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Sunday
49ERS (-4) over Bengals
The headline game of the late-afternoon schedule, the multi-talented 49ers can focus their fullest attentions on this barnburner.
Top-shelf Bengals QB Joe Burrow is better than good, but Christian McCaffrey and the Niners remain best-balanced outfit around, and the price is fair.
Jets (-3) over GIANTS
These Giants should continue to gear up toward maximum ground-gaining efficiency against top sides to make their bones against quality league foes.
Jets attack unit is beyond serious, and should manage to make most of this opportunity. Jets display meaningful signs of defensive life.
COWBOYS (-6.5) over Rams
This isn’t a cheap lay, at the price offered. May be more advantageous moves to make Sunday, but Dallas is clearly improved and should earn the best of this.
As ’Boys stay healthy, better days lay ahead.
Vikings (-1.5) over PACKERS
Minnesota has encountered stumbling blocks, even when pitched against some of league’s lessers.
Vikes have managed a couple of straight-up wins this season, including last week’s upset of the Niners, but taking out the Bears and Panthers won’t always translate into the power they’ll need vs. league’s potent guns. Photo!
Falcons (-2.5) at TITANS
The Dirty Birds have made the most of their opening seven-game power display, racking up an early 4-3 mark despite being outscored by 18 points thus far this season.
Be not afraid. The price seems suitable.
Saints (-1) at COLTS
Both of these resourceful, middle-of-the-road squads have performed better than many of their foes when striving to surpass their basic stats. Sound defensive sides like the Saints can take advantage of conservative play-calling, waiting for their foes to make an exotic move.
Patriots (+9.5) at DOLPHINS
Can envision New England finding its way into a fringe position on edge of this number, as Dolphins progress forwardly on their way to a likely postseason berth. Tua Tagovailoa remains solid.
Jaguars (-2.5) over STEELERS
The Steelers are fresh off another defense-first effort, managing to make off with another clever, late-game win. This is the caliber of situation on which Pittsburgh has often capitalized … but not always.
Eagles (-7) over COMMANDERS
Philly should manage this kind of road-fave situation, though the Commanders have presented some level of competition, as they have under these conditions, previously … though not consistently.
Texans (-3.5) OVER PANTHERS
Houston continues to display some measure of improvement. While no cinch … believe further competitive fire may emerge with Houston. The visitor? Sure.
SEAHAWKS (-4) over Browns
Two underrated, sneaky teams carrying the possibilities of marked improvement — by one, or both.
Browns have already tipped their mitt this year … but ’Hawks are favored? Too close for us to call the way things are now.
Chiefs (-7) over BRONCOS
Denver was game enough to wear down the Packers in Week 7 … but give mighty Chiefs full marks as they managed to overcome the persistent Chargers. Should note you’re paying a meaningful premium, laying to the Chiefs’ clear inferiors.
Ravens (-9.5) over CARDINALS
Presently, would seem that not even Arizona’s home field will be enough to stage a surprise, up against one of the league’s top five outfits.
Not eager to go wild, but chalk or pass. Better opportunities beckon. Ravens endure and ease clear.
Betting on the NFL?
CHARGERS (-8.5) over Bears
Chicago is a temptation in the Sunday nighter, but Bolts will be drooling after catching a good look at recent Bears D film studies. Big dog swing on visitor is sheer speculation. Hosts, as they please.
Monday
LIONS (-8.5) over Raiders
Silver and Black may have their moments early, but Detroit continues to dominate the NFC North, and Lions should manage to take advantage of any Raiders miscues.
Last week: 5-7
Season: 39-43-1