Bay Area foes fight for high draft pick
The Battle of the Bay Area in prime time is more like a skirmish for a high pick in next April’s draft, perhaps even the first overall selection.
Yep, that’s how bad the Raiders (1-6) and 49ers (17) have been so far. When they meet on Thursday night, how much of the nation will show interest is problematic.
San Francisco is a threepoint favourite.
“We’re looking for more consistency. We’re looking for somebody to step up, not only on game day, but during the week,” said Raiders coach Jon Gruden.
Opportunity knocks this week for ... Raiders, 20-13 L.A. Chargers (+1½) at Seattle
Seahawks getting physical, remain resourceful, should handle this one at home.
Best bet: Seahawks, 27-20 Pittsburgh (+3) at Baltimore
Steelers hitting their stride in time for NFL’s best rivalry renewal.
Upset special: Steelers, 23-20
Los Angeles Rams (+2) at New Orleans
Saints will put the big hurt on unbeaten Rams in the Big Easy.
Saints, 36-32
Atlanta (+2) at Washington
Redskins should be bigger favourite. What does Las Vegas know?
Redskins, 21-20 Houston (+2½) at Denver
Texans are far better, but altitude a factor here.
Texans, 28-22
Tampa Bay (+7) at Carolina
Panthers coming off two impressive victories.
Panthers, 35-30 Chicago (-8½) at Buffalo
Wonder if Bills will be favoured again this season.
Bears, 22-6
Kansas City (-8½) at Cleveland
K.C.’s not the team for a new coach to make a debut against.
Chiefs, 30-24
Green Bay (+6) at New England
Packers aren’t scared of anyone. Neither are Pats.
Patriots, 37-27
Detroit (+4) at Minnesota
First of three straight division tests for Vikings. They ’ll barely pass this one.
Vikings, 27-24 Tennessee (+6½) at Dallas, Monday night
Tennessee has been a disappointment.
Cowboys, 20-19
New York Jets (+3) at Miami
As usual, New England’s patsies are sinking in AFC East.
Dolphins, 30-16
2018 RECORD:
Last week: Against spread, 8-6; straight up, 12-2 Season totals: Against spread, 56-58-4; straight up, 81-38-2
Best bet: 3-5 against spread, 7-1 straight up
Upset special: 5-3 against spread, 4-3-1 straight up