DOLLARS AGAINST BILL$
Rested Raiders can deliver in the Buff’
Raiders (+2¹/₂) over BILLS: Would like this more if Oakland hadn’t had to rally relentlessly in the late going to get up at the gun against eternal rival Kansas City. At least that was 10 full days ago, and Derek Carr has looked better by the week since returning from back issues. Buffalo may be lured into a track meet, which would favor visitors.
JETS (+5) over Falcons: Even should Atlanta rise to this occasion after a month of lackluster offensive performances, expect Jets to again respond to one more matchup they’re currently capable of contesting fiercely, to the wire. Saturating rains are anticipated, though worst is expected after game’s end.
Vikings ( - 9 ¹ /₂ ) over BROWNS ( London, England): With Case Keenum starting, Vikings are fiercely priced, but especially given favorite is facing a team that doesn’t see them often, they play rockribbed defense and wait for Cleveland to fumble and bumble. Browns’ high draft choice Myles Garrett didn’t make the plane.
Bears (+9¹/₂) over SAINTS: When facing the three toughest defenses it has dealt with. New Orleans turned over Carolina three times, and skunked Miami in London without turnover help — though it lost at Minnesota in its opener. Bears defense remains underrated, and if Chicago ground game doesn’t turn it over ... remember, John Fox won games with Tim Tebow.
Panthers (+1¹/₂) over BUCCANEERS: Still waiting for Cam Newton to get with it in the maturity department and not overreach his considerable talent level, but Bucs have been consistent underperformers in this divisional, and will look to take anything, especially with Luke Kuechly expected back for Carolina. Jameis Winston’s shoulder reaggravated vs. Buffalo.
49ers (+13) over EAGLES: Niners got slapped around by Dallas at home, but Frisco was pesky the entire month prior. With Philadelphia unafraid of the worst-case scenario and Niners playing with nothing to lose with nothing yet won, looks like fun. Sustained rains are expected to hover over this contest, as well.
BENGALS (- 1 0 ¹/₂ ) over Colts: All Indianapolis road efforts have ended badly, so lean chalk, with top Cincinnati draft choice WR John Ross ready to roll, though Marvin Lewis’ offense leaves us nervous.
Chargers (+7) over PATRIOTS: LB Dont’a Hightower is out for the year for New England, and corner Stephon Gilmore (concussion) is no cinch to see action today. Coach Bill Belichick is fortunate he’ll be visiting Denver at its weakest in two weeks, and other than a visit to Pittsburgh in December, Pats’ schedule isn’t bone-chilling. Bolts have won three straight, and Philip Rivers is always a threat when catching fat numbers.
SEAHAWKS (-5) over Texans: Yes, willing to lay a handful of points to otherworldly Houston rookie QB Deshaun Wilson, who’s thrown 15 touchdown passes — given level of concern inspired by internal Texans discord.
REDSKINS (+2) over Cowboys: Despite Dallas consistently being one of the most overrated teams at market, this remains tough call at current quotes, because full confidence in Washington relies on its being able to generate consistent ground success. Dallas tends to take this series for granted. ’Skins don’t.
Steelers (-2¹/₂) over LIONS: A star at both locales, Bobby Layne was the last QB to win a championship for Detroit, in 1957. Matthew Stafford needs to demonstrate he can beat this caliber of foe to reach the next level. Facing a pair of non-divisional road games where they’ll be favored, chalk must handle this challenge adriotly.
MONDAY
CHIEFS (-7) over Broncos: Linebacker Shane Ray and t ackle Donald Stephenson may make it back for Denver. Their presence would help, but broad health issues remain in place for visitors. Though this is a significant lay to an established power in a divisional, alternative’s unacceptable.
LAST WEEK: 5-8-1
SEASON: 51-45-3