Burrow’s Bengals will Raid Vegas
SUNDAY
Bengals (-1) over RAIDERS: The Silver and Black are fresh off being tossed into the trash with extreme prejudice by traditional foe Chiefs. Could be that the Raiders have peaked offensively, and will thus fail to keep pace with your correspondent’s favorite young NFL quarterback, Joe Burrow.
Dolphins (-3) over JETS: So long as Tua Tagovailoa keeps pace with Miami’s team development (clearly ahead of that of the J-ET-S), compelled to grant the visitor the best of it The marketplace failed to show enthusiasm for the announced prospect of veteran QB Joe Flacco.starting for the home side. This series has long been friendlier to the underdog.
Colts (+7) over BILLS: Prevailing price is hardly a giveaway to backers of either side. Indianapolis got off to quick start against the Jaguars and proceeded to coast home safely. It’s taken really good teams to put away the Colts. Carson Wentz may wish he had greater command of his longer tosses.
Ravens (-6) over BEARS: Chicago has a sustained history of sluggishness off byes, which is disappointing because Baltimore is legit and the Bears remain a ways away. The Ravens arrive here after not taking well to the steamy Florida conditions. The weather projects as more seasonal in Chicago, and Justin Fields will be looking to rebound after a frustrating effort vs. the Steelers.
Lions (+10) over BROWNS: Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield and his host of injured compatriots are the worse for wear but are looking to soldier on. We’ll lean Lions, though you may have to settle for Tim Boyle at QB, over Jared Goff (oblique). Look for gritty efforts from both sides.
Texans (+10.5) over TITANS: Given their high style and assertive tactics, the Titans have been consistently marked up in the marketplace, so as chalk, they’re frequently classified as “fade or pass.” Coaxing turnovers is key when weighing sides maintaining this profile. Prospecting opportunities are stronger vis-à-vis other matchups featuring sides with more effective offensive lines.
VIKINGS (+2.5) over Packers: Would be markedly more comfortable taking than laying with the Pack, here. These regular-season divisional games frequently work out the right way when the underdog is faced with the greater need, as is the case Sunday. Minnesota faces dire divisional issues if it doesn’t launch its best shot here.
Saints (+1.5) over EAGLES: There’s much less pressure riding on Dem Saints, as opposed to the 4-6 Eagles, who have precious-little wiggle room left and who can too easily be dismissed with the glib, “Well, they weren’t going to make any big move this season, at any rate.”
PANTHERS (-3.5) over Washington: Cam Newton would have been hard-pressed to isolate a foe manning a defense which doesn’t appear to have the horses to hold Newton back in his return revival surge. Not certain this underdog as currently stacked will be able to hold off Carolina.
49ers (-6.5) over JAGUARS: No denying the Jaguars are on a nice little run, but offensively they’ve been getting away with it with mirrors. The Niners remain on the fringes in stacked NFC West, but they have little room remaining to make a significant move.
Cowboys (+2.5) over CHIEFS: With isolated exception, Kansas City has broadly underperformed, vis-à-vis the wagering markets for the past season-plus. The ’Boys seem to have pointed to this campaign, remain well-stacked at pivotal skill positions, and could carry their hopes and aspirations deep into this postseason.
SEAHAWKS (+2.5) over Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray appears closer to a return than does receiver DeAndre Hopkins — who will miss his third straight with a hamstring injury. Murray looms as a game-time decision. The Cards continue to stave off the Rams (currently one game behind) in the torrid NFC West. Nevertheless, the Seahawks aren’t DOA yet, as Russell Wilson reapproaches his best form off his finger issues.
CHARGERS (-6.5) over Steelers: Activated from the reserve/ COVID list Saturday morning, QB Ben Roethlisberger is currently slated to start for the Steelers, with Mason Rudolph in reserve. We should get Justin Herbert at the controls for the home fave, but the Bolts seldom win big. Could be close, with the Steelers defense
MONDAY
Giants (+10.5) over BUCCANEERS: This could break several ways, as Tampa Bay has dropped two straight, leaving it nursing a narrow NFC South advantage. Big Blue have looked good in similar circumstances, in the recent past, and the return of Saquan Barkley can’t hurt. It’s being broadly hinted that Rob Gronkowski will be back in harness for the Bucs. LAST WEEK: 5-8. SEASON: 64-74-2.
Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1