Fins can finish in cover zone vs. Chiefs
DOLPHINS (+7) over Chiefs: Miami has improved — and has earned postseason legitimacy — which will compel Andy Reid’s staff to treat the Dolphins with utmost seriousness. Can understand defending champs not taking Tua Tagovailoa seriously, given his erratic performances, but the Chiefs visit the Saints next week. Close!
GIANTS (+2.5) over Cardinals: Big Blue has been more effective catching points on the road than at MetLife. QB Daniel Jones is expected to return, and Cards QB Kyler Murray has to show us he has returned to his best behavior;.
Jets (+14) over SEAHAWKS: Seattle is off a tough home beat against the Giants. The Jets remain winless — coming off a frustrating final-seconds loss to the Raiders. So long as Gang Green don’t encounter a huge negative reaction to last week’s experience, they may have better offensive luck than usual versus the Seahawks’ D. Packers (-7.5) over LIONS: Though the Saints maintain a tenuous NFC lead, the Packers rate right behind, and Green Bay faces a softer closing schedule than does New Orleans. The Packers seldom disappoint when thrown in against their division’s eminently defeatable felines.
JAGUARS (+7.5) over Titans: Jacksonville has gotten photoed out in close finishes more often than they’d like — but that doesn’t mean they can’t stay close.
BENGALS (+3.5) over Cowboys: Since we’re not eager to lay significant points with the favored ’Boys, look to Cincinnati, given Dallas’ prevailing defensive liabilities. Will lean to Zac Taylor over Mike McCarthy in the inherent coaching brain battle.
Texans (-1.5) over BEARS: Enticing price on the visitor — which boasts significant athletic advantages and needs to get luckier, pronto. Current Chicago form is of considerable concern.
Broncos (+3.5) over PANTHERS: Carolina may be marginally fresher off the bye, but the visitors project to have more intermediate-term upside, in a very tight fit.
Vikings (+6.5) over BUCCANEERS: Not crazy about Minnesota’s historical form in Florida conditions, which can be physically draining. The Bucs are getting healthier (Chris Godwin, etc.), but can be talked into a touchdown head start against a Tampa Bay side that has dropped three in a row straight-up within view of the Pirate Ship.
RAIDERS (+2.5) over Colts: Indianapolis wants this for playoff standings, but the Raiders are in greater jeopardy regarding overall AFC positioning — and are catching points! Las Vegas should be embarrassed off its past two dubious efforts, and we expect meaningful refocus.
Falcons (-2.5) over CHARGERS: It’s hard to believe the Bolts won’t stage some kind of rebound off a beyond ugly, 45-0 skunking at the hands of the Patriots — but, given the burden that is coach Anthony Lynn, must lean with Matty Ice and the Falcons, with most hands on deck.
Saints (-7) over EAGLES: A stifling Saints defense should stretch their win streak to 10 games. At this juncture, Philadelphia viewers will be joining Eagles management in having an opportunity to see just what the franchise has on hand in terms of pieces worthy of attention, training and near-term development.
Washington (+3) over 49ers (at Glendale, Ariz.): Curious if Washington QB Alex Smith can continue to match the rise in quality of opposition. Washington’s ground de
fense has recently shown to superior advantage. The Niners are getting healthier but are not all there, yet.
Steelers (+1.5) over BILLS: Originally leaned Steelers after seeing pronounced knee-jerk line move to clear favoritism toward Buffalo — especially since Pittsburgh’s defense is markedly superior. Slightest of leans to visitors, in very narrow call.
MONDAY
Ravens (-1.5) over BROWNS:
Baltimore needs this desperately, given its chase mode in the frantic prevailing state of the AFC playoff scramble. The best news for the visitors is a cushy closing schedule (Jags, Giants, at Bengals) — but Cleveland’s best defensive adjuncts have been the Northeast’s too frequent rain-and-wind-affected contests.
LAST WEEK: 7-8 SEASON: 84-90-6