Patriots will keep the points coming

Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.

Patriots (8) over COWBOYS: The Patriots return from their bye following a massive three-game offensive outburst to start the year that has them ranked first in the NFL in both scoring (39.7 ppg) and total offense (446 ypg). They now head to Dallas to take on an injury-plagued Cowboys squad off of a heart-breaking OT loss. Dallas will once again have Brandon Weeden under center for the injured Tony Romo, which doesn’t bode well against a Bill Belichick defense that has feasted on QBs making their first career start against them.

Cardinals (2 ½) over LIONS: While the Cardinals did fail to cover as part of the “Steele Trap” a week ago, we’re extremely comfortable coming back to them again this week as they shot themselves in the foot with three turnovers and five short field goals (they outgained the Rams by 119 yards). They visit a winless Lions squad off a short week that is averaging a league-worst 47 ypg rushing. Arizona has performed well off a loss during Bruce Arians’ tenure.

LAST WEEK: 1-1 SEASON: 6-2