Cardinals (-2) over BEARS: Chicago and Cards coach Bruce Arians shared mutual admiration in coaching talks two years ago, but the two sides couldn’t coalesce. Arians has been a boon for the Cards, who have thrived with Carson Palmer’s renaissance at quarterback. Cards RB Andre Ellington available next week, at the earliest.

Falcons (+2 ½) over GIANTS: The Falcons enjoy good history against Big Blue locally, except last season’s surrender during Mike Smith’s Farewell Tour. In Monday’s win over Philadelphia, Atlanta appeared more cohesive than they have in a while. Giants’ history in close games during their regression a concern.

Texans (+3) over PANTHERS: Houston continues to wing it without an NFL-level QB — as ex-Razorback Ryan Mallett steps into the Houston starting slot. We’re far less-bullish about Mallett’s realistic league prospects than many, though the Panthers are disadvantaged, without key defender Luke Kuechly. Texans RB Arian Foster’s groin issues keep him sidelined.

Buccaneers (+10) over SAINTS: Historically, what Lovie Smith’s Cover-2 defensive themes and variations have accomplished against Drew Brees and the Saints is admirable. The Bucs’ stop unit has kept them in contention against Saints teams far superior to this one. Bucs WR Mike Evans may return, if higher-ups approve.

STEELERS (-6) over 49ers: Any chance winless Pittsburgh wouldn’t take the Niners seriously evaporated after Monday night’s Frisco stomp of Minnesota. Embrace Ben Roethlisberger, who is no Teddy Bridgewater, especially at Heinz Field.

VIKINGS (-2 ½) over Lions: Detroit is vulnerable to 0-2 start — the kind of seasonal stumble which has derailed the hopes of so many. The Niners (and new coach Jim Tomsula) have been death-star foe for Minnesota for a while, so Vikings backers get capable squad at a favorable price. Adrian Peterson’s not through, yet.

Patriots (-1) over BILLS: Rex Ryan got his new party started when pitch-perfect defense stripped the overrated Colts bare. The Pats have offensive line issues, too, and the champs’ defense is clearly vulnerable. But the early market has been all over the Bills, and you want to sell us that Tyrod Taylor’s a coin toss over Tom Brady? No thanks, as Ryan is “cautiously optimistic” RB LeSean McCoy returns to duty.

Titans (-1) over BROWNS: Huge line move has carried Tennessee to favoritism, off Marcus Mariota’s flashy coming-out party. Because of QB Josh McCown’s concussion, it’s Johnny Manziel at the controls for Cleveland. As in last week’s mop-up, Tennessee faces a relative greenhorn QB trying to function against Dick Lebeau-influenced defensive looks.

BENGALS (-3) over Chargers: Terrific matchup, off sharp Andy Dalton/A. J. Green synergy — and Philip Rivers’ razor-sharp aerial precision for the Bolts in Week 1. Slightest of nods to Cincy, given the market, site and weight of the Chargers’ injuries.

Rams (-3 ½) over REDSKINS: Seahawks games are max-focus for Jeff Fisher’s Rams, so coming off such highs dicey — but the ’Skins likely are facing near term without the services of WR DeSean Jackson, which will markedly-limit QB Kirk Cousins’ options, operating behind porous offensive line.

RAIDERS (+6 ½) over Ravens: Baltimore was most-unlucky (at plus-4) against Broncos. The Ravens remained out West this workweek. Baltimore catches the Raiders spitting nails after humiliation vs, the Bengals. The Raiders have health issues in the secondary, but are catching more points than usual as home dogs. Fully expect Oakland QB Derek Carr to return to duty.

Dolphins (-6) over JAGUARS: It seldom is easy when the Dolphins engage foes they take for granted, but broad Miami superiority should carry Ryan Tannehill to second road win against Blake Bortles and Jags’ “offense” — even assuming another phlegmatic Joe Philbin start.

Cowboys (+5) over EAGLES: Dez Bryant likely is out until Halloween, at the earliest. But those swooning over Chip Kelly’s “genius” should recall Kelly’s style places enormous strains on his defense, and Tony Romo and friends hardly are weaponless, even sans Bryant. Quaffing Kelly Kool-Aid can be expensive.

PACKERS (-3 ½) over Seahawks: Rematch of last season’s classic NFC Championship, in which the Packers found way to lose on the road. Aaron Rodgers has had issues against the 2013 champs, but the state of a weakened Seahawks offensive line (and no sign of a Kam Chancellor return on defense) evens things — especially at Lambeau.

Jets (+7) over COLTS: Andrew Luck’s aware of Indy’s spectacular 93 percent-plus record off losses during his tenure. But that was with much-more-proficient lines on both sides of the ball, and the Jets represent the shiny-bright AFC East. A Colts win won’t automatically translate into coverage. Indy receiver T. Y. Hilton looms a game-time decision.

LAST WEEK: 12-3

Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1