Lions keep turning cowardly against lowly Trubisky
SUNDAY
BEARS (-3) over Lions: Mitch Trubisky’s pet opponent throughout his regular-season Bear career has been these Detroiters. The quarterback the Chicagoans selected ahead of Patrick Mahomes has yet to lose to this foe. Given their defensive history, this trend could hold, but Lions have accumulated considerable revenge motivation. Feel it likely there’ll be more Sunday.
Raiders (-8) over JETS: Last week’s 43-6 annihilation of the Silver and Black by the Falcons should serve as a strong indicator. Pro athletes of a proven talent level tend to respond meaningfully in the wake of embarrassing performances. Vegas needs to pick it up, to position themselves for January.
Giants (+10.5) over SEAHAWKS: Big Blue hasn’t thrown a non-competitive effort away from MetLife all season. The defense keeps them in games (a good thing, given the current realities surrounding QB Colt McCoy if Daniel Jones can’t go) — and the ’Hawks studied casualness when they don’t have the ball has resulted in a series of extreme defenseless spectacles to a degree seldom seen in league annals.
Bengals (+10.5) over DOLPHINS: Too much wood to chop for the up-and-down Tua Tagovailoa, in our view. So long as Cincy looks to play it tight and maintain a measure of ball control, this should be reasonable close, behind Cincy QB stand-in Brandon Allen.
TEXANS (+3.5) over Colts: With pressure largely off Houston
QB Deshaun Watson given current state of playoff-position race, will endorse fast-and-loose Watson/Texans against Indy and Philip Rivers, despite Indy’s superior defense — not to mention their three-game lead in the prevailing postseason-position race.
Jaguars (+10.5) over VIKINGS: Minny’s currently residing on the wrong side of the NFL postseason picture, right now ... but we figure Vikings would be better served by looking ahead to the Bucs and Bears. Kirk Cousins will be under pressure here, but would expect he’ll likely be able to engineer this offense past the defenseless Jags.
FALCONS (+3) over Saints: Atlanta’s picked it up under interim coach Raheem Morris. Falcons’ lone recent loss was to New Orleans on the road, two weeks back. It’s tough to resist these quick-revenge types, especially in this type of divisional-payback opportunity versus this Saints “D”.
Browns (+6.5) over TITANS: Cleveland’s won its last three, four of its last six, and eight of its last 10. So long as visitors continue to play keep-away, Baker Mayfield’s recent behavior related to avoiding throwing passes to guys wearing uniforms that aren’t brown should keep these guys within this swollen line — and they should get Myles Garrett back from injury.
Rams (-2.5) over CARDINALS: Angelinos have thrashed the Cards like abject stepchildren over the past three seasons. Thus, the underdogs have built up considerable revenge motivation, when they finally manage to piece it all together.
Eagles (+9) over PACKERS: Level of Philly quarterbacking has been severe disappointment, though Eagle defense has been game. Pack’s tight fit in this rising market, and inclined to lean to value with road side, given that chalk win doesn’t necessarily translate into Green Bay cover. Philly RB Jordan Howard returns; enjoyed huge day vs. Pack a year ago.
Patriots (-1.5) over CHARGERS: There exists a sustained historical pattern that fits New England — and it’s the kiss of death — but we are constitutionally unable to take the Bolts given the epic, Grand Canyon-level of coaching-talent disparity which applies to this contest. Can’t back Anthony Lynn here.
Broncos (+14) over CHIEFS: This commentary isn’t meant so much as a blanket indictment of Kansas City’s near-term pointspread prospectus, than a gentle warning that the Chiefs would be well-advised not to peak too early in their muscular, Mahomes-led quest for an elusive Super repeat.
MONDAY
Washington (+7) over STEELERS: Nods to the WFT, with their respectable defense and their re
lentless dedication to the time-of-possession proposition. Their darkest days appear to be over. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh can likely name the margin, based on its level of defensive intensity — though the Steelers have bigger fish to fry (closing with the Colts and Browns).
49ERS (+1) over Bills (in Glendale, Ariz.): Some wiseguy-accountant offerings are reflecting the kind of enthusiasm for the Niners as if said outlets already have copies of Tuesday’s late editions. Don’t be surprised.
TUESDAY
Cowboys (+7.5) over RAVENS: Dallas is a shipwreck, but with fewer distractions on the road, may manage to hang tough in spoiler role against frustrated Baltimore. QB Lamar Jackson could be back off COVID-19 list for Ravens; check status.
LAST WEEK: 7-7. SEASON: 7782-6.