PURPLE EAGLE EATERS
Desperate Vikes will keep up with champs
SUNDAY Vikings (+3) over EAGLES: The raw-fundamentals handicappers are all over Philadelphia — and they may be right, but the Super Bowl hangover psychological burden is real, even with a team boasting as much character as the Eagles. Vikings need second win pronto, and will be focused on point production. PANTHERS (- 6 ¹/₂) over Giants: It’s no accident the Giants’ only win this year came when the offense was relatively balanced (27 rushes, 29 passes) in the triumph at Houston. The Panthers’ addition of safety Eric Reid was bullish sign from new management that they’re serious about this season. Broncos (Pick) over JETS: Aided by home field, Sam Darnold is now on a par vs. Case Keenum. Keenum’s no worldbeater, but Denver’s supporting cast is superior to last year’s, as they demonstrated against the Chiefs on Monday night. Tread lightly, since the Broncos being no road bargain is a caution. BILLS (+4¹/₂) over Titans: Tennessee’s offense hasn’t been especially efficient — even with Marcus Mariota converting three consecu- tive fourth downs in the Titans’ rousing OT win over the Eagles ... but convinced visitors’ three-win stretch of narrow escapes won’t continue indefinitely. Dolphins (+6) over BEN
GALS: Both sides were broadly underrated a month ago. Close call, but Bengals were flattered by nonexistent Falcons defense last out, are facing their biggest lay of the year, and Miami is eager to apply pent-up energy after getting stuffed and mounted by the Patriots. Ravens (-3) over BROWNS: It’d be imprudent not to expect some measure of regression after nails-tough stuffing of the Steelers, Sunday night ... but despite ramp-up of Browns’ sheer athletic dangerousness, they’re not optimally-coached, to put it mildly. Packers (Pick) over LIONS: Yes, you’ll kick yourself and feel foolish if you take the Pack, and Aaron Rodgers goes down in the first quarter ... but barring that, refuse to embrace Detroit, especially against the guy who’s had all the answers vs. the Honolulu Blues for decades. Jaguars (+3) over CHIEFS: Jags have already beaten the Pats, and bottled up the Giants, Jets and Titans, just to stay in practice. This may be the stoutest defense Pat Mahomes will face all season, and with a visit to Dallas on deck, this visitor would be well-advised to maintain top-shelf form.
STEELERS (- 3) over Falcons: Pittsburgh still contemplating as many issues as answers without Le’Veon Bell — but Falcons are flatlining on defense, t hough return of RB Devonta Freeman will help on the attack. Steelers have long been a t ough out when coming off loss in which Big Ben Roethlisberger passed far too often ...
Raiders (+5) over CHARGERS: These twice- a-year dance partners have seldom been able to sustain an in-game margin over the other. Raiders were gifted by the zebras when hosting Cleveland, but at least they’re off the schneid. Cardinals (+4) over 49ERS: Ugly Game of the Week, by acclamation — especially since the underdog will be quarterbacked by Josh Rosen, in his f irst league road start ... but with the favorite, you get C. J. Beathard under center. What to do? The Cards have covered six straight in series — t hough t hat stretch came when Bruce Arians was doing the coaching. SEAHAWKS (+7) over Rams: Now rising rapidly after years of disappointment, the Rams dismembered the Seahawks, 42- 7, on this field a year ago. That result’s a powerful goad, and Seattle coach Pete Carroll remembers, but how much can Carroll do about it with the remarkable Russell Wilson — and not all that much else? Earl Thomas’ absence hurts hosts, but expect ’Hawks will commit to playing keepaway.
Cowboys (+3) over TEXANS: Tough call — since headcoaching inadequacies have been bringing both sides down, with no improvement in sight. Cowboys have had issues extending drives against better defenses, though Ezekiel Elliott appears back at 100 percent. Even with healthier roster, Bill O’Brien has struggled to finish off games in favorable fashion. Under (45½) could prove optimum answer. MONDAY
Redsk i n s (+ 6 ½ ) ove r SAINTS: Multiple diverse, weird contrasting trends overshadow this matchup. Redskins have been underperforming Monday-night team (just over 25 percent ATS) through past three decades — an eternity — but over the years, they performed respectably as underdogs in other prime-time spots. Alex Smith surely won’t mind playing in a dome, and no doubt Adrian Peterson appreciated the refreshment afforded by Skins’ bye week.
LAST WEEK: 6-7-1 . SEASON: 27-30-2.