BURROW TO EARN $TRIPES VS. BEARS
Bengals (+2.5) over BEARS: Market reflects the theoretical possibility that these two sides could yield a competitive game — when you consider Chicago is led by Andy Dalton and Cincinnati is eager to see the next chapter of QB Joe Burrow’s development. Burrow is the better current bull story, by far.
Patriots (-6) over JETS: Gang Green filed another respectable defensive effort at Carolina, but the J-E-T-S’ bravery was not rewarded when a fourth-down conversion attempt at midfield failed — and was immediately followed by a Panthers touchdown, which proved pivotal. Zach Wilson lives and learns.
Texans (+12.5) over BROWNS: After trouncing Jacksonville, as No. 1-overall draft choice Trevor Lawrence develops, Houston invades downtown Cleveland in quest of maintaining its perfect record. Must again grant ex-Bills QB Tyrod Taylor a chance to be competitive.
COLTS (+3.5) over Rams: Indianapolis continues to labor with sustained injury and depth difficulties, with significant issues along the offensive line. The redoubtable, for-real Rams should perform to their potential and enjoy the comforts afforded by the Indy Dome.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) over Bills: QB Josh Allen’s sustained frustrations early in the second half in Buffalo’s season debut against the Steelers could prove useful guide for Miami. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has proven an apt pupil and could take advantage of any Buffalo disenchantment with South Florida’s weather. Top Miami receiver Will Fuller is absent here due to a “personal matter.”
EAGLES (+3) over 49ers: Philadelphia was crisp and cogent as QB Jalen Hurts caught an overrated Falcons secondary fat and happy with a trio of TD tosses. The Niners ran off and hid from the hosting Lions before Detroit rallied for two cosmetic TDs against a quasi-prevent defense. To the wire!
Raiders (+5.5) over STEELERS: Most visiting teams find Heinz Field tough duty, but the Silver and Black have a history of making the most of their Steel City opportunities. Don’t be surprised.
Saints (-3.5) over PANTHERS: The New Orleans boys grabbed the attention of the NFL audience when they swiftly demonstrated any big money move on the Packers on the first full seasonal Sunday of 2021 was ill-advised — and expect the Saints will manage to stage a smart follow-up.
Broncos (-6) over JAGUARS: Visitors not exactly a push-button drive for QB Teddy Bridgewater, but his snappy career win percentage when starting still impresses. The rate at which Lawrence will manage to find his sea legs should be instructive.
CARDINALS (-3.5) over Vikings: Another test in up-anddown path long trod by Minnesota vet QB Kirk Cousins. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is making the most of his opportunity, leading one of the league’s oldest franchises. J.J. Watt, A.J. Green, James Conner and Matt Prater are fully focused.
Falcons (+12) over BUCCANEERS:
Atlanta managed just 164 yards passing against the Philadelphia secondary behind Matt Ryan, as the Eagles ran off and hid. The visitors, with their dubious secondary, figure to be up against it ... but Bucs manage to salt this one away behind Tom Brady, without undue strain.
Cowboys (+3) over CHARGERS: Dallas, despite injury woes, put up a big effort at Tampa Bay in the league’s regular-season debut — but came up a bit short in their rousing Week 1 photo-finish. Would be hesitant to be aggressive with this favorite, given the Cowboys’ scoring prowess, given the return of much-healthier QB Dak Prescott.
Titans (+6) over SEAHAWKS: Russell Wilson remains imaginative, shifty, resourceful field general — but that doesn’t necessarily translate into automatic double-digit final margins.
Tennessee QB Ryan Tannehill has been a stout passing threat in wideopen clashes. Relatively modest Seattle defensive intensity comes into play, to underdog’s benefit.
RAVENS (+3.5) over Chiefs: Don’t doubt that Patrick Mahomes is the favorite to enjoy his postgame talk with the media, but K.C. remains stout and deep enough to craft tight margins and make them hold up in pressure situations.
MONDAY
Lions (+11.5) over PACKERS: Detroit’s sustained history in matchups against the Pack at Lambeau is scary historical reading — but with double-digit spreads in play, the Lions are no longer instant throwouts on the road against better teams, as evidenced last week. LAST WEEK: 8-7
Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1.