Dolphins (-1 ¹/₂) over RAMS: Liked this better when the Rams were favored, but tough to resist the revived Dolphins against career debut of (No. 1 draft pick) quarterback Jared Goff, who hasn’t been granted a full shot until now — even given L.A.’s offensive struggles. Hope Dolphins overcome new O-line injuries.
Bears (+7 ¹/₂) over GIANTS: With Alshon Jeffery suspended for the Bears, Eli Manning & Co. should get the win, so long as he keeps his shirt clean and his missiles land in the hands of friendly players. Recent Giants schedule has been conducive to success, but individual Bears playing for jobs, and not thrilled with locals’ record as big chalk.
Titans (+3) over COLTS: Mightily impressed with Marcus Mariota’s recent successful forays with the deep ball. Add that to worthwhile Tennessee running game — a great matchup, against the Colts’ moldy rushing defense. Healthy Titans finally beat Andrew Luck.
Jaguars (+6 ¹/₂) over LIONS: Detroit has generated just two winning margins of four or more — and none greater than a touchdown. The Lions’ inability to firmly put teams away is tailor-made for the Jaguars’ Blake Bortles, who racks up big yardage when in chase mode.
Buccaneers (+7 ¹/₂) over CHIEFS: Andy Reid has it knocked, with his conservative approach and his reliable defense. K.C. has lost just two regular-season games in more than a year.
Cardinals (+2 ¹/₂) over VIKINGS: Minnesota held viking funeral for placekicker Blair Walsh, but placements remain problematic. Offensive-line issues and a substandard ground game have sabotaged early NFC North front-runners, With no relief in sight. The Cardinals turned the ball over four times vs. the 49ers — prime reason that game was close. Ball control paramount.
Bills (+2 ¹/₂) over BENGALS: Fiendishly difficult matchup, but will lean Rex Ryan’s Bills against nicked-up Cincinnati skill people, who seem to be facing another second-half crisis of confidence — contesting an AFC North division no franchise seems to be able to dominate. Off three tough losses against some of the league’s better teams — and off their bye — Bills may be hungrier.
Ravens (+7) over COWBOYS: We have wounded ourselves fading Dallas, but have done so well on Cowboys games in recent years, we will continue to trust our analysis, though this is not a cinch. Continue to respect Ravens’ defensive dedication. John Harbaugh is 21-3 against rookie quarterbacks, coaching this outfit.
Steelers (-8) over BROWNS: Hate laying chunks to winless sizable home dogs as seasons grow old, but four straight Steelers losses will have left Ben Roethlisberger and the boys in a fearsome mood.
49ERS (+13) over Patriots: Tom Brady returns to the state of his birth. Even if without Rob Gronkowski, expect a Pats-controlled final outcome in the low-30s-to-high-teens range.
Eagles (+6) over SEAHAWKS: With Russell Wilson back in fine fettle after performing under physical duress during season’s first half, Seattle is back in best stride, with a daylight divisional lead. The primary issue here is favorite’s state of mind off a significant revenge/payback win on the road against the Patriots.
Packers (+3) over REDSKINS: In this second of three road jaunts in succession for the Packers, struggling pass defense of visitors faces huge task amid substantial backtalk regarding the broad morale of the Green Bay roster, vis a vis levels of confidence in coach Mike McCarthy. Kirk Cousins will like operating against this defense, but can he score enough?
Monday
Texans (+6) over RAIDERS (in Mexico City): Raiders are turning into a public team in a hurry, so with significant negative tech indicators flashing on both sides, will look to the underdog — especially with considerable one-way line move to fave.
Last week: 3-9-1
Season: 70-62-5
Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1
