Home team in CAPS:
Sunday
Rams (+3) over PACKERS
Both head coaches — L.A.’s Sean McVay and Green Bay’s Matt LaFleur — finished below .500 last season. Much may depend on how swiftly Green Bay QB Jordan Love might develop. This is the Rams’ ninth straight game prior to their bye. RB Darrell Henderson expected to continue to fill in for injured Kyren Williams.
Giants (+1.5) over RAIDERS
Is Big Blue ready for sustained physical test against likes of the rough-and-tumble Raiders, even though Vegas home side might be strategically limited at this juncture? Giants searching for third win. Latest Raiders personnel shakeup leaves door open for Giants.
Chiefs (-1.5) over Dolphins (at Frankfurt, Germany)
Headliner has been eagerly anticipated, given the quality rosters, not to mention the expected contributions from K.C. coach Andy Reid and Miami’s Mike McDaniel. Much will depend on to what precise degree the players and staffs will adjust to the travel stretches. Believe Chiefs superior, but margin is razor-thin.
Vikings (+4.5) over FALCONS
We remain reluctant to give head-start points to a foe we may not be wholly convinced is superior to Minnesota, even on the road and without QB Kirk Cousins. Vikings’ head start may make difference.
BROWNS (-8.5) over Cardinals
NFL North is among the league’s best divisions — with the Ravens, Bengals, Steelers and these Browns batting above .500. If this isn’t the strongest division in the league, it’s close. Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski holds improving hand while Cards in rebuild mode.
Commanders (+3.5) over PATRIOTS
More veteran coaches looking to regain their sea legs. Ron Rivera strives to make steady progress behind this Washington bench, while New England’s venerable Bill Belichick, in his 24th year, is looking toward new, worthy paths uphill. Compelled to reach for value.
Bears (+8.5) at SAINTS
Saints favored, as Bears have won but three of their first 17 regular-season games under coach Matt Eberflus. Visitors struggling on offense, especially in air, with QB Justin Fields likely not playing, given state of right thumb — Tyson Bagent expected to start. Saints should win game … but at the quoted price? Slight lean to the Bears with spread.
Seahawks (+5.5) over RAVENS
Baltimore is rough, tough, imposing, and difficult to slow down … but even with all that said, Seattle’s underrated squad continues to be overlooked by many, owing to their remote location. Willing to gamble that Ravens won’t be able to run off and hide.
Buccaneers (+2.5) over TEXANS
Both sides battling to clear above and beyond the expansive, fresher air above the .500 mark in the NFC South and the AFC South. It will be interesting to see just how the Texans make best use of ex-Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud.
Colts (-3) over PANTHERS
Should Colts somehow manage to stay in the thick of the earlier stages of divisional battles to come, won’t be surprised. This should come easier for Indy.
Cowboys (+3) over EAGLES
Team teams have a combined record of 12-3 — on sheer merit and talent. First of two regular-season meetings, with return engagement at Dallas in Week 14.
BENGALS (-2) over Bills
Taking shot with the short-chalk Bengals, who are being granted a head start in the marketplace and need the game more. This is a lean, not an ironclad conviction. Believe there are better games to target.
Betting on the NFL?
Monday
Chargers (-3) at JETS
Grasping for slight road fave, boasting much-superior roster. Not eager to settle for Jets in their current state, under Monday night lights. Jets have more to prove, but not sold they possess required ways and means at this juncture.
Last week: 6-6-3.
Season: 45-49-4.
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