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Sunday
DOLPHINS (-1.5) over Cowboys
It’s no mystery this is a significant headline game given the extraordinary records racked up by these two storied sides this season. Miami and Dallas are both 10-4 during the regular season to date. Slim edge to Tua Tagovailoa and Miami, given site.
BEARS (-4) over Cardinals
Chicago’s postseason prospects dimmed with its unfortunate late loss in Cleveland. We anticipate better fortune for QB Justin Fields and other fledgling Bears talent, with better days ahead for the remainder of this season and beyond. Expect Bears defense to keep them competitive, especially at home.
JETS (-3) over Commanders
Would look to Jets first and foremost, given the Commanders have apparently not made significant defensive improvements on what was the one of the worst defenses in the league last year.
Colts (+1) over FALCONS
Colts are in a three-way tie with the Texans and Jaguars in the AFC South, and the Falcons are a game behind the Buccaneers and Saints in the NFC South. The visitors hope a return to action by RB Jonathan Taylor and potential return of WR Michael Pittman Jr. will be meaningful. And we’re reluctant to back the Falcons as currently constituted because they do not possess the kind of power we prefer.
Seahawks (-2.5) over TITANS
The AFC South isn’t exactly a powerhouse division this year, and the Titans currently reside in last place. Given this week’s competition, expect the Seahawks to out-finish Tennessee, despite the fact Seattle is operating on a short week, having played to an emotional win over the Eagles on Monday. Since the game’s line suggests a low-scoring contest, it would appear that points will be at a premium.
Lions (-3.5) at VIKINGS
Jared Goff’s performance at QB for Lions justifies Detroit favoritism, though he needs to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s to get by the Vikings in their home lair. Not overly apprehensive about current Vikings level of offensive prowess.
Packers (-4.5) over PANTHERS
Having improved in recent weeks as their skill players display further development, Packers show every sign of putting on a strong finish for fanatical Cheeseheads. QB Jordan Love continues to lead the core Packers skill players and they show every indication they’re better for it. Panthers should be hard-pressed to keep pace.
Browns (-2.5) over TEXANS
Underdog QB Case Keenum is the projected starter for the Texans, with C.J. Stroud likely remaining in concussion protocol, going against Cleveland starter Joe Flacco. We’re more bullish on Flacco’s near-term prospects, as the Browns progress through the remaining schedule (Jets and Bengals).
BUCCANEERS (-1) over Jaguars
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has encountered rough waters when performing as a favorite. Even given that, still compelled to look to Tampa Bay, if Jacksonville is the alternative, though we’d be the first to wish its running game were better.
BRONCOS (-6.5) over Patriots
Broncos endured a slow start but are on their best behavior now, just two games behind in the contentious AFC West. Prefer coach Sean Payton this season. They’ve won six of their past eight games, and would expect Payton to coach to his optimum potential again, going forward.
Betting on the NFL?
Monday
EAGLES (-12) over Giants
Reluctant to embrace chunky double-digit favorites against lesser power-rated sides, but concerned about broad Giants effort if Big Blue loses a measure of contact, with the favorite side sailing along in front.
CHIEFS (-10) vs Raiders
Many may deem this a tough, bulky chalk piece they’re reluctant to follow. You have that right, but if Raiders slide into late-season decline, this could be an easy pickup.
49ERS (-4.5) vs Ravens
This could peak into one of the most avidly watched games of the year, providing it’s competitive and remains so through most or all of the full 60 minutes. Tough to fault a match of perhaps the league’s top duo. Reluctant to buck Niners in this matchup.
Last week: 6-5-1.
Season: 86-92-9.
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