Houston @ Minnesota (-7): Against all odds, this Vikings team keeps winning. Even without Watt, the Texans are a nice test with a physical defense and O’Brien calling plays. Minnesota probably wins, but 7 is too many points. Pick: Houston
Tennessee @ Miami (-4): Getting a couple extra days is good for the Fins, but apparently it’s still not enough to get Soft Arian back. Line should be Miami by 3. Pick: Tennessee
New England @ Cleveland (+10.5): This might be the worst team in football against the best, now that Brady has been freed. Still, Hue’s got his Browns hanging around in every game, and 10.5 is a lot for any team to give on the road. Pick: Cleveland
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh (-7): This game is lined perfectly, making it a very tough call here. The Steelers flexed their Bell-inclusive muscles in impressive fashion on Sunday night. The Jets aren’t a bad team, but if Todd Haley’s offense keeps last week’s momentum up, it could get late early at Heinz. Pick: Pittsburgh
Washington @ Baltimore (-4): The Ravens get another pass-happy offense and soft defense at home this week. How much better are Carr’s Raiders than Kirk and Co.? Not much, methinks. Ravens win, Skins cover. Pick: Washington
Philadelphia @ Detroit (+3.5): Wentz has been extraordinary, Philly comes off the Bye, and the Lions have lost to some of the worst teams in football. That being said, this line implies the Eagles are a touchdown better than Detroit on a neutral site. That is absurd, and this is maybe my favorite line of the week. Pick: Detroit
Chicago @ Indianapolis (-5): The Colts are the first team in NFL history to not take a Bye the week after playing overseas. Fortunately, they draw the Hoyer-led Bears. I still believe, perhaps foolishly, that Luck can lead Indy back into contention. Pick: Indianapolis
Atlanta @ Denver (-5.5): Matty Ice has done work this year, especially last weekend against Carolina. If he can do it against the Talib/Harris duo at Mile High in the Shanahan Vengeance Spectacular, he’ll have made believers out of many doubters– myself included. Pick: Denver
Buffalo at Los Angeles (-2): Is this finally the year the Rams creep over the Fisher Line? I have my concerns, but they’ve been good. Buffalo coming cross country after an emotional win is a fine test. Pick: Los Angeles
San Diego @ Oakland (-3.5): Not much love from Vegas for the Raiders, who sit just a game back of Denver at the season’s quarter pole. The Bolts choked to the Saints despite looking very good for 52 or so minutes. If Verrett is limited or out against this high-flying offense, that’s the difference. Pick: Oakland
Cincinnati @ Dallas (+1): Cinci has not looked sharp in the post-Hue/Marvin era, but they’re still 2-2 with a schedule that eases up significantly after next week and Eifert’s return on the horizon (hopefully). Meanwhile, it’s hard not to be impressed with Dallas. The line is dead on, so I wouldn’t advise betting this. I’ll guess the extra couple days help the Jungle Cats D humble Dak. Pick: Cincinnati
New York Giants @ Green Bay (-6.5): The Packers looked electric in their first half before falling asleep in the second against Detroit ahead of the Bye, moving some of their offensive speed weapons into prominent roles. Early off weeks are not normally ideal, but the Packers needed it to get right on defense after missing half their starters against the Lions. McCarthy disciple Ben McAdoo knows his former team as well as anyone, but his current one is a wreck. The Packer offense is back. Pick: Green Bay
Tampa Bay @ Carolina (-6.5): This line is mostly off without knowing if Cam will play. My guess is he will, and that the Bucs can’t beat them on the road regardless of who starts. Pick: Carolina
Good luck to you all this week. May your wallets be #uge.
