SLIDE TO HALT
Can see a way for K.C. to win again
SUNDAY
CHIEFS (- 4) over Raiders: Even now, Chiefs match up well enough to enjoy significant chance to get revenge for excruciating one-point loss in October. A side that has racked up one interception all season while allowing better than 70 percent completions is begging to be beaten — even with Michael Crabtree back, though Amari Cooper very iffy. Jets (-1) over BRONCOS: Gang Green are favored because the so-called Denver defense has allowed 196 points in their past half-dozen outings, and the Broncos’ offense is only watchable through barely-spread fingers. Denver hasn’t scored more than 24 since its 2-0 start. GIANTS (+3½) over Cowboys: Tough to go on tilt with road-chalk ’Boys, off extended home stand. Eli Manning doesn’t enjoy Geno Smith’s mobility, but presuming he has a topdrawer try left in the bag, the hoards of Dallas fans in the stands should get his dander up. Lions (Pick) over BUCCANEERS: Matthew Stafford’s throwing hand endured a severe bruise when stepped on late during a drubbing by the Ravens. Tampa Bay’s modest pass rush gives Stafford a chance, but history of playing with hand injuries isn’t good. BENGALS (- 6) over Bears: John Fox’s conservative game plans for Bears have not left Mitch Trubisky much elbow room, which compels us to conclude that in this low-profile matchup, Andy Dalton should conjure up a representative effort against modest foe, even if without Joe Mixon, Vontaze Burfict and multiple pass defenders. Colts (pick) over BILLS: Given the understanding Nathan Peterman has gotten the bulk of the serious reps in this week’s practices, don’t expect to see Tyrod Taylor (knee) here for Bills. That leaves us with Indianapolis for now — but watch closely. JAGUARS (-2½) over Seahawks: Seattle laid it out there to smother
Philadelphia, despite losing in the stats. Might we expect Seahawks regression, off the fearsome level of concentration applied vs. Eagles? Vikings (-2½) over PAN
THERS: Excepting a couple of outings (vs. the Redskins and Lions) when Minnesota coasted home late, Viking defense has been stalwart since mid-September. Yes, third consecutive road games can be treacherous, and Carolina needs this more, but, oh, those special teams. BROWNS (+3) over Packers: We’ve largely veered away from the “Back the Browns, they’re due” crowd, to our relief. But t he return of Josh
Gordon as a wideout weapon after not seeing league action since 2014 lured us last week, and almost overcame that minus-2 turnover differential. Maybe today ... TEXANS (-2½) over 49ers: We went for the Niners (and Jimmy Garoppolo) against the favored Bears. This number’s similar, but Texans’ talent base is superior to Chicago’s, and this can work if Tom Savage maintains any reasonable measure of ball control. Redskins (+6) over CHAR
GERS: Washington games demand you keep close tabs on the league’s injury reports, as ’Skins have had plenty of luck in the infirmary department — all bad. But would rather be on the take with rested side — and ample back-door opportunity market is providing.
CARDINALS (+ 3) over Titans: Arizona easily could wind up going 3-1 against the Charmin-soft AFC South foes they’ve been facing with a win here. Marcus Mariota’s spirit remains willing, but his flesh is absorbing sustained bombardment from league defenses.
RAMS (-2) over Eagles: Philadelphia has jelled — especially that ground game — but Eagles took down the Panthers when Cam Newton wasn’t quite right, and beat the Chargers before Bolts started winning. Rams have beaten the Saints — in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score — and coach Sean McVay is familiar with Philly’s act from Redskins days. Close call! Ravens (+5) over STEELERS: Baltimore didn’t have their act together when they entertained Pittsburgh in Week 4. But Joe Flacco’s physical revival (thanks in large part to the strengthened offensive line) hints this will be a different story, even without CB Jimmy Smith. JuJu Smith-Schuster pays for last Sunday’s rite of passage vs. Bengals with enforced game off here.
MONDAY
DOLPHINS (+10 ½) over Patr iots : Pats won’t have Rob Gronkowski for this. Fair enough. Miami racked up their highest point total of the season (35) against shrinking Broncos last week. With visit to Pittsburgh on deck, New England does just enough vs. side they clubbed at home two weeks back.
LAST WEEK: 8-7 SEASON: 89-80-9