PUT BUCKS ON BUCS
Vikings with no Bradford means Tampa is safe bet
SUNDAY
Buccaneers (+1 ¹ /₂ ) over VIKINGS:
Given the state of QB Sam Bradford’s bum knee, the early market hinted Bradford was unlikely to face these Bucs, and sure enough. Given Case Keenum’s output when sent into battle against the Steelers last week, seems unwise to go against all-around talent pool as stout as Tampa Bay’s here. Dolphins (-6) over JETS:
Compelled to go this way, but given history of this series, wouldn’t be shocked it this winds up being a road race, should the visitors fail to generate 60 minutes of full intensity. The difference in talent, but concerned about sustained optimum effort from Miami talent base. Giants (+6) over EAGLES: Philadelphia secondary is banged up everywhere you look. But with two deeply flawed offensive lines broadly affecting performances, a chaos result is very possible in this passing extravaganza. Ravens (-4) over JAGUARS(in London):
The Jags are going to find themselves in desperation mode fast should they not show up here — but the league’s “Most Likely to Call London Home” franchise goes face-to-face with a fanatical defensive side, which should do just enough to ease clear here, even without Brandon Williams. COLTS (+1 ¹/₂) over Browns: The 1964 NFL Championship Game this isn’t. We get a matchup of New Face QBs for these franchises clawing back from multiple disappointing campaigns. It is Jacoby Brissett for Indianapolis (who actually won a game as a starter for the Pats when they skunked the Texans in Week 3 last September), against Browns true freshman DeShone Kizer. BEARS(+7) over Steelers:
Pittsburgh rooters are clucking about how thin and fragile their Steelers are. Given the quality of their key skill people, it is tough to sympathize. One long-term Steelers issue is their dangerous habit of broadly overlooking lesser opponents. Unless Le’Veon Bell runs wild, Bears defense might keep them close. Chicago gets guard Kyle Long back. BILLS (+3) over Broncos:
Buffalo is no offensive juggernaut, even when LeSean McCoy is at full strength, but the Broncos lose considerable juice away from Mile High — in what essentially is a morning start for Denver. Stuffing the Cowboys, as the Broncos did last week, can consume plenty of energy. Texans (+13 ¹/₂) over PATRIOTS:
The Houston defense gave Pats all they could handle during last season’s playoffs. Pats are healthier now, but expect Deshaun Watson to have his moments. Texans coach Bill O’Brien served five years under Bill Belichick, so he knows his foe. Saints (+5) over PANTHERS: New Orleans has had issues getting off to decent September starts when they boasted defenses stronger than the current tissue-thin version. Given a gimpy Cam Newton, it is tough to depend upon Carolina to ring up wide margin. Falcons (-3) over LIONS: Detroit has managed to handle the Cardinals and Giants — two sides which appear to have been broadly overrated by preseason pundits. Maybe Matthew Stafford is ready to take the long-awaited step up in class — but we’ll pay to see it. Seahawks (+3) over TITANS: Can’t sweat Seattle’s O-line issues, when you actually are getting a meaningful head start over a favored side that has long endured consistency issues when attempting to piece together two masterful performances. Check the status of Titans RB DeMarco Murray, who is iffy. Chiefs (-3) over CHARGERS: This has “push” written all over it! The Chiefs are capable of enforcing their will without blowing out foes, and Philip Rivers’ considerable savvy when hanging tough with other divisional playmates makes it tough to lay tangible points to Bolts here. Gun to head? Visitor. PACKERS (-9) over Bengals: Cincinnati is enduring serious offensive issues, having failed to score a TD in its two home losses, dooming their offensive coordinator. Packers should get back WR Jordy Nelson, but Cincy defense isn’t horrible.
Raiders (-3) over REDSKINS: Road favoritism against representative NFC entry might be no cakewalk for Raiders, but Kirk Cousins doesn’t enjoy deep group of receivers he had last year, and suspect rapidly spinning scoreboard will be the order of the evening, favoring the Silver and Black.
MONDAY
CARDINALS (+3) over Cowboys: A gimpy Dak Prescott? A shorthanded Dallas secondary? Ezekiel Elliott off a horrendous performance? You can’t discount Dallas out of hand, given their talent base, but if Bruce Arians’ O-line gives Carson Palmer enough time, this should be competitive.
LAST WEEK: 3-12. SEASON: 10-18-1.