Home team in CAPS:
Sunday
Dolphins (+3) over CHARGERS
Harbor scant doubt that Bolts will have their way posting liberal points, but don’t expect Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins to make way quietly.
Will be shocked if Fins don’t show up.
Cowboys (-3) over GIANTS
Have seen a little too much of the Giants not managing to get over the top against a Cowboys contingent that continues to understand optimal ways to get the best of Big Blue.
Who are we to argue?
FALCONS (-3.5) over Panthers
Well-balanced NFC matchup may grant, just a bit, the best of the circumstances to the visiting Panthers.
We’re just more than a little unsure that we can lay points willy-nilly to this foe.
Figures to be a close call, but the Falcons’ defense should find decent opportunity in this situation.
RAVENS (-10) over Texans
Both sides should manage to entertain offense-minded talents at hand, but hosts shouldn’t have to roll out the crack troops to operate fast and loose against the Texans, who continue to look at least another year away.
Bengals (-2.5) over BROWNS
Yet another menacing chalk side which should boast sufficient stones to hold Cleveland safe, though fresh defensive talent may manage to take a significant step forward in this freewheeling AFC divisional clash.
Jaguars (-5) over COLTS
Indy boasts a legitimate talent at QB with Anthony Richardson on hand, but would feel foolish to take the worst of a number and come up short if deciding to get involved here.
Looking elsewhere …
VIKINGS (-6) over Buccaneers
Bucs haven’t been granted any particular graceful breaks of late.
At least wideout Justin Jefferson and Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson remain on the case for Minnesota.
Bucs struggling along in place, what with Baker Mayfield now under center in place of the retired Tom Brady more modestly armed at this point in time.
SAINTS (-3) over Titans
Despite their talents, the hosts have been known to have issues against lesser rosters.
That said, we’ll look on with curiosity regarding how early WR Michael Thomas is fit for battle.
If QB Derek Carr is fit and ready, the hosts will have further advantage against up-and-down Titans collection.
STEELERS (+2) over 49ers
Two classy outfits clash here, with ample potential rewards in store.
Neither of these sides is eager to absorb a casual loss.
The Niners should provide stout test for hosts, with T.J. Watt ready and eager to make things difficult for Pittsburgh’s attack unit.
The dog is tempting, as stout dogs are.
COMMANDERS (-7) over Cardinals
Exceptionally soft spot for this home favorite, up against the Cards (themselves, a long, long way from home).
Willing to speculate that this hefty home chalk will make the most of this main chance against a foe unlikely to rise to this specific occasion in their stressful rebuilding process.
BEARS (-1) over Packers
Green Bay’s broad roster development continues to steam the Pack, and am of the school of thought that you’re getting the best of the shifting number with Chicago at this favorable market.
Eagles (-4) at PATRIOTS
Philly returns to the fray after a near-miss last season.
They’ve still got plenty of class, they’re trying to become the first NFC East champs to directly recapture division championship glory since the 2003-04 Eagles, and they certainly have the talent. All they need is a bit of decent luck.
BRONCOS (-3) over Raiders
Not overly enamored with the idea of looking to hammer the road-show Raiders, especially since they’re a side we’ve been reluctant to chase when away from Las Vegas.
Injured Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy, with his bum hamstring, is a further added concern regarding the home side, particularly with Tim Patrick already lost for the season.
Would tread lightly, given the Raiders’ road issues.
Seahawks (-4.5) over RAMS
’Hawks appear to be drawing closer and closer to another serious swing at a conference title with this stouthearted visitor.
Rams took their best recent shot just a couple of years ago and were rewarded with a league title. Seattle put the pressure on.
Monday
JETS (+2.5) over Bills
This seems like a reasonable head start with a rapidly developing Jets side whose best days remain squarely ahead of them. Against these Bills, the Jets are poised to make talented corners D.J. Reed and Sauce Gardner look very, very good, indeed.
2022 season: 125-119-3.
