PATH TO SOME EASY BUCS
Bank on Tampa to tackle spread vs. Texans
SUNDAY
Buccaneers (+6 ½) over TEXANS: While awaiting RB Arian Foster’s return, Texans waste time with heaver Ryan Mallett at QB (27for58 for just 244 yards against the Panthers). We will take Jameis Winston plus significant points vs. the doleful product of Houston management’s misjudgments.
Eagles (+2) over JETS: Whether the Cowboys had access to Chip Kelly’s playbook (or merely did an allworld scouting job), Dallas showed what can be accomplished vs. Kelly’s offensive visions. Birds’ seasonal fall figures to be steep and relentless , if they can’t take Eric Deckerless Jets.
RAMS (1) over Steelers: Pittsburgh has a blood match with the Ravens Thursday. Ben Roethlisberger has been redhot and RB Le’Veon Bell returns, but any offensive regression could be hazardous vs. slicky/tricky Jeff Fisher. Center Maurice Pouncey still is out for Steelers.
Chargers (+2 ¹/₂) over VI
KINGS: It won’t hurt Minnesota that offensive coordinator Norv Turner can apply knowledge from his San Diego headcoaching stint. ExTurner protégé Philip Rivers is winless here, and Adrian Peterson boasts superior history against this foe. But San Diego’s offensive line is healthier, Peterson’s résumé is gathering dust, and Chargers’ solid résumé as road warriors sways us.
PANTHERS (3) over Saints: With Drew Brees out Sunday with a bruised right rotator cuff, the Saints are starting Verizon pitchman Luke McCown, who hasn’t started a league contest since going 11 for Jacksonville in their opening games of 2011. The New Orleans defense has descended to comicbook stature, when it matters. Cam Newton and coach Ron Rivera’s troops are doing it with mirrors — but they’re doing it.
Jaguars (+13 ½) over PATRIOTS: With a bye on tap, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady could let it hang out against overmatched opponent. But that seldom has been Coach Bill’s modus operandi. Jags RB T.J. Yeldon’s NFL performance level hints why Alabama has gone back a step this season.
RAVENS (2 ¹/₂) over Bengals: At 02, it’s time for Joe Flacco to step on it, on a very strong home field. At 20, Bengals hold hammer in terms of likely AFC North titlehood. The Ravens get the best shot against a weakened Bengals defensive line.
Raiders (+3 ½) over BROWNS: The emergence of Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper as batterymates has provided Silverand-Black QB Derek Carr new life. In typical Browns fashion, Josh McCown gets his job back, as Johnny Manziel is relegated back to the bench after beating the Titans.
Colts (3) over TITANS: Backbiting between coach Chuck Pagano and QB Andrew Luck bodes ill. What’s Luck supposed to do, play defensive lineman, in his spare time? Irsayville panic may be premature, given the return to some semblance of form by T. Y. Hilton and Robert Mathis ... and neither Rex Ryan nor Todd Bowles are masterminding the Titans defense.
Falcons (1) over COWBOYS: Jerry Jones pried Matt Cassel from the Bills as QB insurance, while hoping Tony Romo is a quick healer. Cowboys could win this, but standin QB Brandon Weeden repeatedly has discovered it is tougher to look good starting than it is to play from behind against relaxed defenses.
CARDINALS (6 ¹/₂) over 49ers: With one highoctane offensive entity (the Steelers) having had their way with San Francisco, here come the Cards — with Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald having run up 79 points in two games. Given the destructive roster turnover, Fricso’s positive trend numbers are inoperative.
SEAHAWKS (14 ¹/₂) over Bears: Now 02 after secondary ace Kam Chancellor’s holdout, Seahawks are primed to return to full defensive fury upon his return. Laying this kind of number in the NFL is a destructive habit, but the bedraggled Bears catching their biggest market headstart of century on “merit.”
Bills (+3) over DOLPHINS: It is Miami’s tough luck Buffalo arrives after being hammered by the Patriots. Visitors’ focus will be sharper, while Rex Ryan’s special-teamers and desperadoes should perform more crisply. Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill may well be without protector Branden Albert — and his sore hammy.
Broncos (3) over LIONS: Detroit QB Matthew Stafford absorbed a severe physical beating from the Vikings last Sunday, and his ribs are the worse for wear, but still expect he will start. The schedule leaves Detroit desperate — but will that be enough against the Broncos’ vicious defense?
MONDAY
PACKERS (6 ¹/₂) over Chiefs: Since Super Bowl I, Packers have gone 271 vs. the Chiefs. And K.C. is sharp, with Jamaal Charles leading the way. But as evidenced vs. Denver, Andy Reid’s troops find trouble against topdrawer foes. Those who wait for Aaron Rodgers to regress at home have been looking for No. 12’s first interception at Lambeau in 33plus months. LAST WEEK: 114 SEASON: 237