Vikings (+2½) over BEARS: This looms as a tricky read in what may devolve into one of those old-time NFC North slugfests between top-drawer sides who are defensively well-endowed. The league dealt the Bears the worst of this, by rescheduling a 1 p.m. start into a Sunday-nighter — with the Bears then slotted for the opening act in Detroit in the Turkey Day Tripleheader, four days later.
GIANTS (-1) over Buccaneers: Big Blue’s attempting to work up their first winning streak of the season, off their successful fourth-quarter rally against the 49ers on Monday night. Fighting gamely to keep his career won-loss record on the sunny side of .500 (113-110), and with Oakland now in “lead” for 2019’s top draft pick, expect laser-focused Eli Manning effort against a Tampa bay team that is minus-19 in turnovers.
Panthers (-4) over LIONS: There is heavy conflict within this matchup, between the fundamentals (which favor the visitors) and the technical readings. Laying more than a field goal may be quite a chunk for Carolina, which is recovering from an epic knock-about thrashing at the hands of the Steelers — though Detroit having to face Cam Newton and a punishing running game may be facing trial by fire.
Cowboys (+3) over FALCONS: Grant Jerry Jones points for following the courage of his convictions and plucking Amari Cooper away from the Raiders, thereby creating another valuable distraction permitting RB Ezekiel Elliott maximum opportunity to accumulate ground yardage. Last week’s seasonal time-of-possession high for Dallas may be a bad sign for Falcons, who flat-overlooked the Browns in chilly Cleveland.
RAVENS (-4 ½) over Bengals: Joe Flacco’s hip issues endure, so we’re left with either an eagerly anticipated look at rookie Lamar Jackson (if physically capable — with his stomach issues, and off a mere two practices — or another Robert Griffin III rerun, which could work optimally if Griffin might somehow rediscover his dazzling showroom-new footspeed of earlier times. Stay tuned.
COLTS (-2) over Titans: Marcus Mariota has been able to operate in nigh-perfect health in his past couple of outings — a rare sequence, for the injury-prone star — and has made the best of it. He needs every bit of agility, since he hardly is known as a consistent master of the deep ball. Indianapolis has feasted on modest competition in their three-game win run, but Andrew Luck hasn’t been sacked in a month.
Steelers (-5 ½) over JAGUARS: Switched to a 1 p.m. kickoff, since Vikings-Bears is far sexier these days, and those Chicago-market ratings are a wow. With six losses, six games left (and unlikely to be favored in any more of three of them), the Jags are running on fumes, given their diminished defense and a Blake Bortles who has apparently misplaced much of last year’s confidence. Still, a weighty lay.
REDSKINS (+3) over Texans: Houston has won six straight, and they’re healthier than they’ve been in more than a year … but the ’Skins have allowed more than three touchdowns just three times all year and have a healthy Adrian Peterson. Alex Smith, alas, is compelled to operate behind a depleted offensive line. Houston may be peeking ahead to Monday nighter vs. the Titans next week.
CHARGERS (-7) over Broncos: Not looking to go to war against these Chargers under current conditions. Denver appears a broadly passive road team behind Vance Joseph’s direction. Hints of possible return of ace Bolts DE Joey Bosa afloat.
CARDINALS (-5) over Raiders: Market continues to taunt habitual Raiders-haters with incrementally-stiffer price, like this one — asking anti-Silver-and-Blackers to lay close to a touchdown, behind a scattershot offense. Lesser of evils?
Eagles (+8) over SAINTS: This specific market number is precisely power-rating derived, but it serves its purpose. New Orleans might have peaked too soon — and now are going to be without LT Terron Armstead, Drew Brees’ personal bodyguard. The Eagles know how, should be rightfully embarrassed by the home loss to Dallas, and see Golden Tate working his way into the offense in positive fashion.
Monday
Chiefs (+3½) over RAMS: Super Bowl preview? Could be! Neither of these high-powered offensive sides have yet to settle into the kind of dominant late-season groove often displayed by momentum-riding NFL champs when up against other good teams. We prefer the look of the Chiefs when they’re forced to be resilient. Kansas City didn’t lose to the Patriots — they just ran out of time. No WR Cooper Kupp for Rams!
Last week: 7-6
Season: 66-68-2.
Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1.
