Home team in CAPS:
Sunday
STEELERS (+2) over Patriots
Can’t shake the feeling that the Vegas boys sent out the wrong favorite here. Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Pittsburgh defense gave Cincinnati all it could handle last week. Given the state of the visitors’ offense, can only see one side.
GIANTS (-2) over Panthers
This is no absolute cinch at the price, but the Giants’ defensive talent cannot be underestimated. Compelled to look for optimal effort from home side, which is more than able to “bring it” with their defensive talent.
BROWNS (-6.5) over Jets
Think the Jets are better than they appeared in disappointing lid-lifter, but the Browns loom as a handful when they boast apparent matchup advantages, as is the case here.
RAVENS (-3.5) over Dolphins
The Dolphins got best of the Patriots when they caught ’em under the hot Miami sun. This is a different kettle of fish, and we expect Baltimore will continue its successful stretch of home openers.
Commanders (+1.5) over LIONS
Detroit was superficially impressive in its opener, but nearly caught the Eagles at the wire with a second-half rally. Will take points with modest road ’dog.
Colts (-3.5) over JAGUARS
We’re steering clear of this, due to Indianapolis’ historical tendency to play close games when favored on the road, though we would expect a straight-up Colts win.
SAINTS (+2.5) over Buccaneers
Looms a tough spot for New Orleans, but homestanding side should keep rolling after a massive fourth-quarter comeback at Atlanta. You’re getting a good number here, against highly rated Tom Brady and his big-name friends.
Falcons (+10) over RAMS
Defending champs figure to be confident and can likely count on a straight-up win, but a cover (given the size of the handicap) seems far from a certainty.
49ERS (-8.5) over Seahawks
San Fran caught nasty weather situation at Soldier Field when opening against Da Bears. This should be a different situation, though Seattle might be overconfident off its upset of the Broncos.
Bengals (-7.5) over COWBOYS
Dallas’ loss of QB Dak Prescott for a few weeks (with Cooper Rush filling in for now), will leave the Bengals hungry and eager for a quick victory, which shouldn’t be long in coming.
BRONCOS (-10) over Texans
Here’s another mental coin-flip which isn’t luring us to reach out and take any risky chances, here, especially at the number. Denver often underperforms when installed as hefty chalk. Lean here, only.
RAIDERS (-5.5) over Cardinals
Arizona is much the worse for wear, given the key injuries the roster has endured so far. Since we’re not thrilled with the coaching staff either, must prefer these Raiders, Not eager to lay big numbers with the Silver and Black, but like matchup here.
PACKERS (-10) over Bears
Especially off Green Bay’s season-opening loss to the Vikings, this looms a solid spot for the Packers as they look to rebound from their Week 1 disappointment. Green Bay makes most of this Sunday night opportunity.
Monday
Titans (+10) over BILLS
Expect Tennessee to rebound off embarrassing defeat at the hands of the defensively wily Giants. The Bills are good, though they’re well-aware of it after what they did to the Rams in their prime-time opener. Not sold that Buffalo can pulverize underrated Tenny.
Vikings (+2) over EAGLES
Smart match of two tenacious, peaking sides. The Vikes embody much of what we like in our preferred underdogs, though these Eagles have been justifiably praised for multiple good reasons. With that said, compelled to lean with the slim head start.
Last week: 9-6