TAKE CATS OVER ’DOGS
Bills won’t be able to contain Cam & Co.
SUNDAY
PANTHERS (-7) over Bills: Should Cam Newton get stronger by the week, and Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey continue to pose multiple problems for Buffalo-type defenses, Carolina should manage to grind down this modest AFC East foe during the three-hour tour.
JAGUARS (+1) over Titans: This is why the Jags stuck with Blake Bortles in Week 1 against Houston. Since Jacksonville got away with that, it can establish an early hammerlock on the AFC South, given the Colts aren’t up to snuff. Top RB draft choice Leonard Fournette sets up Bortles, and the Jags’ front drove Houston to distraction.
RAVENS (-8) over Browns: Joe Flacco acknowledges he isn’t 100 percent — but Flacco doesn’t need to be to guide Baltimore clear here, especially because Terrance West and Javorius Allen are more than capable of playing the ballcontrol game on the ground, to the Brownies’ frustration.
SAINTS (+6) over Patriots: Broad public can’t get enough of defending champs off a bad loss behind the Good Tom Brady — with Bill Belichick tightening the screws. But Pats remain without multiple key receivers, and multiple bullies who previously made their pass defense superior. Drew Brees has won three of four starts vs. the Pats. Cardinals (-7) over
COLTS: Injured Cardinals running back David Johnson (wrist) will be out at least a couple of months, leaving a grab bag of modest options. Carson Palmer disappointed against the Lions — but marketplace reflects decay of Indianapolis talent base. Ex-Pat Jacoby Brissett will start at QB for Colts.
Eagles (+6) over CHIEFS: Eagles coach Doug Pederson picked up plenty while serving under Andy Reid in Philadelphia. This works both ways (Andy didn’t tell him everything), but it is catnip for ’ dog fanciers. Chiefs’ problem is that they destroyed the Pats in the league opener, and a letdown might be fatal.
Vikings (+5) over STEELERS: Vikings coach Mike Zimmer consistently comes up strongest vs. opponents who aren’t wholly familiar with Zimmer’s looks. Just hope Le’Veon Bell isn’t fully fit, yet. Bears (+ 7) over
BUCCANEERS: After Hurricane Irma, this is the seasonal opener for the Bucs, who got played up off the market openers, regardless, because they know Bears QB Mike Glennon so well. This is probably the toughest call of the week, in a card full with them.
Dolphins (+3¹/₂) over CHARGERS: Jay Cutler had issues with the Bolts when leading Denver, but got the best of them in Bears’ infrequent meetings. Even off their first-week bye, favor visitors in this price range.
Jets (+13) over RAIDERS: Oakland is the goods, and this could be easy, but Silver and Black defense is not exactly stout, and doubt this fave will feel urgent need to go to the wall for the distance to surpass prevailing arbitrary “margin of success.”
RAMS (-2¹/₂) over Redskins: Rams coach Sean McVay has found life on the Left Coast after running Washington’s offense (including Kirk Cousins) in recent seasons. Rams front office has provided Jared Goff a receiving corps — and corralled Wade Phillips to run the defense. Touted DT Aaron Donald starts for Rams.
BRONCOS (+2 ¹/₂) over Cowboys: Admire Dak Prescott, but Denver trots out a heavy-duty pass rush — and Trevor Siemian and the offense led Bolts wire-to-wire. This is tough September road trip, but Dallas O-line is like steel. Should be close throughout.
SEAHAWKS (- 1 4) over 49ers: Seattle was jobbed in last Sunday’s late-afternoon headliner by relentless one-way whistles. Panthers have been no bargain as road chalk of late, but did make it look easy against undermanned Frisco last week.
Packers (+3) over FALCONS: Respect Aaron Rodgers and friends against Atlanta outfit still in recovery mode off brutal Super loss — but this still isn’t the Packers’ best time of year when on road, and they would best maintain distinctive defensive efficiency to make this work.
MONDAY
GIANTS (- 3) over Lions: It is no shame to lose to Dallas, but Big Blue’s among multiple franchises enduring O-line issues. Matthew Stafford came from behind to punish a crippled Cardinals outfit. Should Eli Manning get Odell Beckham Jr. (100 percent or not) back for this, other Giants offensive operatives should benefit.
LAST WEEK: 7-6-1