Cats can Buc spread vs. Brady Bunch

SUNDAY

Panthers (+8.5) over BUCCANEERS: Relish Teddy Bridgewater’s chance to keep this within a full touch, given available Carolina weapons. Tom Brady wants to avoid 0-2 start at all costs, but outscoring this visitor by a convincing margin is far from a certainty, until Brady and coach Bruce Arians find full harmony.

Giants (+5.5) over BEARS:

Chicago eventually ran the Lions ragged, as Mitch Trubisky maintained his stellar record against this divisional foe. Visitors earn shaky call on modest technicalhandicapping advantages, though Bears remain further along the development curve. Should be tight.

JETS (+7) over 49ers: Even considering chunky Jets head start, the injury-induced absence of Le’Veon Bell is a concern. You may hope Sam Darnold can tire out his pursuers and that Frank Gore can provide a meaningful change-of-pace. The Niners got wake-up call from Cardinals, but that may not be enough. Absence of key Niners TE George Kittle is another hindrance.

Rams (-1) over EAGLES: Philadelphia opened up more than a four-point favorite. The Rams proceeded to receive early broadbased support similar to their Week 1 date, hosting the Cowboys. Philly’s marked offensive-line woes don’t bode well against stiff Rams defensive front, and Sean McVay’s troops travel well.

STEELERS (-7) over Broncos: Steeltowners appear fully priced, though favorites will take Denver seriously, since Pittsburgh D feels pressure to keep pace with the redoubtable Ravens and are capable of generating a sustained response.

COWBOYS (-4) over Falcons: Atlanta QB Matt Ryan couldn’t ask for a better side to play for, should your primary interest be building a stout stat résumé. Winning games or titles is quite another matter.

DOLPHINS (+5.5) over Bills: Status of Miami wideout DeVante Parker’s strained left hammy is a concern. Buffalo is maintaining seasonal high hopes and was never in any trouble in home opener vs. Gang Green — but visitor is no cinch on South Beach grass if Miami ball-controls with the run game and Ryan Fitzpatrick keeps turnovers to a minimum.

COLTS (-3) over Vikings: Two high-rep sides that stumbled out of the gate. The Horseshoes didn’t take the Jags seriously, and paid dearly for their impertinence. Visiting Vikings need to get healthier.

PACKERS (-6) over Lions: Mostly behind Aaron Rodgers, Packers have engineered a series of narrow escapes against this NFC North foe, so the market’s a concern. But the Pack has made a habit of making most of divisional opportunities at Lambeau, especially through mid-October. Matthew Stafford’s sordid history when seeking to finish games strongly is also relevant.

Jaguars (+8) over TITANS: Modern Colts history of taking opponents lightly came back to bite them in Week 1. But wait! The Titans were very fortunate to escape Denver with a W on Monday night. At long last, the Jags may not be denied in this trip to Nashville, and remain undefeated, for now.

Washington (+6.5) over CARDINALS: Arizona was a grossly underrated item — until they went to San Francisco and escaped triumphant. This matchup may now provoke Cardinals discomfort, as Washington, as constructed, is more than capable of running home side’s defensive front off their feet.

Ravens (-7) over TEXANS: Baltimore is faced with the lookahead-of-look-aheads in Week 3 — their pending assignment, a host role on “Monday Night Football” against the champion Chiefs. Still, Houston is flawed, and we don’t expect the Texans’ season will wind up with a happy ending.

CHARGERS (+8.5) over Chiefs: QB Tyrod Taylor will play it as cozy as possible, keeping things under control. The Chiefs are going to have to exhale, sooner or later. Won the Super Bowl going away ... won the subsequent seasonal league opener ... then worked through an extended 10-day rest, leading into this? Don’t expect a showy Chiefs

explosion — even when invading a spanking-new SoFi Stadium.

Patriots (+4) over SEAHAWKS: Seahawks QB Russell Wilson ranks high among the league’s most astounding talents — but since Seattle’s defense is hardly bulletproof, Seahawks often wind up scoring just enough to win. Don’t fault the Patriots’ offensive effort in Miami — that was a respectable performance, given the conditions. The Falcons outgained the ’Hawks markedly last week.

MONDAY

Saints (-5.5) over RAIDERS:

Would rather embrace New Orleans on artificial turf, but the visitors are far better road warriors than they used to be — and if the Raiders gave up 30 points to the Panthers, how much might this chalk might rack up vs. this dubious defense?

LAST WEEK: 7-6-2. Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1.