BILLS ARE BUFF ENOUGH
Pass rush will be too much for Saints
SUNDAY
BILLS (+3) over Saints: Thermometer unlikely to transcend mid-40s upstate, a good thing for those embracing revived home underdog (undefeated before friendly faces) taking on indoor, fast-track specialists who’ve won six straight. Drew Brees faces unwelcome level of sack pressure today, which has translated into Saints QB’s lesser efforts this year. Jets (-2 ¹/₂) over BUCCA
NEERS: With coach Dirk Koetter having committed to giving his QB a freshening after observing Jameis Winston’s injury-bedeviled best (given his bum passing shoulder), gutty J-E-T-S (without Matt Forte) compete against Ryan Fitzpatrick (who they know well as a divisional foe and former teammate). The beat goes on, with WR Mike Evans suspended for Bucs. Giants (-2¹/₂) over 49ERS: The last Giants coach to last but two seasons was Ray Handley, whose brief ascent cleared the way for Bill Parcells. Should Giants not prevail against winless foe, those who suspected Ben McAdoo’s local reign might be nasty, brutish and short are likely staring at 2-14, at best. First one to 21, wins. REDSKINS (+ 1 ¹/₂ ) over Vikings: Tangible danger here for visitors, since second-half schedule layout is far saltier than is Detroit’s — though their defensive intensity overseen by superior coaching makes them potential handful. Still can’t resist healthier ’Skins, off spectacular last-minute defense-dominated win over Seahawks. Packers (+6) over BEARS: Asking rookie Mitch Trubisky to beat franchise’s arch-rival — laying points? Still, it only took the Saints defense a half to parse Green Bay QB Brett Hundley, and Hundley hasn’t threatened to win a league game since. But Hundley’s length of experience within the NFL environment is broader, and the asking price to back Bears’ iffy offense is dear. COLTS (+10) over Steelers: Pittsburgh is headed into stretch of relatively soft-touch foes, before it hooks the Patriots in mid-December. Scenario makes it unlikely you’ll see the Steelers’ best shot here, which makes covering double-digits on the road problematic. Chargers (+3½) over JAGUARS: Not thrilled about early Eastern starts when Bolts find themselves making another Right Coast visit, but ultracompetitive Philip Rivers ramps up game when facing respected sides — though with Leonard Fornette back, Jaguars can be a force, but we remain less than thrilled with their Florida form. Bengals (+ 4 ¹ / ₂ ) o ve r TITANS: Not ready to give up the Cincy ship yet, but this is the second of a three-game road trip for the Bengals, and what faint postseason hopes they harbor hinge on immediate wake-up. Hopeful they’ll overcome their coaching, and A.J. Green (fortunate to be playing here) will hunker down against overrated Titans. Browns (+11) over LIONS: Sure, it was with Aaron Rodgers sidelined, but Detroit will take a win at Lambeau however it can get it, which leaves Lions with tangible shot to make postseason, given that pending Vikings schedule is a rocky road. Might they come out flat enough f or t he winless Brownies to take advantage (at least ATS), after stew- ing over their o-fer during a bye week? RAMS (-11) over Texans: As usual, the bottom quadrant of this week’s starting NFL quarterbacks appear unequipped to deal with their upper-crust foes. Rams should have things their own way against Tom Savage, but off 51-point explosion, wouldn’t make this a top-priority side, given steep head start granted this visitor. Cowboys (+3) over FALCONS: New York state’s courts have precluded Ezekiel Elliott from seeing action for visitors — possibly until Christmas Eve. This will be Zeke’s first missed game since last year’s regular-season finale at Philly. But Dez Bryant’s expected to answer the call, and we’re now supposed to think the Falcons’ troubles are over?
Patriots (-7¹/₂) over BRONCOS: Think there’s any light at the end of the Brock Osweiler Memorial Tunnel? Broncos severely regressed after early Mile High successes, and only the Browns are as awful with turnover differential. Though high mountains have been tough venue for Bill Belichick’s troops for years, Pats have functioned satisfactorily here when enjoying clearcut edge in material.
MONDAY
Dolphins (+9) over PANTHERS: Carolina arrives at this schedule juncture purring and in-sync — but if it’s an “on” night for Jay Cutler, and the Vanderbilt product takes prudent care of the football, you’ll have hard time convincing us this chalk will build up a comfy margin. Provided Cutler’s on his best behavior, this should go to the wire. LAST WEEK: 5 - 5 - 2SEASON: 61-56-6