win Jacksonville, consistently able to snatch defeat from victory’s jaws. Vikings’ defense a comforting constant for roadchalk aficionados.
Saints (+2 1/2) over BUCCANEERS: Tampa Bay’s basebuilding came to fruition midseason, as it upset Chicago, Kansas City, Seattle and San Diego in a month. But the Saints have covered against the past three named squads themselves, though Saints will miss Kenny Vaccaro in the defensive backfield.
Redskins (-2) over EAGLES: Kirk Cousins’ red-zone issues nearly match those of Ryan Fitzpatrick, but despite this being their third consecutive road game, look for Washington to salvage this one, as Carson Wentz battles his own crisis of confidence, passing far too often for banged-up Philly’s good.
RAMS (+6) over Falcons: Obvious where talent lay, but L.A. has hung tough in home digs all year. Falcons often tenuous vehicle as pronounced road chalk, and Julio Jones is banged up.
MONDAY
Ravens (+7) over PATRIOTS: New England has enjoyed a fabled modern history when they’re near healthy and playing in Gillette late in the season. But Baltimore has long been the Pats’ Kryptonite when they’re any good — and Joe Flacco is feeling his oats. LAST WEEK: 6-8 SEASON: 89-82-6