Pats, Chargers too good to pass up

My goal every week in this column is to lead off with two or three teams I believe are the best teams to go with against the spread. While I have had a couple weeks where I have had some tough overall records, my picks in this lead-off portion of my column have fared quite well.

This week, I have a pair of picks that look too good to pass up as the plays of the week — New England and the Los Angeles Chargers.

After starting the season 1-2, the Patriots have rolled to six straight wins for a 7-2 record. They have scored 270 points and are averaging 30 points a game.

Yes, the Pats’ defense has struggled a bit allowing 220 points and the Tennessee defense has been decent allowing only 141 points in eight games.

These stats could give you pause in taking the Pats when they are giving the host Titans 61⁄2 points. But you also should also consider that the Titans struggle scoring points (134 this season).

Another factor is the resurgence of wide receiver Josh Gordon who serves as a solid complement to Julian Edelman. Gordon has made an impact and improves each week he plays with Tom Brady.

Picking the Chargers in this spot is easy since they are playing the hapless Oakland Raiders. It is always a tough decision when it comes to taking a team getting double-digit points in the NFL and the Raiders are getting 10 points. But the Raiders just can’t get in any rhythm on either side of the ball, giving up 257 points and scoring only 141 in eight games. Tampa Bay is the only other team that has given up more points this season (275).

The Chargers have all their standout players in place while the Raiders are without inured Marshawn Lynch (injured), Amari Cooper who was traded to Dallas and defensive standout Khalil Mack who is now with Chicago.

This game will likely get ugly.

TODAY’S GAMES

Buffalo at Jets (-61⁄2): Both teams are tough to take ATS in any scenario. The lean here goes to the Jets playing at home with more impact players on both sides of the ball. Did I just write that about the Jets? Yeah, I did. Nowak’s pick: Jets 20-10.

Atlanta at Cleveland (+4): I’ve been burned by the Browns too many times this season. The point spread is low and the Falcons have been hot lately. It doesn’t hurt to have Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Tevin Coleman on your side. Nowak’s pick:

30-20.

New Orleans at Cincinnati (+5): Like the Patriots, Drew Brees and the Saints have been rolling with seven wins in a row. The Bengals will likely be playing catchup most of the game and quarterback Andy Dalton will have to do it without receiver A.J. Green (foot injury). Nowak’s pick: Saints 34-20.

Washington at Tampa Bay (-3): I know Washington has injuries on both sides of the ball. But how do you make a team that has given up 275 points and is 1-4 in its last five games a 3-point favorite against a team that is 5-3? Nowak’s pick: Washington 24-20.

New England at Tennessee (+61⁄2): See above.

Nowak’s pick: Patriots 34-17.

Miami at Green Bay (-91⁄2): The Dolphins don’t travel well (1-3 on the road), while Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers & Co. excel at home. Nowak’s pick: Packers 35-17.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis (-3): The Jaguars have struggled with four straight losses while the Colts are getting healthy and have won their last two games. Andrew Luck has a big game in this spot. Nowak’s pick: Colts 28-20.

Detroit at Chicago (-61⁄2): Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford struggles at Chicago and the Lions have struggled on the road at 1-3. The Bears tough defense is the real key in Falcons this matchup. Nowak’s pick: Bears 30-20.

Arizona at Kansas City (-161⁄2): The Cardinals are the Raiders of the NFC — struggling to score and struggling to prevent opponents from scoring. Now that I said that, watch the Cardinals pull off the biggest upset of the season. Nahhhh. Nowak’s pick:

Chiefs 40-13.

Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland (+10): See above. Nowak’s pick:

Chargers 38-14.

Seattle at Los Angeles Rams (-10): This is one of those games where the points are too good to pass up. The Rams are tough at home (4-0) but the Seahawks have been playing their best football on the road (3-2). Also, when these teams met on Oct. 7 in Seattle the Rams only won by 2 points (33-31). Nowak’s pick: Rams 30-27.

Dallas at Philadelphia (-7): The Dallas defense is tough enough to keep this a close game. Eagles get the edge playing at home while Dallas hasn’t won on the road (0-4). Nowak’s pick:

Eagles 27-24.

MONDAY’S GAME

Giants at 49ers (-3): Isssshk. This one might be tough to watch start to finish. The Giants get to showcase standout running back Saquon Barkley and we get to see what new 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens is made of in this Monday night spotlight. Nowak’s pick: 49ers 20-13.