Colts will suffer wrath of Titans
SUNDAY
Titans (+4) over COLTS: In one of those infernal quick-revenge situations you’re compelled to evaluate in this league, the Titans take the next step after their bad Thursday night loss to division rival Indianapolis just two weeks back. The Colts boast a meaningful defensive advantage, but will that be enough?
JETS (+7) over Dolphins: Since it appears Gang Green QB Sam Darnold is expected to return to command for this divisional test, pronounced lean is in force with Jets. Miami has been more effective when taken lightly than when expected to push foes around with their confounding defense. With Tua Tagovailoa downgraded to doubtful for the Dolphins at QB, veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick returns to starter’s role for visitors.
Giants (-5) over BENGALS: Now that Joe Burrow’s knee has taken the worst of it, Cincinnati turns to Brandon Allen under center. This is very good news for Big Blue, who are now well positioned to earn the best of the NFC Least as the Cowboys fail to live up to their material, as is their custom.
FALCONS (+3) over Raiders: Figures to be close — even given a measure of regression out of the visitors after their narrow miss of a sweep over the world champs. Not looking at a world championship defense from either side, but would look to support a home ’dog bearing viable stay-in-the-hunt value here.
PATRIOTS (+2.5) over Cardinals: Arizona QB Kyler Murray acknowledges issues with his throwing shoulder, but practiced on a limited basis Thursday and expects he’ll play — as does coach Kliff Kingsbury. Trust in New England’s home-dog record.
JAGUARS (+6.5) over Browns: Cleveland’s defensive strength has been markedly diminished by recent COVID-19 issues. Myles Garrett’s absence remains a chronic Cleveland condition. The Jags’ defense is only horrendous — it has allowed fewer than 24 points just once since a Week 1 home win over the Colts.
VIKINGS (-4.5) over Panthers: Teddy Bridgewater is expected to be under center for the underdog — though key Carolina RB Christian McCaffrey remains sidelined. While we remain unsold regarding any potential deep Vikings postseason run, leaning Purple Gang.
Chargers (+6) over BILLS: With splendid Justin Herbert — as dynamic a rookie quarterback as we’ve seen this season — the Bolts have demonstrated a sustained ability to hang with just about anybody. The Bills have demonstrated their worth, but the weather doesn’t harbor any overt threats.
BRONCOS (+6) over Saints: With Drew Lock under center for Denver, not looking to go wild here — but the visitors have been known to get frisky on this kind of road assignment, placing too much emphasis on their offense.
RAMS (-6.5) over 49ers: The Rams have won their most recent pair, holding the Seahawks safe with a prime defensive effort in California and following that up with a nifty road upset of Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. This is hardly a cinch, but the Rams are tangibly superior — especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Chiefs (-3.5) over BUCCANEERS: Difficult number — but TB12 has been blitzed for the season by the Saints — and the defending champions resemble New Orleans. The Bucs have nowhere near the defense to be able to count on stifling Patrick Mahomes and friends in critical lategame situations.
PACKERS (-8.5) over Bears: We typically look critically at any balefully obvious plotlines — but
in this case, considering the oldest rivalry in the league, we’re not bucking the sustained Green Bay straw boss posture, versus the offensively limited ground game deployed by Chicago, as QB Mitch Trubisky returns to the Bears’ helm.
MONDAY
Seahawks (-5) over EAGLES: Seattle is battling for a good playoff berth, at 7-3 — despite only managing to generate a 31-point offense/defense scoring advantage this season. That’s what can happen when you cough up 287 points to enemy forces. Philadelphia is now healthier than it was a couple of weeks ago, but the difference in firepower between these two is considerable — and very possibly fatal, even with the Seahawks on the road.
LAST WEEK: 4-9. SEASON: 7075-6