RAIDERS (+6) over Jets: Outfits fresh off rank upsets as two-touchdown underdogs tend not to reproduce that form the following week. But squads off overtime home losses that find themselves pronounced road favorites with divisional games on deck are no bargain. Absence of Jerricho Cotchery could contribute to another subpar Gang Green effort on Left Coast.
GIANTS (-7) over Cardinals: Tough . . . especially with unspoken “Giant tax” built into this line, and given that Kurt Warner is riding nifty 6-0 underdog run. But wide receiverAnquan Boldin is no cinch to see action with a bum ankle, and would look for meaningful Giants rebound off New Orleans humiliation.
CHIEFS (+4½) over Chargers: Kansas City’s offensive personnel gaining firmer grip on broad strategy/playbook mosaic, and it shows. You try to be fair to Norv Turner, but after watching Monday’s Keystone Kops routine while in a winnable situation, it ain’t easy. Better Chargers teams have suffered nightmares in Arrowhead.
RAMS (+13) over Colts: Both sides are running regular-season streaks — Colts 14 up, Rams 16 down. Remarkable safety Bob Sanders is on track to return for favored visitor, but Rams are flashing signs (more sustained drives, etc.). Home side can run the ball, and Indianapolis could look past this virtual “automatic.”
Bears (+1) over BENGALS: Expected both of these outfits to come up a tad short in the energy department last week, but Cincinnati was doubly stung when it lost stud defensive end Antwan Odom to an Achilles injury. Visitors look to stuff ex-mate Cedric Benson, as Jay Cutler assumes preferred underdog role against an outfit which can’t be trusted laying points at home against a potent team.
Packers (-9) over BROWNS: So long as Packers can keep Aaron Rodgers upright, a margin should be attained. Flu bug has broken out among Cleveland’s players, and Browns offensive continuity remains problematic, though home side’s excellent special teams can keep it in games featuring thick spreads such as this.
STEELERS (-4½) over Vikings: Scanning Minnesota’s roster, it’s easy to get giddy with optimism, especially with Steelers missing run-stuffing defensive end Aaron Smith for the duration. But running back Rashard Mendenhall is the real deal, Big Ben continues to thrive when he can conjure up the time to throw, and the Vikings defense has displayed sufficient vulnerabilities to propel us this direction under current market conditions.
Patriots (-14½) over BUCS (London, England): Long haul for both sides for league glamour points, and this typically isn’t the world’s fastest track. But given its remaining slate, Tampa Bay has clear shot to go 0-16 on merit. Talent gulf is vast, and modest New England shortcomings (linebacking) unlikely to be exploited by Josh Johnson (or Josh Freeman).
49ers (+3) over TEXANS: Houston might be turning the corner, despite defensive shortcomings — but this looks like a setup for San Francisco on the rebound, with the return of Frank Gore to run it for the Niners and the debut of top draft choice Michael Crabtree at wideout.
Bills (+9) over PANTHERS: Buffalo isn’t as good as it looked against the Jets (divisional familiarity breeds competitiveness), and Trent Edwards’ concussion means Ryan Fitzpatrick will start. But given home team’s style, find it difficult to trust John Fox and Carolina laying this number.
DOLPHINS (+6) over Saints: It will be hard for the undefeated Saints to avoid fatal smugness. A sticky, muggy late afternoon in Landshark Stadium can trip outfits unused to it. Dolphins have had two full weeks to get ready for this touted invader, and so long as Chad Henne doesn’t overstep his capabilities, the Wildcat offense could claim another victim.
COWBOYS (-4) over Falcons: Not eager to embrace overrated organization whose on-the-field production is often less than the sum of its parts, but Cowboys likely to pop with potential return of running back Felix Jones and the emergence of wide receiver Miles Austin. And Falcons history when coming off a pair of big-time wins is not pretty.
TOMORROW NIGHT
Eagles (-7) over REDSKINS: Might prefer Washington in a parallel setting later in the season, but with Dan Snyder apparently intent on pulling off Jim Zorn’s wings, and with no quarterback on the roster inspiring confidence, look for Philadelphia to rebound from non-divisional Black Hole embarrassment.
