Home team in CAPS:

San Fran is going out of its way to maintain its torrid seasonal pace, and we’re not eager to step in front of the runaway freight train. Commanders are coming off a loss and a tie against the Giants. 

Kudos to Minnesota for going into full never-say-die mode in a spectacular second-half rally last week, getting the Vikes by the Colts despite being down 33-0 at the half. We’ll take the head start, thanks. 

As good as the Falcons have been to us, it’s tough to reach for them here, with Desmond Ridder starting under center after completing but 13 of 26 passes for 97 yards last weekend. 

Though Houston is typically outclassed in the personnel department the Texans show up, and with the Titans coming to play with QB Malik Willis starting, this could wind up another close call for Tennessee. 

NFL market makers are no dummies, and they’ll continue to ask players to pay dearly for the privilege of backing the Chiefs’ point-generating offense. Single-digit temps appear in the offing. 

Given that we’re not dealing with a vintage, title-contending opponent (this year!), expect Cincinnati to maintain a safe margin, given their one-game lead in the AFC North and their clear-cut superiority. Don’t want the Pats here. 

Road favoritism remains another unfamiliar role for these Lions, though they wield the superior personnel. The Panthers have demonstrated they’re a game bunch and will show up — even against this rampaging Lions bunch. 

It’s hard to conceive Buffalo will find itself in a generous mood, given the projected single-digit temps on this windy day. It’s tough to generate optimism regarding the prospects for the Chicago offense. 

“The Boyz” pounded the Under, here (to the low 30s), with a temperature projection in the single digits. The weather conditions point to a grinding win by the Browns, given the projected winds of 25-plus mph. 

The bloom is largely off the rose here, while the Eagles clinch their No. 1 seed with one more regular-season win behind QB Gardner Minshew. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are staring at a likely No. 5 seeding. Revenge! 

It certainly appears the Steel City boys have the mental edge here, on the heels of Franco Harris’ untimely passing midweek. You can be sure the home crowd will be electric. Crusade game! Take advantage. 

Green Bay arrives in the sunny South off a short week. Wouldn’t characterize the Dolphins as a power favorite, but at this price, lean in their direction. Warm weather aids home side’s cause. 

Tough to get too cocky with Denver, given its limited offense. Alas, the Rams are working within a short-week format and are playing out the string behind Baker Mayfield. 

Spread coverages by Tampa Bay have been a decided rarity in recent months. Still tough to love the Cards, who could well be forced to start QB backup Trace McSorley. 

Yes, Indianapolis returns behind Nick Foles after frittering away that 33-point lead last out, but we’re not too wild about embracing the Bolts at this level of road favoritism. Take the head start. 

Last week: 7-5

Season: 98-89-3