MILE HIGH LOW
With Big Blue bumbling, put your bucks on Broncs
HE decimation of the Giants receiving corps in last Sunday’s game against the Chargers was cruel and unusual punishment. To lose three players — Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Harris — at one position for the season in a single day is just stunning.
But as tough as it will be for the Giants to move on without any of Eli Manning’s familiar targets ( Sterling Shepard may miss Sunday ni g ht ’ s game in Denver, as well), that’s not their biggest problem. Leadership is.
Would love to know what GM Jerry Reese thinks of his 0-5 team, but he plays Sphinx until the bye week. No exceptions.
And coach Ben McAdoo appears to have lost control of the team. It started with him throwing Manning under the Big Blue bus for a delay-of-game penalty but indulging OBJ’s dog-pee celebration. So it’s no surprise now that Eli Apple is pointing to the Giants’ “whole culture” while Janoris Jenkins is exiting the field before the end of the game and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is getting suspended.
It’s been a screwy season in the NFL, with all kinds of shocking results. But it seems improbable the Giants can stay within two touchdowns. Don’t think the Broncos will take them lightly, not after a bye week and an earlier loss at Buffalo. More likely, Denver will be smelling blood.
JETS (+ 9) over Patriots: Since the Buttfumble, the Jets are 2-2 at home vs. the Patriots, winning by six and three and losing by five and one. And this season, New England has had just one result that would cover this number. The Jets’ 3-2 record may be a little bit of fake news, but they might be able to hang with the Patriots on grit and effort.
Browns (+ 10) over TEXANS: Kevin Hogan, who went 16- of19 against the Jets and led two touchdown drives, replaces DeShone Kizer at QB for the Browns. Willing to take this hefty head start against a Texans D that just lost J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus.
FALCONS (-- 1 3) over Dolphins: Miami has scored 16 offensive points total in the past three weeks, likely will be without WR DeVante Parker, and had to deal with a drug-snorting assistant coach this week. Falcons are rested off a bye and lost their last game.
Lions (+4 ¹ /₂ )) over SAINTS: Nice price on the Lions, who are 3-2 but not far away from 5-0. Drew Brees lost his longtime right tackle Zach Strief before the bye.
Packers (-3) over VIKINGS: Regardless of whether it’s Sam Bradford or Case Keenum at quarterback, the Vikings’ offense is limited now without Dalvin Cook. There’s nono point in worrying about out the Pack’s injury list iff Aaron Rodgers isn’t on it..
RAVE NS (-6¹/₂₂)) over Bears: Mitchell Trubisky’s twopoint conversion was sensational Monday night, but the rest of his first NFL start wasn’t too impressive. Now his first road game comes in a tough place on a short week.
REDSKINS (-11) over 49ers: San Francisco has lost its past four games by two, two, three and three. And Kyle Shanahan is going up against a team that fired him (and his dad!) and we usually like that dynamic. But the Skins are coming off a bye, a huge rest edge over a team playing a third straight road game. And theyy have ex-49ers coach Jim Tomsula on their staff.
Rams (+ 3) over JAGUARS: The Jags have been hard to figure, crushing t he Texans, Ravens and Steelers, but losing to the Jets. The Rams were in position to beat Seattle last week but gave it away with five turnovers. Good spot for turnaround for both teams.
Buccaneers (- 1 ¹/₂ ) over CARDINALS: If Jameis Winston and the field-goal kicker can improve their accuracy, the 2-2 Bucs can still be a force in the NFL. The Cardinals’ defense was exposed by Carson Wentz last week, and Winston can do the same.
CHIEFS (-4) over Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger was probably being facetious last week when he said “maybe I don’t have it anymore” after throwing five interceptions. But Arrowhead wouldn’t be the next place he’d want to go.
ChargersCharge (+2) over RAIDERS: Count us as a little skeptical about Derek Carr returning two weeks into an injury (fracture in his back) that has a twoto-six week window. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram sacked Eli Manning four times last week and will be coming after Carr.
MONDAYMOND NIGHT
TITANSTITA (-4 ¹ /₂ ) over Colts: Line was “off ” all week because of quarterback injuries. Marcus Mariota looks to be a game-time decision for the Titans while Andrew Luck remains out for Indy. Colts are ranked 31st in defense and have lost their first two road games by a combined 92-27.
BEST BETS: Broncos, Lions,Lio Titans.
LOCKL OF THE WEEK:W Broncos (Locks 1-4 in 2017).
LAST WEEK: 3-9-2 overall, 1-2 Best Bets.
THURSDAY NIGHT:NI Eagles (W).